- Plan ahead... if you must.
Planning is for those who still believe in unicorns and wishful thinking. But if you insist, start your agonizing planning process as early as possible. This gives you more time to regret your life choices and scour the internet for the perfect accommodations, which will inevitably disappoint you anyway.
- Choose a 'family-friendly' destination.
Here's a radical idea: consider your kids' interests for a change. Pick a place where they won't whine incessantly, ideally somewhere close to home so you can minimize the endless hours of torture known as 'travel time.'
- Book 'family-friendly' accommodations.
Look for accommodations that claim to be 'family-friendly,' because nothing says 'good times' like sharing a hotel hallway with screaming toddlers at 3 a.m. Alternatively, book a spacious self-catering apartment or house to give yourself the illusion of control and space.
- Pack light (and wish for the best).
Packing light with children is like trying to juggle flaming swords – it sounds great in theory, but it's destined for disaster. Bring everything you think you'll need, and then some, because who can predict the whims of a tiny human?
- Stock up on snacks and drinks.
Children are always hungry and thirsty, so don't forget to pack enough snacks and drinks to supply a small army. These might help keep the little devils at bay, at least for a few minutes.
- Take frequent breaks... or else.
Kids have attention spans shorter than a gnat's sneeze, so be prepared for pit stops throughout the day. This prevents them from reaching maximum meltdown potential. Find a park, or somewhere to escape the chaos. Good luck with that.
- Embrace the chaos.
Face it: things will never go according to your meticulously crafted plan. So be flexible and change it when the going gets tough. And it will get tough.
- Fun? Who needs it?
Traveling with children is about as fun as a root canal. But try to choose activities and attractions that everyone can tolerate. And don't forget to capture all the misery in photos and videos for future laughs and therapy sessions.
Additional Survival Tips from a Grumpy Old Man:
- Pack a first-aid kit, because someone's bound to scrape a knee or have a nervous breakdown.
- Bring a travel pillow and blanket for your kid, so they can sleep through your never-ending road trip symphony.
- Always have a spare set of clothes for your child – accidents happen, and you'll need them for yourself too.
- Pack a favorite toy or activity for your child, because if they're not entertained, you'll hear about it. Endlessly.
- Warn your child about the trip, or don't – it doesn't matter; they'll still be miserable.
- Let your child pretend they're helping plan the trip. It'll keep them busy for about five minutes.
- Remember to embrace patience and understanding, because you're going to need a lot of both. Traveling with children is like a rollercoaster with no safety harness – terrifying and exhilarating.
By begrudgingly following these tips, you may survive your family vacation and even, against all odds, have a glimmer of fun amidst the chaos. Good luck, you brave souls!
