How to make a successful family trip?

How to make a successful family trip?

 

Traveling as a couple or trying the adventure with the family is a bit like night and day.Impossible to leave at short notice! A quasi-military organization is required so that the holidays go as well for the children as for the parents. It's also an opportunity for your little ones to discover new things, and for parents to create lasting family memories. Here are some tips so that everything goes well and that the whole family enjoys the holidays:

1.            Travel LIGHT  : If you decide to wander from country to country or from city to city, you will be forced to carry your personal belongings for many miles. The best option is undoubtedly the backpack, the weight of which varies between each member of the family. Nevertheless, avoid overloading Dad, so that he has a little energy left to take the backpack of your little travelers when they can't take it anymore. Try not to exceed fifteen kilos for the smallest bags. heavier. carry his house on his backis unnecessary, a few clothes and toiletries are more than enough, especially if you are traveling to developed countries where it is possible to buy what you need. Dragging the suitcase is extra fatigue that you certainly do not need when traveling with your little ones.

 

2.            Stay downtown . Renting an apartment seems the most practical option when traveling with a tribe. This allows you to have all the space you need without having to book different rooms, unlike a hotel. It is also the least expensive choice and most often offers a kitchen allowing you to eat without time restrictions and a washing machine, which is very practical when the children get their clothes dirty quickly and you are traveling light. Housing located in the city center allows quick access to points of interest without having to walk too long, and also to return in the event of a required nap.

 

3.            Walk, walk and walk again . The best way to explore a new place is on foot, to the detriment of the car or the bus. Although these means of transport are more comfortable for children, they do not allow you to fully enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere of your new environment. Walking gives pride of place to discovery and allows children to discover a new language, to stroll in new places and soak up the atmosphere of the country visited. Stopping to eat or look at the shops is part of the charm of the visit! If the planned route is long, it is always possible to take local public transport, another way to discover the city. The bicycle is also an interesting option, if there are not too many of you and your children are old enough to pedal or to be carried on a suitable seat. Other means of transport can allow you to discover the city at your own pace. Try new things! Why not the scooter, rollerblades or even the Segway? So many ways to get around differently while enjoying the place of your vacation.

 

4.            Throwing the Cards: You only really know a place once you've gotten lost in it.Sometimes, putting the map aside and trying to find your way by yourself can lead to good surprises. Strolling through the streets gives way to the unexpected and to discovery.

 

5.            Children love ice cream: Children get tired quickly and get bored when visiting museums or other historical places. But if you break the snacking rules  usual by offering them an ice cream or other sweet from time to time, the visit immediately becomes more interesting! You will even see sulky grimaces give way to smiles. Maybe it's thanks to the quick sugar, but they'll suddenly be in great shape!And here's how to take a few minutes of well-deserved respite. Think of paper towels and other wipes to clean up their little faces once the feast is devoured.

 

6.            Make your trip a source of learning: Children are real sponges and can assimilate new knowledge much faster than an adult. Take advantage of your trip to teach them the basics of the language of the country visited. They will always be very proud and amused to know how to say hello, thank you and where are the toilets in another language. This also allows them to immerse themselves in the culture of the country, a good start to arouse their curiosity and thirst for learning.You can even pique their interest by teaching them a few words before you leave.One word a day until departure, a good way to keep the cuties waiting while introducing them to a new culture.

 

7.            Ask the advice of the locals: Travel guides are invaluable, as is the information you glean from the net before you leave. But nothing beats the advice of people who live in the destination country or city. Before leaving, go through your contacts in search of someone who may have already been to your vacation spot or make a call on social networks. You will only be able to find good advice!Once there, do not hesitate to ask the locals for their favorite restaurant, your only risk and to come across delicious surprises.

 

8.            Avoid tourist routes: Resist the temptation of major tourist sites, even if visiting some historical places is essential. If you go to highly touristy places, avoid the shops and restaurants that surround them. They are often ridiculously expensive, do not offer good quality products and target tourists and not locals.Generally, a short walk out of the area allows you to find much more interesting and less expensive products.

 

9.            Always have something to occupy the children. Plane, car or train journeys can be stressful when children are bored and do not hesitate to let it be known.Remember to bring something to occupy them: music, their favorite cartoon, small toys or books can distract them for a while. If there are at least two of them, you can also take a deck of cards or a board game with you.

 

10.          Naps are life-saving: Traveling as a family requires arranging your schedule according to the little ones.Going out in the morning allows you to come back in the afternoon so that the children (and the parents!) can rest. This will allow the whole family to recharge the batteries and go out at the end of the day for a walk and dinner. The children will then be in a good mood and ready to go on new outings.

 

11.          Shopping: Even if it's not the favorite activity of holidaymakers, buying a few odds and ends means you won't be short when the children are crying out for food.In an apartment, the breakfast groceries allow you to start the day well. In addition to being economical, groceries allow children to maintain a semblance of a healthy and balanced diet. Small snacks to take with you can also save the day in case of gurgling bellies.

 

12.          A weekend is not enough: Adapting the pace of visits to the age of the children allows you to fully enjoy your stay. However, this means that two days are not enough to visit the city of your choice. In general, a stay of 4 or 5 days seems more suitable. This avoids hurrying and seeing the main sites and monuments in a breeze. Do not forget ! Holidays are above all made to relax.

 

13.          Spice up History: Traveling is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about the History related to the country of destination. A little research on the Internet beforehand will allow you to select the best stories to tell during your visits. Do not hesitate to focus on a character (bloodthirsty pirate or romantic princess, it depends) and spice up the story (we promise, we won't say anything!) to hold the attention of the little ones.

 

14.          Plan rest days . Sometimes the afternoon nap is not enough and you will need a longer rest to allow children to recharge their batteries and start on the right foot. Know how to take a day off and stop visits to relax will do the whole family a lot of good. A lazy day at the beach or in a park never hurt anyone!

 

15.          Moms and Dads are on vacation too! Don't forget that it is also your vacation, and that rest and small pleasures are not excluded. If possible, try to organize an evening “without the children” to enjoy the city in a different way and appreciate some time for yourself.

 

16.          It's adventure. Be warned! You will certainly get lost, misplace the cuddly toys, miss trains... and nothing will go as planned. Even with the best of schedules, it's impossible to control everything. The key to success is to smile and accept things as they (on)come as part of the adventure! This philosophy will allow the whole family to fully enjoy the trip.

 

17.          In case of sores: It is well known, children run in all directions and an accident can happen quickly. You are not immune to a scratch, an excess of fever or even a visit to the emergency room. When the first aid kit is not enough, leave with peace of mind by subscribing to travel insurance for the whole family.

If the holidays went well, why not take it to the next level and try the adventure of traveling around the world with your family? You will find a lot of information on theVoyage Autour du Monde website .

 And you? Do you have any tips to share for traveling as a family?

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