Things You'll Need:
- patience
- sense of humor
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Step 1
Consider your destination wisely. Make sure that the location you're visiting holds some attraction to a child. Almost any place can, but you'll have to work harder to keep a kid's attention if your itinerary is full of visits to art museums or historical sites. Children don't have to have a voice in deciding where you travel to with them, but if you have some options and are flexible why not let them express their preference.
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Step 2
Find activities that keep kids moving. Hands-on adventures like river trips will make your life easy during a trip, especially if you go with an outfitter as opposed to organizing it on your own.
Look for kid-friendly events that are happening in the area before you travel. Consider children's museums, youth theaters, sports events, parades, dog shows, hay rides, historic reenactments, YMCA's, etc. -
Step 3
Consider adding a community service component to your vacation. Plan ahead to visit an animal shelter, school or orphanage and offer your help and donations.
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Step 4
Be prepared for kids to want to eat familiar foods. When in a new place we all try to find ways to feel more comfortable and food is one way we do it. Encourage your child to try local dishes but for some kids you might need to start slowly. Make it game, how many different or odd foods you can find and eat.
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Step 5
Keep a journal or online blog to share the adventure with friends at home. This will also encourage kids to reflect on their experience and give you insight into what they are noticing and thinking. Let your child look at a map to follow your travels.
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Step 6
Do not expect children to be able to fully appreciate an experience while it is happening. The situations that cause the most whining and loudest complaining often become the highlight of the trip when you return home and share stories with friends.
