Have you always enjoyed outdoor travel but can’t do it more often because of the kids? These tips will help you enjoy the great outdoors with your children.
While we may have more digital distractions than a generation ago, family trips are still popular.
About a third of families vacation together, with more than half choosing outdoor travel excursions. Not all family vacations work out, of course.
This is especially true for families that have kids. Keeping the little ones entertained can be a challenge outdoors. Don’t worry, we have the perfect tips to make your next trip a good one.
Here are five big ways that you can make sure everyone has fun together!
1. Be Flexible with Destinations
One common, yet fatal flaw, with family vacations is trying to do too much. When it comes to outdoor travel, you definitely don’t want to overdo it. Kids need the freedom to roam and be kids.
The best strategy is to set goals, but only reveal them one at a time. This keeps kids anticipating the next surprise, while avoiding the time crunch.
The journey should be more important than the destination.
2. Prepare and Pre-prepare
Don’t leave any room for regret, shortcomings, or risks of any kind. Your outdoor travel preparations should start at least a month in advance. If you have to save up for the trip, make sure you have your finances in order.
Kids will be able to tell when you’re being “cheap” or holding back on travel items. Prioritize health, convenience, entertainment, and food expenses. Kids who don’t do a lot of outdoor travel may get bored easily. That’s where cool outdoor gadgets are your best friends.
3. Beat the Elements
If you’re going somewhere that has weather outside your usual, buy proper clothes. Buy backup clothes, too, so the kids can get dirty or wet and not be worried. Be the parents who lug that extra bag along to ensure everyone is comfortable.
If you are going camping, you can cheat a bit by using an awning to create more protection. This avoids having to haul big tents along with your gear. 4WD Supacentre has a great selection of awnings for different vehicles.
4. Don’t Overexert Yourself
If you’re going on a trail by foot, make sure you know where all the rest stops are. Pacing is so important outdoors. Nobody wants to explore the woods when they have leg cramps and sore feet.
Use landmarks to keep morale high among the kids. This also motivates them to keep going and not get too distracted along the way. Check with everyone and make sure they are staying hydrated.
Thirsty travelers can get cranky and lead to headaches and cramping.
5. Make it a Habit
The best way to improve your traveling experience with your kids outdoors is to do it often. Once they get used to all the walking, lack of electricity, and problem-solving, they’ll fall in line. Not in the forced punishment kind of way, but in a “Hey, I know what to do!”
More Outdoor Travel Ideas
We hope these tips take your travels to the next level. If you are curious about exploring more outdoor destinations, we have lots of great info.
Go ahead and check out our travel blog to get inspired.
Happy trails!