Traveling with kids is fun. They’re so interested in the world around them, and notice the things that we take for granted. However, there’s no doubt that it can also be a stressful experience. If you’ll be traveling with kids in 2019, here are some top tips to help:

Plan well in advance

Let’s face it: While friends without kids can take off on a whim, that’s rarely the reality for most parents. Often, you’ll need to plan around school vacations, but you’ll also need to consider things like how well your kids deal with long-haul flights, and whether a road trip would be a less stressful option.

Not to mention, the bigger the size of your family, the more expensive it is to travel. So you’ll need to plan in advance so you can get the best deals on flights, accommodation, and more.

Consider staying local

While you may be tempted to take a long trip with your kids, it’s a good idea to think about their ages. After all, if they’re only young, that big trip to Europe might be more memorable when they’re a little older. Instead, consider buying a campervan so you can take regular trips as a family and explore your state. You can shop online for caravan accessories, which means this will be a low-cost way to travel for many families. Or take a trip to Canada or Mexico to see another country without long-haul flights or breaking the bank.

Choose together

It’s easy to assume that you’re considering your kids wants and needs- after all, you’re going back to the hotel for naps each day, right? But you also need to think about the types of places they want to see, and the activities they want to do. This could mean anything from the types of restaurants they like to eat at, to the museums they want to see. Your kids are much more likely to get excited about a holiday if they feel like they have some input into what you’ll be doing. Consider letting each of your kids do some research (with you if they’re young) and choose one activity for the whole family.

Relax

When you’re traveling with kids, it can be easy to assume that you need to pack in as many sights and activities as possible. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your kids will have more fun if you’re taking your time and not stressed out than if you’re constantly trying to fit more into each day and you’re all exhausted.