8 Travel Tips for Vacationing with Younger Grandchildren

Traveling can be a great way to keep in touch with your grandparenting duties. Whether you are an aunt, uncle, or grandparent, here are a few tips on how to prepare for a trip with the grandkids, especially if they are little ones that are seven years or younger. The most important thing to remember is that you are always in charge. Also, these younger kids may challenge and test your patience. Just remember that you love them and that they really can't help it sometimes! By following the tips in this article, you can create a trip that is fun and safe for everyone.

Try These Tips to Have a Great Vacation With Your Grandchildren!

1. Be Flexible With the Schedule

   While traveling with grandchildren can be a rewarding experience, it is important to take the time to plan for the trip. Then, when you're on the trip, you also have to keep in mind that traveling with children affects your schedule differently than traveling alone or with peers your age. Children have different needs and can't be expected to be responsible for keeping track of time. You'll run late at times, and it's important to build that into your agenda. Don't overschedule so you won't be stressed when your planning for the day is off schedule. It's crucial to make sure that the time spent is quality time for the whole family. This is made easier by intentionally building flexibility into your daily travel agenda. 

2. Have Medical Info and Be Prepared for an Emergency

   It is vital to take steps to prepare for any potential emergencies. If you will be taking your younger grandchildren on a vacation or road trip, make sure you have all the essential information like emergency contacts, doctors' information, parents' phone numbers, food allergies, drug allergies, and any other important info. It only takes one incident to potentially ruin an otherwise great trip. Simple precautions like this can help to quickly resolve a bad situation and get you back on track with all the fun you have planned! 

3. Bring Plenty of Snacks and Fun

   If you are going on a trip with your grandkids, it is important to prepare and ensure that the kids have something to do. Bring plenty of snacks in your carry-on bag. When traveling, there will be long gaps between meals, and an experience can be ruined if everyone is too hungry. So pack a few healthy snacks to help everyone stay happy and energized through the fun activities you have planned.

   Be sure to pack books, games, and knick-knacks to keep them entertained too. Even cards and on-the-go board games are great ideas and will keep them away from a screen. On a long car ride, waiting for a plane, or any other period of downtime during the trip, you'll be glad you packed something fun for everyone.

4. Set a Budget

   Make sure to count how many days you will be on vacation with your grandchildren and create a daily budget and a total budget for the trip. This is important because it will allow you to stick to a budget and ensure that the trip is well planned. If you do not have a budget, you may be tempted to spend more than you should and then cut back on spending once you are back at home. It's easy when you are traveling with grandchildren to want to spoil them and keep everyone happy. However, you'll be surprised how quickly souvenirs, desserts, and other little expenses can add up when you're not keeping track! Stick to the budget and you'll be glad you did. 
   
   Click here to learn about helpful tools and apps to create and track your budget!

5. Help Create the Packing List

   You probably have a few trips planned this summer or even in the winter, but if you're not quite sure about what to pack for the trip with the grandkids, here are a few more tips. Packing for the trip with the grandkids can be challenging and stressful if you're not sure what to bring. Here are a few items that should be on everyone's packing list:

   • Blankets and pillows to keep everyone comfortable during the trip

   • A few games to play in the car

   • Snacks

   • Sunscreen/bug spray if applicable

   • Swimming suits - You don't want to be the one telling your grandkids they can't go swimming because you forgot your swimsuits!

   • Extra clothing

6. Take Plenty of Photos

   There are many ways to prepare for a trip with the grandkids, but here are a few more tips. For example, do not forget to take plenty of photos! Make sure you don't forget a good camera. You'll never want to forget the precious memories you will make with your grandkids. They grow up fast! Capture their smiles, remember their laughter and make sure you capture all the fun with a good camera. Of course, it's best to take photos of the whole family together, but you should also get pictures of your grandkids by themselves. That way, you can see how much they've grown! These photos will be treasured for years to come.

7. Plan an Activity That They're Interested In

   Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time with your grandkids. If you can find explorer-type museums or water parks, little kids love these places, and it will be easy to keep them entertained. If you're not sure, simply ask them! They might have a great idea that hadn't yet crossed your mind, like going to the zoo or playing mini-golf! 

8. Give Yourself Plenty of Time to Pack

   It's inevitable. Grandparents are going to be grandparents, and they're going to want to take their grandkids on a trip. Whether it's an annual family vacation or just a weekend getaway, there are a few things to remember when you're planning your trip with your grandkids. Again, we mentioned this earlier, but you will need to bring some good old-fashioned patience with you. Take deep breaths when it gets too loud or when diapers need to be changed too often. Remember that you love them dearly!

I am a senior citizen and have been taking care of my grandchildren for their whole lives. They are now grown up and have kids of their own. I love my great-grandkids and take time to take them on different adventures. One of the best things about being a grandparent is the memories you make that will last a lifetime.

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