10 Steps to a More Enjoyable, Cheaper, and Stress-Free Vacation with Kids
Making memories—and creating lasting bonds—is a crucial part of childhood. But as most parents know, traveling with children of any age can be a hassle. Fortunately, there are ways you can enjoy family trips with your kids—and make the vacation less stressful for everyone—that won’t cost you extra cash.
Make Sure Your House Is Secure
This one is more for the parents than the kids. Before you leave, make sure your home is safe and secure before you leave. If you haven’t done so already, get an affordable home security system that provides the features you need to feel your house is safe while you’re away. If possible, have a neighbor keep an eye on your home.
Don’t Overspend on Necessities
Spending too much money on your vacation could leave you feeling stressed before you even reach your destination. An easy way to save on your vacation is by booking flights, hotels, or car rentals through Priceline to get the best deal possible. You can pair those offers with Priceline coupons and cashback promotions to stretch your vacation savings even further.
You can also book for the slow season to get better deals (and shorter lines for attractions). In most places, peak travel times are summer, spring break, and the Christmas holiday. Choosing less popular travel dates and departure days can help, too. For example, flights that leave on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than those that fly out on Saturdays.
Skip the Big Attractions
While Disneyland has its appeal, traipsing through a theme park isn’t always the best vacation idea. Not to mention, it’s never the cheapest option, either. Consider a destination that’s off the beaten path and let your family make it their own. Or, visit high-stakes spots in the off-season to ensure you can see and experience everything.
Consider a Staycation
Sometimes, traveling may not be possible. If you’re limited in where you can go with your family, consider a “staycation.” Charleston has a number of wonderful attractions, some of which your kids may not have experienced. You can amp up this staycation by renting a local vacation rental property located near the beach, for example. It doesn’t take a lot of money to keep your vacation local, and there’s plenty of stuff in Charleston to keep you busy.
Schedule Frequent Breaks
Since you’re the one navigating or driving (or both), you might feel like the kids are enjoying relaxing downtime while strapped into their car seats. But for young kids, sensory overload can happen anywhere. Even older kids get antsy when they must remain seated for extended periods.
Make the trip easier on everyone by scheduling frequent stops. Whether it’s for diaper changes or bathroom breaks, snacks, or a bit of a stretch for little legs, pulling off the road or heading to the hotel can offer kids a chance to re-center themselves. Taking a breather can be helpful for the driver and their copilot, too.
Drop into Nature Whenever Possible
Even better than pulling into a roadside truck stop is making a pit stop at a park or another natural setting. The fresh air can help revive you, and children’s stress levels start to drop within minutes of entering green spaces, says the National Wildlife Federation. If you can explore nature while on your trip, even better—it may help your kids de-stress and sleep better, too.
Capture Your Vacation in a Photograph
You’ll always have memories of your vacation, but sometimes you want something a little more to truly mark the occasion. Before you leave the Charleston area following your family getaway, book a session with Melissa Miley Photography, who can take some wonderful photos that you can share for generations to come.
Don’t Overbook Your Family
When you’re traveling a long distance to see the sights, it’s understandable to want a jam-packed itinerary. But part of making your adventure memorable—in a good way—is slowing down and enjoying everything. You may not have time to see everything, but the things you do see will be that much more rewarding if you’re not in a rush.
Slowing down is also beneficial for your kids; telling children to “hurry up” rarely achieves the goal of getting them to move faster, notes Psychology Today. Remove those words from your vocabulary and take time to truly relax and smell the roses alongside your child.
Schedule Downtime
Like loosening up your itinerary, adding downtime to your schedule can help everyone take a breather. Whether it’s kicking back in your hotel room, lying on the beach for a while, or playing at a nearby park, these breaks can help your family reconnect and ground themselves.
Maintain a Regular Routine
An infant may be able to sleep and eat anywhere. But for everyone else, a routine will be the key to a successful family trip. Routines help children feel like they have power, notes Aha! Parenting, and offers a confidence boost. A routine maintains consistency even when you’re away from home and helps everyone—from your preschooler to your teen to your spouse—know what to expect.
Family vacations can be enjoyable and rewarding. And with these tips, you won’t need to spend extra funds to make the best memories. Plus, you can enjoy your trip a bit more—without meltdowns from the kids.
