Holiday Travel: Creating Family Memories Through Travel

Holiday Travel: Creating Family Memories Through Travel

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. Many families are making their travel plans so they can be with extended family members at some point during the holidays. If you have not traveled before and have family that lives far away consider taking a family vacation this holiday season. The holidays are a nice time to travel because kids have vacation from school and parents often have time off of work. Here are some tips to creating family memories through travel this holiday season.

Prepare Your Family

If you will be visiting family that your children have never met or haven't seen in years try to help prepare your children for what to expect. One simple idea is to show photos of the family you will be visiting. Tell stories of memories you have of visiting these relatives when you were young. Prepare the kids for the level of activity the relatives will be able to manage. If you are visiting older relatives try to explain what to expect. For example, "Grandma uses a walker to get around. We have to be careful not to trip her. If we give her a little time she can get where she is going without a problem."  By providing your family appropriate expectations you will make the visit go more smoothly.

Prepare the Family You are Visiting

If you will be visiting family members that haven't been around kids in awhile give them an example of a typical day. What time do the kids get up? What do they like to eat throughout the day? What is the typical bedtime routine? Set their expectation for what it will be like having your family as guests.

If you have a child with special needs be sure to include details that will be help your relatives be understanding. For example, if you know loud noises will be upsetting for your child let family members know this in advance. This way they can help ensure exposure to loud noise is minimized during the visit.

In addition, think about what things would you like to have taken care of before you arrive. For example, you may request that all medicine be put in an out of reach location before you arrive. Are there other things you would like the hosts to take care of in advance to make the visit more manageable for the entire family?

With advance planning and communication a family vacation to visit relatives this holiday season will be pleasurable and memorable. Contact us for additional travel tips.