We've found that autumn is our favorite time to travel. The weather is spectacular, the scenery is gorgeous (love driving through Missouri in the Fall!). And, most families are not traveling because kids are in school... so we manage to avoid the crowds.
This year, our five year old has been excitedly reading brochures, making wish lists of itineraries, and helping us decide what to do on our trips. In the process of planning travel with her, I've discovered that our future family travel agent, has a number of helpful tips to pass along:
- It is important to coordinate your clothes with your outing. Mom thinks this mean dressing casually or formally as appropriate and planning for weather. Kids know this REALLY means wearing your super cool horse shirt when you see Clydesdale horses and your sparkly butterfly shirt at the butterfly house.
- Choose your Hotel wisely. Mom thinks this means choosing a hotel in a safe neighborhood, with a good price, and a place relatively close to the attractions. Kids know this REALLY means choosing a hotel with the best waffles in the morning and a great pool.
- Remember to "be prepared" for emergencies. Mom thinks this means stocking the car with a First Aid Kit, maps, healthy snacks and extra diapers for the baby. Kids know this REALLY means packing your favorite snacks (think animal crackers and hot cocoa), games for the hotel room, and DVDs.
- Try to include "something for everyone" in the itinerary. Mom thinks this means checking out different attractions for the interests of every family member...even Dad. Kids know this REALLY means Mom and Dad will LOVE watching you smile and enjoy all your favorite places... who needs educational museums or attractions.
- Vacation is all about relaxing. Mom & Dad think this means sleeping in and enjoying leisure time . Kids know this means staying up late, cramming as much fun as possible into a day, and waking parents up early for breakfast.
- One of the treats of vacation is eating out. Mom thinks the treat is having someone else clean up the mess and serve you. Kids know the REAL treat is discovering restaurants that specialize in mac 'n cheese, offer fun activities (like arcade games and magicians who make balloon animals) and fun foods that look like smiley faces... bonus points for whipped cream and a cherry on top.
- Vacation can be educational. Mom thinks this means including a few museums with hands-on exhibits for the kids. Kids know this REALLY means learning all the "secret hideouts" at the Children's Museums and the first names of the penguins and polar bears at the zoos.
So, what are your great travel tips? We'd love to learn more ways to make sure vacation is a success.
Written by Kristina Light