Travel

Taking the kids to experience the great outdoors is a normal part of childhood. It also happens to be a great opportunity to unplug and bond while making everlasting memories. Even in today’s world, when we love to be indoors and staring at screens, kids still love to be up and using their energy. We visit beautiful national parks, have camping trips, and even go on hikes through forests and beautiful vistas – being in nature together is a different kind of time together. It’s a more engaged and care-free way to enjoy one another.

But kids today can find the great outdoors to be a little less stimulating than what they’re used to. Our kids are used to instant satisfaction, easability and many options at all times. As you can imagine, walking around a national park might appear, at first glance, to be boring but if they are there immersed without all the distraction of technology, it can become quite awe inspiring. Even if you love being outside, your kids might disagree, and you’ve got to try and meet them halfway. Here are some great ways to make hikes more fun for anyone under the age of 15. 

Pack ‘Adventure’ Gear

Curating a love for the outdoors takes a bit of effort, but according to people like Matthias O’Meara, all it takes is a demonstration of passion for the kids to follow along. And one of the best ways to show that passion is to pack dress up items for your kids to make good use of. 

Any number of items can go in your bag. Old world adventuring hats and coats, like you’d see in movies like Indiana Jones, as well as a compass or a treasure map to follow. Simply put, if it’s something fun that makes the outdoors seem like the great adventure it really is, the kids will love to get involved! 

Pack Plenty of Snacks

Kids love to snack at all times, no matter what age they are. So when you’re trying to get them interested in the great outdoors, make sure you’ve packed something tasty to try along the way. Plus, who doesn’t love a snack when you’re miles away from the nearest shop? 

Trail mix is usually the go-to, but snacks with a higher sugar content can work in small doses, as well. Help them keep their energy up, make sure they can’t complain about being tired and hungry, and they’ll keep pace with you just fine along the way. 

Make a Game of the Trail

There are plenty of games to play when you’re out hiking, and all it takes is some imagination. Thankfully, kids have got that in droves! A lot of parents like to do scavenger hunts with the little ones – if you know the trail already, you can ask them to bring back twigs and leaves and even bugs. 

But if this is a new place, you can play tried and tested games like I-Spy to pass the time. You can also play more involved games, such as ‘what could be at the end of the trail?’, and then ask them to come up with creatures they might find. You could even just give them a ball to bounce along the path, which they can run along with when they need to catch up with you. 

Hiking can be fun, and you’ve just got to show the kids how to make it so!

For many people, road trips are excellent ways to bond with family and friends. They are especially popular after CoVid became a thing. No one wants to leave their bubble, and with good reason. Believe me, once we were vaccinated, we jumped in the Jeep and hit the road. If you’re doing it alone, a road trip is an opportunity to travel several miles in silence and with a clearer head. No matter the option you go in for, you can make it just a bit cooler and comfy by accessorizing and customizing your car. Road trips are popular and you’ll likely be joining many Americans to drive over 500 miles this summer. Below is a list of things you can do to make yours special.

Invest in an anti-slip phone mount

We learned this lesson the hard way on our last when our phone kept flying off the dashboard on highway traffic. There are different types of phone mounts, but the most important one is the anti-slip type. You might be on the road for several hours, which may require phone use. It is not advisable to put your phone to your ear while driving simultaneously. In fact, in some states, it’s illegal. Therefore, the anti-slip phone mount may be your best option. The best types will hold up nicely and position your phone at a vantage angle, especially when using GPS for directions. Again, it will be a great addition to the car when you have to make or receive calls without physically handling the phone, especially if your vehicle lacks Bluetooth capabilities. 

Have you ever considered how to use a car phone mount? Some have holders that attach to the AC & heater vents. However, experts say those may not be ideal as extreme temperatures can negatively impact your phone’s battery. A better option would be an anti-slip phone mount that attaches to your car’s dashboard and does not obscure the phone screen. Additionally, some anti-slip mounts make provision for the landscape positioning of your phone. Therefore, you are not limited to only a portrait position of your phone’s screen.

Get a car seat gap filler or side seat gap organizer 

Have you ever experienced the inconvenience of reaching out for something while on the road, only to have it slip between the spaces between your seat (you know like your cell phone that fell off the dash)? Now, that’s a pain you want to avoid on a road trip. Fortunately, you can work around this by getting a car seat gap filler or organizer. These are designed purposely to fit between your car seats and, more importantly, to hold small, portable items. Not going to lie, it was definitely one of those things that #TikTokMadeMeBuy

Your wallet, phone, keys, and other handy items can be stored safely here. The chances of having them slip under the seat is almost non-existent. Moreover, you won’t have to pull over to search for a fallen item under your seats. Fortunately, these car accessories come in packs of two, so you can have more use of them in the car on your road trip.

Customize your car with a vanity plate

This is not a necessity but it sure is fun. I’d definitely rock a #CoolMom vanity plate. Perhaps, you have an affinity for a bit of swag and prefer something whimsical. Reputable number plate sellers such as Platehunter can make this possible before you ever hit the road.

Consider car headrest hangers

These accessories come in handy when you have to be creative with limited car space and believe me, with 2 teen girls in a Jeep, there is never enough room. Headrest hangers also allow you to have more floor space in the car. It spares car occupants the discomfort of keeping their legs in a particular position to avoid stepping on items packed for the road trip. Road trips cannot be fun when occupants of the car have cramped legs and, even worse, no space to stretch their legs especially not when your “babies” are 5’10”. 

Furthermore, people in the backseat can easily reach for items they may need while you keep your eyes on the road. You will be thankful to have the headrest hanger, especially when traveling with kids. Their water and juices will be secured with a reduced risk of spillage. Fortunately, some of these hangers have a two-way design. Therefore, if there isn’t anyone in the front seat, the driver can keep various items nearby. They are also easy to install, and you will not need an expert to do this part for you.

Keep your car clean with a portable garbage bin 

Road trips can be fun but also messy. Waste is generated easily and quickly, especially when snacking in the car. Without anything to contain the trash, you all might end up traveling in a messy vehicle. While there is the option of keeping everything in a plastic bag, it could roll around the floor as the car moves.

This is where the portable car garbage bin is needed. You don’t have to worry about creating a mess as it has a secure lid and a convenient opening. Some brands are sold with paper or plastic bags to collect your trash that you can conveniently dump at rest stops on the way.

Try an ultra-light car vacuum cleaner

Unless you’re using the latest Hyundai Odyssey model with a built-in vacuum cleaner, you may need to purchase one for your car. This device will come of immense use on your road trip. Apart from the trash, you will collect in the portable garbage bin, you will likely have crumbs on the car’s floor mat and seats. Eating in the car on a road trip is nothing new and is more reason to take practical measures to keep the vehicle clean at every chance.

It’s necessary to get the right vacuum cleaner for your car, including purchasing the ones with changeable vacuum nozzle heads. These types conveniently reach all tiny corners between and under the car seats. Don’t forget that the car vacuum cleaner you accessorize your car with must have a powerful suction for efficient cleaning.

Purchase a car visor tissue holder

Lastly, you may want to accessorize your road trip vehicle with a car visor tissue holder. These are super convenient as you don’t have to reach over the dashboard to get a tissue. The likelihood of the tissue box moving across the dashboard is quite high. Therefore, with a pack attached to the sun visor, you can easily reach for some.

Everything you can do to make your road trip fun, convenient, safe and memorable is absolutely welcome.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Vacations are a time for family, friends, and fun. It’s about being together, escaping the mundane day-to-day and enjoying not only the destination but the journey too. But, let’s be honest, for a lot of us, the planning process can be daunting sometimes even disastrous and definitely stress-inducing. However, with a little bit of preparation, you can make the most of your time together and create lasting memories that don’t make anyone want to jump off the boat and drown themselves. Here are ten tips to help you plan your family vacation.

10 Tips for Planning Your Family Vacation

Start Early

The earlier you start planning, the less stressed you’ll be. And, you’ll have more time to find great deals and book flights or train tickets, well in advance which should save you money and make you happier.

Create A Budget

One of the most important aspects of any holiday is creating a budget and sticking to it. I know, easier said than done but do as I say, not as I do, friends. Determine how much you can realistically spend on travel, accommodation, food, and activities. This budget will also help decide on a location.

Consider Your Destination Carefully

Think about what kind of vacation you want to have. Do you want to relax on a beach in an RV, explore a new city or go hiking in the mountains? Once you’ve decided on a general location, you can start looking into specific destinations. Don’t forget to factor in travel time. If you’re traveling with young children, it’s essential to factor in travel time when choosing your destination. A long flight or train journey can be tough on little ones (and their parents!). This year, you can visit Devon for a traditional family holiday in the UK r if you’re in the US visit Walt Disney World ( but remember the sunscreen if traveling this summer).

Research Accommodation Options

There are so many different types of accommodation these days, from camping and glamping to Vrbos and luxury hotels. Do some research to find somewhere that will suit your needs and budget. For example, if you’re traveling with young children, it might be worth paying a bit extra for a hotel with a pool or an apartment with a self-catering kitchen.

Make Sure Everyone Is On Board

Before you start booking anything, make sure that everyone in the family is on board with the plans. For example, planning a beach vacation is no use if your partner hates the sun and your teenage girl only wants to go skiing. Once you’ve got everyone’s input, you can narrow down your options.

Make Sure You Have Travel Insurance

This is one of the most important things to remember when planning any trip, especially if you’re traveling with young children. Make sure you’re covered in case of any medical emergencies or cancellations.

Pack Light

Whether you’re traveling by car, train or plane, packing light will make your journey easier. If you’re flying, check the baggage allowance for your airline and try to stick to carry-on luggage if possible. This will save you money (many airlines charge for checked bags), but it will also mean less time waiting at the baggage carousel. And, if you’re traveling with young children, the less luggage you have to) carry, the better.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

When packing for your trip, don’t forget the essential items like passports and travel visas (if required), tickets and boarding passes, medicine and first-aid supplies. It’s also a good idea to make copies of important documents if you lose them while you’re away.

Keep Your Itinerary Flexible

Although it’s essential to plan, it’s also important to be flexible when on vacation. Do not overschedule yourself. It will ruin your vacation. For example, if your child is tired or cranky, don’t force them to sightsee. And if you stumble upon a great restaurant or museum that wasn’t on your list, go for it! The best vacations are often the ones where you go with the flow.

Most Importantly, Have Fun

Above all, remember to have fun! A family vacation is an excellent opportunity to spend time together and create lasting memories. So, relax and enjoy your time away.

Travelling can be one of the best ways to spend time with your family. However, it can also be costly and time-consuming to plan. These ten tips will help you plan your next family vacation on a budget and make the most of your time together.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Planning a family vacation is always a little stressful, especially in an ever evolving global pandemic. Aside from just being safe these days, you have to find a way to keep each member of the family entertained – from fussy toddlers to brooding teens, and do so without going broke. Organization and little planning go a long way when planning family trips so there’s no meltdowns during your trip. Have you ever thought about planning a camping or RVing trip for your family? Honestly, we’re considering buying one. Our teen girls are begging us because we’ve had such great times on our past trips. That’s saying something when “roughing it” is our daughters’ dream vacation.

Right now with vaccines in full effect and summer approaching, we’re all struggling to plan our next trip. COVID-19 travel restrictions are constantly changing. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to plan a memorable and exciting family vacation. Just think outside the box and plan an adventurous camping trip. You won’t be disappointed, believe me! Been there, done that, doing it again and again for infinity. 

A camping trip is perfect opportunity to just breathe.

There are a lot of benefits to a family camping or RVing trip. You get to spend some time unplugged from technology and listening to each other instead of stuck behind your phone. No fear of missing out on everything happening right where you are. Yes, I know after 2020 and quarantining, more together time might not be what you had in mind. But choosing to be together is something entirely different from being imprisoned together by a global pandemic. 

Also, you can get up close and personal with nature, which is an adventure within itself. Vacationing in national parks and sharing that quiet time taking in nature with your children is priceless. Everyone can shed the roles of who they are expected to be and just be. If you get up early enough, you can even sneak in some together time with your partner. What relationship can’t benefit from that?

Camping means finding quiet moments to appreciate each other without the noise of the world interrupting.

With that in mind, here are some tips you can use. Here’s how to plan the perfect camping or RVing trip for your family! 

• Choose your destination for overnight camps carefully. While you may want privacy and relaxation, choose a site that is not too far from civilization. If you’re new to camping, you’ll appreciate access to shops and similar facilities if you need them. With kids, you’ll need them. It’s a good idea to reserve a spot at a camping site or national park far in advance ( like now) mainly due to the rise in popularity of camping trips in 2021. 
  

• Plan an itinerary for activities that you can participate in around your chosen destination. For example, while an afternoon hike will always be exciting (and won’t cost you a penny), it becomes distinctly less fun if it’s raining. Instead, you might want to check out a local museum or head to the movie theater. Try to have a plan in place so that each day is varied. Remember that you can always drive to a neighboring town too. 
  

• Ensure that you have everything you need for a successful camping trip on hand. For example, you cannot simply purchase a tent and a few sleeping bags and hope for the best. You should also ensure that you have easy access to a first aid kit, flashlights, and similar safety-related products. Also, if you’ll be cooking and preparing your own meals, you’ll need to purchase a tent stove or camping stove. This means that you can save money and make exciting meals from scratch instead of having to stop by restaurants. Make it more exciting and catch what you eat. There are plenty of options to choose from, and you can see the full list here.

• Take turns choosing which activities you participate in each evening. For example, this could mean that you bring a collection of board games, host an outdoor movie night or my favorite sitting around a campfire talking under the stars. Giving every member of the family a turn to select the activity means that everyone will be happy and enjoy their vacation.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where is your dream destination for a family camping trip?