What I Learned Traveling with My Family

Almost Every Month Last Year

We’re a couple of weeks into 2016 and I’ve been busy organizing life, planning, and getting my children on track with homeschool. I did spend time reflecting on our travels from last year, and I can’t believe we traveled almost every month in 2015, and sometimes two or three times a month! We were busy so I wanted to share these tips on family travel that I’ve gathered from our experience. 

Vacations are for relaxing – When planning a family trip, I’m sure you’re coming up with an itinerary and you want to see everything a place has to offer. Remember that vacations are for relaxing! If you pack a tight schedule during your trip, there won’t be much down time and you will get exhausted quickly. Some of my best memories from traveling were made relaxing on the beach while the kids played in the sand. 

Vacations don’t have to be expensive – Personally, I’m not a fan of amusement parks. My family enjoys going to a place, learning the history, taking in sights, and eating local. I save money that would have been spent on visiting amusement parks for the next vacation we plan to take. Before your trip, check out a locations local Visitors Bureau and you will be able to find information on free things to do.

Stay in a Vacation Rental –  When my family travels, our first choice for accommodations is a vacation rental. Vacation Rentals are basically a condo that’s fully furnished, and you will still have the hotel experience. Vacation Rentals are usually the most inexpensive option when travelling with a large family as well. My in-laws went on a trip with us before, and everyone slept comfortably with more room to spare. Vacation Rentals also have in house laundry rooms, so you can pack light.

Pack light – I love handbags and shoes, and can never make up my mind on what I want to wear until the last minute. I’ve had to learn to pack light because half of the stuff I take on a trip, I never end up wearing! When it comes to the kids, I label everything so that they know what they are wearing everyday. I also limit the items the children can bring on the trip to a few books, pencils, crayons, and a toy they really like. Clutter builds up quickly. 

Buy food when you arrive – Who doesn’t love a good restaurant?! I know I do, but when on vacation as a family it’s not the most practical to dine out every night. Since we stay in vacation rentals often, we usually go to the nearest grocery store when we arrive for food. We save a few hundred dollars by buying groceries, and cooking inside. Some rentals even have gas grills on the patio! 

If Traveling By Car, Expect to Stop…… A lot – Most of our family travel is done by car. Even if you tell every child to go to the bathroom, that you aren’t stopping again, you will have to stop again. We take little breaks at rest stops to allow everyone to stretch their legs and a little break to run around and get some fresh air. 

Plan a Kid Free Vacation Once – Of course I love family travel, but it’s really nice to take a vacation without kids. Last year my husband and I went to Miami sans kids and it was fabulous. It was only for two days, but we had a great time and we missed our children when we came home. Every couple needs a kid free vacation, even if it’s for one day. Do it! 

It Will Take You A Week to Unpack – It doesn’t matter when my family goes, when we get home, I live out of my suitcase for a few days. My schedule at home picks up right where it left off, and it’s not a lot of time left for me to unpack. I actually still have things in a bag that I took to Chicago for Thanksgiving! Clearly nothing important though…..

You Will Be Tired – Even though vacations are relaxing, you will need a day or two once you get home to rest. Don’t plan to go straight back to work the next day after you arrive back at your home. Sometimes I feel like I need a vacation…..from the vacation! 

Memories Made are Worth All the Hassle – Packing, unpacking, finding the nearest bathroom, planning, etc are all worth it once you look back on the memories you’ve made with your family. I’m so happy after every trip we’ve taken, that my kids are happy. They always say “Remember that one time, we were at this one beach, and we did this one thing….” Those moments are priceless. 

For more of our family travel and for travel ideas head HERE. Does your family have travel planned already for this year? Where are you headed? 

Ashley