Family Vacations: 10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
Please welcome my guest writer for this month, Tara, from Tara’s View of the World. She is currently driving across Canada for her summer vacation but before that She managed to write a great article on her Hubpages, “Family Vacations: 10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid” that I asked her to share here on my Travel Blog.
Thanks Tara.
1. Passport Issues
Be sure both you and your children have valid passports. Every American citizen, including infants, needs a valid passport for travel outside of the USA. Some destinations require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive so be sure to get your passport renewal done in plenty of time. If you are in a hurry companies like RushMyPassport.com can get it done in as little as 24 hours.
2. Not getting adequate travel insurance
It may not seem like a huge deal but if something goes wrong and someone gets sick or injured it is vital to make sure you are covered.
3. Being overly ambitious with activity plans
When you are planning your activities be sure to keep in mind how old your children are and how much they can feasibly do – and ENJOY- in one day. Try not to become so focused on what to DO that you forget to just BE with your family. Trying to squish too much into one day will just make the kids overtired which will make mom and dad grumpy and then no one is having any fun!
4. Booking connecting flights too close together
Expect delays. Make sure you give your family enough time to navigate plane transfers with ease. It is never fun to be running through the airport dragging screaming kids along behind you because you don’t want to miss your next flight.
5. Having unrealistic expectations
Traveling with kids is not the same as traveling without them- both can be equally enjoyable but your expectations will need to be adjusted. If you expect your family vacation to be perfect you will be disappointed. Remember that travel can be tough on kids and parents alike. Allow for things like jet lag and adjusting to your new surroundings.
Parents often dream of complete relaxation and enjoying the easy life on vacation- perfect, non-bickering, non-whining children who will peacefully play while mom and dad relax on the beach. And while that could happen… for most of us our kids will still be our kids even if we are on a beach in Mexico. If they aren’t perfect at home then they won’t be perfect on vacation either. The parenting never stops. Enjoy a family vacation for what it is- a departure from the normal. But don’t expect your children to magically change personalities on the flight over.
6. Not making reservations
Don’t be disappointed by arriving somewhere and having nowhere to stay. Some attractions suggest reserving a spot beforehand so be sure to check ahead of time and make the appropriate arrangements.
7. Packing too heavy
Many parents fall into the trap of feeling like they have to bring everything they own to be prepared for every potential circumstance. Carefully plan what to pack keeping in mind the amenities located in your destination. Only pack what you will really need! Your child will probably not need 13 different toys, 18 pairs of pants, 36 t-shirts, and 22 bedtime stories for your 7 day trip. Be careful not to pack too many clothes because the vast majority of places will have laundry facilities if you need them.
8. Forgetting to take the camera or the video camera
You will want a way to record all your fabulous family adventures!
9. Spending too much money
Make a budget before you go and be sure to stick to it! Don’t fall into the trap of believing you have to purchase your children an expensive souvenir from every single attraction you visit. Souvenirs are great but don’t overspend your budget on things that won’t really matter in 6 months.
10. Forgetting to relax
Take time to rest and simply enjoy being with your family. Soak up your surroundings, forget about your troubles and focus on living in the moment.
