As you’re thinking about your next family vacation, there’s a lot to consider. You need to choose a location, figure out how to get there and decide where to stay. And especially when traveling with kids of different ages, you want to make sure there are activities everyone can enjoy – including you. Here are some tips on how to plan your next adventure.
Pick a location
First decide where you’d like to travel. If your family is outdoorsy, consider camping or a national park. If you like experiencing new things and don’t mind long travel days, an international trip might be your best bet. If you’d like a more budget-friendly way to see the sights, head out on a road trip. For a vacation filled with activities, consider a cruise or a theme park.
Kid-friendly vacations
Each location has different things to offer. Here are some ideas to consider depending on the ages of the kids who will be traveling.
Babies
- An all-inclusive resort
- A beach or lake
- A staycation close to home
Younger kids
- A cruise
- A road trip in a car or RV
- A theme park
Tweens and teens
- An international trip to a historic town
- Hiking, rock climbing or rafting
- A trip to a big city to shop and see theater
Book your accommodations
Wherever you choose, you’ll need a place to stay. Consider location: would you rather be in the heart of downtown or further removed from the action? Ensure you have enough space for everybody.
If you have an eligible Citi credit card, the Citi Travel® site makes it easy to search for and book hotels or resorts that fit your criteria.
Make sure there’s something for everyone
As you’re planning your days, think about how to keep everybody happy and entertained. There are plenty of activities for the whole family, some of which you can even book with Citi Travel if you have an eligible Citi card. Some options might include:
- A walking tour organized around a topic everyone enjoys, such as food, history or ghosts
- An adventurous activity like ziplining or surf lessons
- A concert or performance
- A hike or bike ride
You can also balance different kinds of activities throughout each day. A three-year-old probably won’t be happy with a full day of museums, so you might stop by a playground after taking in some historic sites.
Tips for traveling with kids
Going on a long drive or flight with kids can feel intimidating, but coming prepared with supplies and activities can help. If you’re bringing a baby or toddler on a plane, make sure you pack your carry-on with enough diapers, wipes and extra clothes – for your child and yourself – just in case. For a toddler, bring an array of fun snacks to hand out throughout the flight.
Stickers, coloring books or, if all else fails, a tablet loaded with a favorite movie or TV show can go a long way toward keeping the little ones busy in the air or on the road.
Older kids will have an easier time occupying themselves, but especially if your trip involves a long car ride, consider an audiobook or podcast that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s easy to get fixated on your plans, but unexpected situations will always arise when traveling. Stay flexible – it might be frustrating if you thought a hike through the national park would be a hit, but your child wants to turn around after half an hour. Some of your best memories might come from an unexpected detour or a last-minute change of plans. Going with the flow is the best way to ensure a fun trip for your family.
