I have a fussy baby, a hubby who has been out of town for over a week, and a zillion errands to run. So....blogging will have to wait for me. Luckily for me, I have a fabulous guest post for you to read. Check it out!
Today I am featuring some travel tips from Kendra Thornton. She is a full time mommy of three and a former director of Orbitz Travel and Communications. Kendra has traveled to 28 countries and 6 continents which think pretty much makes her a travel extraordinaire!
Summer Traveling with Your Family
There is no better way to end your summer than with a fun,
memorable family vacation. Spending quality time with the family is perhaps the
most essential ingredient to raising a happy, healthy family. However, good
intentions alone will not guarantee a fun, successful family vacation. Being
prepared, well informed, and open to pertinent travel tips will ensure your entire
family experiences an enjoyable, hassle free excursion. Whether by road or air,
transporting your family to your destination of choice does not have to be a
stressful, complicated ordeal. Here are some helpful tips that will get you out
of the mundane and into family bliss without skipping a beat:
1. A Fabulous Flight
Booking the flight for departure during your child’s routine
sleep schedule will allow you and your youngster to enjoy a peaceful slumber
before you are immersed into a fun-filled adventure. Long flights are best
scheduled during the early morning or evening hours, while shorter flights work
during naptime. In addition to facilitating a peaceful journey, honoring your
child’s sleep schedule during the flight will encourage a productive day upon
arrival. It helps to start the day energetically and not unproductive. Sleep
deprivation is never a good thing for anyone.
2. Slide Through Airport Security Unscathed
Maneuvering easily through airport security will help ensure
you and your family starts the trip on a high note. Remember to invest in a
carry-on bag that is easy to repack. Keep liquids in airport-approved
containers and in a separate compartment to prevent an unnecessary delay.
Additionally, slip-on shoes are essential in order to guarantee a speedy security
check. Another helpful tip: leave the belts at home!
3. Play Where You Stay
Choosing suitable lodging that caters to families is a vital
part of the planning process. To start, pick a family-friendly hotel or resort
that offer recreational activities and kids clubs. When planning my family’s
vacation, I used Gogobot to find a great list of Orlando
hotels that were both fun and family friendly. Activities like swimming, arts and crafts,
outdoor games, and events are things that are sure to keep the little ones
entertained and happy.
Additionally, look for local off-site attractions such as
amusement parks, a zoo, museums, and kid-friendly restaurants that are
convenient to get to and easy on the wallet. Allow the kids to be part of the
planning by giving them some options to choose from. They will appreciate the
gesture, and are more likely to embrace the final decision.
4. If It Works at Home…
Sticking to the thought out, make-your-day-run-smoothly
routine that you enforce at home should be upheld on the road as well. Continue
to incorporate naptime, bedtime, and set eating schedules while on vacation.
Though you might opt to wait for the dinnertime buffet, kids need to eat
regularly to avoid the newly dubbed “hangry” episode. Happy
tummies and well-rested children equates to happy times. Also, remember to
keep your family, and your feet, comfortable.
5.The Road Less Travelled
As the price of flights rise, people are opting to hit the
road. A fun way to spice up the journey and avoid the repetitive question, “Are
we there yet?” is to involve the kids by letting them choose a fun attraction
to stop at along the way. Get a map that has a clear route to your destination
and let the kids highlight
interesting places to visit. It will give them something to look forward to
while breaking the monotony that often accompanies a long road trip.
I hope these travel tips will be of benefit to you and your family the
next time you head out for a vacation this summer! Remember to have fun and
safe travels!!
