filed on: 04.04
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My Tips for Traveling With Kids

One thing my husband and I are really passionate about is exposing our children to new places, people and cultures—so it’s no surprise that we take them on a couple of big trips a year, whether it’s our annual trip to Camp Bosh or the Italian holiday we took last summer. We love to travel as a family, so we can have shared experiences that we’ll talk about for years to come.

Travel is just one way to expand kids’ horizons and open their minds so they can dream even bigger, which is something Chris and I are always trying to do. Last summer in Italy, we got to take our kids to the Leonardo da Vinci museum in Tuscany, and we literally saw their eyes light up as they got to explore his incredible inventions. Before we left, Lennox was being quiet, but after the museum, he wouldn’t stop talking about how cool it was, and how he wanted to invent something. It almost brought tears to my eyes, I was so happy to see him that inspired.

Taking our kids on our journey is second nature to us, but I’m always surprised when some friends of mine tell me I’m crazy for traveling with kids. “It must be so stressful!” they say. “How do you find time for yourselves?” they ask. Well, I will say that traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it’s all about preparation. Here in the Bosh family, we’ve got a system in place, so I’m happy to share some of my favorite tips with you:

Coordinate, coordinate, coordinate: I pack everyone’s suitcases with coordinated outfits based on what we’re doing every day, which makes dressing the little ones a lot less stressful once we’re at our destination. Plus, each suitcase gets two ribbons, one color for the Bosh family and one designated color for each child, so they’re easier to find at the airport and the hotel.

 

Everyone gets their own headphones: This can be a saving grace on long flights. I make sure each child’s carry-on has a set of headphones for them to watch a show or play a game.

 

Download before you go: Before we leave, I make sure that everyone’s favorite songs, games and TV shows are downloaded on our iPads, so that they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

 

Make downtime a family affair: We’ll literally sit in the airport and play Go Fish with all the kids while we’re waiting for a flight to take off. Not only does it strengthen the family bond, but it keeps them from wandering off or getting cranky.

 

Don’t feel guilty taking time for yourselves: If Chris and I want to have a spa day, we’ll have a spa day. If we want to have a glass of wine on the balcony before dinner, we’ll have a glass of wine. Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean giving up all your free time as a couple.

Where are you traveling next? Are you planning to take your kids? I’d love to know how you travel as a family, so please share in the comments!

filed in: Family, Travel