Five tips for travelling with kids

When it comes to adventure travel, Australian-headquartered Intrepid Travel leads the pack, with loads of itineraries including almost 20 designed especially for families travelling with kids as young as six. Who better to come up with a list of tips to keep your next family holiday on track?

Get them involved: Part of the fun of travelling is preparing for the adventure. Include your children in the planning to prepare them for the fun ahead – and consider their wish lists in your planning. And, when they get older, involve them in budget decisions.

Keep little ones stimulated: Take plenty of toys or similar diversions – including old favourites with a couple of new surprises. Don’t forget snacks (if they’re individually wrapped, they’ll be even more interesting) to tide you over in the event of delays.

Don’t overdo the history and culture combo: Young kids love dinosaurs (but not ancient history) and while you may love learning about the history of Peru’s mysterious Macchu Picchu, they may prefer meeting the resident llamas. Just as Intrepid does on its family itineraries, build in some down time each day.

Snap happy: Some of the most amazing photos of your family holiday will be those taken by your kids. Try having a family contest for the best photo, with a neutral judge and a prize (say, $25). Even the most disinterested teen is guaranteed to prick up his or her ears. If your kids are younger, remember that inexpensive disposable cameras can be best for little fingers.

Relax! Kids are incredibly adaptable and often adjust to new things more easily than their parents. Come prepared with an open mind and with faith in your kids’ ability to adjust to their surroundings. Chances are you’ll learn as much about your kids as you will about your holiday destination!

Intrepid Travel’s 17 Family Adventures will take you to destinations around the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America. From hanging out with hilltribes in South East Asia to cycling through the Tuscan countryside in Italy, Intrepid Family Adventures are full of great experiences designed for the whole family. All tours are escorted by specially-trained guides, and no group is larger than 14.

Intrepid Travel’s popular range of Family Adventures is on sale during the months of May and June. To find out more – and for a chance to win $6,000 towards your family vacation holiday with Intrepid Travel, visit www.intrepidtravel.com. You can go directly to the Family Adventures page by clicking on trip search – advanced.

Visit www.intrepidtravel.com/intrepidfamily for more information and to enter.

April 30, 2009   Posted in: Travel Industry Info