Tips for Creating a Vacation Everyone Will Enjoy and Hotel Survival

I traveled throughout Europe and the Americas before and after having kids. Before kids, when visiting Europe I could cover a lot of ground very quickly while taking in all of the "must-sees". After my daughter was born, I attempted to travel as I had before she was born. I thought, "We can still see all the sights with a toddler in tow" Ha! you may see them--but not happily. Over the years, and another kid later, I have perfected the recipe for an enjoyable (for all ages) vacation. Whether planning a European adventure, an exotic island getaway or a typical theme park holiday, I have developed a system and style of travel that allows everyone to have a wonderful trip and gain experiences that they would have otherwise missed entirely!

Kids Get It!

You wouldn't think a 4 year old could understand what it means to be able to see the world, but on some level, it sinks in! Forget trying to drive home the significance of seeing where Napoleon marched his army. Instead, well before you depart on your trip, think hard about what your child likes and incorporate it into your trip by exploring those aspects. Is it dolls, golf, princesses, cooking? My son LOVES cars. Before our recent trip to Europe, I checked out a library book about European cars and explained to him that many of the cars we'll see in Europe will be different than American cars and explained the reasons why. Fuel costs, old cities with narrow streets require short narrow cars. We then planned to take his picture with as many different cars as possible and create a poster for his room when we get home. This is a fantastic souvenir as well as a diversion for him while on our vacation.

What to See and Do

European/ Historical Destinations

Well before you leave on the big trip, choose an artist and an historical event (or two depending on age) to focus on. Find fun, light children's books about the artist. Learn about the painting style and finally help your child make their own painting in the artist's style. It's very easy to check the web to find which paintings will be in the museum you plan to visit. I have found that if my children are familiar with an artist and know what some of his/her paintings or sculpture look like (and may even have a special favorite) when we visit a museum they have more patience while there and a sense of accomplishment when we reach their favorite artists’ gallery!

The same recipe works well for historical landmarks too. Plan what you want to see and equip your little trekkers with a bit of knowledge that will pull them in and make the time there more interesting. No need to go too deeply, especially with the little ones. Even odd trivia about the location may be all it takes! and you may even learn something that will make the experience more memorable for yourself as well!

 I always pack sketch pads and travel sized watercolors. Pull these out anytime you are taking a break and let your kids sketch the city, monuments, people, buildings, sculpture- what ever inspires them. These make wonderful keepsakes and postcards!

 I try to alternate a museum/ or landmark with a kid friendly place (sometimes these are one in the same) Here is a typical day in Paris for us: Tour Notre Dame Church, then take a boat ride (sightseeing boat) on the Seine River to the Eiffel Tower, where we have sandwiches in the adjoining park/followed by time for our little artists to paint or sketch the tower and just play for a bit. Then we take a boat ride toward Saint-Michel and walk the old Latin streets and shop for souvenirs. Finally, we choose a restaurant and order dinner to take back to the hotel room. (see below Hotel Survival Guide )

Alternating what I want to see and do (Notre Dame, walking Saint-Michel) with places where the kids can just be "kids" and not worry about their "museum manners" like the Botobus (sightseeing boat) and the playground next to the Eiffel Tower, makes the day fun and exciting for everyone.

Before Children, I could have visited 3 times as many places in one day, but with kids in tow, this is just not possible; so, take it slowly if necessary. I have gone off the "beaten path" doing this and have had some amazing adventures with my little ones while trying to find a playground or merry-go-round. Plus, you can get a much better sense of the culture by pulling up a park bench and joining the locals in their environment.

Beach/ Amusement Park Destinations

These vacations can leave parents feeling tired and worn out very quickly if they are not careful with planning and coaching. Swimming, amusement rides, animal shows, water slides, miniature golf- the list goes on and on. While kids love these activities and parents delight in seeing their joy, they can be very tiring in large doses. Two hours spent life guarding in the hot sun while young children frolic in the surf (and undertow) can take its toll. Plan the day and let the kids know what will happen and when. For example, leisurely breakfast, playing in the surf (2 hours), snack, sand castle building under the umbrella (Mom takes a break here)(1 hour), walk along the beach searching for shells (1 hour) back to the room to change and have lunch (1.5hours), miniature golf (1.5 hours), and back to the room for dinner (see hotel survival guide). This day is full of fun and Mom and Dad are not run totally ragged. It incorporates some well-deserved breaks. This plan works best when the kids are told BEFORE leaving the room how much time will be spent swimming and how much resting/playing in the sand/reading a book. Otherwise a strong willed child will have you right back into the waves just after you got perfectly adjusted in your lounge chair. Be firm on this. You have earned this break and shell hunting is a short 1.5 hours away.

When it comes to visiting the big theme parks your day is going to be tiring, but if you do a bit of research before you leave home you can ease the fatigue. I have found it's best to go ahead and plan what you'll see and in what order. Look up the parks web site to view rides/shows and map of the park. This can save time and arguments and you can best plan when to see the shows(rest) and when to ride the rides (personally I save the water rides -the ones that completely soak your clothes- for the end, unless you visit these parks in your swimsuit!) These tips may seem obvious but without proper planning, an over stimulated-hyped up on cotton-candy kid can quickly become the one in control while you follow him from ride to the next! When the day is done enjoy dinner in your room! (See Hotel Survival Guide below)

Hotel Survival Guide

What do pint-sized trekkers do once in the hotel room? Not being prepared for the hours that you will spend there could spell disaster! Imagine you've just returned from a day filled with interesting sights, fun rides, long lines, strange bathrooms and sticky kids. Ready to unwind in your comfy relaxing hotel room? Think again, you may end up pacifying tired and cranky, over-stimulated kids if you are not prepared!

The Hotel in many ways this is my favorite part of the trip! This is where I can get my “Zen” on and truly savor the vacation. Here's how:

When traveling with kids, choosing the right hotel is very important! What ever my budget, I make sure it has a balcony with a small table and chair or at least a view with a table and chair.

Most evenings we have dinner in our hotel room. We either have take-out from a restaurant, purchase dinner makings from a grocery, or order room service. After being on the go all day and having eaten lunch and sometimes breakfast out, we are usually ready to shower off the days grime, put on our lounging attire and dine in the comfort of our private hotel room.

The kids eat their dinner and watch a new (or new to them) DVD on my laptop or their portable player while I enjoy my dinner (and well deserved glass of wine) on the balcony or table with a view. This gives me some adult time and a break from the kids.

This "together but separate" time is extremely important for the parent to have a chance to recharge his batteries. Be prepared! Children must be trained that this time , I like to call it "Zenaida time", an adult time that must be respected. Coaching them to respect your quiet time before you leave will insure that they know what is expected while you're on vacation.

 Sometimes we'll head to the hotel for a break or just to hang out while waiting for inclement weather to pass. In these cases I'm always glad I packed a play parachute. They are very compact to carry and the kids love to make tents in the hotel room. They are also handy to picnic on (While out and in the hotel) and they are a great way to make new friends at the park too! A pack of balloons also comes in handy in the hotel. Blow them up and let the kids play by batting them around the room and drawing silly faces on them! Pull out the sketch pads and encourage your little ones to sketch a post card, and pen a message to mail. Lastly, I never forget my Zénaïda Travel Candle. . It has a wonderful spa scent and it helps to remind me, as well as designate to my children, “when lit” this is my time to be an adult!

Traveling with children is unpredictable so it's important to be flexible. Many times plans will go awry-that's expected, go with it. Sometimes children will be unhappy, don't worry, these will not be the memories they take from the vacation!

Send me an email with your hotel survival tips! info@kidsgotravel.com

Obviously, much of this could be accomplished with the use of a hotel sitter and hotel “kids clubs”, however, I have never felt comfortable leaving my children with complete strangers- not to mention the expense!

Keeping it together!

A lot of planning and money go into family vacations. We spend a lot of time anticipating the big adventure. I find that I enjoy the trip much more if my attire is up to par. Taking care of little ones while away from home could leave one looking a bit ragged, but, a well chosen article of clothing such as a mod jacket or the perfect shoes can do wonders for your spirits when you begin to feel that not-so-glam feeling coming on! So don't forget to plan for yourself,- looking put- together will keep your spirits high. And you need not pack a drop dead outfit for each day. One awesome piece and terrific accessory will do the trick. The Mommy Bag. is a great way to tote the large amount of stuff you'll need and keep you looking fabulous!

Share your unique travel tips!