No matter how well traveled you are, traveling with young kids is a very different experience than solo backpacking or couples travel.
Here are some tips for making your trip smoother.
1.Pick a Kid-Friendly Location – Stay in a safe and central area that’s close to local attractions, food outlets, the beach, the park, and all preferably within walking distance. This will save you time, money, and your kids from getting bored.
2.Stay More Than 1 Night – Many hotels provide their best deals when you stay over more than one night.
3.Check for Family Deals – Always ask about discounted rates, free meals for children, and an upgrade at check in – they can only say no.
4.A Pool and games room – Kids love both of these options. Does the pool have any special features (like a slide or waterfalls)?
5.Make Sure the hotel has a Lift – Carrying strollers, toys, and luggage up several flights of stairs is NO FUN!
6.What’s the room configuration? – For our family of four two double beds is required or a crib. If you have a baby make sure this is available, and for free.
7.Coupons and Discounts – Check out the brochure shelf in the lobby and any tourist literature in your room for ways to shave a few bucks off the price of your family vacation.
8.Enroll in a Loyalty Program – Many hotel chains are now offering free loyalty programs with incentives like earning free rooms after multiple stays. If you travel often and stay at the same chain, or one of its participating partners, you may save on future family vacations.
9.Check the Dining Options – Does the hotel restaurant and room service have a kids’ menu?
10.TV Channels – Does the hotel offer several family-oriented cable stations, like Disney, Nickelodeon, Discovery and Lifetime? Is there a movie library with kids’ movies?
11.Laundry – For longer vacations, check to see whether the hotel has coin-operated machines for hotel guests.
12.Sleep Whilst Traveling When taking a long flight, train, or bus journey, try and plan it so you are traveling at night. That way, you don’t have to pay for a night’s accommodation.
And finally, it means, living in the moment and taking everything in that you can. Live it! Experience it! Try new things and get out of your comfort zone. Become a kid again — explore, investigate, ask questions — and your children will come right along with you.
