Spending time on a summer getaway with your husband and children can be a lot of fun. And preparing well in advance for your summer vacation can help you avoid some of the stresses that always seem to accompany a family trip. Here are some tips for vacation preparation that will ensure a relaxing trip.
Book it Early!
Planning to fly to a destination with the family this summer? It's wise to book a flight that leaves early in the day. This lessens the chance that the flight will be delayed or tied up in runway congestion. Not surprisingly, a flight that is delayed can leave parents frantic for sufficient entertainment, snacks and even diapers for their little ones. Added stress of missing a connection or shuttle service can make you wish you hadn’t left the house in the first place. Of course, leaving early does not guarantee your trip will be without any hiccups. However, booking your family on an early flight can start a trip off on the right foot.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
By making reservations at a family-friendly hotel, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. A hotel with a refrigerator in each room can be extremely important for those needing bottles for traveling infants or for keeping healthy snacks like fruit, cheese and yogurt. This keeps the kids from raiding the vending machines and saves you from unnecessary sugar highs. Other family-friendly hotels have playgrounds, pools and babysitting services. If you’re looking for the full package, look into a kid friendly resort. My family stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Resort in Oahu, ranked amongst the top hotels in Honolulu, and we were thrilled with how many options they had for every member of the family. From the exotic animals, to their luxurious spa to surf and sailing lessons, this resort truly kept my entire family engaged and entertained.
Move on Back!
Finally, if you are taking a flight, you may want to request seats in the back of the plane. In the back, kids are kept away from the noise in the mid-section of the plane. Alternatively, if they are restless, the noise is somewhat confined to that area. Plus, the back of the plane may have more room for kids to move. They are also closer to the restroom, which can be handy for potty breaks, restless little legs and quick outfit changes.
A Lift to the Hotel
After a smooth, non-delayed flight, the last thing you need is to wait in line for a taxi or at a car rental counter. Making arrangements ahead of time for a rental car or even for a ride from a friend can save parents some aggravation. Many cities also have zipcars, which just expanded to 8 additional airport locations as of May. Going straight to the hotel without delay means that the children can begin to settle in, nap and eat a full meal. Once again, preparation can save a family a lot of headaches. It can also save you money to book a car ahead of time.
Plastic Bags are a Must-Have
Unfortunately, every vacation has to end sometime. But if you plan ahead, unpacking can be a lot less painful than before. A gathering of plastic bags can prove invaluable. Plastic bags can be filled with wet bathing suits and towels as well as dirty clothing. This keeps these items away from the clean items, with less work to do upon arriving home. Most parents understand how quickly these items can get mixed up in a suitcase. In addition, if you do a load of laundry over the vacation, you know exactly what items need attention. Plastic grocery bags are ideal, but if sand is involved I recommend sealable bags. If you’re conscious of your plastic use, I recommend a reusable wet bathing suit bag, to keep the sand and chlorine at bay.
Guest Blogger Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
