Vacations are a much-needed escape from the daily grind of work and responsibilities. Whether you’re seeking sun, sand or adventure, a family vacation can offer an exciting opportunity to bond, create memories and recharge your batteries.

However, according to research today only 44% of people take family vacations. Why is that? Well, for parents, the idea of traveling with kids can seem daunting, especially if you’re trying to balance their needs and interests with your own travel goals.

But don’t let the challenges of traveling with children hold you back!

With the right planning and preparation, you can make the most of your family vacation and ensure that everyone has a great time — the Find Guide team is here to tell you exactly how to do that.

1. Consider Your Children’s Age

Different ages bring different challenges and opportunities, so it’s essential to choose a destination and activities that match your children’s abilities and interests:

• Infants. Children at this age are portable. They will most likely not mind the travel as long as you stick to their schedule during the trip. So, let them sleep, eat, drink and rest whenever they need. Also, allow them to stretch and move — staying 24 hours in a stroller will only make them irritated. 

• Toddler. Around 62% of millennial travelers take their children under the age of five with them on a trip. For those young parents, it’s recommended to provide their toddlers with various activities: go to playgrounds, pools, beaches, walk around and explore new places. Staying in a hotel or car all day won’t be really welcomed by toddlers.
  
  
• School-age children. At this age, it’s a good idea to involve your child in some decision-making. Ask what activities they want to do and incorporate them into your plans — this will only make your child happier.

• Teenagers. Some teenagers may consider a family vacation boring and refuse to go. It’s ok, don’t argue but offer them to make their own plans for this trip. Some families recommend giving teenage children one to two hours a day to explore the city and do some activities on their own.

• Set Your Travel Goals

Before you start planning your family vacation, take some time to think about what you hope to achieve. Do you look for something more calming and traditional with a beach, sun, and ocean? Does your family have the desire to try new activities and explore new cultures, get to know the locals and their lifestyle?

Knowing your travel goals can help you choose the right destination and activities to make the most of your time together.

Still, if you’re not sure where to go, Spain, Egypt, Turkey, UAE (Dubai) and Greece are considered to be one of the most popular travel destinations in 2022.

• Choose the Right Accommodation

Your choice of accommodation can make or break your family vacation.

When looking for a place to stay, consider the needs of your family and choose a location that offers the amenities and services that will make your trip more enjoyable. For example, a hotel with a kids’ club, a pool, and easy access to attractions can be a great choice for families with young children.

Still, you may consider renting a house for your vacation. Thus, you’ll have more space and a kitchen which will allow you to save up on dining out — but make sure to research this house thoroughly before renting it.

• Pack Everything You Need

Packing for a family vacation can be challenging, especially when you have kids in mind. To make the process easier, make a list of everything you need, including essentials such as clothes, toiletries, and medications. Don’t forget to pack things that will keep your kids entertained during downtimes, such as books, games, and toys.

• Get a Personal Guide

Having a personal guide can be a great way to make the most of your family vacation. A guide can provide insider tips, help you navigate unfamiliar destinations, and ensure that everyone in your family has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tell your personal guide that you’ll have children with you beforehand and they can offer you some family-friendly options: a car, restaurants and activities for children, hotels — everything to make your journey enjoyable.

To find a good personal guide you can today use various platforms that help tourists and guides meet, like Find Guide. There you can find a guide, get in contact with them and discuss the route beforehand to ensure that your trip goes smoothly.

Forget the Troubles, Get to Exploring

It’s still important to remember that no matter how well you plan your family vacation, something can still go wrong. But, don’t make this scare you. Embrace those bumps and don’t let them ruin your trip — brush them off and continue enjoying your trip with your children!