Planning a trip with your kids

fuad lawal

April 24, 2015 10:58 PM

Family trips are awesome. Whether it is travelling to the village for family reunions or just going to family resorts, family travel can be packed with loads of fun

But like most things that aren't well planned, its easy to screw it up in a way that might leave everyone grumpy throughout the holiday.

Here are a few tips to guide you as you plan:

1. Involve Them In The Planning Process

The truth is, everyone wants to be heard, even your kids. They will be more invested in the trip if you get them involved in the planning process. For younger kids, ask them for one or two things they want to do and have some realistic options ready from which they can pick. Check up how kid-friendly your destination is, for younger kids.For the older kids, give them responsibilities in planning the journey, like researching places to visit and booking tickets. Involving your kids in the planning, or at the very least explaining details of the trip before you leave, gives them an idea of what will happen as well as outlines your expectations.

2. Prepare Them For The Journey

When preparing to travel with your children, you should keep these in mind:

You can use travel time as an opportunity for your kids to learn more about your destination. If they helped with the planning process, focus in on what they suggested and teach them more about the place or activity.
Your key to having a memorable and fun trip with your kids is to keep them interested.
Help your child document their point of view and keep a journal during your vacations. You may want to ask them a question every day to help spark their reflections and entries—this isn’t a trip log, it is a chance for them to draw or write about what they’re feeling, hearing, and seeing. Getting them a camera would be just great.
While traveling with your kids can be tiring and expensive, in the end you’re giving them an amazing life experience. You’re offering them the opportunity to develop empathy for other people by educating them about other cultures and lifestyles. These are experiences that they can use later in life. For me, sharing travel stories with other people is one of the most common ways that small talk turned into memorable conversations that sparked deeper friendships. You’ll potentially spark a lifelong love of exploration, experiencing things that are different because they’re different (like other cultural practices), and appreciation of those whose lifestyles vary greatly from your own.
Children learn so much from the world around them and you can provide an unforgettable educational experience by exposing them to life beyond their own backyard.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

fuad lawal