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The Ultimate Guide  To Traveling With Kids For Beginners

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Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with kids. This complete guide has all of my very best tips and hacks you’ll be so glad you know!

Set your expectations

Kids are seeing, smelling, hearing, and tasting different things.   Sometimes, they find trash cans more exciting than the rides at  Disney (that was me at age 3!). It is okay. Remember, this entire experience door to door is the journey, your destination is just one part of it.

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TAKE IT SLOW

When you plan out your days, remember kids can’t go at the adult pace. They may need downtime, playground time or a good snack. Plan for this, but also leave room for flexibility. Sometimes an hour refresh in the hotel room is enough for everyone to rally again.

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Try to keep your routine

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Especially for younger kids, meals, naps, and bedtime should be kept as close to the original time as possible. If you are traveling to a different time zone, it may take a couple of days to get on a schedule. The routine helps kids feel comfortable and acclimate sooner rather than later. 

DON'T OVERPACK, BUT BRING WHAT YOU NEED

If you have laundry at your hotel (free laundry), you don’t need to pack as much. I always pack for 4-5 days when we have a machine in the unit. Otherwise, I pack to get me through the whole vacation. For young kids, if you can, ship ahead of time diapers, formula or jarred food.

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MAKE A PACKING LIST

Be sure to bring all essential eyewear, medicines, a thermometer, chargers and converters, and essential electronics in your CARRY-ON. If the important items are in your carry-on, you can always go out and purchase the rest if you forget something.

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THE LAST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Traveling with kids can be a challenge. It can be imperfect.  And, it can be wonderful. It is a family experience that bonds you together and creates special memories. You get to see the world through your kids’ eyes. Enjoy the journey!

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