I love a good quote (and bet you do, too). I get excited whenever I find a sentiment that’s perfectly expressed. There’s something universal about a good quote.

That’s what I sought when hunting for these staycation quotes. They’ll make you look forward to spending more time at home. The quotes will change your perspective on what is possible with a staycation. They’ll give you staycation ideas, too!

But first: If you’re not familiar with this term, here’s how I define staycation: A staycation is time you spend at home or near home with the intention of creating a restful, exceptional or memorable experience.

In other words, staycations get you the wonderful feelings of a vacation—without traveling far.

Take as many staycations as you want!

Now that we’re all on board with how awesome staycations can be, it’s time to get excited! You can plan staycations anytime. Take a few days off work or take advantage of a plan-free weekend. Without the expense of flights, gas or hotels, you can take as many staycations as you want every year.

Here I’m sharing my favorite staycation quotes. Below, you’ll find inspiration, ideas and even permission to let everything go and simply do nothing. Feel free to use these staycation quotes for Instagram captions, too!

And while you’re looking for inspiration, check out my latest book for staycation ideas!

Quotes for Staycation Inspiration

“Sometimes, home has a heartbeat.” -Beau Taplin

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” -Milton Berle

“Some people look for a beautiful place. Others make a place beautiful.” -Hazrat Inayat Khan

“No matter where you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” -Anthony J. D’Angelo

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.” ― Mason Cooley

“We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already.” -J.K. Rowling

Staycation Quotes about the Comfort of Home

“Home is where the heart is.” -Pliny the Elder

“He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” –Jane Austen

“There is no place more delightful than one’s own fireplace.” –Cicero

“Home is a shelter from storms.” -William J. Bennett

Staycation Quotes about Stillness

“Simply wait, be quiet, still. The world will freely offer itself to you.” -Franz Kafka

“Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.” -Eyen A. Gardner

“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward.” -Spanish proverb

“Rest until you feel like playing, then play until you feel like resting, period. Never do anything else.” -Martha Beck

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” — Rumi

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.” -Robert Orben

Returning Home Quotes

“Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world to do great things and then welcome us back for refreshment.” –Melissa Michaels

“The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” –Wendy Wunder

“Every traveller has a home of his own, and he learns to appreciate it the more from his wandering.” –Charles Dickens

“A man travels all over the world in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.” -George Moore

Couples Staycation Quotes

“So I’m going home/Back to the place where I belong/And where your love has always been enough for me.” -Daughtry

“We were together. All else has been long forgotten by me.” -Walt Whitman

“Home is wherever I’m with you.” -Edward Sharpe

“When we have each other, we have everything.”

“At night I dream that you and I are two plants that grew together, roots entwined, and that you know the earth and the rain like my mouth, since we are made of earth and rain.” -Pablo Neruda

“Together is a beautiful place to be.” -Nubya Garcia

Are you feeling inspired by these staycation quotes? Do you have some to share? Please let me know in the comments below.

PS – Don’t forget to buy your e-book or paperback of 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids. If you’re looking for fun family activities, I’m betting you’ll agree with the many readers who made the book a #1 Amazon Bestseller: These staycation ideas are fun, inexpensive and unforgettable.

The post Staycation Quotes: 27 Inspiring Quotations for Your Next At-Home Vacation appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Planning a staycation doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t have to spend hours researching or prepping. No need to spend a ton of money.

In fact, a family staycation is one of the most budget-friendly travel options you can find.

And since you don’t have to spend the time traveling (no TSA lines!) or the money on lodging, you can focus even more on what’s important: spending time together. These staycation ideas are perfect for making memories together!

So what are you waiting for? Read on for the ideas and tips you need to plan an unforgettable family staycation.

Staycation meaning??!

First, let’s define staycation.

A common staycation definition is this: A vacation taken without traveling far from home.

I use the staycation meaning in a similar but subtly different way. When I define staycation, I think of a mindset more than a list of specific things to do on staycation.

That means that you don’t actually have to stay at home. Consider day trips, excursions, outings, activities—basically anything that gives you the feel-good buzz of a vacation without having to spend the night away from home.

I’ve been thinking about at-home vacations a ton lately—so much so that I wrote a book about it! 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids is full of fresh ideas and experiences for family weekend ideas. (Of course you can use these staycation ideas any day of the week!) Download the e-book or order your paperback by clicking the image below:

Now that you’re all jazzed about the idea of getting the benefits of a vacation—without having to research or pay for lodging and plane tickets—read on for planning a staycation.

1. Get staycation supplies

No matter if you’re planning a staycation in your neighborhood or a town several hours away, you’ll need some basic supplies.

The good news is this core list of things to bring applies for just about any family staycation you plan! Make sure to bring:

• Hand sanitizer and wipes
• Extra masks
• Water
• Sunscreen
• First-aid kit
• Optional: 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids

These are likely things you have handy anyway. If you want to be ready to go on a family staycation at the drop of a hat, keep these supplies together in a small bag or kit. That way you can grab it and go!

In addition, make sure you do these things before you leave the house:

1. Fully charge your phone
2. Fill your car’s gas tank
3. Let someone know where you’re going and what you plan to do
4. Check the weather

2. Adopt an adventurous attitude

Like so much in life, the right attitude can make or break a fun staycation.

If you go into it thinking it’s going to be lame, your expectations will come true!

If, however, you start a staycation by thinking of it as an adventure—well, then you’ll get yourself an adventure. (Don’t just take it from me, though; check out this Amazon review of my staycation book.)

So how do you adopt the right attitude for the staycation?

So don’t think of a staycation as a runner up. It’s not something you settle for because you’re not traveling at the moment. Rather, it’s an opportunity to experience and explore the area near you in a whole new way!

3. Approach a family staycation like a vacation

I have a question for you. What makes a vacation a vacation?

On vacation, you see new places and try new things. You treat yourself. You spend quality time with your loved ones.

The same can all be said for an at-home experience, as long as you approach planning a staycation with the right mindset!

As you decide on what to do in a staycation, keep in mind the feelings you get while traveling and the experiences you plan. Aim to recreate those at home.

For example, let’s say one of your recent family trips involved horseback riding on the beach. You don’t have to duplicate that—in fact, you may not live anywhere near the ocean!

Instead, hunt for the feeling and experience underneath that activity.

You and your kids might have felt exhilaration while horseback riding. If that’s the case, look for an activity that would make you feel the same way.

If horseback riding on the beach was memorable because it was a new experience, look for something new to try as a family.

4. Plan fun things to do in a staycation

When you’re planning a staycation, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options. On the other hand, you might draw a blank of what to do in a staycation.

You can brainstorm fun family staycation ideas in these ways:

• By passions. Do your kids love one thing in particular? Whether it’s farm animals, emergency responders or dinosaurs (my kids’ favorite!), you can build a whole family staycation around a few activities.
• “I’ve always wanted to…” Are there things to do and places to go near you that you haven’t yet explored? Whether it’s visiting a local history museum or going antiquing in a nearby town, turn it into a staycation.
• Do a crawl. Pick a food or drink your whole crew loves. Then hit up the places that serve this goodness. Try it with donuts, french fries, smoothies or another favorite food. Visit several in a day (exploring the neighborhoods you visit, of course) and vote for your favorite.

If you’re having trouble coming up with fun staycation ideas, don’t worry! My book 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids is all the inspiration you need. In the book, I share staycation adventures and instructions to make them fun for everyone.

The book is for busy parents of elementary aged kids, helping you plan out of the box and unforgettable outings for the family. It’s stuffed full of ideas of things to do near home, no matter where you live. Click here or the image below to get your e-book or paperback copy!

5. Document your adventures

Are you as into documenting your travels as I am? I absolutely adore taking photos, making photo books and doing other projects to remember our trips together.

This doesn’t have to turn into a massive scrapbooking endeavor! Just make a point to take some photos (including ones with you in the frame). Collect items from your staycation adventure, from menus to fallen leaves. Draw or write a few sentences of something memorable from the activity.

Do these things with your kids’ involvement. They may get really into it!

I love this step of a staycation because it keeps the feel-good travel buzz going even after you return home. Plus, you can look back on whatever you create to remember your fun staycation!

What do you think? Are you ready to plan a family staycation? Remember, if you want all the fun without having to come up with ideas on your own, grab a copy of 50 Fun Staycation Adventures for Kids. Click to get yours today!

The post Fun Family Staycation: 5 Ways to Plan the Ultimate Vacation at Home appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

After all, the whole point of camping is to have fun. And sweating all night instead of sleeping is definitely not fun.

Try out one—or all!—of these camping in the heat hacks. I’m nearly positive you’ll learn something new by reading to the end.

Whenever you’re camping in hot weather, do yourself a favor and stay cool!

How to cool a tent without electricity

In my house, we’re pretty stingy about using the AC. When temperatures soar, though, we’re not opposed to cranking up the air—especially since we have two fluffy senior dogs who don’t do well in the heat.

It goes without saying, though, that we don’t do this while camping in hot weather. Many RVs have air conditioning, but we camp in a tent. That’s why we’ve worked out these ideas on how to cool a tent without electricity.

Sound too good to be true? It’s not! With these camping in the heat hacks, you’ll cool your tent without electricity—and make your hot weather camping much more comfortable.

Set up your tent in the shade

This tip sounds like a “duh” moment, but you’d be surprised by how many tents I see set up in the sun! That’s a big no-no for camping in hot weather.

Tents are basically greenhouses. You’re not trying to grow tropical plants, though! You want to keep your tent as cool as possible.

The very first step is to pick a shady spot. Find a tree and set up your tent in the shade, if possible.

If you have choices of trees, consider which way the sun will be moving. Afternoon sun is hotter than morning sun, so aim to set up your tent where it will be shaded after noon. This will be on the east side of a tree or other barrier.

Block the sun with a sun shade

This next camping in hot weather hack is so effective! Tie up a tarp or a reflective sun shade above your tent. This will block the sun’s rays from heating up your tent like an oven.

Tie corners of the tarp or sun shade to trees so the cover is a foot above the top of your tent. The space will ensure air can circulate between the tarp and your tent.

I recommend a long-lasting, UV-blocking sun shade like this one:

In fact, you should get two. Why? You can use one sun shade above your tent, then stretch out another to create a shady spot to hang out. It’s much nicer to eat at a picnic table that’s shady, and it helps with staying cool while camping!

Face your tent toward the breeze

You know when you’re watching pro golfers and they drop a pinch of grass in the air to see which way the wind is blowing? Channeling your inner PGA pro is optional, but follow their lead. Find out which way the breeze blows, then position your tent accordingly.

Not sure which way the wind is blowing? Use the grass trick, wet a finger with your tongue and hold it up to feel the breeze, or simply look at the weather app on your phone. It usually shows which way the wind is blowing.

You also might be camping in hot weather in a place where the wind typically goes in a given direction. This is especially common near bodies of water. The breeze usually blows inland off the ocean, and it’s common for wind to blow upriver in the afternoon (when weather is hottest).

Position your tent so the widest side with a mesh opening faces the breeze. That will get more air flow into your tent.

Use nature’s air conditioning for hot weather tent camping

You know from experience (or physics class) that hot air rises. You can use the same principle that keeps hot air balloons aloft to cool a tent without electricity or air conditioning.

Now that you’ve positioned your tent’s window, door or mesh wall toward the breeze, create another opening. Ideally this is a window, door or other mesh opening on the opposite side of the tent.

Open this window or door at the top, as high in the tent as you can.

This hack to cool a tent without electricity creates a vacuum or mini-wind tunnel. Cool air is blown in on one side. As the air heats, it is sucked out of the opposite opening.

Use this tip every time you go camping in hot weather!

Use ice + a fan while camping in hot weather

This hot weather tent camping tip does require batteries—but no electrical hookups. Start by buying a small battery-powered fan. I recommend one that’s small enough to easily fit in a tent but big enough to move a decent amount of air, like this one:

Depending on how long you’re camping, you’ll want to bring a small supply of batteries to power your fan.

Next, place a frozen ice pack or frozen jug of water in front and slightly below the fan. As the ice melts, the fan will blow cold air throughout the tent.

This camping in the heat hack has an important caveat, though. Make sure you have enough ice to keep your food cool. If not, obviously don’t take ice to cool a tent without electricity. Instead, you can do this same hack with a bucket of cold water (like from a nearby creek). I don’t recommend that for inside a tent, since it’s so easy to knock it over and soak the inside of your tent. You can do the cold water and fan trick while eating dinner, for example.

If you want to increase your chances of using this hack with ice from your cooler, make sure you read my post on how to properly pack a cooler.

Sleep on a cot

You know how you left a foot of space between the top of your tent and the sun shade? You can use the same air flow principles to sleep more comfortably while camping in hot weather.

Buy a lightweight cot to sleep on inside your tent. When you’re off the ground, air circulates below as well as above you. This keeps you cooler at night!

Some camping cots raise you just a few inches off the ground. That’s good enough to ensure you don’t sleep with a pine cone digging into your spine. It’s not enough for proper air circulation to cool you off, though.

That’s why I recommend a camping cot that keeps you higher off the ground, like this budget-friendly and reliable cot:

Now a cot won’t help you stay cool if you’re using a heavy-duty, freezing temperatures sleeping bag. You can buy hot weather sleeping bags or sleeping bag liners, but honestly you can just bring a sheet and sleep under that.

Remove the rain fly when camping in hot weather

If the weather forecast is dry—no thunderstorms on the horizon—take off your tent’s rain fly. Just as it keeps water out, it traps heat in. That’s not what you want when you’re camping in hot weather!

By taking off the rain fly, you’ll allow the hot air to escape through your tent’s mesh roof. And if you’ve set up a tent or sun shade, you’ll still be protected from any out-of-the-blue rain.

I’m dying to know: What other tips for hot weather tent camping can you offer? Let me know in the comments.

And don’t forget to pin this post for later!

The post 7 Tent Camping in Hot Weather Tips: Staying Cool While Camping Hacks appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Picking a destination for a multigenerational vacation can be tricky. You need activities that are fun for everyone. You need lodging that suits littles as well as Boomers. And you need a destination everyone is excited about.

Instead of wracking your brain for the best places to travel with grandparents, check out these phenomenal destinations. This post narrows down vacation spots to the ones that are just perfect for your extended family trip in the US.

Is your crew interested in the beach? Hiking? Fishing? National parks? Cities? Quaint towns? These 21 US travel recommendations have something for everyone.

Remember, if you’re feeling a bit intimidated by planning a trip with grandparents, check out my post with the must-know tips to plan a multigenerational vacation.

One final thing before you find the perfect travel destination for grandparents and grandchildren. If your trip involves driving, make sure you get this first: My book Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids shares 33 fun, customizable games and free printables that will keep everyone from toddlers to octogenarians entertained for hours. Make the time you spend driving just as memorable as the time in your destination by playing games!

Click the image below to get your copy in e-book or paperback!

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite tops many lists of the best places to travel in California, and for good reason. It features almost 1,200 square miles of staggering cliff faces and rock formations, towering waterfalls, and spectacular sequoia trees that have thrived over the past three millennia. And best of all, many of those stunning sights can be reached by easy and accessible roads and trails.

Traveling as a multigenerational group is not just about sight-seeing though, it’s about making family memories. After you’ve walked through some of Yosemite’s best family-friendly trails like Lower Yosemite Falls, Cook’s Meadow, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, consider exploring the park from a different perspective.

Take in the views of El Capitan from Cathedral Beach while the kids splash in the Merced River, or get a raft and float through Yosemite Valley together. Experience Glacier Point at sunset or picnic away from the Valley crowds at Tenaya Lake. If it’s snowing, strap on some snowshoes and enjoy having El Cap Meadow all to yourselves. And whatever the season, make time for a family photo at Tunnel View!

When planning a Yosemite trip for a larger group, the number of options and promise of crowds can feel a bit overwhelming. Consider booking a guided tour with Yosemite Family Adventures, a local outfitter that specializes in helping multigenerational families see Yosemite beyond the shuttle loop. Leave the driving and planning to them, and simply enjoy the moments together.

While there are many wonderful resorts outside the park boundaries, a vacation rental inside the park can be a memorable experience in and of itself. Rent a large house for the whole family in Yosemite West or Foresta and never worry about waiting in line at the park’s entrance gates.

For even more details and recommendations, read my guide to Yosemite for families!

Kristy Esparza is the founder of JJ & The Bug, a site all about active family travel and encouraging families to spend outdoor time together.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Plymouth, Massachusetts offers a mix of relaxing beach time, water activities, and a solid dose of history! That makes it one of the best places to travel with grandparents. Plymouth is a small town on Cape Cod Bay, which makes it is easy to drive in and out of, because you are not on the actual arm of the Cape.

In Plymouth Harbor you’ll find lots of restaurants, ice cream places, and of course Plymouth Rock itself! As you walk uphill into village historic district you’ll find more places to eat, shop, and grab a coffee. There’s plenty of parking near the harbor.

Plymouth is a lot of fun for multi-generational family trips. Younger travelers can enjoy kayaking or deep-sea fishing, while older travelers relax on the beach. The harbor area is easy to enjoy with limited walking, and is flat and easy to navigate. More active family members can explore farther, including tastings at the Dirty Water Distillery or Second Wind Brewery, both in easy walking distance of the harbor.

Plymouth Rock is the iconic rock where the pilgrim stepped ashore from their ship the Mayflower in 1620. There’s a portico built around the rock, but no charge to view it. Climb the stairs across from the stone to see the statue of Massasoit, leader of the Wampanoag at the top of the hill. The Wampanoag people were native to the area.

Other historical attractions in Plymouth include Plimoth Plantation, which recreates the original Plimoth settlement (spelling changed later), as well as a Wampanoag settlement. You can climb aboard a recreation of the Mayflower at Pilgrim Memorial State Park.

The ocean around Plymouth is actually Cape Cod Bay, so it’s protected, calm and family friendly. You’ll find plenty of seashells at low tide, and even the smallest kids will enjoy the water. Beachfront rentals in surrounding towns including Monomet allow access to quiet private beaches and all the amenities of Plymouth. The town itself has terrific lodging, too.

The best time to visit Plymouth is in the summer. The weather will be dry and warm, perfect for spending days on the beach, eating lobster dinners outside and taking a kayak out on the water. Easy day trips from Plymouth include taking the ferry Provincetown from the harbor, or driving to Woods Hole to take the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.

Driving to Plymouth? Don’t miss A Road Trip with Kids and Toddlers: 20+ Tips to Survive and Thrive!

Cynthia shares tip for traveling the world with kids at Sharing the Wander.

Oahu, Hawaii

The Hawaiian island of Oahu is an incredible choice for multigenerational travel. It offers a wide range of activities that will appeal to all ages and interests. There’s plenty to keep the whole family busy on a trip with grandparents for several weeks if you have the time!

The other Hawaiian islands are almost exclusively focused on active outdoor adventures: beach time, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, surfing and more. Oahu offers all of those activities, of course. If your entire multigenerational travel group is full of adrenaline junkies they won’t be disappointed. 

But for grandparents who want lower-key activities mixed in with the outdoors, Oahu truly delivers. Our own two grandmas joined us on Oahu for two weeks and loved the variety added by experiences like visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center, touring Iolani Palace, enjoying top-notch shopping in Honolulu, paying their respects at Pearl Harbor, sampling coffee at a local farm and learning more about the islands’ natural and cultural history at the Bishop Museum. There are so many wonderful historical and cultural institutions that we couldn’t even visit them all!

In considering where to stay on Oahu for a multigenerational trip, I recommend looking for a large vacation rental on the lush Windward Coast or on the North Shore. Those areas are far more tranquil than busy Honolulu or resort-heavy Ko Olina; you’ll feel like you’re in Hawaii. You’ll need to rent a car, but driving isn’t any worse than most major US cities and the flexibility to explore the entire island at your own pace is priceless.

Melissa lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids and shares their adventures on thefamilyvoyage.com.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is a coastal retreat that’s easy to love as a multigenerational vacation destination, thanks to its pristine sandy beaches, vibrant murals, a three-mile long boardwalk. This family-friendly destination also has lots to do outside, from hiking and biking at state parks to paddling coastal waterways in search of bottlenose dolphins and river otters.

Plan to stroll the boardwalk or go horseback riding on the beach. Either way, a selfie with 34-foot-tall King Neptune at the 31st Street beach entrance is an absolute must. The horse corral is located at 31st street, as is a small playground. At one end of the boardwalk (on 2nd Street), the 15,000-square-foot Grommet Island Beach Park is a must-go spot to let the grandchildren burn off energy on climbing structures and slides.

Walk the ViBe Creative District to see dozens of colorful murals, including the “Greetings from Virginia Beach” mural at The Beach Bully on 19th Street. Make a stop at Lolly’s Creamery for an ice cream cone or cup (even a quart). The scoop shop tempts with flavors on rotation like Cotton Candy and Cookie Monster. The creamery is also less than three blocks from the beach.

Off the beach, enjoy an easy-going hike at First Landing State Park, the most-visited state park in Virginia. The Bald Cypress Trail guides visitors across a freshwater cypress swamp that wows with curious bald cypress trees with knobby “knees.” Make one last stop at Mount Trashmore, a popular city park that was once an abandoned landfill. It’s also a top spot to fly a kite as a family.

Erin Gifford writes about family travel and outdoor recreation at Go Hike Virginia and recently wrote her first guidebook on hiking with kids in Virginia. 

Zion National Park and Southern Utah

Southern Utah is a fantastic spot for a multi-generational trip. With gorgeous sites like Zion National Park and even more state parks, there is plenty to do for the whole family. Plus, there are ample accommodation options that are ideal for a larger group—finding an affordable 4+ bedroom house is a breeze! When planning your trip, consider a home base in St. George or Hurricane. Both will have hotels and vacation rental properties at all price points as well as lots of dining and retail options. 

If you’re planning to visit in the warmer months, consider also adding Sand Hollow State Park to your list. With gorgeous red-sand beaches surrounded by more red rocks, it feels out of this world! Pack a picnic lunch, find a beach spot and enjoy a family day. Boats and kayaks can also be rented if you need more entertainment. 

Be sure you give Zion National Park at least one day on your itinerary. With a multi-generational group, park in the Visitor Lot (South entrance), take the park shuttle to Temple of Sinawava and do the easy Riverside Walk. This trail is suitable for both strollers and wheelchairs and will lead you to the famous site, The Narrows. Be sure to stop at the Zion Lodge on your way back to the parking lot for a souvenir stop and for delicious soft serve ice cream cones.

Want more details? Read about what to do in Southern Utah.

Kristina Bullock shares her tips for family travel on Million Miler Mom.

La Jolla, California

La Jolla, California is an easygoing beach town located a few minutes outside of San Diego. The laid back vibe lends itself perfectly to a trip with young children and grandparents.  

The cute downtown area has tons of cute shops and restaurants that appeal to all ages.

The beach area, La Jolla Cove, boasts seven miles of coastline with crashing waves, jagged rocks, and white sand beaches. The coves are fun to explore and relatively easy to access. There are some amazing hikes to enjoy as well.   

Active family members can participate in beach activities that makes La Jolla great for a multigenerational trip, including kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling. Those who do not wish to participate can watch from the beach.

Above all else, La Jolla is special because of the wild seals and sea lions who have claimed the area as their own.  You cannot swim with or touch them, but you can stand within feet of them on the bluffs. The animals have spent enough time with cell phone cameras in their faces to know that humans are not much of a threat. Watching them provides hours of entertainment for all ages.  

In addition to the sea lions and seals, you can often see whales during their migration. 

Adriane, a blogger with Put on Your Party Pants (and Keep Them on Until 8pm), writes about planning and saving on family travel.

Sanibel Island, Florida

With over 270 days of sunshine a year, Sanibel Island, Florida is an ideal destination for families.

With only one road on and off the island, Sanibel’s secluded location limits the number of overnight travelers who want a simpler holiday. That said however, there are plenty of things to do for a perfect multi-generational vacation every member of the family will love.

Sanibel is renowned for its shelling. Seashells wash ashore by the thousands, each more perfect than the last — it’s almost enough to keep everyone glued to the beach from sunrise to sunset! If you want to learn more about the sea, kids and adults will love spending a fun and educational day at the Sanibel Sea School.

A dedicated bike path runs the length of Sanibel island, so a bicycle or golf cart ride is always in order. For hiking and paddling adventures, rent a canoe or kayak and explore the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Preserve, where you’ll see manatees, herons, bald eagles, and even an alligator or two.

Sanibel and Captiva are also surrounded by smaller barrier islands of Florida like North Captiva and Cabbage Key which are accessible only by boat. Taking a boat tour for lunch and a day of exploring is something the whole family will enjoy.

There’s no shortage of family-friendly restaurants on Sanibel as well, and dessert at the Bubble Room on nearby Captiva will make memories that last a lifetime.

If your family is longing for a vacation celebrating the simpler things, Sanibel Island Florida should be your next destination.

Lori Sorrentino lives in SWFL and is the founder and editor of the Naples Florida Travel Guide, the traveler’s resource for Naples, Fort Myers, Sanibel, and all of southwest Florida.

The Catskills, New York

The Catskills have always been a beloved back to nature getaway. It’s only 90 minutes from New York City but you might as well be a world away. There’s magic here in all seasons for all ages! We’ve been vacationing in the Catskills for 15 years, first as a couple and now as a family who often brings grandparents along. They tell us all stories how they used to come here in their 20s and 30s too!

It’s no secret that the Catskills feature fantastic skiing at Hunter Mountain and Windham Resort. Stay on property for the ultimate ski-in/ski-out convenience and amenities. We stay at Kaatskill Mountain Club, the home of our timeshare. After a day of multi generation skiing, we love to relax in their hot tubs, heated pool, and large condo-like rooms perfectly sized for a large group. 

What does surprise some people is that the Catskills also a perfect getaway for extended family outside of ski season too! A visit to the infamous Kaaterskill Falls is a must-do. Thanks to a new paved trail, people of all abilities can see the tallest waterfall in New York State Park at the Laurel House Rd lot and follow the quarter-mile walk to the viewing platform. Multiple hiking trails intersect there with options for both grandparents and young kids. 

About 5 minutes from Laurel House Road, is the entrance to “America’s First Wilderness,” North South Lake State Park. This 1,000 acre preserve is one of those rare attractions that has something for all ages and all interest groups. This state park has two lakes, a beach, history, fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding and easy hiking to some of the best views and spots this region has to offer— all for $8 a car entry fee! 

After fun filled days, check out Tannersville, NY Main Street. This charming town is home to fantastic restaurants, shops, art galleries, performance spaces and theaters. 

Monica writes about timeshare vacation tips & tricks, NYC Metro Area trips & activities, and frugal, yet rich, living at PlannerAtHeart.com.

Seattle and the Olympic National Park, Washington

If you’re looking for a place to travel with grandparents, check out Seattle, WA and take a family road trip to the Olympic Peninsula!

Start your multigenerational trip in Seattle. The city is home to great shopping, food, fun, and unique places to visit. There is so much to see and do that will satisfy everyone on a grandparents-friendly trip. Do not miss the iconic Pike Place Market and its famous Gum Wall.

Seattle’s Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world. If you are visiting during sports seasons, join in the excitement at a Seahawks or Mariners game. Also, do not forget to find the Fremont Troll underneath the north end of the Aurora Bridge. It is not a visit to Seattle without enjoying a panoramic view of Seattle and Puget Sound from the observation deck at the top of the Space Needle.

Three hours from Seattle is the breathtaking Olympic National Park. Book a stay at Kalaloch Lodge for a couple of days while you explore the area. You will fall in love with Ruby Beach, one of the most rugged and beautiful beaches in Washington.

The sea stacks, the weathered wood, and the wildlife will take your breath away. The beach is a beautiful spot to walk and enjoy the charm of PNW nature. Tide pooling at Ruby Beach is a great way for everyone to spend time together. It is always exciting for adults and kids alike to find interesting and colorful creatures.

Debbie Fettback is the voice behind WorldAdventurists.com, a blog dedicated to family travel adventures.

Miami, Florida

One of the best places for multigenerational travel is Miami, and it isn’t just because of its fame as a must-visit holiday destination!

While the weather in Miami makes it quite convenient for most of the year, its beaches, restaurants and the wide variety of options that serve almost every type of traveler make this destination great for families.

If you’re looking for laid-back travel with grandparents, there are numerous resorts where you can have a super relaxing holiday. However, if you’re looking to be a little more active and the family enjoys activities, there’s Wynwood Walls full of colouful murals that are perfect for spending about half a day and even grabbing a bite here.

The Art Deco District with about 800 buildings built in the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival and Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style is another option to explore for art and architecture lovers.

Miami Seaquarium and Zoo are ideal if your family loves wildlife. If your family is into history, there’s the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Your kids will have fun exploring Miami’s Children’s Museum, too.

If your kids and the grandparents prefer outdoor activities, there are speedboat rides, you can ride a bike through South Beach or even opt for kiteboarding and snorkelling.

Foodies can rest assured that there are many cuisine options available, like Cuban feasts in Little Havana and cuisines like Peruvian, Mediterranean and Caribbean being just a few on offer in all of Miami! So when you plan this vacation with grandparents, don’t forget to bring your appetites!

Lavinia is a travel writer, speaker and web designer. She loves photography and writes mostly about food and travel.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the best places to travel with grandparents because it is one of the most versatile cities in the world. The big attraction, of course, is the 24/7 gambling scene. Casinos in Vegas are truly next level, with plush seats and ergonomic table and slot machine heights that are easy on the joints for long use. However, if gambling isn’t your family’s scene (and know that children aren’t allowed to stop and watch grown-ups gamble), Vegas also has a more subtle side. 

The Neon Museum and the Mob Museum are two visitor favorites, and they both give an informative but engaging tour of how Vegas earned its notorious nickname Sin City.

Each casino-hotel also features a unique and themed experience, like the shops lining Italian canals in The Venetian hotel, for endless window browsing. For art enthusiasts, there are free galleries around town, as well as famous pop art installations like the Seven Magic Mountains. Or, you can get your art from a more stationary position, with the dozens of magic shows, circus performances, and concerts by some of the biggest musical artists in the industry.

You can even get out into nature at the nearby Red Rock State Park, which has a few light and even-paved trails that are wheelchair accessible. There’s something for everyone at every age. The great thing about Vegas is that you can easily split up within the group, then come back together to eat at all of the amazing restaurants Vegas has to offer.

Kay writes about travel destinations and tips at The Awkward Traveller

The Everglades, Florida

If you’re looking for a great spot to visit with grandparents and the entire family, you need to go to the Everglades National Park. Located in southern Florida, this is a beautiful spot to get back in touch with nature and experience the beauty of this incredible area.

The Everglades are large so there is plenty to see and do. Hiking and camping are popular activities here. You can find easier trails to try if as you travel with grandparents. Try the Bobcat Boardwalk for a quick and easy walk that even young children can complete.

Another fantastic and more relaxing way to experience this beautiful park is by boat. You can either go on an airboat tour, which will let you see a lot. (Airboats can also be quite loud, so take that into consideration before you book a tour of the Everglades.) You’ll see the mangrove forests and can spot wildlife like alligators, birds and different fish.

For a more serene experience, consider taking a kayaking tour instead. There are different options for this, some of which are beginner-friendly and don’t require too much physical fitness. If you’re looking for more relaxed ways to experience the everglades with grandparents you can always go for a scenic drive and stop at lookout points for some bird watching or a quick photo.

Victoria is a travel blogger for Guide your Travel focusing on realistic and budget travel advice.

San Diego, California

San Diego, California offers fun activities for everyone from kids to grandparents, and there’s plenty that they both can enjoy! With an average temperature of 72 degrees, the weather in San Diego makes it a year-round destination with most of the best attractions at least partially outdoors.

The 1,200 acre Balboa Park, known as America’s largest urban cultural park, truly has something for everyone. Their “Kid’s Itinerary” for smaller children will help steer you toward activities for the little ones. Home to numerous museums, beautiful gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park can take a few hours or a few days to explore, depending on the family.

Nearby, in Old Town San Diego you’ll find historic buildings, Indian and Mexican crafts, fun souvenir shops, and authentic Mexican restaurants. Also, just a stone’s throw away, is Sea World in case you didn’t get your fill of animals at the Zoo.

However, what’s even better is visiting La Jolla (remember that recommendation above??). Kids of all ages relish watching the seals and sea lions play in the Pacific Ocean, and stretching out on the rocky shore in nature’s setting by La Jolla Cove.

Of course, La Jolla is home to some fabulous family-friendly sandy beaches too, and so is the bordering neighborhood of Pacific Beach which has the added enticement for kids of a beachfront amusement park. Or for the more sporty family, head to Mission Bay where you can do anything from jet skiing to parasailing. The not so sporty can just relax and soak in the San Diego sun (with sunscreen, of course!).

Denise shares culinary adventures, whether they are at home or around the world, on her blog ChefDenise.com.

The Golden Isles, Georgia

The Golden Isles are a series of islands located off the coast of Georgia. The Isles consist of Saint Simons Island, Little Saint Simons Island, Jekyll Island, and Sea Island. This area is renowned for its golf courses, beaches, shopping, and sea turtle center. All the activities make the Golden Isles ideal for travel with grandparents!

The easiest way to access the Golden Isles is by car. There are two major airports nearby: Jacksonville, FL and Savannah, GA. From Jacksonville, the islands are about two hours away. From Savannah, the islands are about 1.5 hours south.

The Golden Isles are some of the best islands to vacation to with grandparents in the US! They have a very laid back vibe, compared to other beach towns in the US, and are very easy to navigate. The activities offered here are also perfect for multi-generational families, including its plethora of golf courses, clean beaches, trolleys, and shops.

Be sure to check out Driftwood Beach and the turtle hospital on Jekyll. Located on Jekyll’s north end, Driftwood Beach has been deemed one of the most romantic beaches in the US and is a hidden gem! Don’t be surprised if you catch a wedding here while visiting!

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is the turtle hospital and rehabilitation center located on the island. Not only is this place super educational, it’s the only one like it in Georgia. This hospital allows the public to not only learn about different sea turtles, but to actually visit them in their rehabilitation tanks! This is the perfect place to visit with grandparents! 

Nicole is the founder and blogger of The Abroad Blog, an all-encompassing travel & lifestyle blog focused on study abroad, New England travel, and weekend itineraries for 20-somethings looking to travel on a budget.

Sarasota, Florida

Sarasota, FL is paradise, right in the United States. This fact alone makes it one of the best places to travel with grandparents because honestly, who doesn’t like paradise? In addition to its soft white sand, beautifully hued beach, and palm tree-lined streets, Sarasota’s many things to do offer something for everyone in the family and the perfect multi-generational trip. 

Let’s start with the beaches. Sarasota’s beaches have their own individual personality and attractions. Siesta Keys is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With over eight miles of beachfront, there is plenty of space for the sunbathers, the water sport enthusiast, and of course for the kiddos to build their sand castles and throw a frisbee.

In fact, many of Sarasota’s beaches offer a first-hand marine life experience. From collecting shark teeth in Venice to seeing turtles and other marine life at Lido Key and Longboat Key beaches, there is literally a beach experience for everyone. 

The marine life adventures don’t stop at the beaches. Sarasota is known for dolphin and manatee excursions. Everyone in the family can enjoy experiencing these beautiful animals leaping in and out of the water, making it the perfect multi-generational trip excursion. Similarly, the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium offers the once in a lifetime opportunity to have hands-on experience with marine life, including touching stingrays, sharks, and more. 

One’s love for animals doesn’t have to end with marine life in Sarasota. Jungle Gardens features free roaming flamingos where the youth, and young at heart, have the rare privilege to feed and walk amongst a flamboyance of flamingos. Additionally, there is a  petting zoo and areas to feed turtles and alligators. 

The beautiful thing about Sarasota is that even the more adult-inclined activities, like the botanical gardens and museums, feature wonderfully curated children’s areas, allowing everyone—from children to grandparents—to enjoy their vacation in Sarasota.

Marquita is the traveling twin mama, traveling the world with her twin three-year-old boys. She provides tips and inspiration to help women and families travel smarter. 

Yosemite National Park (yes, again! it’s that great)

Yosemite National Park is perfect backdrop for making lifelong family memories. From participating in ranger-led nature walks to taking a raft out on the Merced River, the possibility for unique experiences is endless. This national park is home to many family traditions, and is the subject of many stories that get passed down from generation to generation.  

Simply witnessing the majestic beauty of Yosemite together is something that brings families closer together. Driving into the valley and being surrounded by massive mountains and waterfalls is extremely awe inspiring. Yosemite is a national park that caters to families, offering kid-friendly nature activities and family friendly hikes, making it one of the best places for family travel, especially with grandparents, in the US. 

Whether you’re planning a short two-day itinerary in Yosemite or a full week, a couple major must-sees for families include Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point. Yosemite Falls can be seen from just about everywhere in the valley, but there is a fun, easy paced hike that takes visitors to the base of the falls. Glacier Point is an amazing mountain peak that provides expansive views of the valley below. It can be reached via the park shuttle and is a perfect spot to learn about the formation of Yosemite Valley. 

It’s recommended that families stop by the Yosemite Visitor Center to get information on upcoming ranger talks, recommendations on play areas for kids, and tips on what family-friendly activities may be perfect for everyone to do together. No matter which activities are chosen, it’s guaranteed that simply spending time together Yosemite National Park is enough to make family memories that last a lifetime—for grandparents, parents and children alike.  

Olivia, from the Girl With Blue Sails travel blog. Olivia is a travel writer and photographer from Southern California who shares travel guides and tips for those with first class taste on an economy class budget.

Montana Dude Ranch

One of my favorite multigenerational family trips—and one for the family travel bucket list—is a Dude Ranch experience. We did this last year at a family-run ranch in Montana, one that has been in business for over 100 years and is run by the same family for the last 75. Nine Quarter Circle Ranch is great for multigenerational vacations, with activities for the whole family.

Visiting a dude ranch is a mesmerizing vacation with quiet simplicity, especially for those of us who are city slickers! It also lends itself perfectly to travel with grandparents because the cabins are large and can fit many. (Ours allowed up to eight.) The meals are family-style, and all ages can enjoy activities like horse riding, hiking and fly fishing together. 

There are also a lot of times when families can split off and each does their own thing, like relaxing on the porch reading or enjoying a swim. While grandparents can enjoy horseback riding (my family’s certainly did!), it is optional each day.  

Grandparents on our trip often took advantage of quiet time or taking a walk while the rest of the family enjoyed a horseback ride. Families can choose from beginner, intermediate, and advanced, so depending on the experience of the rider, they will be paired on the correct ride. Kids under age 9 can enjoy easy rides with the Kiddie Wrangler, who also takes the kids for an all day picnic one of the days.

Evening activities are available for all of the guests and staff to participate in, and they are another great way to spend time together while getting to know other visitors. From baseball games to a hayride, a scavenger hunt, evening cookout, and square dancing, it is a family-fun experience sure to create lasting memories.  There is also a playground on site, where kids can play while adults socialize around a fire pit.

Visiting a Montana Dude Ranch is a wonderful and unique multigenerational family trip, and one for the memory books! And, despite their numerous trips to Walt Disney World, Hawaii, Europe, and the Caribbean, my kids referred to it as “the best vacation they had ever had.” 

Keri writes about family travel at Bon Voyage with Kids.

Grand Canyon National Park

What is more classic than a family road trip to the Grand Canyon? Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most famous natural attractions in the United States. You may not realize that the Grand Canyon is far removed from any large cities, so it is best seen on a road trip.

On a multigenerational vacation you can drive to the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, or combine the trip with other national parks such as Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah. Pack plenty of water and snacks for the drive as amenities can be far away from each other.

If you are visiting the South Rim, you can camp or stay in lodges at Grand Canyon Village inside the park. Alternatively, there are several hotels in the nearby town of Tusayan, with different room types good for all ages. Note that if you are planning to visit in the summer time, you should book accommodations well ahead of time! 

If you choose to do some hiking at the Grand Canyon with kids and grandparents, note that there are shuttle buses available to the different lodges and view points within the park. The easiest and most famous trail to walk is the South Rim Trail. It is a mostly flat and offers multiple view points along the way, making it perfect for everyone from grandparents to kids to babies in strollers.

Daphna writes about family trips at A Tiny Trip.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 

Nestled away in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge has become Tennessee’s staple of family fun for generations. The majestic mountains create the ideal backdrop, as endless thrills, shows, and attractions are around every corner. Pigeon Forge becomes a destination that families revisit time and time again, bringing their children and grandchildren back to experience and create new lifelong memories. 

A highlight of any Pigeon Forge vacation is renting a cabin with the entire family. With sweeping mountain views, hot tubs, game rooms, and countless other amenities, families can choose from various cabins that best fit their needs and budget.  

Dining out is always a favorite family pastime. Nothing quite beats gathering around the table, laughing and sharing stories of days gone by. Many Pigeon Forge restaurants have something the entire family will enjoy with a fun atmosphere. Dine on a plate of southern fried chicken from the historic Old Mill, grab a burger at the Local Goat and complete your trip with a warm stack of pancakes from one of Pigeon Forge’s signature pancake houses. 

Create new traditions by seeing a dinner show, such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede or the Hatfield and McCoys. Then compete in a friendly game of putt-putt, visit Wonderworks or venture to the Island for shopping. Plan a day at Dollywood, which has various attractions aimed at all ages, from entertaining shows and thrill rides to food festivals.

Make sure you spend time enjoying the Smoky Mountain National Park. Take in the beauty through the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, hiking along a mountain stream, and pack a picnic for a day full of incredible memories. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been visiting Pigeon Forge for decades, it is easy to see why Pigeon Forge makes a great vacation with grandparents. For more ideas, see fun activities for kids in Pigeon Forge, TN!

Stephanie is the inquisitive momma behind the family travel blog, Consistently Curious.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the best places to travel with grandparents and kids. While America’s first national park is gigantic and spans three different states, it’s one of the few national parks where hiking isn’t the main draw.

If you’re traveling to Yellowstone with young kids and older parents with limited mobility, it’s possible to drive up and take a short paved walk to incredible sights like the world’s second-biggest hot spring or a geyser that explodes 100 feet in the air.

While Yellowstone is most famous for its geothermal sights, Yellowstone has so much more to offer the traveling family. A Yellowstone itinerary with kids and grandparents could include renting a boat for the day and enjoying Lake Yellowstone, driving to the Boiling River and soaking in the only accessible (and safe) natural hot spring in the park, or taking a scenic drive to the Lamar Valley to spot bison, bears, and wolves.

If you’re traveling with a more active group, there are plenty of hiking trails in Yellowstone that the entire family can enjoy. A fantastic hike for families is Storm Point Hike, a 2.3-mile hike that takes you out to a gorgeous view of Lake Yellowstone. 

While staying in the park is the best option for easy access, the surrounding Yellowstone area has hundreds of vacation rentals that can accommodate a large family. A beautiful cabin near Yellowstone is perfect for when family members just want to relax for the day. The best areas to look for lodging are near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana, and the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana. 

Christina of Live A Wilder Life says, “We’re a full time traveling family looking for adventure, kinship, and a place to call home.”

Maine Travel with Grandparents

“Come to Maine!” my mother-in-law said. So we did. All twenty of us. 

Scattered among three houses in lovely Winter Harbor, Maine, we represented three generations, grandparents to babies. We wanted what every family wants: to reconnect.  (And to eat as much lobster as we could!!)

Multi-gen travel can be a challenge. It is not easy to find something that everyone will enjoy and can afford. Renting houses away from bigger cities tends to be the most economical option. 

Maine is filled with picture-perfect port cities, each one begging to be discovered by eager families. While the big-named cities like Bar Harbor and Portland offer exclusive shopping and dining options, smaller cities such as Rockland, Lubec and Camden have plenty of action for families.   

There is no shortage of family-friendly activities or great places to eat in Maine. You must enjoy a world-famous lobster roll at a lobster shack.   Or grab a few crustaceans from a dockside lobster pound and cook them yourself.   

An interesting and usual place is The Maine State Prison Store in Thomaston, ME. Skilled prisoners make all the furniture and kitschy items. These gifts make for great stories!

What grandpa doesn’t love to fish? Go inland, hire some fishing guides and let the tall tales begin! Many guides use beautiful hand-crafted canoes, truly a ride you won’t soon forget. Explore the rugged coastline at any number of state parks.

Finally, catch a boat to artsy Monhegan Island, located 10 miles off-shore. This small, humble island features walking trails with hidden fairy houses.

Maine is everything you could want in a family vacation. In fact, I think it’s time to go back. 

Stehli is a New York-based blogger who writes at Mommy and Kid Travel.

The Oregon Coast

One of my family’s all-time favorite places to travel with grandparents: the Oregon Coast! We’ve vacationed with both sets of grandparents all along the Oregon Coast, and my kids are constantly asking to go back.

I recommend renting a vacation home (spots all along the coast have something unique to offer; check out my post on the best Oregon Coast towns to narrow it down). That way you have a great home base.

You’ll want to spend plenty of time on the beach, of course. Know ahead of time that the ocean water is cold! You’ll also want to bring extra layers in case the wind picks up.

Next, explore the Oregon Coast’s many cute, historic downtowns. Newport, Yachats, Seaside, Cannon Beach and others have adorable shops where you can pick up a souvenir, blown glass art or even a lollipop the size of your kids’ head.

My kids’ grandparents especially love visiting the historic sites along the Oregon Coast. Stop at one of the many historic lighthouses (we love Yaquina Head Lighthouse). Pop by the small historical museums. Check out the shipwrecked Peter Iredale or soak in military history in the abandoned army fort at Ft. Stevens State Park.

Next, pick a few activities that will bring joy to your entire family, from kids to grandparents. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium, dig for clams, rent a boat for crabbing, take a whale watching tour and test the area’s clam chowder—and ice cream!

No matter where you spend your multigenerational vacation on the Oregon Coast, you’ll discover that this is one of the best places to travel with grandparents. Have fun!

So many ideas of places to travel to travel with grandparents!

Are you feeling inspired? Are you ready to plan a multigenerational vacation? I’m betting you are.

Now the biggest challenge you have is deciding where to travel with grandparents! With so many amazing ideas within this post, you can pick the ideal destination for your extended family.

If you’re excited to take a multigenerational trip—but you’re a little nervous making it happen—then you need to read my post with 13 tips to plan a vacation with grandparents. In the post, I share the steps needed to plan a vacation every generation will enjoy—without the most common problems of traveling with kids’ grandparents.

I’m curious: Have you ever gone on vacation with your grandparents? Have you traveled with both your kids and your parents or in-laws? Where did you go? What was the best part? Comment below—I’d love to hear about your experience and recommendations of places to travel with grandparents.

The post 21 Best Places to Travel with Grandparents in the US appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Travel with grandparents has been even more top of mind than usual. When the CDC updated its guidance—saying that it is reasonably safe for fully vaccinated adults to see their grandchildren—the Baby Boomer generation threw a party. (At least my mom did.)

The CDC also says that fully vaccinated adults, including grandparents, can travel domestically.

Pre-pandemic, we often traveled with my parents as well as Hubs’ parents. We have been to some of the best places to travel with grandparents in the US and even went abroad together.

If you want to give multigenerational travel a try—or are curious about so-called skip gen travel (when grandparents and grandchildren go on vacation without the parents!)—this post is for you.

I’ll cover the best tips for travel with grandparents, why you should consider a three-generation vacation, as well as multigenerational travel statistics (so you know you’re in good company). By the time you finish reading these tips, you’ll be ready to call up Grandma and Grandpa to start planning your trip!

Why you should travel with grandparents

1. Grandparents bond with grandkids

My #1 reason for loving multigenerational travel: There are so many opportunities to bond and make memories together!

When grandparents visit you at home, you’re still in your usual routine. Your kids might have scheduled plans or school. But when you’re on vacation together, all those other commitments fall away. That means grandparents and grandkids have a ton of time to bond.

2. Parents get 1:1 time

Not every multigenerational vacation builds in time for parents to get away—but I sure do recommend it.

The pandemic has made date nights even more rare for many couples. So when you take a vacation with grandparents, you have someone to watch the kids. (Of course, never assume your parents or in-laws are ready to be babysitters; always ask.)

This is also an opportunity for parents to explore the vacation destination without kids. Parents might want to go to a rooftop bar to watch the sunset, take in a show, hit up the casino or go dancing. Those aren’t exactly family-friendly activities—but are perfect for a date night on vacation!

3. Everyone gets some downtime

Tell me if this sounds familiar: You go on a family vacation and come back exhausted because you spent every waking minute taking care of the kids.

When you travel with grandparents, you can ask them to watch the kids for a short time. Once when we vacationed with my in-laws, they watched Baby Maxine and toddler Edie while I drove to Starbucks by myself. I sat on the beach and drank tea and I swear it felt like a week-long getaway.

The same goes for the grandparents. They probably want downtime, too. With multigenerational vacations, everyone gets a little R&R!

4. See a new side of your parents

I took family vacations when I was a kid, but it’s a totally different experience to travel with them now that I’m a parent.

One of the reasons I love travel with grandparents is I see a different side of my parents or in-laws. There’s nothing like spending time with kids to bring out their playful side!

My kids’ grandparents have also told me that exploring a new place with Maxine and Edie helps them travel in a fresh way. It’s good for everyone!

5. Learn family history

Going on a family history vacation is a popular way to travel with grandparents. You might revisit ancestors’ homeland or another important spot in your genealogy.

But you don’t have to go somewhere specific to learn family history. While on vacation with their grandparents, my kids have heard stories about the time Gramps had to sleep in the desert by himself during Navy Seals training—and woke up with a snoozing snake on top of him.

Travel sparks all kinds of memories because it jolts us out of routine. You may be surprised by the family lore you learn too!

6. Create new family memories

There’s a reason you—and your kids—vividly remember a vacation but can’t recall what you ate for dinner two nights ago. Novelty—doing something different—makes your brain pay extra-close attention. That helps solidify memories you’ll draw from for years.

Vacations are particularly great for doing things all together. It’s not very often that three generations get together for an activity in day-to-day life. But on a multigenerational vacation, you have plenty of chances to make memories together.

7. Make up for lost time

The last year was really, really hard on a lot of families. I wasn’t able to see my parents from August until April, and my kids went nearly that long without seeing them. My kids constantly ask when they can see Grams, Gramps, Nana and Grandpa Shempy.

It’s been equally tough on grandparents, if not harder.

Travel with grandparents is a way to make up for lost time. Kids change so much, so fast that I want my parents and in-laws to get to know Maxine and Edie at this stage—before they change again.

Tips to travel with grandparents and extended family

Are you hoping to travel with your kids and parents? Do you want your kids and their grandparents to vacation together?

You’ve come to the right place.

Here, I’m sharing 13 tips to travel with grandparents. I cover booking lodging, planning activities, budgeting, and the dos and don’ts of traveling with grandchildren and grandparents.

1. Talk about what you envision

Before you’ve booked anything, make sure you’re all on the same page. Do you envision an activity-packed trip or a laid-back getaway?

Agreeing on this point and any others (luxury vs budget, outdoors vs indoors, etc.) will help avoid disappointment and conflict.

If you have differing hopes for the vacation, can you compromise? Maybe spend the first two days sightseeing, then the last three days with nothing planned? When you start with clear communication, everyone feels heard.

2. Plan the vacation together

Once you’ve agreed on the overall vision for your vacation, plan together. This doesn’t have to mean sitting down with your parents or in-laws to hash out every single detail. But you’ll want to pick a place to travel with grandparents together. That way, everyone is set up to have a great time!

Involve your kids, too. If they’re old enough to research, encourage them to look into activities in your destination. Remind them of needs and limitations of their grandparents. When they pick a few activities, kids are invested up-front!

Enabling everyone to give input tees you up for a fun multigenerational trip.

3. Consider everyone’s needs when booking lodging

My family travels often enough that I have the AirBnB and hotel filters down-pat. (Dog-friendly, 2+ bedrooms, nonsmoking, etc.) I’m not as used to considering grandparents’ needs, though. That’s why it’s so crucial to have an open, honest conversation with them about what they need.

My mom, for example, needs a specific kind of bed because of long-term injuries she deals with. So when we travel together, I call ahead to ask about the beds. It may be a small detail to me—I can sleep on any bed—but it makes a world of difference to my mom.

Do your parents need separate bedrooms (snoring—it’s a real problem)? A bedroom on the first floor? An en suite bathroom? An accessible ramp?

Grandparents might also prefer to have their own lodging. No matter what setup you choose, keep everyone’s needs in mind.

4. Agree that it’s ok to do things separately

The biggest obstacle to having an awesome multigenerational vacation: disagreement over how much time to spend together. Are you stressing because you want to be together 100% of the time? Or stressing because you need some serious breaks from your parents/in-laws?

An up-front agreement that you don’t have to spend the entire vacation together solves this problem.

Again, talk this through up-front to manage expectations. Chances are, everyone will be happier without the pressure to do everything together.

For example, when we took a multigenerational trip to Tulum, my dad’s knee was acting up. Because we didn’t have the expectation that we’d stick together no matter what, he was able to lounge by the pool while the rest of us explored the Tulum ruins—guilt-free.

5. Do activities that interest everyone

That said, you’ll want to do some activities together! Choose at least a few that appeal to everyone, no matter their age. You might plan to go to the beach, scope out a short hike, or taste test all the ice cream shops in town.

6. Be clear with plans

I’m a huge fan of clearly communicating your plans—then giving others the chance to join or not.

I learned this the hard way. On one multigenerational vacation, I had wanted to take Maxine and Edie out for an adventure. I waited for others to get ready to join… and waited… and waited… By the time others were ready, two hours had passed, my kids were crying because they couldn’t understand why they weren’t going in the swimming pool, and it had reached the hottest part of the day.

Lesson learned.

Now I say something like this:

“I’m taking the kids to the market at 10. Does anyone want to join or meet us later?”

This approach is also a total miracle when vacationing with folks who aren’t on your routine/laid-back vibe. If you’re a go-getter and planner, but grandparents are more into leisurely sipping coffee and seeing where the wind blows them, this strategy will save you.

7. Respect everyone’s pace

Adding more people to a vacation generally means adding a wider variety of styles, abilities and preferences. Everyone will be happier if you make accomodations.

If your toddler wants to inspect every fallen leaf on a hike, that means slowing for them. If your in-laws have mobility limitations, don’t try to hurry them.

It’s no fun feeling like you’re holding up everyone else. So do your best to embrace their pace.

If, on the other hand, you need to split up and meet up later, that’s a good solution too.

8. Build in R&R

I love to go and do. I like to see all the things and explore all the places. I’m also a big advocate of chilling out.

Building in time to relax is even more important when planning travel with grandparents. Everyone will have more fun if they’re rested. That goes equally for kids and grandparents alike!

9. Communicate about costs

Who is paying for the vacation with extended family? Who will cover what? Are you splitting up the house rental by the number of bedrooms each group is using, or splitting the expense down the middle?

There’s no right or wrong way to pay for a vacation with grandparents. Just make sure everyone is clear ahead of time.

You’ll also want to figure out a way to keep track of costs, if you’re sharing the expense. Will one of you pay for everything and split it later? Will you pay your share as you go through an app like Venmo? Deciding ahead of time will avoid awkward money conversations in the moment.

10. Consider a parent date night (or day)

You don’t want to treat the grandparents like glorified babysitters and ditch them all vacation long. That said, it’s awesome to have a chance to spend some 1:1 time with your partner.

For example, when we traveled to Las Vegas with Hubs’ parents a while back, my in-laws suggested we do a belated anniversary data night. Hubs and I made dinner reservations and left the kiddos in the hotel with Grams and Gramps.

Maxine and Edie had an amazing time. They swam in the pool, ate mac n cheese and watched a movie. Hubs and I got a rare chance to go out, just the two of us. I absolutely recommend planning a parent date night.

The key to making this work: clear communication. If you’re hoping to get away for a few hours, bring it up with the grandparents before you leave on vacation. Discuss what time of day would be best for them to watch your kids. (They may not feel comfortable doing nap time or bed time, for example.)

When you get on the same page about a date night, everyone will feel good about the plans.

11. Give grandparents and grandkids space to bond

Bonding with their grandkids is the top reason why grandparents want to do multigenerational travel. Give them the space to do just that.

Of course you’ll want to do things all together. But take a hands-off approach sometimes, too.

When my dad joined us on a trip to Tulum, Mexico, for example, I sometimes faded into the background when he hung out with my kids. They developed a special “routine” of tossing bites of food to an iguana that eventually scuttled right up to them.

Yes, I know that we shouldn’t feed wildlife. But more than two years later Maxine and Edie still debate what was the iguana’s favorite food. (Strawberry or macaroni??)

So when grandparents and grandkids are bonding, take a step back. Let them develop a relationship on their own. And try not to sweat it if Grams and Gramps don’t parent exactly as you would. (For example, when Maxine and Edie spend time with my in-laws, they get pancakes with whipped cream every morning for breakfast. )

12. Be prepared to be the sandwich generation

Have you ever heard of the term “sandwich generation”? It refers to the time when you are caring for both your children and your parents.

I’m not suggesting that you cut your parents’ grapes in half to prevent choking. But don’t be surprised if you end up caring for your parents at least a little bit.

As our parents age, they might not be as comfortable in unfamiliar situations or new places. Ask your parents what they might need help with. (This is generally the thing that is causing them the most anxiety.) Should you make them a packing list? Would very explicit driving directions help? (We once made the mistake of assuming my dad could find a home rental via a maps app. That did not go well.)

You may find yourself considering them when you pack up. For example, do they have snacks and water for the day’s excursion? Are they wearing sunscreen and a hat? Of course you’ll want to be sensitive in how you look out for them—no one wants to be babied—but they’ll probably appreciate your looking out for them.

13. Take all the photos!

As the saying goes, your kids are this age only once. The same can be said for your parents.

I take plenty of photos whenever we do multigenerational vacations. It’s so, so, so special to look back on those pictures! The images always spark memories of what we did together.

When you go on a multigenerational trip, you’ll never be able to recreate those moments together. So don’t be shy about taking lots of pictures.

On one trip with the grandparents, we had professional photos taken. I booked a photographer in Las Vegas through Flytographer, who captured some of my favorite-ever family photos.

Want $25 off a Flytographer shoot? Use my referral code. I loved our experience with Flytographer! (not sponsored)

Multigenerational travel statistics

Multigenerational travel has never been more popular. Many grandparents went months—or even a year—without seeing their grandkids during the pandemic. Now that more and more people are fully vaccinated (YAY!), families are making up for lost time.

So when you travel with grandparents, you’re far from alone. But don’t take my word from it. Here are recent multigenerational travel statistics.

• More than half of families have taken a vacation with grandparents. (source)
• 65% of families plan to take a vacation with grandparents in the future. (source)
• 6 in 10 kids say they feel closer to their grandparents after taking a trip together. (source)
• 65% of kids say they like to reminisce about taking vacations with grandparents. (source)
• More than half of parents say they plan multigenerational trips to create family traditions. (source)

What is skip-generational travel?

Skip-generational vacations are becoming more and more popular. This type of travel is when kids and grandparents travel together—and leave parents at home!

One in five parents say their kids have taken a skip-gen trip—that is, traveled with grandparents without the parents. More than a third of grandparents said they’re planning a skip-gen vacation in the next three years.

The best part about skip-generational travel: Spending uninterrupted time together. Parents, kids and grandparents all say that bonding time is the main highlight of parents-free travel.

I never traveled with just my grandparents when I was a kid. Maxine and Edie go on trips with both sets of grandparents several times a year. They haven’t done big, long, epic trips yet; for the most part, these skip-gen vacations are for a weekend in a nearby destination.

Hubs and I value the few days without kids even more since the pandemic began. But honestly, I care much more about the opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to bond.

The post Travel with Grandparents: 13 Must-Know Tips for Multigenerational Vacations appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

If you’re looking for family time ideas, this post will show you why travel is so amazing for bonding with your kids. I’ll also cover family activities that transform these insights into family time ideas you can do on vacation!

Spend quality time together

Get this: Nearly 100 percent of parents would give up something they love to spend just an hour more with their kids every week.

Feeling time-starved for QT with your kids has probably changed since the pandemic began. But the feeling is still there: It’s hard to get enough of these important humans!

Kids agree. More than half of kids say that spending time as a family on vacation is a way to make up for not enough together time at home.

The pandemic has also demonstrated that it’s not only the quantity of time but the quality of time we spend as a family. Chances are, you and your littles are spending more time than ever under the same roof. That might not mean you’re connecting more, though.

The wonderful thing about travel is it removes most of the distractions and commitments that come between you and your kids. It’s easier to spend undistracted time together, which is one reason why it’s my favorite way to bond with kids.

To put this into practice on your next trip, be intentional about building in device-free time. Now, I’m a big fan of tablets (Max and Edie are too!). But when everyone comes away from their favorite screen, you’re able to focus on each other and soak up that together time.

Try something new—together

The last time I visited Bend, OR with my kids, we tried something new to all three of us: We rented a four-person bike.

I pedaled us up and down the riverfront path. Max and Edie thought it was absolutely hilarious when I struggled to power us up hills. By the end of our outing, I’d gained some sore quads—and a fun memory of bonding with my kids.

Turns out Edie and Max aren’t alone in loving trying new things on vacation. More than two-thirds of kids like vacations because they get to do things they can’t do at home, reports one survey. (Are your kiddos the same?)

That’s not surprising, since research consistently shows that novelty—or doing something new—is a big part of why travel is fun.

Doing something new doesn’t have to be epic, like zip lining down a mountain. Try something out of your routine like attending a cooking class to whip up the local cuisine, digging for clams on the beach or staying up late enough to see a shooting star.

Learning alongside your kids is a wonderful way to bond as a family.

**If you’re having trouble deciding where to go together—or you don’t have time to research + compare spots—Vacay in One Day can help! This step-by-step strategy guides you to choose a spot for an unforgettable family vacation in an hour or less.

Family vacation memories last a lifetime

Think back to your childhood. Do you remember family trips?

I certainly do. There was the time we road tripped through Yellowstone and got stuck behind a bison that didn’t care it was blocking the road. There was the time we hiked down hair-raising switchbacks to get to the river where we went whitewater rafting. And we still talk about the trip to the Oregon Coast during a storm, when my younger sister swears she was lifted off the beach by the wind!

Chances are, you have similarly indelible memories of family trips. Research shows that vacations are more memorable than anything else—even birthdays!

Put this insight into action to bond with your kids. Make vacations even more memorable by keeping a travel journal together. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day on your trip to add to the journal. You can write down something funny your kid said, tape in ticket stubs, make a bullet list of the best things of the day or have your kids draw what they did.

For more ideas, check out my post on recording family travel memories.

Vacations create family traditions

When you think of family traditions, chances are you imagine opening presents during a holiday or taking pictures of your kids on the first day of school. But vacations can offer an amazing chance to form family traditions.

Why does that even matter? Research shows that traditions help families bond, kids feel secure, and pass on important values throughout the generations.

If you want to turn family travel into a tradition, you don’t have to return to the same place year after year (though that can be fun too!). Maybe you build in family rituals that strengthen your connection or up-level the fun.

For example, on every road trip I ever took as a child, we played the game Is It Bigger Than A Breadbox? My siblings, parents and I still crack up over memories we made over the year playing road trip games. (If you want to make this a tradition in your family, check out my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids!)

One mom I help with family travel now gets donuts with her son on every family vacation. The simple act of getting a donut together is like a signal that they’ve transitioned from life-as-usual to vacation mode.

Think back on past family vacations. Chances are, there’s something common throughout. Whether it’s buying sugary cereal as a special vacation treat or discussing the day with travel-related conversation sparkers, you might have been building a family tradition without even knowing it!

If you haven’t had a chance yet to form a tradition together, this is a great time to start. See if you can be intentional about something you want to repeat each time you travel as a family. You’ll be surprised at how much the experience helps you bond with your kids!

Do you have ideas? What ways do you bond with your kids? Do you remember family vacations from when you were a child? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this post for later!

The post Why travel is the best way to bond with kids (+ vacation family activities) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

I’ve learned a lot about what to do—and what not to do—when planning a trip and heading out of town. 2020 taught me plenty. I’m passing on those lessons in this post with the most important travel tips for future travel.

Don’t get stuck making the same 2020 travel mistakes. Consider this post a quick upgrade to your vacation planning habits!

In this post, I’ll cover travel advice for the dos and don’ts of

• refunds for canceled plans
• flexible bookings
• discounts and deals for cheaper travel
• COVID-friendly destinations
• and more!

Use these tips to make your 2021 travel goals a reality this year.

2021 travel must be refundable

2020 problem: Losing money from canceled plans

2021 fix: Book only fully refundable travel plans—and document them!

If I had a dollar for every dollar I lost in non-refundable travel plans last year…. well, I’d break even.

Point is, I know I’m not alone in that I ended up having to cancel a lot of trips, flights, lodging and other travel plans. And I’m betting you’re like me in that you didn’t get all that money back.

So going forward, read all the fine print regarding travel companies’ cancellation policies. Are there exceptions to the rules? (Last year, a lot of people couldn’t get refunds because the pandemic was deemed an unforeseeable act of God. I guess there’s a clause for that.)

Then document all the cancellation guarantees throughout each step of your planning. Take screenshots, save-as-PDF your confirmation emails, everything: You want to have irrefutable proof if you ever have to dispute a company’s handling of your refund.

2021 travel must be flexible

2020 problem: Expensive fees for changing flights and other bookings

2021 fix: Ensure your travel dates can be moved without penalty.

Remember when we were oh-so-cute and thought COVID would blow over after a few weeks of lockdown and flattening the curve?

Some folks tallied up big bills from fees when they pushed their flights and other bookings farther into the future, figuring it’d just be a short time til they could travel freely again. All those fees add up!

So before you reserve anything, make sure you can change the dates of a flight, AirBnB stay or other reservation—free of charge. You want to remain flexible so you can safely adapt to changing conditions.

Open Groupons right before you use them

2020 problem: Unused Groupons and other online deals

2021 fix: Wait until the last minute to redeem deals.

Businesses that rely on travelers have been eager to attract visitors. That can be good news for your travel budget, as many are offering discounts and deals.

Many of these deals are too good to pass up. You’ll still want to be flexible with your travel in 2021. That’s why I recommend not opening or redeeming your coupon or deal until right before you use it.

Last year, we’d planned on going to Wildlife Safari in Oregon at the end of the summer. I had the discounted tickets I got from Groupon all printed and ready to go. But a day or two before our family trip, wildfires broke out all over the West.

I know that fires don’t have anything to do with COVID cancelations, but the principle is the same (since once you open and download a Groupon, it’s considered redeemed and you can’t “return” it).

Now I know to wait to use discounts until the last minute.

I’m about to share more travel planning tips, but I also want to make sure you know about my super-quick training on minimizing risk while you travel. Click the image below to find out more!

Watch the infection rates where you travel

2020 problem: A spike in cases throws a wrench in your plans

2021 fix: Keep an eye on infection rates.

Last year, I couldn’t wait to travel to the Southwest US: The thought of sun and desert got me through the first grey, cold, dark months of the winter.

But Hubs and I paid attention to infection rates where we’d planned to go. When they got too high for our comfort, we researched other locations that still had sun and desert.

Unfortunately, those places followed suit (as did much of the US this winter). We ended up not taking our Southwest trip (sob!)—yet. But the moral of this story is to pay close attention to the communities you plan to visit as well as the places you travel through.

Pick less popular destinations in 2021

2020 problem: Travel plans that involve crowds

2021 fix: Choose vacation destinations with fewer people around

Last spring, when the pandemic was just beginning, we had to cancel a lot of plans. (I 100% recognize how fortunate we are to be in a position that we could have traveled in the first place, and every day I’m grateful for everything we still have—a home, our health, each other. Still, not traveling makes me sad.)

So I let my mind wander. I started to dream up all the trips we’d take once we could travel far. And for some reason, I fixated on one place: Disneyland!

I wanted to make up for all our disappointment with an over the top trip. We tentatively planned to drive down to Anaheim in November for a family trip.

Of course that didn’t happen.

By now I’ve learned to plan travel in places that aren’t crowded (as much as I love the flying Dumbo ride). I’ll be making future plans with that 2021 travel tip in mind. Fewer crowds = less exposure = less risk of contracting or spreading germs.

Focus on outdoors activities

2020 problem: Not understanding how COVID-19 is spread

2021 fix: Spend time outdoors during 2021 vacations

Back when we knew very little about the coronavirus, I had a conversation that went something like this.

Friend: “Thank goodness my kids don’t eat gluten and eat a ton of veggies. At least their immune systems will be able to fight off this virus.”

Me, thinking about how Max eats approximately 5 foods, none of which is a fruit or vegetable: “….”

Point is, now we know to avoid the conditions where the virus is more likely to spread: i.e. indoors. So to minimize your risk while traveling in 2021, experts recommend spending time outside.

That’s why we now plan our travel around outdoor activities. Hiking, sightseeing, SUPing, camping, playing on the beach—these open-air activities will be our 2021 travel focus!

Choose quality over quantity for vacations

2020 mistake: Trying to go to all the places

2021 fix: Focus on making the trips you do take as awesome as possible

I love travel. Like, a lot. (I know—you’re shocked.) So I pretty much want to go somewhere new all the time.

COVID has made travel more complicated, though. Just following all these 2021 travel tips makes planning a trip take longer.

That’s why it makes sense to focus on fewer trips—but to make those vacations awesome.

Pinterest is seeing a 7x increase in searches for dream vacations so lots of folks agree with me here. (And if you’re looking for a bucket list trip to take with your besties, check out my post on the best girls trip destinations for 2021!)

A trip doesn’t have to be faraway or expensive to be epic, though. Just think of a road trip through two national parks. One of my dream trips is to stay on Orcas Island and kayak with whales. (Yes, that’s a thing!!!)

Stay local for travel in 2021

2020 problem: Trips to far-flung places were canceled

2021 fix: Go on vacations closer to home.

Last spring, I canceled trips to China, Taiwan, Ethiopia and Japan. I also canceled shorter, less ambitious trips, but those epic travels stung the most.

I’ve learned since then. My family and I are taking local and regional trips instead.

First of all, road trips are the future for travel in 2021 in part because they’re cheaper, more flexible, and more easily rerouted if the need arises. Driving someplace nearby is more reliable than booking a flight and hoping for the best!

Plus, many countries have instituted travel bans—a definite problem for international travel, even if you did feel comfortable traveling by plane.

So to pandemic-proof your vacations this year, opt for nearby destinations. Just because someplace is close doesn’t mean it’s uninteresting! Explore your region, state or even city. Pretend to be a tourist who’s never been there. You’ll experience even well trodden territory in a new way!

Talk about trips as hopeful, not written in stone

2020 problem: Telling your kids about canceled vacations

2021 fix: Make vacation hopes, not vacation plans

In 2020, I had plans to take Edie to China and Taiwan over an extended spring break. Clearly, that trip got canceled.

My mistake was to tell her that we’d go camping in Washington instead. Those ended up being more plans we had to cancel to abide by lockdown orders in our state.

Piling disappointment onto disappointment is no fun for everyone. That’s why I’m now talking about travel as something we hope we can do.

Nothing is written in stone. We remind the kids that all upcoming plans depend on safety.

My 2021 travel tip is to follow suit. Try these phrases to talk about upcoming travel:

• “If everything stays safe, we’ll go to the coast this weekend.”
• “I hope we can go on our trip next month. We’re keeping an eye on everything so we can stay healthy and protect others.”
• “I want to go on our vacation too! Fingers crossed we can go!”

Nurture a flexible mindset

Not long ago, my kids and I took a day trip to Central Oregon. They’re obsessed with dinosaurs, so I researched a place to dig for fossils and thunder eggs. I meticulously copied the directions to one such place—and I couldn’t find it. Like, at all.

Were Max and Edie heartbroken? No! (I had wisely not mentioned the fossils part—see my 2021 travel tip above.) Instead, we treated it as an unexpected adventure. A detour. A thing that sometimes happens when you travel.

If 2020 taught me anything, it’s that I really don’t have control over a whole lot. (You too?) We had soooo many opportunities to practice not being attached to outcomes that we became more flexible. My kids definitely picked up on that!

And honestly, a flexible mindset is useful beyond travel. I’m generally anti-silver linings regarding COVID, but I have to admit that this is a positive change for my whole family.

Another thing that has totally helped us all is to figure out what we can control. I get asked what we can do to travel more safely so often, which is why I created a mini-training online. Safe + Healthy Travel Today shares science-backed tips to minimize your risk while you hit the road—and it takes only 20 minutes to go through! Just click the image below to learn more.

I’m curious: What lessons did you learn from disappointments last year? Please share your own 2021 travel tips in the comments!

The post 2021 Travel Tips: How to pandemic-proof your next vacation appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

I hear this problem again and again: “I want to plan a family vacation but just don’t know where to go!”

Does that strike a chord?

That’s why I’ve outlined 5 different approaches to choose a spot your whole family will love.

As a quick preview—I’ll cover how to:

• Search google to find kid friendly travel
• Hunt through local tourism publications and parenting magazines
• Read family travel blogs
• Use Instagram hashtags
• Filter by your family’s interests and passions

Ready to get off the fence and pick a family friendly destination? Ready to feel confident about your choice? Read on for the best tips to find kid friendly travel.

***Note: If you’re still feeling like this will take too long, I have just the thing for you! I recently created Vacay in One Day, a step-by-step solution that guides you through picking a place to go—in only an hour. So if you’re short on time and want to skip the stress, check out Vacay in One Day! The small investment is well worth the savings in time and overwhelm.***

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Google “family friendly + [your region]”

Yes, this tip is the most obvious—and your first stop for finding kid friendly travel ideas.

Google will instantly show you lists of kid friendly things to do, places to stay and spots to eat. You can click through the different posts to brainstorm ideas of where to go.

If you don’t start out with specific ideas (like I want to go to Nashville!), you can search by state or region. A search of “family friendly Northeast US” will result in lists of kid friendly travel destinations in the region. So if you don’t have strong opinions on whether you’d like to visit Vermont vs New Hampshire vs Maine, this is a good strategy.

Most of the articles will include options for the entire region, not just one state or city.

(If you feel like this is taking too long, I teach the 5-Minute Search Strategy in Vacay in One Day. You’ll learn how to evaluate if a spot is a good destination for your trip in just 5 minutes!)

Look at local tourism publications and parent magazines

Local tourism boards and bureaus’ sole job is to share what awesome things there are to do in that area. So they’re an excellent place to find information about visiting a city, county, region or state.

If you know a general area where you want to go (like, say, the Southwest USA), you can search “Southwest US tourism board.” Poke around in the site a bit. Are there things your family would want to do? (These sites are often organized by categories like outdoors, cities and events, or by types of places to go like deserts, rivers and mountains.

You can also filter by family friendly destinations and activities. Type “with kids” or another relevant keyword into the search bar.

The same goes for local parenting magazines and publications. These are designed to help parents in a given area have fun with their kids—and hey, that’s what you want to do too!

For example, I’ve written about kid friendly travel for my local parent magazine, PDX Parent. I have shared the best family friendly camping spots around Portland and other travel articles in PDX Parent.

Not sure of your local parent magazine, or the one in the area where you want to travel? Just search “parent magazine + [location]”—it’ll pop right up.

Then see if you can find a “travel” tab or section. If not, use the search bar to hunt for specifics (like day trips or hiking spots).

Read local family travel blogs

Of course I think family travel blogs are a phenomenal resource for finding kid friendly travel ideas! Most family travel blogs have a “destinations” tab, with a drop-down menu of states, regions or even countries. (That’s how mine is organized!)

This is a particularly helpful way to find family friendly destinations because if you’re not sure exactly where you want to go (hence why you’re reading this) but know roughly how far you can travel in the allotted time, you can estimate which states you could travel to.

For example, let’s say I have 5 days for an upcoming vacation. Since I’m in Oregon, I’d figure out how far I could travel. That’s not enough time to drive far—but I could definitely stay in Oregon, go north to Washington, south to Northern California, or even east to Idaho. With only 5 days, I wouldn’t go much farther or else the entire vacation would be driving.

So I could search family travel blogs’ Oregon, Washington, Northern California and Idaho destination bars.

(Sometimes the destinations are organized by region—like Southwest or Pacific Northwest.)

Find kid friendly travel with Instagram hashtags

If you have a destination in mind but aren’t sure if it’s kid friendly, you can poke around on Instagram hashtags to learn more.

In the search bar in Instagram, play around with hashtags. For example, if you were thinking about going to Brooklyn, NY, you could search #brooklynkids, #brooklynfamily and #brooklynmoms.

Not every picture that comes up will be relevant—but you’ll get some ideas of fun things to do.

When you find one of those photos, enlarge it and check out the other hashtags it uses. Click on any that feel relevant—you’ll find even more ideas.

(On the other hand, if nothing looks interesting, then that might not be a good kid friendly destination for your family!)

Remember, if this is still feeling like too much—or you’re simply short on time—I’ll teach you exactly how to pick a place to travel in Vacay in One Day. The step-by-step, fill-in-the-blank process takes only an hour! Click the image below to get it now!

Let your family’s interests guide you

What interests one family won’t necessarily get another excited. So when looking for kid friendly travel destinations, keep your family’s passions in mind.

What do your kids like to do? What are their hobbies? What are they obsessed with?

Lately, Edie and Max are alllll about dinosaurs. Maxine holds her spoon with two fingers, since the quetzalcoatlus has two finger/claws at the point of each wing. My mom got them dinosaur backpacks so they could be like Dino Dana.

So I could use those interests to help us find an amazing family vacation destination for us, not some generic idea of what most-ish kids would like.

Here’s how. First, you can search “[interest] + [state/region].” If I had the same 5 days for a trip as I described above, I could do this search for each of the states we could easily travel to within that time.

For example, “Dinosaur Washington” shows the Burke Museum of Paleontology as well as dinosaur-shaped plant sculptures in Seattle. Those sound cool! Another quick search of “family friendly Seattle” makes it clear we could round out our trip with lots of other fun activities.

That’s how you can use a combination of these strategies to find kid friendly travel ideas to find the just-right vacation for your family.

Tell me: How do you decide where to go on a family vacation? How do you research a trip to make sure it’ll be fun for your kids?

PS – Still not sure where to go? Get my mini-guide Top 10 US Family Vacation Destinations download. It’s 100% free and will definitely inspire you! Click the link or the image below to get yours!

Pin these for later so you always have ideas for finding kid friendly travel!

The post How to find kid friendly travel: 5 ways to pick your next family vacation appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Nearly 9 in 10 people have concerns about travel safety, says one survey. With everything going on these days, it makes more sense than ever to pay close attention to health, safety, weather and other conditions when considering whether to travel.

While travel concerns are 100% valid, being worried doesn’t mean you 100% shouldn’t travel.

I spoke with other busy parents and listened to the family travel problems they were concerned about. This post addresses the most common family travel worries:

• getting sick on vacation
• car trouble
• getting lost
• bad weather
• dirty hotel room or home rental
• delayed and canceled flights
• lost luggage

Read on to learn what to do in the most stressful vacation problems.

Important note: I absolutely support and follow local government’s guidelines on when/how it is safe to travel. I urge you to do the same by respecting stay-at-home guidance when applicable. I also urge you to follow all safety precautions to slow the spread of illness, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. It is up to all of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

So as you read this post, keep in mind that my recommendations apply only when you’re able to safely travel in accordance with governmental guidelines and common sense.

This post contains affiliate links. That means that when you click and buy, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

Someone gets sick

If someone is sick on vacation, it may be tempting to power through. After all, you want to make the most of your trip.

But if you go forward with all your plans, you risk skipping the extra rest your loved one’s body needs to fight the bug.

So take a more toned-down approach if kids get sick on vacation (or you do, for that matter). Have a lazy morning. Watch a movie. Take a short walk instead of the city-wide tour you’d planned. Scale back so everyone feels better sooner rather than later.

Further, you definitely don’t want to risk spreading a bug to others. So skip any indoor activities where you could pass germs.

These days, illness is even more fraught than usual.

Some attractions and lodging also have standard surveys now. They may ask if anyone in your group has been sick recently or is dealing with symptoms such as fever, cough or aches. So if someone in your party is sick, you’ll need to answer honestly—and probably change plans.

Because of the pandemic, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies are more understanding of a change of plans due to illness. So if you feel like you need to cancel or reschedule because someone gets sick, you’re more likely than ever to do so without forfeiting what you’ve already paid.

For even more advice, check out my full post on what to do if your kid gets sick on vacation.

Car trouble

Truth time: This is actually the potential family travel worry that stresses me out.

When I was in high school, I took a basic car maintenance workshop. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten everything I learned in the class. That means I’m just not terribly confident about dealing with car trouble on vacation.

That’s why it’s so important for all of us to get familiar with what to do in case of car trouble.

First consider the potential issues you could encounter: a flat tire, a dead battery, an accident.

Next, talk through what you’d do. Ask a friend or your partner—someone who is more confident with car maintenance—to listen and offer advice if you’re not sure.

Then practice. Do you know how to use jumper cables? Install snow chains? Use a flare? Try these very learnable skills in low-stakes situations—i.e. not an emergency. Your confidence will go from 0 to 60.

Finally, make sure you travel with everything you need to deal with car trouble on vacation. Is your emergency supplies kit stocked and up to date? (If it’s not, make sure you get one right away! They’re important to have in your car at all times, not just on a road trip.)

One more tip: Call your car insurance agent to understand what your policy covers. I recently talked through our car insurance coverage and found out that it covers towing and locksmiths if you lock your keys in the car. (Darn—that last tip would have saved me $200 last summer when I locked the keys in our minivan.)

And if you’ll feel more comfortable with car emergency coverage, consider getting a membership to a company like AAA.

Reservations are lost or canceled

My sister recently drove several hours to an out-of-town home rental—only to discover they had no record of her reservation.

Talk about a vacation disaster!

The best defense for this travel problem is a good offense. Keep meticulous records of every reservation, from lodging to restaurants to activities. Here’s what I do:

Prevent a lost reservation

• Take a screenshot or photo of the confirmation page when you book online. Yes, the company should also email you—but take this extra precaution just in case.
• Keep the email confirmations. You might want to star them or transfer them into a travel folder.
• Forward your reservation to an app like TripIt. It will keep everything organized and at your fingertips.
• Print confirmations. Sometimes having hard copies as evidence makes a big difference.

That said, if you haven’t taken these steps and you’re still faced with a lost reservation, work with the hotel/airline/car rental company.

Behavioral psychology suggests that our default setting is to want to help others. So enlist the company representative in helping you. Try language like, “I’m not sure what happened—but can you help me find a solution?”

You can also try using “we” language, which puts you and the company representative on the same team. “Can we figure out a way to fix this?” feels collaborative, not combative.

If those tactics don’t work, escalate the issue. Managers have more ability to right wrongs like a lost reservation. Respectfully ask to speak with the manager or supervisor, who has more of a stake in making you happy.

And as frustrated as you might get, try to stay civil. Lost reservations are probably not the fault of whoever you’re talking to. When a car rental company lost my reservations and my family and I had to wait ages, I tried really, really hard to be nice to the agent. She was probably having a crummy day, too. And you know what? When she eventually fixed the problem, she gave me a few upgrades and perks right before thanking me for being understanding and patient.

When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.

–Wonder, a YA book that will make you feel so many feels

You get lost

Getting from here to there is easier than it’s ever been, thanks to GPS and apps that give us directions. But it’s still possible to get lost.

Your phone might die. You might not have service. The maps app might be plain wrong (like when Waze misdirected drivers, who got stuck in the sand in the middle of a wildlife preserve).

No matter what the issue is, you still could find yourself in a 20th century situation of being lost!

If this happens, the most important thing is to keep your cool. Your kids are watching: Show them that a) everything is ok and b) a little problem like getting lost can’t ruin your vacation. It’s actually a terrific opportunity to model how you want your kids to react when something unexpectedly goes awry.

Then get your bearings. Can you retrace your steps? Can you tell which way is north—based on the position of the sun, the progression of street names or where the ocean is?

Asking for help is your best bet to find your way again. Find a local who can put you back on track. I always look for someone to ask at a gas station or a hotel desk. They’re used to giving directions so tend to be extra-helpful.

And remember that travel is just as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Your kids may end up fondly remembering the Time You Got Lost. In fact, my own kids still laugh about how their grandma yelled, “Siri, you’re fired!” when her phone led her astray.

The weather is awful

“Why isn’t it snowing?!” Maxine asked me the other morning. It was winter, she pointed out—so where was the snow?

Alas, I cannot control the weather. I’m guessing you can’t either. And unfortunately that might mean you get bad weather when you’re on vacation.

No one wants rain to ruin plans to hit up the amusement park. But weather isn’t reason to throw in the towel on your wonderful family vacation.

If weather is messing with your plans, adjust. Here are ideas when you have bad weather on vacation.

• Are there indoor alternatives to your outdoor plans?
• Can you dress for the weather and move forward with your intended activities anyway?
• How can you transform the bummer weather into something awesome? (Perhaps it’s raining, but can you grab an umbrella and turn a walking tour into a puddle-stomping sightseeing adventure?)
• Can you switch the timing of some activities? For example, if you planned to visit a museum on Tuesday but Monday’s weather is crummy, can you go to the museum on Monday instead? You might end up with better weather later in your vacation.
• What if you scrapped your plans? Yes, you probably want to get out and about. But if you ask your kids, they’d probably be just as happy swimming in the hotel pool all day!

The hotel or rental is gross

We’ve all heard them: horror stories of disgusting hotel rooms or home rentals. I’m very grateful that we haven’t stayed in super-sketchy lodging as a family. (I wish I could say the same of traveling without kids. I could tell you stories about a certain motel in Detroit when I legitimately texted friends my location in case I went missing, and the hotel in Thailand with the chained monkeys out front. Geez.)

If you ever do find yourself in an unacceptable hotel room or home rental, you have some options to fix the family travel problem.

1. Call the front desk or property management company. Ask them to come and clean your lodging. We once checked into a rented apartment that hadn’t been cleaned between guests (yuck!), but the cleaning staff took care of it lickety split.
   (This was pre-COVID. You’re probably like me and are even more stringent about the cleanliness of lodging. Make sure they’re adhering to safe cleaning protocols.)
2. Ask to be moved. If the lodging is just plain unacceptable, or they can’t fix the problem in a reasonable length of time, relocate. Have them set you up in a different hotel room or request a move to a different property.
3. Leave. If the situation is truly over the top awful, you may need to leave. If that’s the case, document everything. Take notes on the steps you tried to take to make the lodging livable, whom you talked to and when, and details of exactly what was wrong. Take photos. The more information you have, the better.
   If you end up going this route you may not get a refund… immediately. But once you find different lodging, you can escalate the problem with the less-than-satisfactory lodging company. Provide alllll the documentation you collected, then request a refund—and perhaps additional compensation for your trouble.

Yes, there’s always a risk of staying in a hotel room or home rental that isn’t up to your standards. This is actually quite uncommon, though. So if the potential for a dirty room or not-as-advertised rental is keeping you home, consider yourself armed with the info you need to take care of it should this family travel problem arise.

I’ve had great experience with AirBnB. Hosts have always been very responsive and eager to fix any issues that come up. Check out AirBnB properties here.

Your flight is delayed

I know you’re probably not flying much at the time I write this. But I do think that air travel will make a comeback once it’s safer to fly.

As much as I look forward to being able to fly again, though, I *don’t* eagerly await this family travel bummer: delayed and canceled flights.

Here’s how to deal with delayed flights on family vacation.

First of all, do your best to understand what kind of delay you’re dealing with. Is the delay because your plane left its previous destination an hour late? If that’s the case, it’s likely that the airline’s estimate of your new departure time is fairly accurate.

If the delay is because of weather or equipment malfunction, estimates are less reliable. Just knowing how likely the updated departure times are to stay consistent will help you set your own expectations.

Next, find a place to post up. You may need to spend an extra hour—or more—waiting at the airport, so you might as well settle in.

Take turns getting up and moving with the kids. One adult should stay back to listen for announcements and watch your stuff. Don’t expect your kids to sit, though; walk around together so your littles burn off energy.

This is also an excellent time to get creative about entertaining your kids. You can download my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids, for just a few bucks. Even though you’re not driving, you can entertain your kids with dozens of games at the airport. Try some of the 33 ideas in my book!

Finally, don’t stress if you can’t endure the delay with only the things you’ve packed. After all, you probably packed just the right amount of snacks and activities for the time your trip was supposed to take.

So you may need to spend a little extra on food or entertainment for the family while you wait for your delayed flight.

You lose your luggage

You spend all that time deciding what to bring on vacation then packing it just so—and then the airline loses your luggage.

Argh!

As annoying as it is, you’re bound to lose your luggage at some point if you’re traveling. If you do, then how do you recover? Especially if that suitcase had kid stuff in it?

First off, check in with the airline about expectations—and how much they can help. Do they know where the bag is? Can they estimate how long they’ll need to return it to you? Will they give you a budget to buy the essentials until you get your bag?

Most airlines will also give you a toiletries kit so you can at least brush your teeth.

Clarify where you need the airline to send the bag. So if you flew into Los Angeles but are actually staying in Anaheim, the airline should deliver the bag to your lodging—not the airport where you landed.

Then you’ll need to grab the bare essentials: a change of clothes, any must-have toiletries not provided by the airline or your lodging, and anything else to tide you over. I prefer stopping at a place like Target, which has pretty much everything you need. (You can also grab some groceries while you’re there to save money on your food for the vacation.)

Lastly, keep tabs on your lost luggage. You’ll get a claim number and a phone number or website to check on your status.

Lost luggage is a total pain. But the possibility of a lost suitcase is not a good reason to delay a family vacation.

The bottom line: The stuff you packed is, at the end of the day, just stuff. The memories you’ll make as a family when you travel are worth astronomically more than the potential inconvenience and cost of replacing your things.

When travel worries are more than regular stress

I’ve just covered the most common family travel worries—the 8 scenarios most likely to stress you out. I also shared tips to help you prevent these travel problems and what to do if they happen anyway.

Do you feel better? Do you feel more confident that you’ll be able to salvage your trip?

I hope so. If you don’t, and your vacation anxiety is getting in the way of things you want to do, consider talking to your doctor or mental health provider.

Travel anxiety is absolutely a thing. So if your worries feel out of control, or your life is being dictated by your anxiety, reach out and get help.

(If you wonder if your travel anxiety will ever let you take a trip, look at me as proof: I wrote a whole post on how to deal with anxiety at Disneyland.)

So what’s stopping you? Now that you know what you’d do if you hit any of these family travel problems, do you feel more prepared? Are you ready to start planning your next vacation?

The post 8 common family travel worries: What to do when things go wrong appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Expect to see some return to travel in 2021. Things will still look different—you’ll probably still need to wear masks, and some companies or locations may require proof of vaccination or negative test results.

Even still, more than 40% of Americans are planning at least one trip in the next six months.

Are you one of them? Are you hopeful for an upcoming trip? Consider a road trip. Here, I make the argument that driving is the way to go for 2021 travel—and I’m happy to explain why.

Keep reading for the 7 reasons why road trips should be your go-to method of 2021 travel!

Important note: I absolutely support and follow local government’s guidelines on when/how it is safe to travel. I urge you to do the same by respecting stay-at-home guidance when applicable. I also urge you to follow all safety precautions to slow the spread of illness, including social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. It is up to all of us to keep ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.

So as you read this post, keep in mind that my recommendations apply only when you’re able to safely travel in accordance with governmental guidelines and common sense.

Finally, this post contains affiliate links. That means I earn a small income when you click and buy—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

You can be flexible in your plans (and not go if necessary)

Last year, I ended up canceling a lot of travel plans. And I’m guessing you might be like me in that you spent hours and immeasurable energy in canceling reservations—and trying to get your money back.

The beautiful thing about a road trip is that you haven’t made expensive reservations or booked airfare. So if conditions change before you leave, you can cancel your own plans—no headaches involved.

Yes, I am itching to return to travel and family vacations. But I also urge everyone to keep a close eye on the safety of travel for both yourself and the communities you pass through.

This reason to take a road trip extends beyond health concerns. If there’s a storm in an area you’d planned to travel to, you can easily alter your trip.

So if it doesn’t make sense to travel, cancel or postpone your road trip. The ease of doing so is just one more reason to take a road trip this year.

You can limit interaction with others

Are you like me? The thought of going through TSA—all those people, bins that have been touched by a bajillion people—makes me hyperventilate.

It’s no wonder: Science solidly shows that the more people come into contact with one another, the greater the chance of spreading germs.

But with a well planned road trip, you can skip over a lot of these interactions.

Consider all that’s involved in flying: Checking in at the airline desk, waiting in line, passing through security, sitting alongside folks at your departure gate, walking past people in their seats on the plane, and all the other opportunities to come in close contact with others.

Contrast that to driving for your vacation. Yes, you will need to buy gas so may come in contact with the gas attendant (though most states have you pump the gas yourself). You may need to shop at a store for groceries and ice. But we’re talking contact with a few dozen people at most, compared to hundreds and hundreds.

It’s clear: Road trips put you in touch with way fewer people.

You can alter your route at a moment’s notice

Let’s say that you had planned to drive from one state to another, but before you leave, a state in between the two sees a spike in infections. It’s easy to redirect to take a safer route.

You might need to alter your itinerary for other reasons. Let’s say there’s a freak windstorm in a state you’d planned to pass through. It’s easy to redirect your route. Simply plot a new path with an atlas or alter your GPS route.

With all roads crisscrossing the country, you can tailor your road trip route to be as safe as possible.

Road trips are budget-friendly

Road trips are almost always significantly cheaper than travel by other means. The savings increase when you travel with others.

When you fly, your cost increases with every person you add to the group. So while it may cost $400 for one person to fly, you’re talking $1,600 for a family of four.

Airfare is likely to increase later in 2021, too. If you take a look at advance bookings, prices rise for the months when airlines anticipate higher demand (especially in summer months and around holidays).

In contrast, road trip costs stay pretty much the same. Let’s say it costs $400 for a road trip’s gas, snacks and lodging. You’ll pay pretty much the same amount whether one person is traveling or the whole family. So you’d still end up paying about $400 for four people.

So if you’re looking to save money—and really, who isn’t?!—road trips are the ultimate budget travel.

You can pack supplies to be (mostly) self-sufficient

When you travel by car, you can easily pack what you need to be close to self-sufficient.

To do so, simply consider what you’d normally need to get while traveling:

• food
• directions
• entertainment
• drinks / coffee
• ice
• masks, sanitizer and other supplies to travel safely on a road trip

Think through what you and your crew will need during a trip. Then pack supplies to meet those needs.

For example, you know you’ll need to eat. You can pack snacks and meals so you don’t need to stop at restaurants along the way.

(There’s a right way and a wrong way to pack a cooler. Learn how to store food safely in my tutorial on packing a cooler correctly.)

We even pack a small travel toilet. (There are even potties that can be used with a disposable bag for #2.) This comes in handy when one of my kids suddenly has to pee like right now when we’re miles away from a rest stop. It’s also useful when you don’t feel comfortable using a public rest room.

Of course there are some things you can’t provide yourself, or that will run out along the way. For those needs (gas, ice, etc.), consolidate all your needs in a single stop. So instead of stopping at a gas station, then a grocery store for ice, then a cafe for a fresh coffee, get everything in one place. That will minimize your exposure and risk.

You can be spontaneous with road trips

If you’re thinking about making trips without a ton of advance planning, you’re in good company. 40% of reservations are made less than two weeks from the date of planned travel, according to research.

Spontaneous travel in 2021 is going to increase, in part because people want to wait and see that conditions are safe. Folks don’t feel confident predicting what things will be like months down the road so are waiting to book travel until close to the last minute.

Road trips are much, much easier for last-minute vacations. After all, it can be hard—and expensive—to book a last-minute plane ticket. But road trips cost about the same whether you’re planning far in advance or you decide to take a spur of the moment vacay.

What’s more, you can be flexible in the destination you visit. When you drive, you can wait to pick your vacation location until just a few days before you leave home.

So for 2021 travel, road trips—including last-minute ones—can’t be beat!

If you haven’t planned ahead for how you’ll keep the kids entertained, don’t sweat: Did you know you can download my book, Road Trip Games & Activities for Kids? The ebook will go straight to your phone—so you and your fam can have fun along the way.

You can make up for 2020 canceled plans

2020 was rough in a lot of ways, including all the canceled plans. My kids still talk about the vacations that didn’t happen.

At the same time, I grieve the lost opportunities for my kids—Maxine starting kindergarten in person, Edie going to horse-riding camp. It can feel like last year was one long disappointment.

I’m betting your family could say the same.

So as long as it’s safe, we’re planning to road trip as a family to make up for these disappointments.

Even more, we’re looking forward to traveling as a family to make memories together. I love that when we travel, we eliminate many of the distractions of every day life. That lets us focus on each other and have fun together!

So if you’re excited about getting travel back into your life, I strongly recommend taking a road trip this year. I trust you will plan to do so safely, within health guidelines, and while following precautions like mask wearing and social distancing.

Here’s to a wonderful year of travel, friends!

The post 7 reasons to road trip now: How road trips will save 2021 travel appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Before you click away, hear me out. I’m not totally wacko, I promise! (And if I am a wacko, I’m a wacko who saves hundreds of dollars on each vacation we take.)

If you like eating out on vacation, this article is still for you. I’m not suggesting you entirely cut out restaurants on vacation. Instead, I invite you to consider how you can make my tips to prepare food on vacation work for you.

I also outline just how much money you can expect to save with some of the budget travel strategies below.

And I’m betting you haven’t tried at least some of these strategies—so definitely read to the end!

Curious? If you’re into budget travel, keep reading to learn how I save hundreds of dollars on every vacation.

And don’t forget to pin this post so you remember these tips later!

This post contains affiliate links. That means when you click and buy, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

Quick cold foods

If you have young kids, I’m betting that you are plenty familiar with “cold meals”—you know, when you don’t actually cook anything but everyone’s fed just the same.

These cold meals are money for budget-friendly tactics like prepping food on vacation. You can prepare so many meals with an absolute minimum of work, supplies or clean-up.

Think of what quick, no-cooking-required foods your family relies on at home. Some ideas to jump-start your brainstorm:

• Sandwiches
• Cereal
• Yogurt and fruit
• Salad
• What else? Let me know your cold meal ideas in the comments at the end of the post.

Grocery store hot and cold bars

I’ve written before about how grocery stores are the best place to “eat out” on vacation, especially if you have selective eaters or food intolerances in the family. Rely on their hot and cold bars for a quick meal that requires no work on your part but still saves money!

Not every grocery store has a stellar selection in its hot and cold bars. More high-end shops like Whole Foods have more options beyond jojos and macaroni salad. Consider adding these ready-made foods to your cart:

• Pasta salad
• DIY a delicious custom salad
• Sushi
• Pre-made sandwiches and wraps
• Quinoa salad and other grain salads

I typically have the girls pick a few foods from the salad bar. That way, I can grab a few baby tomatoes, some sliced cucumber and a few hard-boiled eggs—without buying a whole package of each. It also helps me include some healthy options on the kids’ plates.

If you haven’t tried this strategy to save money on food on vacation, give it a (delicious) try!

Freezer meals FTW

For me, 2020 has been the Year of Freezer Meals. I’ve fully embraced the fact that a pre-made meal from the freezer aisle helps keep me fed without stress. I’ve chosen to not hold myself to a ridiculous standard of cooking every meal from scratch—and the same goes for vacations.

That’s why we sometimes microwave freezer meals to save money on a budget vacation. I typically buy Amy’s or another brand with gluten-free and dairy-free options.

(I also heat the meals on an actual plate rather than the plastic packaging. It looks so much nicer and alleviates the worry of microwaving plastic.)

If you’re stressed about the sodium levels of freezer meals, remind yourself that you’re not eating them every day for the rest of your life. A few freezer meals on vacation isn’t going to permanently overwhelm your system with salt.

Another bonus: Everyone can choose what they want! So Max and Edie might pick macaroni and cheese (I’m sure you’re shocked), Hubs might opt for stir fry and I get veggie enchiladas.

Snack board meals

Charcuterie board, anyone? Snack plates aren’t only for parties or fancy gatherings; put one together and call it dinner. (No, call it super-easy, budget-friendly, stress-free dinner!)

Get some cold-cuts, slice some cheese, arrange crackers, cut up some veggies—and declare dinner done. Kids tend to love DIYing their food, so encourage them to make tiny cracker sandwiches.

Want to go the extra mile? Add some olives, cornichons, grapes, apple slices or dip like hummus. Even with these final touches, you’ll still save tons of money on food.

Pack meals for when you’re on the go

When my family travels, we rarely eat out. That’s partly because we want to save money and partly because Maxine eats like 10 foods. Whatever the reason, though, we make it happen by packing food to eat throughout the day.

That means a little planning and prep on the front end, but it actually saves time and effort throughout the day. That’s because you don’t have to figure out where to eat, travel to a restaurant you choose, wait in line, or wait for your food to arrive.

Instead, when you pack lunch and snacks for on-the-go-eating, you have ready-made meals. This money-saving strategy really helps when you have a kid on the edge of a hanger meltdown!

Whenever we can, we eat these meals as a picnic in a pretty spot. That way lunch doubles as a sightseeing activity. Plus, Max and Edie can run off and play while Hubs and I finish our meals!

Don’t underestimate the power of a microwave

For the first year or so of Edie’s life, we didn’t have a microwave. Then we bought one and I was seriously floored by how much easier it made everything.

You may be rolling your eyes at me (duh, microwaves are life-savers for parents of young children, you might be thinking). So consider how helpful they can be on a budget vacation!

Yes, you can warm up freezer meals (which I wrote about above). Their use goes beyond freezer meals, though.

Reheat leftovers (including takeout or restaurant meals you didn’t finish). Warm up foods your kids eat a ton of at home. (In my family, this is dino nuggets: Edie eats them almost nightly, including on vacation.) “Boil” water for foods like instant oatmeal. Warm up soup.

The microwave is your best friend for preparing foods in your hotel room—and saving money while you’re at it.

Cook in your hotel room—seriously!

This tip might make you think I’ve crossed the line from budget-savvy to downright loopy. But hear me out!

With a tiny bit of prep and extra supplies, you can cook a legit meal, even in a hotel room.

Part of how I saved more than $2,000 on a Disneyland vacation was preparing about 95% of our own meals. We had road tripped from Oregon to Southern California and had brought a small electric griddle (totally easy to pack). So one morning I made eggs and pancakes for my family of four plus my in-laws. I fed all six of us for about $5 total. Compare that to what we probably would have spent at a restaurant—an estimated $60—and the slight amount of hassle is well justified in my mind.

Tips to save money on food on vacation

If you want to save money on food on vacation, prepping some meals in your lodging is the best way to do just that. Follow these tips to make this money-saving strategy work.

• Avoid strong-smelling foods. If you’re staying in a hotel, keep in mind that people in other rooms will be able to smell certain meals. Avoid these delicious but strong-smelling foods, such as curry or fish.
• Take care of your trash. You may want to empty your own trash cans more regularly, so scope out a common trash bin near your room.
• Leave an extra tip. Preparing food in your room may cause a little extra mess. If that’s the case, don’t forget to leave housekeeping an extra tip.
• Check room specifications. Before you book a hotel room, or even a home rental, notice the accommodations it includes. Does the room have a mini fridge? A microwave? Even a kitchenette? Take this into account when you book your lodging. Factor in the money you’ll save by preparing food on vacation when comparing prices of hotel rooms.
• Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. To save money on vacation, you don’t have to eat in for every meal. Strike a balance between eating in restaurants, getting takeout and preparing food in your hotel. Do what works for you and your family for a budget vacation that’s still fun and relaxing.

Bring these budget travel meal prep supplies

Life will be much easier if you bring these supplies for preparing food on vacation. Add them to your packing list!

Here’s what to bring to prepare food in your hotel room:

• Sponge and dish soap. You’ll want to wash up after making and eating your meals. It’s a lot easier to do the dishes if you don’t have to rely on a washcloth and bar soap!
• Tupperware or storage containers. Bring reusable containers to store leftovers and food to go. I usually pack a few empties in addition to the containers that store food I bring with us.

Pro tip: Use square or rectangular food storage containers. They pack more easily and are more efficient with space.

• Ziplocks or reusable bags. I’m obsessed with these reusable silicone “bags,” which nest inside each other—making for more compact packing. Use them for leftovers, ingredients and foods you bring on the day’s adventures. Alternatively, bring different sizes of zippered plastic bags.
• A knife. Bring a sharp knife; we typically bring a small paring knife like this one. It’s compact and gets the job done. (Make sure to pack it with its sheath.) I use it to cut everything from apples to cucumbers to sandwiches. (Will the kids ever eat a sandwich with the crust on? Time will tell.)
• Plates, bowls and utensils. We do our best to avoid single-use items like disposable plates and forks. So I bring sturdy plastic plates and bowls for each of us in addition to silverware. (In fact, we carry a set of silverware and cloth napkins in the glove compartment at all times we use when eating takeout on the road.)
• Disposable plates and utensils. If you can’t get around the idea of washing dishes in a hotel bathroom sink, pack disposable cutlery and plates. This option still generates less waste than takeout (with its non-recyclable clamshell containers and plastic to-go bags). Look for plates made from recycled materials or biodegradable cutlery.
• Seasonings. We definitely don’t make anything gourmet on the road. But having a small assortment of seasonings and spices helps! At the least, you may want salt and pepper. I also bring cinnamon (for oatmeal) and nutritional yeast (for pretty much everything!). I love these travel-friendly spices kits, which include a variety of seasonings in one easy-to-pack container.
• Cutting board. A compact cutting board will make preparing meals on vacation so much easier! Plus, you can use it for that snack board dinner.

Budget travel doesn’t have to be hard. And you don’t need to feel like you’re depriving yourself on vacation just by preparing some of your own meals instead of eating out.

Pick and choose which of these strategies works for you. Then apply one (or all!) of these tips to save money on your next family vacation!

The post 7 ideas to save money on food on vacation: How I save hundreds of dollars appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

All these holiday activity printables for kids are fun for the whole family. (It’s hilarious to hear both a grandparent and child answer “What’s the hardest part of being your age?”—one of the prompts in my holiday conversation starters printable.)

If you’re looking for a fun activity or icebreaker for after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, or you’re hunting for a holiday travel printable for kids, these holiday activities, games and cards are right up your alley. Maybe you’ll be like my family and make these a part of a new holiday tradition!

(Another new tradition: taking goofball Christmas-themed photos in front of a wrapping paper backdrop!)

And speaking of new family holiday traditions, I’m obsessed with our matching Christmas jammies from Shinesty. We had so much fun goofing off and taking pictures using the timer function on my phone! Snag your own matching family jammies (affiliate link).

Shinesty’s offbeat patterns perfectly inspired us to go full-on ridiculous. The level of goofiness in this new Christmas tradition is up to you.

In this post, I’ll share downloadable printables, along with recommendations on how to use them, for:

• Holiday conversation starters. Print out these 42 questions for kids and adults to spark both funny and deep conversations.
• Family gratitude booklet printable. Filled with gratitude prompts for kids and grown-ups, plus fun thankfulness activities and quotes, this printable is a fun family activity to do together.
• Holiday Bingo cards. Everyone loves Bingo! It’s fun to play this holiday-themed game whether you’re taking a road trip or just driving around town.

Download the free holiday Bingo cards here!

I’m so excited for you and your crew to do these fun holiday activities for the whole family. Try them in person or over Facetime and Zoom.

I’m wishing you a joyful season, no matter what it looks like this year.

Holiday Conversation Starters printables

The other day, Edie asked how we’re going to celebrate Christmas. We’re still working out how to make it special, but Edie was very concerned about not having our extended family over to celebrate.

“But Christmas is all about being together with your family!” she said.

The holidays are all about family. And one part of the holidays I most love is having the opportunity to slow down and spend quality time together. I made these holiday conversation starter prompts to spark memorable discussions—in person or over Zoom.

I adore lingering at the dining table long after everyone’s plates are clean. It seems as if a full belly helps the conversation flow. My family and I can spend literally hours talking, laughing and joking after a holiday meal.

These holiday conversation starters are meant to help your family do the same.

The questions are all-ages appropriate and will take you beyond the standard questions (like “what are you grateful for?”). And these interesting questions will get everyone in the family, from kids and teens to parents and grandparents, chatting.

I recommend printing these holiday conversation starters on paper that’s thicker than printer paper. That way they’ll hold up for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and beyond. And you can store them with your other Christmas decorations so you can use them again next year.

And even if you’re celebrating apart from family and loved ones this year, you can still use these questions to prompt interesting conversations! Use them over Facetime or Zoom when you virtually get together this holiday.

Download my holiday conversations starters cards here!

Gratitude printable + prompts

In my family, we try to talk about what we’re thankful for at most meals. Maxine loves thanking the sun and rain for helping grow the plants we ate. Edie, bless her heart, usually thanks me for cooking (even if the extent of my cooking is warming up leftovers).

I’m pretty sure you’re like me in that you take your gratitude practice up a notch during Thanksgiving and Christmas—and the whole holiday season.

I designed this family gratitude booklet so families could answer gratitude prompts together. As you fill it out, you’ll create a kind of gratitude journal that everyone contributes to. It makes an amazing keepsake.

Filled with gratitude prompts for kids, this booklet asks families to reflect on what they love about each member of the fam. I also included gratitude quotes and other fun activities.

My family and I are filling this gratitude journal between now and Thanksgiving. By answering gratitude prompts over the course of a week or so, no one gets burned out on thankfulness. Ha!

The free gratitude printable helps us pause during a busy time of year like Thanksgiving. That way, we all stay mindful of what’s truly at the heart of Thanksgiving: gratitude, family and togetherness.

Download the gratitude printable book here!

Free holiday Bingo printables

My family typically alternates between hosting a big family Christmas at our house and traveling to spend the holiday at my parents’ home or flying to relatives’ homes in the Midwest. Along with everything else in 2021, this year looks different.

We’ll be celebrating Christmas just the four of us.

We’re all sad, which is why I’m thinking extra-hard about ways to make this holiday special. I’m also considering how we can carry on family traditions—with a twist to ensure we keep our loved ones and community safe.

So this year, although we’re not traveling anywhere for the holidays, I’m still printing out these holiday Bingo cards to play as a family.

I originally designed them to be played on a road trip or while flying. They can just as easily be played while driving around town or running errands.

My own kids love the excitement of looking for a menorah or someone in a Santa hat. They are totally jazzed about marking off each spotted item, whether they get an actual Bingo or not.

This season, I’m going to keep these holiday Bingo games in the car with us all the time. That way I can hand them back to the kids whenever we’re going on a drive. They can look out the window to spot a wreath or a snowman. They stay entertained—and I don’t have to answer my kids’ favorite question, “What can I do that’s fun for me?” #eyeroll

I sometimes get really down about how much has changed this year. But I do my best to refocus my energy on the wonderful opportunities we still have to make memories and have fun as a family.

The holiday Bingo cards are one way to do that!

I designed a set of four different Bingo cards so kids will mark off different squares, even if they both spot a candy cane or mistletoe. I recommend sliding them into a clear plastic sleeve: Kids can mark off the squares they find with a dry erase marker, and you can reuse the sheets time and again.

Download the holiday Bingo cards here!

Fun + free holiday activity printables for kids

If I hear the phrase “the new normal” one more time, I may scream. But the reality is we’re all adjusting to how the holidays are different this year. You might be going all-in for a holiday blowout. You might be paring down for a super-simple celebration. You might fall somewhere in between.

Either way, these holiday family activity printables will help keep this holiday season merry and bright.

So if your budget could use a load off, I know you’ll appreciate these free and budget-friendly activities. Download the holiday conversation sparkers, holiday Bingo cards or family gratitude journal—or all three! I’ve already heard so many touching stories from families who have filled out the gratitude booklet together.

So go ahead and get your copies. Please check back in once you’ve had a chance to use them. I’d love to hear how they added to your family’s holiday celebrations!

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