By: Gloria Martinez
A family reunion trip is a great way to relax, unplug, and spend quality time with your immediate and extended family. But let’s be honest, traveling with young children can also be challenging. From packing and planning to managing expectations, there’s a lot to consider when hitting the road with your kids in tow.
Canalside Inn has some tips to make traveling with children easier—and more—fun for the whole family:
Decide to go.
Your first step is to decide that you will, indeed, go on a trip with your family! Dreaming about it is one thing, but you don’t want to keep pushing your trip back until you “have time for it.” And that includes family reunions!
Taking a vacation is an excellent opportunity to relieve stress. When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can lead to health problems if it’s released too often. A vacation can help relieve that tension and help you relax. It can also help you clear your mind and come up with new ideas.
Moreover, if you feel stress or anxiety creeping up while you’re traveling, try a deep breathing exercise. Just a few minutes can help you make better decisions, enjoy yourself, and focus on the moment with your family.
Make sure to plan activities in advance.
Planning activities for the family can be an important part of a successful vacation. That’s why it’s essential to book these activities in advance, particularly if you’re wanting to do something special like taking a party bus. Unfortunately, there is a chance that popular activities may fill up quickly, so it’s important to book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. In addition to this, booking early may also save your family time when you reach your destination as you won’t need to worry about finding available spots or cancellations. So make sure to book those activities well before your trip; it’s worth the extra effort and will pay off in spades once your vacation begins!
Create a realistic itinerary.
It can be tempting to try and pack in as much as possible when on vacation, but this is rarely sustainable—or enjoyable—when traveling with kids. Build some “wiggle room” into your schedule by only booking one or two activities per day. This will give you plenty of downtime and allow everyone to go at their own pace. Remember, it’s okay to change your plans on the fly!
Limit driving and flying times.
Long car rides and flights can be tough on everyone, especially young children who may have difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time. If possible, try breaking up long trips into smaller segments or flying into a nearby airport instead of flying directly to your final destination. That way, everyone can arrive feeling refreshed and ready to start exploring.
Book a dog-friendly hotel.
Don’t want to leave Fido behind? No problem! There are plenty of hotels that accommodate both humans and pets. This is a superb option if you’re hoping to avoid boarding fees or the hassle of finding a pet sitter while away.
Be sure to call ahead or check the hotel’s website before booking so you know what type of pet policy they have in place. Canalside Inn is the perfect for families with pets; we have 13 rooms and would love to host your family reunion!
Pack wisely.
When packing for your trip, keep in mind that less is more. You don’t need to bring everything from home—just the essentials. This will make lugging around bags easier and help you avoid paying extra for checked luggage fees at the airport.
Also, be sure to pack any medications or medical supplies your family might need while on vacation. Nothing puts a damper on a trip quite like getting sick!
Maintain the same routines.
To help minimize stress (for both kids and adults), try to stick to the same routines while away from home as much as possible. Try to maintain regular mealtimes, nap times, and bedtimes as closely as possible to what your child is used to at home. Having some familiar routines will help ease any anxiety your child may feel about being in an unfamiliar place and help them (and you!) relax and enjoy the vacation!
Get going!
With a little bit of planning (and some patience), traveling with kids can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family! By following these tips, you can minimize stress, save money, and create lasting memories at your family reunion that everyone will cherish for years to come. Bon voyage!
Are you looking for a pristine, dog-friendly hotel in Rehoboth Beach? Visit TheCanalsideInn.com today!
