Taking the whole family overseas for a vacation can be an once-in-a-lifetime adventure. While at the same time, traveling with children presents certain challenges.
You want to make sure you find suitable accommodations at family-friendly destinations while staying within your budget. To help you sort out these issues, here are five tips for planning the perfect international family vacation.
Schedule a Visit to the Doctor
Before taking a long trip, it’s a good idea for every family member to get a checkup. Ask the doctor if there are any special vaccinations required or recommended for your destination.
For example, if you’re visiting a country where malaria is a risk you may need to take special medications to lower your risk. Make sure your kids are up to date on their vaccinations.
This is also the time to stock up on any medications anyone in your family takes on a regular basis such as allergy medicine or anything for chronic conditions. It’s simpler to fill prescriptions at home than to have to search for them abroad.
Get a Child Monitor
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to lose sight of their kids in an unfamiliar environment. With today’s technology, there’s a simple way to keep your children safer.
There are apps and child tracking devices that let you know where your kids are at all times. Kids can wear these devices like a watch.
You’re instantly notified if your child is beyond a specified distance from you by an alarm sounding. This is a reassuring system for crowded airports, busy streets, theme parks and other destinations you might be visiting on your trip.
Plan a Family-Friendly Itinerary
By researching attractions at your destination, you can identify family-friendly ones. Make sure your itinerary includes places of interest for all family members both adults and children.
Let everyone pick at least one major activity. Another tip to keep in mind is that younger children tend to slow you down.
To avoid frustration and impatience, don’t plan an overly ambitious schedule. Give yourself some extra time to explore and be open to unexpected diversions.
Remember the objective is to have fun, not cram in as much as possible.
Stay in a Private Flat
One of the best ways to make your vacation special is to rent a private flat rather than stay in a hotel. This lets you live more like a local.
You’ll have your own kitchen and your surroundings will be more homey rather than the standard hotel room decor. There are now quite a few services where you can arrange these type of accommodations.
For example, if your destination is England, London Connection has a large selection of elegant flats to choose from. This is a more comfortable and enjoyable way to experience a new environment.
Keep Your Kids Occupied During Travel
Visiting international destinations means long flights and possible long drives or train rides as well. Children get restless on these journeys so it’s important to pack as many diversions as possible.
Devices such as smartphones and tablets are useful for letting kids watch movies and play their favorite games. It’s also a good idea to buy them some new books or toys for a long trip.
These are more likely to fascinate them than old and familiar ones. Taking a long trip with the family is a great way to bond and give your kids some valuable new experiences.
With the right planning, you can enjoy your international vacation without any major mishaps. At the same time, remember nothing ever turns out precisely the way you plan it so don’t forget to bring along your sense of humor and an extra helping of patience.
Get some great tips from some veteran baby travelers on what to pay close attention to when going on a trip with your youngest one.
