Some parents with young kids decide to put a pause on vacationing because it seems too stressful. While it's inevitable that travel with little ones is going to require a little more planning and effort, you don't have to miss out on vacations for the foreseeable future. Rather than waiting for your kids to get much older, continue making special memories now and use these tips for stress-free travel with kids.
Plan Ahead
If you're usually a spontaneous traveler, it might be time to make a shift to accommodate your family. Planning is the key to a successful family vacation. Start by choosing a destination that caters to children and has plenty of activities to keep them engaged. Research family-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and attractions in advance.
Get your kids involved in the planning process, allowing them to choose some activities or places they want to visit. This not only makes them feel important but also helps ensure that everyone has something to look forward to. Discussing the trip in advance can also help set expectations and reduce anxiety.
Pack Smart
While many people like to pack light, traveling with kids isn't always the time to streamline what you bring with you. Instead, focus on packing smart.
Packing for a family vacation can be daunting, but a little organization goes a long way. Make a checklist of essentials for each family member, including clothing, toiletries, medications, and favorite toys or comfort items. It's normal for the list of kid essentials to be longer than the adults', so just accept that and bring what you'll need to make the trip easier. Pack extra clothes for the kids, as they tend to get dirty more quickly. Don’t forget to pack snacks, water bottles, and a first-aid kit.
Stick to Routines
While it’s tempting to let routines slide on vacation, maintaining some semblance of your kids’ regular schedule can help prevent meltdowns. Try to stick to regular meal times and bedtimes as much as possible. If you have a baby or toddler, bring along familiar items like their favorite blanket or stuffed animal to make them feel more at home. Mimicking their routine at home will help you enjoy your vacation without little ones becoming stressed and exhausted.
Stay in a Vacation Rental
We've saved our best tip for last: stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel. By choosing a rental that feels like a home, your kids will be a in a more familiar environment. You can also relax knowing you don't have neighbors above, below, and beside you that might be bothered by noise. Need a dark room with a sound machine for your little one to nap? You won't have to subject the whole family to this in the hotel room when you pick a vacation rental with enough bedrooms.
Meals also become easier, and more affordable, when you opt to stay in a vacation rental. Rather than eating out or walking to the hotel buffet, you can relax and eat at "home."
If you're looking for a great, family friendly vacation rental, we've got two to highlight for you.
First, our luxury vacation rental in Indio is a favorite for any family looking for a quick Southern California getaway. With an ideal Palm Springs area location, the luxury townhome features:
- 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms
- 40 foot saltwater pool with tanning ledge and lounge chairs
- Outdoor kitchen with Thor BBQ, pizza oven, and more
- Outdoor living space with HDTV
- Lawn games
- Putting green
- Movie theater
- Game room
- Gourmet kitchen
Looking for a place in Lake Havasu? We have a luxury, family-friendly vacation rental called The Place that features:
- 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
- Garage converted to game room with pool table, air hockey, jukebox and arcade games
- 25 foot pool with water slide and hot tub
- Luxury kitchen and spacious dining area
- Outdoor BBQ and pizza oven
- Cornhole, Bocce ball, and a putting green
- HDTVs with streaming in every room
If you're ready to book your stay, we're ready to host you. Check out our luxury vacation rentals today.