Are you planning a summer trip for your family? You’re definitely not alone, but you could be far less stressed than other parents and children who are hitting the road. Check out these family-friendly travel tips to keep kids having fun and adults from feeling anxious.

Rent an Entire Vacation Home Rather Than a Hotel Room

No matter how much your family adores one another, being stuck in a tiny hotel room for too long can take the relaxation right out of your vacation. A better option for families looking to spread out is a vacation home rental, which is usually cheaper than that single hotel room. These days, rental sites help you zero in on the right amenities and space you need to fit your family size and budget. Plus, you can always find rentals near favorite attractions and activities. In bustling Nashville, for example, Turnkey notes you can choose a great rental from a variety of unique neighborhoods, whether you want to be near The Gulch, closer to Music Row or want something quieter with proximity to the historic districts.

Aside from being more spacious and affordable for families, vacation homes also allow you to save your money and waistline by cooking more meals on your trip. Worried that cooking on vacation will stress you out? Try prepping some bulk meals before you go so you have more time to just chill.

Bring Electronics But Limit Your Kids’ Usage

Whether you plan on piling your family into the car for a family road trip or taking an airplane to far-off locales, tablets and cell phones can be lifesavers for parents. You can let your children use your tablet or find a more kid-friendly version for little ones, but be sure to load them with games and videos that will keep them busy. Try keeping things educational with fun reading apps or an engaging app to boost their math skills. Just be sure to set clear expectations around screen time while you are on vacation. While many studies suggest limiting screen time based on age, you should also enforce limits that will keep your kids engaged with activities during your trip.

Have Your Kids Help Plan Some Vacation Activities

If you want your kids to be excited for your big adventure together, why not let them help plan some of your itinerary? Aside from giving them have a vested interest in your family vacation, asking for input from your children can actually help you narrow down your activity list and reduce planning time. For younger children, give them a few choices to pick from; if you have teens, give them the chance to research possibilities at your chosen destination. Putting together an itinerary can be a great way to prevent meltdowns and mismanaged time when traveling as a family, but you also need to remember to include a little down time as well. Make room in your schedule so everyone has a chance to relax the way they want.

Avoid Travel Nightmares With Some Travel Safety Steps

While reducing stress is always a top priority for parents planning a family vacation, keeping kids safe is even more important. With all the hustle and bustle of planning and preparing, this can be easy to forget this. Take the time to go over a few safety tips with your kids. Clearly explain the rules and dangers around your travel plans. For example, if you will be visiting a zoo, calmly discuss safe animal interactions. It’s also important for you to keep a close eye on your children while on vacation, especially smaller children who can easily wander and get lost. Finally, the most important step you can take to ensure your family’s safety is to pick the right destination. Family-friendly spots tend to be much safer for children of all ages, and much less likely to cause you additional stress.

Family trips are a great way to make lasting memories for your children. To keep those memories happy, use the tips above. More than anything though, be sure to have fun!

Another wonderful article from a Guest Writer:

Denise Long of GrandMothering

denise@grandmothering.info

Going on a camping retreat can be a great way to bond with your family and get some time to yourself, away from the stresses of everyday life. It can be a chance to reconnect with one another and with nature, especially if you live in a city or away from open land. However, there are lots of things to consider when packing and safety are concerned, especially if you’re planning on taking part in some activities while you’re away. Fishing, hiking, exploring, rock climbing, and swimming are just a few of the things you might do during your trip, and they can all be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.

Make a packing list and go over it several times with each of your family members before the trip to ensure everyone has what they need. Think about essentials and preparedness, such as things you’ll want to have in the event of an injury, but also think about what you need to leave at home. If you have children, it’s easy to overpack, but most camping trips dictate that you try to bring as little as possible simply because there’s never enough room for everything.

Here are a few tips on how to pack for your camping trip and keep it simple.

Get organized

Packing is a big job if you have a family, so start with one person and go down the line rather than packing several people simultaneously. Make a list for each individual and finish everything on the list before moving on. Everyone will need weather-appropriate clothing and accessories, so be sure to check the forecasts for where you’ll be camping. Very hot days can lead to very cool nights in some spots, so pack light-colored, cotton clothing that can be layered.

Aside from clothing, think about what everyone will need on the trip. Bathing suits, hoodies or windbreakers, sturdy hiking shoes, several pairs of clean cotton socks, and water shoes are a good start. It might be helpful to make sure everyone has their own canteen or water bottle, as well. You’ll likely also want to bring a camera to photograph your adventures (check out these kid-friendly digital cameras).

Another thing that I encourage you to bring is a deck of cards,   Yes, something that basic and simple is a wonderful tool for bringing everybody together and spending some great quality time.  A deck of cards is universal for all ages, both adults and children. Another great thing to have is a board game available, but that is dependant on if you are tent camping or camper camping.   With a tent, you want to pack things that are easy to store. Ina camper, you can pack a board game away in a cupboard easily. With today’s technology at our fingertips, it is easy to forget something so simple and fun.

Think safety

Safety gear for the water is essential if you’re going to be near a lake or pond or if you have a boat. Water shoes with a soft shell are great for walking around on rocky lake bottoms and can prevent cuts on feet. Life vests are necessary, as well. Be sure to tell your children to avoid getting lake or pond water in their mouths and to be careful about swimming underwater, as sometimes the water in these areas can carry bacteria.

Bring along a large first aid kit that has everything from aspirin to burn bandages, and make sure it’s well stocked. Buy tents and sleeping bags that are fire retardant. If you have a large group, bring along some walkie-talkies or other means of communication in case someone wanders away. However, it’s a good idea to talk to everyone about staying together, especially on trails and in the forest.

Talk to your group about staying safe around fire, as well. Only adults should handle matches or lighters, and grills should be in properly ventilated areas on sturdy ground. Never leave a grill or fire unattended, and make sure they are completely put out before you go to bed or leave.
There are so many things to think about where safety is concerned that you might forget to have fun! Remember that being prepared and making sure your family has all the right tools to stay safe will take a load off your shoulders and allow you to keep the trip light and relaxing.