FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS FOR SPRING BREAK

Traveling with the family over spring break? Peace Frogs Travel/Outfitters has you covered with useful family travel tips from our Chief Frog, Julie Arbelaez.

Julie has many family vacations under her belt, including both on-the-road adventures and those requiring flights. Here are her insightful tips for a successful spring break vacation with the family:

• When I travel with my husband and two young boys I know that the only way I will enjoy myself is if they are having a great time, getting enough rest, and eating lots of ice cream. Despite the stress involved with travelling with kids, I love it. The boys say and do the most wonderful things when experiencing something new or different and they bring fresh eyes and new perspectives to our family’s shared experience.
• I believe in exposure to many different things, so when I travel with my family I try to balance planning things I know everyone will enjoy with activities that are unique to a region or that might stretch us in new directions. It’s thrilling to see your kids do a jungle hike in 100-degree heat in order to get to the jump-off for cave tubing; do a zip-line for the first time; eat termites directly from their nest; touch a shark while snorkeling; eat exotic foods that look and smell strange; and hear local music. Lately, I’ve required the kids to do a little research on our upcoming destination and then they get to choose one or two activities that are of interest to them. I try to work those into the plan and give that person ownership of the activity. I also maintain a lot of flexible time and time to wander because over-planning, especially with kids in tow, is the recipe for major meltdowns (adults included).
• I also find that on a family vacation, you don’t need to spend every moment together. Time away from the family is essential. We don’t spend every waking moment together at home for a reason, right? My husband likes to take long runs in the morning and often scouts out an area before the rest of us are even awake. I prefer a slower approach to any ‘me time’ so I like to find a local market or area with boutique shops, and take my time to wander through or plan a visit to the spa for a massage. Just a few hours here and there can really press the reset button and seems to keep everyone happy.
• Quality sleep is also key. Vacation time is precious and I feel it’s essential to be sure your sleeping situation will work for your family. We can manage a night or two of sleeping arrangements where we ‘just make do’, that’s inevitable, but I wouldn’t balance an entire trip that way. We are fine with two queens in one room but I expect, as the boys get older, this will become less comfortable. Tired and cranky people don’t equate to a fun, relaxing vacation.