Summer Vacationing with Kids: Tips for a Smooth Ride

Written by: Amanda Elias, M.A.

The school year is coming to a close and you may be thinking about solidifying a trip for you and your children to embark on during the summer. Not only can this be an opportunity to spend time enjoying fun and exciting adventures with your family, but it can also be a time to connect with your children on a level that often gets pushed aside by the daily grind that occurs during the school year. Preferences can impact your decision on where you go and what you decide to do, but it is how you do it that will determine whether this trip creates a positive experience for all involved.

1) Choosing a Destination: Once you and your spouse/partner have determined a budget for this trip, find two or three places that will fall within your price range. In order to get the children involved and excited about their upcoming adventures, print out some information (colorful pictures are most useful) from the websites of those locations and present them to the whole family. Talk about the options of activities at each destination, how the rooms would be set up, what the options are for children there, and how many nights you would be staying. Let the children ask questions and you might want to take a family vote as to where you decide to book your stay. Another option is to see which location has the children the most excited about visiting and book it.

2) Paving the Road: Of course there are bumps in the road when everyone is away from home and out of their usual routine, but preparation and discussion of what is to be expected will lessen the impact. Days ahead of time, let each child pack a small backpack of games or activities that they would like to bring with them – This may include games to play alone or as a family during the car, plane, or train ride. When in the midst of travel, have the children take turns deciding on an activity. Also, having them in charge of their own bag is a proactive step in creating responsible adults.

Preparation of meals during travel days can not only save you money, but can also eliminate wasting time and energy on deciding where and what to eat – Pack a lunch for each family member as if they were bringing a lunch to school or work. Let everyone decide what they want ahead of time and if they are old enough to help prepare it, get them involved. It is also highly suggested that an adult bring an assortment of snacks incase of unexpected delays or bouts of hunger.

3) Make a Plan: Since you will have gathered tons of information about your destinations prior to arriving, you might want to map out ahead of time all of your activities and excursions. Once again, having the children involved in this decision making process not only decreases resistance towards an activity, but it will make them feel like a valuable member of the family. Bring along a visual schedule to post in the hotel/motel room so the children can see when things are taking place. This is especially useful for children who encounter difficulties transitioning between activities or who struggle being away from home.

Leave room in your schedule for spontaneity and unexpected activities, as you do not want to rush through one thing to make it to a second by a certain time. Remember this is a “vacation”, not just an itinerary you’ve been working so hard on.

4) Commit to Connecting: Try to remember that this trip is not just for the kids, it is for you too! You are entitled to leaving your responsibilities at home behind you, and take these once in a lifetime opportunities to create everlasting memories for your whole family. Try to switch hats from the “Did you do your homework” parent to the “Let’s explore the sea together” parent. Do not solely focus on the educational aspects or the factual importance of the places you are visiting, but rather the excitement it brings to your children and the way their eyes light up when they see something larger than life.

During meal times, have open discussions about what they liked best about the day or what they didn’t like so much. Remember to take each opportunity available to connect with your children on an individual basis too. While one may be showering for dinner, and another may be taking a nap, talk to your others about how great the day was and remember to praise all their positive contributions to the whole family’s day!