Travelling with a large family can be hard, but it is worth the challenge. The following are tips on making the most of out travelling with a large family group.
Carve out Time for Each Child Individually
Kids naturally crave attention from their parents. When a child is part of a big family they are constantly having to share their parent’s attention with their siblings. It is difficult enough to do this at home, but often times on vacation this problem becomes magnified. To avoid jealousy and bickering over attention, try to carve out some one-on-one time with at least one parent during the trip. The larger the family, the more difficult this will be but even if you have to take two kids on an outing away from the rest of the family, it will be worth it.
Plan Your Meals
When traveling with a large family, food expenses add up quickly. Before you leave for your trip, search for the closest grocery store to your hotel or AirBnB. When you arrive, pick up snacks, drinks, breakfast and lunch foods. This trip will end up saving you money throughout the week on food. If your room doesn’t have a mini-fridge, many times you can request one in advance and the hotel staff will have one brought to your room. Having food handy when your kids are hungry does wonders for overall mood and happiness. By planning on eating only dinner on the go, you will save money that you can then spend on creating fun family memories instead!
Pack Well
Packing for an entire family is a very daunting task. Make a list for each family member. Every member’s needs are different. A carry on suitcase is typically the perfect size for a child to pack all of their items. It fits a week’s worth of clothes, several pairs of shoes and toiletries. If your children want to pack their own suitcases, allow them to, but always double check before taking off!
Taking a trip with your large family can be a positive experience but you need to put in the work ahead of time to make it so. Before the trip, be sure to pack efficiently. Research the food options closest to where you will be staying and stock up when you arrive. This will prevent you from wasting money on fast food throughout the day. Be sure to carve out time for each child while on the trip. These tips can make any trip better!
