A family vacation can be a fun, memorable bonding experience. But it can also be stressful, especially if you have young kids in tow. Whether you’re traveling with infants, high-energy elementary school children or angsty teens, the right preparation and planning can reduce the stress of family travel and make it a truly enjoyable experience.
A recent survey by the Family Travel Association and Edinburgh Napier University found that multigenerational trips are on the rise. In fact, the number of families with grandparents joining their adult children on vacation has more than doubled since 1976. While family vacations aren’t as common as they once were, the trend is a sign that families are still looking for ways to spend quality time together.
One of the biggest benefits of a family trip is the opportunity for people to escape from their daily stresses and enjoy a new environment. A family vacation provides a much-needed break from the pressures of home life, work and school, and it can help strengthen relationships and foster communication among family members. This can lead to better coping skills for both adults and children when they return to the daily grind.
Taking a road trip can provide an opportunity to teach your kids about geography and history. Pull out the atlas and point out places you’ll be visiting, and encourage older children to research your destination online to learn more about it before you arrive. A cruise with a kids’ club is another great way to incorporate education into your vacation. It’s important for parents to get a chance to be with each other without the kids, too. One of the best ways to do this is by leaving the kids with a babysitter or relative for a couple’s night out on a vacation, so you can enjoy some alone time or even a romantic dinner.
Another benefit of a family vacation is that it can be a good time to bond with extended family members. Many of today’s families are large, and it may not be possible for everyone to get together on a regular basis. Taking a vacation with extended family members can be a wonderful way to bond and share experiences with loved ones who live far away.
Stress is a big part of the modern lifestyle, and it can affect both kids and adults. A family vacation offers a short respite from the normal stresses of home and work, which can improve both mental and physical health. It’s important for adults to model healthy stress management to their kids, so they can learn how to better deal with the inevitable stresses of everyday life.
Whether you’re traveling with young children, high-energy elementary schoolers or angsty teens, family vacations can be an incredible bonding experience when they are planned with everyone’s interests in mind. From a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park in Key West to a culinary adventure in Vancouver, there are plenty of ways to turn a family vacation into a memorable and relaxing getaway for everyone.