Wazzup Pilipinas!
Much like eating, a family that travels together stays together. This might sound cliched, but travelling does strengthen bonds and brings you closer to your loved ones. Vacations with your family can be some of the best experiences you’ll have. However, keeping to a schedule while trying to keep an eye on your kids and making sure your elderly mother is comfortable can be a lot to handle. It doesn’t have to be though.
The key to happier vacations with your family is to pay attention to their needs, and to find the perfect balance between activities and rest time.
1. Choose Your Destinations
Sometimes your family trip happens because of
certain circumstances. It could be a wedding, a graduation, a birth or something
else. In these cases, there isn’t much you can do, but if you have the luxury
of choosing your destination, make sure it suits everyone’s needs. This can
make or break your trip. Take into consideration your children’s needs and the
health and activity level of your elderly parents.
If you’re travelling with a stroller or
wheelchair, it is easier to navigate through flat streets and sidewalks, than
obscure places. Also, travelling for long hours takes a toll on kids and the
elderly. It’s equally important to take your interests into consideration too.
Most destinations have family-friendly attractions, so look for a place that
has something for everyone.
2. Pack Smart
When travelling with kids and the elderly,
it’s wise to pack to light. You can always buy what you need at your
destination. Plus, most hotels like Treebo Hotels
will provide towels and toiletries at your destination, so you can leave your
personal items back home. Rolling your clothes and stuffing your socks and
underwear into your shoes saves a ton of space. Also, encourage your kids to
pick their own clothes to minimise tantrums and teach them valuable travel
skills. Help your parents pack necessities like their medication in a carry on.
When you pack, make sure you keep what’s
needed most right on top. This will help you pull out what you need when you
need it. It also comes in handy to keep emergency contact numbers, copies of
important documents, and a prepaid phone card in your carry on luggage during
the trip.
3. Accommodation for All
Instead of opting for regular hotel rooms
with two beds, consider putting up in a hotel that offers one or two-bedroom
suites. It might cost a little more, but it’s worth it. Imagine all of you
crammed in one room. You’ll have to go to bed at the same time as your kids or
parents and you won’t be able to relax after a long day. If possible, book
private rooms for you, your parents and kids, so you can all enjoy some time
apart whenever you need it. At the end of the day, a peaceful slumber will
result in a more successful vacation.
4. Book Ahead to Stay Ahead
Most couples or solo travellers rarely make
reservations in advance when they travel. When you’re travelling with family,
it’s a completely different scenario. Kids and the elderly can get
uncomfortable very quickly and it can get messy. So do yourselves a favour and
make reservations in advance at hotels and with transportation in advance to
avoid the hassle. This will make travelling so much smoother. Also, don’t
assume your hotel or resort will have a crib, high chair, or wheelchair access
available. Call in advance and confirm availability of the amenities you need.
Many hotels and transport systems offer a
host of amenities to aid to travellers. All you have to do is pre-plan and make
enquiries to take advantage of them. A few amenities you can ask for are:
· Call your hotel for special
services like a wheelchair or crib, if needed
· Look for hotels that provide
amenities you need and are handicapped friendly
· If you need assistance from the
airline, ask them. It’s a free courtesy, if it is provided by the airport
personnel, it’s nicer to give them a tip
· Some international airlines offer
bassinets, that come in handy when you have an infant. Call in advance to ask
for one
6. Get Insured
Travel insurance can seem like an unnecessary
expense, but it’s best to play safe when you’re with children and elders. Speak
to your parents about and get them involved in the decisions. If you’re having
trouble, call someone and tell them about your specific concerns.
The most important advice to give to families
who are travelling is to slow down and take it easy. Travel at a slower pace
than you would as a couple or solo traveller. Be realistic as to how much your
parents and kids can travel during the day. Don’t cram your itinerary with a
huge list of places to visit, instead break up the day and spend some relaxing
time at the hotel, before you head out again. The most enjoyable vacations are
when you don’t set unrealistic expectations for the day. So have fun!
Family
travel shouldn’t be a task. It takes a little bit of planning, but it’s all
worth it in the end.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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