Tips For Traveling With Kids

The family that travels together… creates lasting bonds… makes unforgettable memories… has the most fun! At Tauck, we've been planning enriching family vacations since 2003. Along the way we've picked up quite a few great family travel tips. As you plan your next family travel adventure, check out our top tips for traveling with kids. (For more family travel tips, review our Family Vacation Planner section.)

• Research the Destination. It pays to research your destinations carefully when traveling with kids to ensure they will offer the activities your children enjoy and complement your family's personal travel style. Case in point: our Tauck Bridges family travel experiences are designed to be family friendly and to appeal to different ages, activity levels and interests. Start by reading through the day-by-day itineraries for a quick overview of what to expect. We can also help you with tips for choosing the right tour for your family. For instance, kids who prefer familiarity may travel more comfortably on a family river or small ship cruises, where they'll have a "floating hotel" for sleeping, eating and on-board activities on all or most days. Older children and teens are at the right age for discovering iconic landmarks on tours like our Grand European Family Holiday or exploring Machu Picchu and the Galápagos. 

• Involve the Kids Before You Go. You'll have a more successful travel experience by getting everyone engaged before departure. Talk about and show photos of the places you'll be seeing and go through the day-by-day tour details. If there are choices of additional activities, like a cultural walking tour vs. a guided bike ride, decide as a family beforehand which option sounds the best. In the lead up to your trip, sample the local cuisine at home or at a restaurant. Head to the library and check out books about or set in the destination you'll be visiting. Pop in a language CD while you drive to after-school activities and watch family movies filmed on location in your vacation destination. Whether you're reading Madeline books at bedtime before a Seine River family cruise or watching Duma or Born Free in advance of an African family safari, you'll set expectations and create excitement.

• Get Your Documents in Order. Be sure to have all of your documents, passports and important information gathered well in advance of your trip. Check with your government for specific passport and travel visa requirements to the country or countries you'll be visiting. (You many need a travel visa, but not all countries require them in advance.) If you're planning a grandparent/grandchild vacation, be sure to review our information about notarized permission for traveling with grandkids. Save yourself potential headaches by asking your children's doctor what health information you should carry. Our family vacation planning checklist offers more helpful tips for traveling with kids.

• Pack Light and for the Unexpected. Our family packing tips is a great place to start. You'll find guidelines on what you should (and should not) bring on your trip. Keep in mind you'll want to be prepared with items that may not be easy to access on your travels: an extra pair of shoes, layering pieces, rain gear and OTC remedies your child may need (allergy, motion sickness, indigestion, etc.). Once on tour, we handle all of your luggage for you, so you don't worry about being the family packhorse. 

• Minimize the Stress Points. Long days and long lines, overpacked schedules and overcrowded attractions can lead to tired, hungry, grumpy kids… and adults, too! On our Bridges tours, you'll explore top attractions like the Louvre and the Vatican museums after hours and without the crowds. Most meals are included and timed to be ready when you are, so you don't need to worry about finding a restaurant before a meltdown. Hotel check-in/out, another time when emotions can run high, is handled for you. We also vary the day-by-day itineraries to avoid travel burnout. Busy, active days are followed by less structured ones with free time to explore on your own or hang out together and relax. Hands-on activities are mixed in with sightseeing to keep your child engaged and happy. 

• Select Flights Carefully. As you choose your flights, consider the pros and cons of the flight's departure time, your seat selection and what necessities to bring on board. For a long-haul flight, opt for direct flights, wear the comfiest clothes, invest in neck pillows and bring along favorite snacks, an empty water bottle and chewing gum to help ears pop. (See Traveling Internationally with Small Children for more tips.) Once you arrive at your destination, leave the rest to us. Tauck includes all airport transfers and travel between destinations in our inclusive pricing. And you'll travel in style…via rail through scenic landscapes… on luxurious riverboats along storied rivers… and in unique conveyances like convertibles, jet boats and more! 

• See if Guided Travel Is Right for Your Family. Our all-inclusive Tauck Bridges family tours feature one upfront cost and are planned to the smallest detail to make family travel easier. Learn why guided travel is right for families.