Having kids is not the reason to stop traveling…it’s the reason to travel! Seeing the world through your children’s eyes is pure magic.
I had the amazing opportunity to spend three weeks eating, drinking, and exploring the sites of Puglia, Italy with my husband and our two daughters (2 and 5). When you ask our 5-year-old what her favorite part of the trip was, she proudly answers, “I swam in two seas in one day- the Adriatic and the Ionian!” Now, if you were to ask our 2-year-old, she likely would tell you a story about the kitty-cat that jumped on the table and stole her cheese. Very different recollections of the same trip, but nevertheless beautiful memories that will stay with them forever.
You can never be sure what the takeaway will be but that is half of the adventure! Traveling with kids is not always easy – BUT IT’S WORTH IT! So, pack your bags, grab your stroller, and give your family the experience of a lifetime.
Useful travel hints and tips
Here are few helpful hints that I’ve found help make the journey a little less stressful:
- Space is a Luxury: It could be a villa in Tuscany, an ocean-view Hawaiian condo, or a cabin in the wood shaving multiple spaces ensures that traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean lights out at 7:30. Pick up a bottle of local wine and enjoy it in the living room or on the balcony while the kids sleep.
- Pack smart: Organize your kid’s outfits by activity. Outfit, undies, and accessories packed in mesh bags and labeled with the day/activity. This way, everything is easy to find and your oldest can dress herself before helping with the siblings. Also, pack your carry-on strategically with enough supplies for 24 hours in case your flight is canceled or delayed.
- Two words…Airport Lounge: Many lounges now have kid’s areas with toys and TV plus the food service is often quick, easy to please tired picky eaters, and can cost less than an airport burger and fries. Not to mention, the bathrooms are clean and drinks are included so parents can relax and enjoy.
- Family Activities: Work with your travel advisor to plan activities that the whole family will enjoy. Looking to explore an art museum? Plan a scavenger hunt with a guide and your family can work as a team to find the famous paintings. The options are limitless- whale watching in Maui, pasta making in Italy, a Paddington Bear walking tour of London.
- Invest in the right gear: If you travel often, consider investing in a travel car seat. Hauling that big car seat in 90 degree heat through a rural Italian airport will make anyone crabby, especially my husband. Bonus: they also keep your wandering toddler in his/her seat on the plane allowing you to catch-up on RHONJ while on your 8 hour flight.
- Avoid the chaos: Pre-schedule your car service to and from the airport. Hailing a taxi or even calling an Uber is not always a viable option- especially when you have car seats and multiple pieces of luggage. This is where a Travel Advisor is a big asset. They have relationships with the best transfer companies and city guides to let you focus on your travel adventure.
Need more tips on traveling with kids or assistance planning your dream family vacation? Get in contact with Becca Arkins at rarkins13@gmail.com or follow my family adventures on instagram at @beccaarkins.