5 Ways to Travel Well with Children

Now, I don't have children, but I have traveled with them, so I know a thing or two on how to do it without losing your mind. As a parent, you already know that it can be difficult to make everyone happy. You can do your best to make your trip as enjoyable as possible for all involved, it just may take a bit more planning.

Here are 5 ways to travel well with children, and not declare you're never taking another family vacation as long as you live.

1. Choose a travel goal

It's not always the destination you go to, but what you do there and what you want to accomplish. Talk to everyone and find out what they want out of vacation. Maybe they want to try all the new foods or see a bunch of museums or learn all the history. Find that one goal that everyone can agree on and plan your trip around that.  

2. Include kids in the planning

Nobody's going to be happy if you plan a whole trip without asking for feedback. Everyone has their own wants and needs. Make the planning more fun and the idea of vacation exciting by getting everyone's input. What are a couple things they can't miss? Fit in as many as you can, so everyone is happy and has something to look forward to on the trip.

3. Manage expectations

What happens on the plane? What happens on the train? Howl long will we have to sit in the car? How many souvenirs can we buy? Honestly, these are not the times when you want to just wing it and hope for the best. There's nothing worse than a meltdown because you won't buy them another churro or pair of Mickey ears. If you're going somewhere expensive, like Disney, consider buying affordable souvenirs ahead of time that you pack and can dole out throughout your trip. If that seems unmanageable, then let your kid(s) know the limits. Perhaps they can purchase one souvenir per day or can only spend a certain amount overall. 

4. Plan downtime

As an adult, I need downtime. Without it, I can get cranky, or even sick. Your kids are no different. They probably aren't go-go-go all day at home, so don't try to pack in a billion things each day. Yes, you're on vacation, and yes, you may not get back for a long time (if ever), but you can't expect them to feel any different on vacation than at home. If they normally get a nap, then plan one. If they go to bed at a certain time, it may behoove you to stick as close to that as possible. 

Nobody wants to try to have a good time with a child who's having a full-blown meltdown. I see these families at theme parks all the time. You can't expect your 4 year old to last from 6am-11pm and not be crabby. It doesn't matter how much fun you're having, they are tired. Also, just think: if you go back to your hotel/Airbnb for them to nap, that gives you some quiet time as well. Maybe it's a time for you to just chill or get some time in with your partner or for one of you to go have a little me time. I also use this time to do laundry and check emails or play a game on my phone.  

5. Bring extras

Let's face it. There's a lot of points in a trip that can be super boring: sitting at the gate at the airport, sitting on the plane, standing in line, waiting for food, walking 45x more than you usually do. Bring things to keep your kids occupied. I'm talking games, even if they're just on your phone or tablet. I'm also talking about snacks. As a snacker myself, my purse always has some goodies in it. I can get hangry and mean when I'm hungry. Nobody wants to be around that. Hit the ground running by taking a quick trip to the grocery store when you arrive. Grab some easy snacks, and possibly some fixings for breakfasts or lunch while you're at it. Also, bring a variety of snacks on the plane. If they don't eat them, you have them for other times. 

One of my favorite games to travel with is Fluxx. There are a ton of different versions and it's a game of ever-changing rules, so no two games are the same. I also find that kids pick this up much quicker than adults, which makes it perfect for families.

Need ideas for snacks that are good to bring along? Here are some of my go-to foods:

• Granola bars
• Nuts or trail mix
• Banana bread
• Carrot sticks
• Grapes
• Roasted chickpeas
• Chocolate covered blueberries
• Meat sticks - I'm a huge fan of the Vermont Smoke & Cure, specifically the beef and pork sticks
• Mini muffins
• Salami and cheese

These are all things that are filling, but aren't too heavy or salty or sweet. You can bring a little bit of everything or 2-3 of your favorites. Goldfish crackers are also a great standby, as well as Wheat Thins with or without a cheese or meat option.

Aside from snacks, I find that a notebook and pen + crayons or colored pencils can also go a long way. Or even an old-fashioned puzzle book. These are good for all ages. Maybe get them a cheap camera to chronicle their trip their way. It will give them something to focus on. And if you're bringing an electronic of any kind, don't forget extra batteries or a battery back-up.

So, those are my top 5 ways to make your whole family excited by taking a trip instead of dreading it. I'd love to hear about some of your tips, too. What things have made your trips with kids (of any age) more bearable?

How To Travel-fy Your Haircare Routine

When you travel, if you want to travel light, there are some things you have to change. While it can be easy to get caught up in routines, and it's important to keep some of them intact wherever you go, sometimes you need to switch things up to fit your travel lifestyle. We don't compromise on our strict carry-on only policy unless it's coming back from vacation and checking a bag with our too-many-purchases is less expensive than shipping back the spill over. That being said, we are always looking for ways to pack less and lighter. 

Now, I'm not willing to have a bad hair day in exchange for more packing space if that's my option, so I'm betting I'm hardly the only one. Want to look your best while still keeping everything in your small bag?

Decant your fave products into smaller containers

This seems like a no-brainer, but some people are still trying to pack full-size products and checking their bags because of it. I'm not going to pay an extra $35 for my shampoo to fly, especially when I'm not going to need a giant bottle of it for a week or two. Washing your hair everyday isn't good for it, unless you're spending all your time in the pool or ocean and need to get the chemicals out. Either way, a 3oz bottle should last you more than two weeks, even with everyday shampooing. Make a run to Target, pick up a selection of travel bottles and jars if your fave products don't come in smaller sizes and decant, decant, decant. Only need a smidge? Use contact cases for things like moisturizer that you need very little of.

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Make use of dry shampoo

If you don't know how to break out of the shampoo everyday rut, try a dry shampoo. You can find small spray bottles at your salon or in the hair care aisle of your favorite drugstore. Make your own at home and save money. it's easy. Here's how.

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Switch to shampoo bars

This is a favorite in my travel bag. I save room in my 3-1-1 for more important stuff, like contact solution and moisturizer, by packing a solid shampoo and conditioner. I buy mine from Lush, but they have them at Basin and several other places. They work like soap, but come in a variety of ingredients for different types of hair, just like regular shampoo. A bonus is that they last for a really long time, so you won't have to refill your shampoo after every trip like you might now. Another bonus: no spillage. I hate that.

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Downsize to travel-size hair appliances

Bringing your hair appliances from home is a good idea, since you know how they work and will make you feel better about yourself if you're used to using them all the time. I travel with a straightener by Conair, but not the same one I use everyday. It's large and bulky. Instead, I've opted for the smaller, travel-size one. It actually works better and takes up a heck of a lot less space in my carry-on. I have one that has a rounded edge, so I can use it to straighten or curl. I love a multi-purpose tool. More and more companies are making mini versions of their popular hair care appliances, and it's smart to invest in them, plus you can always keep it packed in your bag, so you don't forget it.

Don't bother taking a blow dryer

I know this is a controversial one. I tend to take showers at night and let my hair air dry, or spritz in some beach spray (see below), so I can scrunch and go, but I know there are people who swear by blow drying. I'm not one of them, because I'm lazy, but sometimes I use one. That said, almost all hotels and even many vacation rentals supply hair dryers for their guests. Save room in your bag and leave yours at home. If you must bring one though, try to find a travel version, so you aren't taking up half your carry-on with an unnecessarily large device.

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Instead of a curling iron, use sea salt spray for beach curls

I've discovered the beauty of beach curls/waves. I like it, because I can jump out of the shower, spray this in, scrunch it up and get on with my day. So much easier than taking out the curler, waiting for it to heat up and meticulously curling strand after strand. It saves me time, which I am grateful for. It can also work on dry hair, but I've been less successful with that. I'd say to just spray your hair with water first and then add the sea salt spray for best results.

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Use sunscreen

Don't forget that your hair is just as susceptible to sun damage as your skin. Rub some sunscreen in your palms and run your hands through your hair to avoid leeching your color. This also adds a bit more needed moisture too. If you're worried about it not blending in, dilute it with a little water. If you wear a part in your hair, make sure to dab some sunscreen there as well. There's nothing worse than a burnt (and eventually peeling) scalp. 

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Go au naturale

Put your clothes back on, because I'm still talking about your hair. If you're okay with saving time in the morning with tools and unneeded products, feel free by leaving your hair as it naturally is. Don't curl your straight hair or straighten your curly hair. You might find you don't hate it. If all else fails, make it easier to deal with by putting it in a braid or messy bun.

Do you have travel hair care tips that save time or luggage space?

Eating Cheaper on Your Vacation

One of the most exciting parts of traveling, besides going somewhere new, is trying new food. Are you always thinking about when and where you’re going to eat next? Do you want to eat your way through the city? With all the fresh air and walking one gets while out sightseeing, it might be the thrill of being in a new city or because all the extra exercise, but it feels like you just ate and are hungry again! 

Unfortunately, it’s impractical to eat all day. Not just because it’s unhealthy, but also because it’s totally unaffordable. Plus, how would you get any sightseeing done? Even if you eat just three times a day, you’re going to need some tips on how to do it inexpensively, so at least you don’t go broke doing it. Here are just a few of the rules to follow to get the best bargains and keep your wallet from emptying out by the end of the first day.

Bring snacks!

Trick your stomach by bringing snacks with you in your bag each day. This way, if you’re tempted to nibble on something, you know you have them on you and are less likely to spend money on food you don’t really need.

Eat where the locals eat

Just by avoiding touristy areas, you can save a lot on your meals. When you’re out, ask a few people where they recommend. They aren’t going to tell you they prefer a chain restaurant over their favorite local pub. The food is likely more authentic than those that you can find right near tourist attractions, making it cheaper, because it’s local and not shipped in from a different country.

Make lunch your main meal

If you really want to try one of the “hip” restaurants by a celebrity chef, make reservations for lunch. The food will be just as good, but it’s usually much cheaper at lunch than at dinner. 

Hit up the food carts

Food carts can have a huge variety of different local and international foods, but can be half the price of (or less) than dining at a sit-down restaurant. With this kind of savings, you can try fare from several carts with no regrets.

Rent a vacation home or stay in a hotel with a kitchen(ette)

This is a great way to stretch a food budget, because there are so many options. Renting can be a great value over hotel stays if you’ll be visiting for a week or more, plus it gives you the chance to check out the local grocery store. If you aren’t a big breakfast person, instead of eating out for that meal, shop for new cereals and pastries that you can’t get at home. There’s never a better time to try new foods!

Stay at a hotel that offers free breakfast

You don’t realize how much dining out can cost until you go on vacation. A reasonable breakfast can cost between $8-15 per person. If you multiply that by the number of people you’re traveling with and the number of days you’ll be staying, that number can be huge. If you find a hotel in your price range that offers free breakfast, you’ve hit a jackpot of savings.

Sign up for Groupon

Groupon is an amazing little site that offers daily deals on a wide assortment of things, not least of which is dining. Each day a new offer goes up at a big discount off the regular price. Dining certificates can be purchased quite often and many times you can grab a half-off gift certificate to a new local restaurant or one just trying to bring in new customers. It works! Sign up at Groupon for the destination of your next vacation (they cover many international locations as well as the United States) and eat for less!

Don’t order off the kids' menu

If you travel with children, you’ll notice that all kids' menus seem to have the same small rotation of foods. Obviously, little ones don’t just live on hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets and PB&J sandwiches. Not only do they charge an outrageous amount for these “staples” that cost hardly anything to make, but they offer hardly any nutritional value and your kids are likely to eat only half of it before declaring they’re full. Instead, order a meal that you both will eat and share. This saves you money and might get them to eat a vegetable or two.

This is just a small list of things you can do to help stretch your food budget on your future trips, but they can save you quite a bit. Remember, the more money you save on meals, the more money you can spend on doing something else!


How do you like to save money on your vacation meals?