When planning to travel with kids, have you considered local travel or family all-inclusive resorts right in your own town? There’s no rule that says you have to go far away to be on vacation. It can be fun to look no further than your own backyard — or your neighbor’s. When traveling with kids, choosing to go local can be a (nearly) carefree experience. There are no flights to catch, which alone cuts down on stress. While there is still a car ride (or train), who knows, you may only hear “Are we there yet?” once. 

There are other considerations to travel locally. You’ll learn more about the rich culture of your own locale. You’ll have the opportunity to support local businesses, and maybe find some treasures that you never knew existed! And for a bonus? It’s better for the environment.

5 TIPS ON PLANNING LOCAL TRAVEL WITH KIDS

#1 Involve the Appropriate Adults in the Planning

Depending on who you are planning your local travel with, there are different people to consider. If you are planning a trip with your own children, your partner might be the one to collaborate with. They may have agreed to the trip but it’s a great idea to be sure that you’re on the same page when it comes to the type of trip you are planning. Will it be a weekend of strict relaxation? Dining out before cozying up in matching luxe robes, and watching movies in the hotel room? Or will it be a site-seeing extravaganza with every moment planned? Would they even consider family all-inclusive resorts?

But if you are traveling with your grandkids, get insight from their parents before embarking on the planning stages. They’ll likely have a better understanding of what their children will be most excited about. As well as their tolerance for excursions. 

#2 Involve the Kids in the Planning

When planning travel with kids, the most exciting, and certainly the longest-lasting part of a trip can be the anticipation. When the kids know what you are up to, and are involved in the process of planning, they’ll experience that giddy sense of excitement for that much longer. Not to mention, their input can be invaluable. Maybe you were planning to go to a museum that doesn’t pique their interest. But perhaps there’s an even better alternative that you can explore together. It’s best to consider this before the trip begins.

Sitting down with the kids to plan can be a fun activity in and of itself. Plan a fun night with popcorn and snacks and go over the proposed itinerary. Get some input as to what sounds fun, and what items you may want to reconsider. 

Ways kids can get involved:

• Allow each child to choose a restaurant for a meal out
• Have children choose games for the trip
• Give input on travel snacks
• Decide on outing

I’m not saying that you allow the kid to take complete control, or have final veto power. But if you want to amplify their excitement and anticipation, get them involved. Talk about a win-win! 

#3 Put Your Local Travel Plans Out in the World

While you don’t have to announce every little detail, if you don’t want to, it can be a good idea to let the people in your circle know what you’re up to. Chances are, there will be someone who has taken a trip to the same place you are planning. They’ll have great insight. And since they know you, they’ll know what you like and what you might want to steer clear of. They can be your own, personal travel insider.

#4 Consider Family All-Inclusive Resorts

Oftentimes, when looking into resorts, we might overlook something in our own backyard. Hoping, instead, to get a more exotic experience. This can be a huge — not to mention expensive — mistake.  Cutting back on the travel distance alone can save hundreds of dollars. But cost is not the only consideration, there’s also the time. When you stay local, you’ll be in the thick of the fun that much sooner. And even beyond that, you may be missing out on something great because you’re on the lookout for something more exotic. 

I say look into family all-inclusive resorts right in your neck of the woods. They’re not all in the Caribbean, you’ll be surprised at what you find! Don’t believe me? Just Google “Family all-inclusive resorts near me.”

All-inclusive take a lot of the guesswork, that is to say, stress, out of the equation. No more discussions that revolve around an endless circle of, “I don’t know, where do you want to go?” 

Family all-inclusive resorts have tons of activities for adults to do with their children such as skiing or swimming.  But also that children can do under their supervision. This means the adults can sneak off and have some time to themselves. 

#5 Plan Your Packing Game

Traveling with kids, as opposed to going it alone,  can bring on a whole new set of questions — such as what to pack. Chances are your packing list will be much longer than if you were to travel without children. Try to think about everything your child needs on a day-to-day basis and make a running list weeks out. Add to it whenever something comes up. 

But you won’t need to pack everything! Pair down to what is strictly necessary for comfort. Also, be sure to check with your hotel or resort to see if they have some of the things that you would need. For example, most hotels have rollaway cribs, so no need to bring the pack-n-play. Call ahead to be sure they have one reserved for you. While you’re at it, ask what else they might provide.

There you have my 5 tips for planning local travel with kids. I hope this post sheds some light on how to plan your next travel excursion. Traveling with kids need not be stressful. It can be a delightful experience with memories stored up for a lifetime.

Do you have any favorite places that you get away to locally? Please share in the comments at the bottom of this page. I love hearing from you!

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