Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
What Moms Should Know For A Stress-Free Family Vacation
A family vacation is the perfect way to get away from it all, have some fun, and spend quality time with your husband and children. However, an unplanned vacation is a stressful vacation. Here are the top five mom-approved tips for planning the perfect family getaway!
1. Bored children are unruly and difficult to deal with. Always choose a destination where they will have plenty to do. Look into family friendly resorts, because they are kid-friendly but fun for adults too. Try a serene resort in the mountains, a hotel with an indoor water park, or even an adventurous ski lodge. These places specialize in fun for every member of the family. When deciding where to take my family of five in Hawaii, I did some research to find the perfect balance between luxury and kid friendly (I know! I was surprised they exist too). My kids love the water, but with three of them it was essential that we find a resort with close proximity to the beach. We were able to secure an excellent room at a top Honolulu hotel just minutes from Waikiki. Family friendly accommodations offer plenty of clever kids activities, giving mom and dad a chance to relax.
2. Carefully choose the toys you bring along. There are few things more annoying on long trips than noisy toys, so choose quieter options. Bring toys that are easy to pack and easy to play with in the car or in-flight. New toys will hold your kids' attention longer, but old favorites work great too. Keep a few surprise toys packed away in your luggage or carry-on bag. When your children start getting bored, these surprise toys will be a great distraction. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of silly items like straws and unused toothbrushes. In a jam, these can keep kids entertained for much longer than you’d expect.
3. Do not forget the essentials: zip lock bags in a variety of sizes, first aid materials, a sippy cup or two, and plenty of extra clothes and diapers. Traveling is messy and spills are likely! Shop for travel-sized options for your carryon. Buy extras in case you lose a few. The more prepared you are with the essentials, the more comfortable you will be. These items will ensure you and the kids all feel comfortable and refreshed when you arrive!
4. Baby food and formula are allowed through airport security and are not subject to the 3-1-1 rule. If you are flying, be sure to pack plenty. However, only pack gentle foods your baby is used to as to not upset their stomach during the flight. Further, being away from your family pediatrician means you need to be more sensitive and aware of potential food allergies. Traveling with a baby is hard, but traveling with a sick baby is harder.
5. Don't forget that it is your vacation too! You and your husband can take turns watching the kids. You can get a spa treatment one day and he can golf another. Many top hotels offer certified babysitting services so you can enjoy a romantic dinner. This is your vacation too – make sure you have some quality adult time as well.
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