Choosing the best places to visit does not have to be difficult, and you do not need to select a destination that is designed specifically for children. Remember that the quality of the experience will be determined by the happiness of everyone in the family, not just the children; in other words, if mom and dad are bored, no one will enjoy the trip. Begin by making a list of places to visit that will appeal to both mom and dad as well as the kids. Reduce the list to two or three options based on your budget, and then discuss which two or three options appear to be the most appealing. Begin your research from there.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the process is researching potential destinations. This is the time to discover what a specific location has to offer everyone, including children and parents. If you look hard enough, you’ll find that most places are “family-friendly,” though some are more family-friendly than others. Choose destinations that will provide the kids with both fun and cultural opportunities, such as a children’s museum or a walk along a particularly beautiful beach.
As far as the most appealing options go, a few options may stand out, so now it’s time to think about logistics. Consider how you and your children will get to these new destinations, where you will stay, and whether you can afford the trip overall. If you’re staying in a hotel, think about your options carefully; high-end hotels aren’t always the most kid-friendly, and a hotel with a good pool is usually a crowd pleaser. If you need to rent a car once you arrive at your new destination, think about whether you’ll need to rent a car seat for small children as well.
Adults enjoy road trips, but children may become restless after a while in the car, especially if they have traveled by train or plane to reach their destination. To save time on the road, choose a destination that offers a variety of activities in a central location. If this isn’t possible, see if you can make the transportation part of the adventure: taking the train might be a new experience for the kids, and it will allow mom and dad to relax rather than driving.