September 28, 2024

How We Plan Our Day When Traveling with Littles: Balancing Adventure and Kid-Friendly Fun

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Raising two small children is no easy feat, even with all the conveniences of home. They have their meltdowns, make their messes, and of course, there’s always a bit of sibling bickering. So we thought, why not embrace those challenges while exploring new places? They’re going to happen regardless—why not make them part of the adventure? Read more about how we plan our day when traveling with littles!

How we plan our day

When traveling with little ones, we plan our days around what works for the kids. If there’s something we as parents want to do, we bring the kids along and balance it with activities they enjoy. For example, if we have a full-day activity, we dedicate the next day to kid-centered fun. If we’re doing something that lasts only half a day, we make sure the rest of the day is focused on the kids.

If we spend a whole day traveling from place to place, the next day is typically a slower day where we start with a relaxed morning or visit somewhere more low-key like a beach or park. It’s all about balance and keeping things fun for everyone.

Snacks Are a Lifesaver

In our experience, most meltdowns happen because the kids are either tired or hungry. To avoid hunger-related issues, we always have a stash of healthy snacks like sandwiches, bell peppers, carrots, and fruit. Staying hydrated is equally important, and instead of lugging around multiple water bottles, we use a water bladder (like a CamelBak) to cut down on the weight and hassle. It’s a small change, but it makes life so much easier.

Routine Is Still Important

Even while traveling, we try to stick to our regular routines as much as possible. This includes keeping up with morning routines, nap or quiet time, and bedtime. Sure, there are days when things don’t go perfectly, but having some consistency helps keep everyone grounded, especially the kids.

Give the Kids a Say

One trick we’ve found helpful is to give the kids choices about what they want to do. When they feel involved in the decision-making process, it motivates them to get out the door with fewer meltdowns. It could be as simple as letting them choose between visiting a park or going to the zoo, but it gives them a sense of control and excitement.

Kid-Centric Activities We Love

When it comes to activities specifically for the kids, we try to incorporate things they’ll enjoy. This usually includes:

Playgrounds (lots of playgrounds!),
Beaches and lakes for water play,
Children’s museums for hands-on fun,
Zoos to see the animals.

These activities let the kids release their energy while enjoying something that’s geared towards their interests.

Practical Travel Tips for Families:

1) Transportation Tips

Getting around with kids can be challenging, but public transportation is often easiest. In some places, renting a car may be necessary, so make sure to check car seat rules and whether the vehicle fits your family’s needs.
Look for family-friendly transportation passes in major cities to make getting around easier and cheaper.

2) Accommodation Recommendations

We prefer staying in vacation rental homes because they usually come with a full kitchen, allowing us to prepare meals. Some even offer cribs or high chairs for babies and toddlers.
Always check proximity to kid-friendly amenities like parks, beaches, or playgrounds to ensure easy access to activities.

3) Packing Essentials

Depending on the destination’s weather, pack layers for the kids and a few extra clothes for those inevitable messes.
Always carry baby gear like a baby carrier to make exploring with little ones more manageable.
Pack snacks and a few small toys to keep the kids entertained during transit or downtime.

Final Thoughts:

Traveling with kids isn’t always easy, but by balancing adult and kid-friendly activities, sticking to routines, and always having snacks on hand, it’s totally doable. Through trial and error, how we plan our day makes traveling with our kids more enjoyable. We’ve found that travel gives our kids new opportunities to explore, learn, and grow—plus, we get to see the world through their eyes, which is the most rewarding part of all.