Traveling with kids: How to set realistic expectations and still have fun!
I always knew I wanted traveling to be a big part of my life, especially when I had kids. When I volunteered with Workaway in my 20s, I’d smile with appreciation when I saw families with little ones traveling together. It’s how I grew up – my two younger sisters and I flew on our first international trip when I was just eight, and there were countless cross-country road trips before. I’ve never agreed with people who put limits around traveling, as if it’s only for the young or those of a certain social class, not to mention “impossible” with kids.
So, it came as a bit of a surprise when my husband and I started traveling with our baby at just five months old and I experienced a big culture shock. Suddenly, all the things I’d learned from solo traveling no longer applied! To say it was a mental adjustment would be an understatement. I honestly found myself getting frustrated and trying to do too much, leaving everyone (including me!) stressed.
Learning to shift my perspective and set realistic expectations was a game changer. I remembered the examples of families who not only traveled together but created a lifestyle out of it. It helped me embrace the opportunity to create lifelong memories as a family and implement a few practical tips to make it enjoyable for everyone.
Here are the strategies I've learned along the way:
1. Add more structure to your schedule
This was a big shift from how I used to travel. I used to love wandering around a new place, getting lost (and often really, really hungry!) and making discoveries along the way. However, the more people you’re traveling with, the harder it is to be spontaneous. Volunteering with another Workaway family who also has children can be a great way to create a routine on the road and introduce them to new cultures!
2. Plan your meals ahead of time and pack lots of snacks
It’s one thing if you’re hangry, but when everyone gets hangry, it can spiral quickly! If you’re traveling with younger kids, encourage them to try new foods but make sure you have a backup meal or something they can eat in case they don’t like the food at the restaurant. Preparing some meals yourself (or cooking for your host) and knowing ahead what restaurants are kid-friendly can help reduce last-minute decisions made out of hungry desperation!
3. Let nature be your entertainment
Trips with nature as the main attraction can be one of the cheapest ways to travel with a family. Whether it’s going to the beach, visiting a national park, or going on a simple camping trip, some of my favorite moments are when we’re all outside together taking in the sunset or watching the ocean. Staying with host families who live on a farm or are located in the countryside can be a great fit for exploring nature and learning from the locals.
4. Pace yourself and take naps
It takes a different level of energy to travel with a family than alone. Depending on how everyone is sleeping (or not) through the night, caffeine can only take you so far. Planning activities before and after the kids’ naptime (and taking a nap yourself) will make it way more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Take turns with your partner/another adult for alone time
This might be my biggest advice. No matter what age, traveling with kids can be fun but challenging. If you’re having fun while traveling, you’re more likely to keep doing it! Agreeing ahead of time to give each other a few hours a day to sneak away from the kids for a solo adventure can help everyone remain calm and enjoy their time together even more.
6. Use the Workaway community to your adventure
Chances are, you’re not the first family to travel with Workaway and deal with time zone changes, nursing on a plane, packing your stroller, or wondering how to keep kids entertained during long layovers. The power of the internet means you can benefit from others’ experiences and easily find answers for every late night, “How do I…?” Seeing others have the courage to travel with kids and explore the world will inspire you to do the same!
7. Set an intention for your trip
A question I ask myself when planning our next family vacation is, “How do I want us to feel during our time together?” Another way to approach this is to set an intention. Maybe it’s to relax, explore a different culture, or learn a new skill together like surfing or cooking. Maybe your focus is on play and laughter. This will help guide your choices and be an anchor if things don’t go as planned. You’ll remember the reason behind your travels and create meaningful memories that will last a lifetime.
No matter what, remember that you’re helping foster the next generation of global citizens, and that’s pretty cool!
About Mariah
Mariah Friend is a former Workawayer who quit her job to travel the world for fourteen months, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Mariah stayed with hosts in France and Ghana, gaining valuable
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