Traveling with kids is no easy feat, but sometimes a little money can go a long way. We know a vacation might already be a splurge for some, but when you are traveling as a family, there are a few things that are well worth the extra cash.
Here are eight splurges you won’t regret making when traveling with the kids.
Travel in General
If you’ve been putting off travel due to health and safety concerns, we get it! But rather than buying non-essential items like toys or throwing elaborate birthday parties for the kids, perhaps it’s time to reprioritize and make an investment in meaningful and safe travel experiences for your family.
Studies show that travel is a worthwhile investment for your health and happiness. Sharing such experiences with children provides them with an opportunity to expand their worldview, pick up new languages, appreciate different cultures, and learn important soft skills like flexibility and decision-making. Don’t think of paying for a family trip as something you spend money on but rather as something you invest in.
You can also find amazing deals on travel sites like Expedia and Booking.com, which allow you to bundle what you need for more savings.
Direct Flights
Though there is such a thing as a family-friendly airport, let’s face it: You don’t want to spend your precious vacation time getting to your destination. Sometimes you can save a few bucks if you’re willing to take a more circuitous route that includes layovers. But if the price difference isn’t going to break the bank, then book direct flights instead.
Alternatively, know what airports are notorious for delayed or canceled flights at certain times of the year (we’re looking at you, New England in the winter) and pay more if it means you can avoid these airports as part of your route.
Check out sites like Skyscanner and Kayak that let you set price alerts and will notify you of any price changes to help you book the cheapest ticket.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of those purchases you hope you never have to use, but pays itself back tenfold when you do. Whether you miss a flight, get sick or injured, or lose your luggage, having insurance can help sort out whatever threatens to ruin your trip.
You can purchase travel insurance from a number of sources — directly from airlines, travel-related providers like AAA, and travel insurance companies, like AXA, for example. Find out what is available to you and appropriate for your situation.
Decent Accommodations
Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important while traveling as it is when you’re at home. Choose accommodations that allow for ample room for all your family members and their needs. This may mean paying for two adjoining hotel rooms so the teens can spread out, or even renting a home via Airbnb or Vrbo so there’s a family room where you can all relax.
Plus, many hotels provide ammenities like cribs, childproofing, strollers, and more.
Luggage
You don’t need to spend a fortune for a good suitcase, but don’t buy anything with questionable seams and zippers that tear out at first use. Luggage is constantly bumped, jostled, thrown, stuffed and man-handled. The last thing you need to be doing on your family getaway is trying to find duct tape to hold your belongings together.
When you shop for luggage, consider what you need and do a thorough job researching your options. Read reviews carefully, and pay a bit more for a quality piece of luggage. When it comes to kids luggage we love, the Logan Suitcase from State Bags and the JetKids Bed Box from Stokke.
That Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
If you are given the chance to knock something off your family’s bucket list, then do it. It’s not every day that you and your kids can snorkel off the beaches of Belize or ride in a hot-air balloon above the Serengeti. You may never have this opportunity again. Spend. The. Money.
These are the moments you will look back on for years to come. You’re not going to reminisce the same way about an expensive pair of jeans.
Here are some amazing experience booking sites:
An Interactive Experience
There is value in wandering around your destination at your own leisure, discovering the ins and outs as you see fit. But you may also be missing an opportunity to really get to know a place if you’re just skimming the surface.
Consider signing up for a cooking or arts and crafts class as a family, or look into a volunteer opportunity where you’re staying. Although tours sometimes get a bad rap, there are exceptional, family-friendly guided tours that provide a deeper context of a place (and they often let you skip the lines at the most crowded tourist destinations). Read reviews before you go to find out what the best options are for your family, keeping in mind the ages and interests of your kids.
Some tour companies to consider:
Memorable Photos
Taking memorable photos is one way to make vacation memories last a lifetime. Sure, you likely have a smartphone to help capture candid shots, but splurging on a professional camera is a great way to ensure that your photos are gorgeous and frame-worthy. We love the Canon PowerShot because it’s easy to use and takes great-quality photos.
If photography isn’t your thing, you can download all your vacation photos onto a site like Shutterfly and create a vacation photo book to look back on.
Take-Anywhere Baby Gear
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Whether it’s a great stroller, a baby carrier, or a made-for-travel high chair, this specially designed gear will help you be ready and equipped for any type of trip. Right now we’re loving the Rialto Booster Chair by Peg Perego, which folds up into a small, flat bag and is so light, it’s perfect for bringing along on car trips, camping trips, or that Caribbean vacay you’ve been counting down to for months.
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Mom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
