Going on a trip with your family is a wonderful way to spend time with one another and create memories. In this busy world, it is too easy to get stuck on planning and ensuring you see everything possible. Step back and reframe your travels to make them more enjoyable for everyone.
Take Your Lodging with You
One of the best ways to travel is by RV. The convenience is almost unmatched. You have your transportation and your accommodations with you at every turn. All you need to do is find an RV park that suits your needs whenever you are ready to settle in for the night.
With an RV, you will still need to pack clothing based on your travel destinations and the weather, but you can pack more of it. The days of worrying about what to eat or where to use the bathroom are gone, too. Everything is with you and within reach. It is easy to see the world around you and explore because you have easy access to hiking sticks and boots or whatever you may need, instead of being limited by what can fit in a suitcase.
If you have small children, here are a few tips and some perspective to help you have a better trip.
Lower Your Expectations
Increase the possibility of an amazing travel experience with your family by lowering your expectations. If you tick off every single thing on your must-see list – good for you! If you miss out on a few things because you opt for a different path, well, you did not miss out on anything, did you? All you did was change your itinerary or alter your plans.
Teach your kids (and yourself) to go with the flow. As long as you are still experiencing things and enjoying your travels, that is what matters. Spending time together while creating memories is the goal, after all. In addition, you will teach your kids a valuable lesson in being flexible.
Talk About Technology Use
Before embarking on your travels, talk with everyone about smartphone, tablet, and laptop usage on the trip. Know what you want before the conversation begins. If you intend to work remotely, explain that to your kids. However, as soon as you are finished with a project, log off and stay off. Use your out-of-office features and silence unnecessary notifications.
If you have a teenager who prides themself on their Snapstreak, be open to compromise. First, discuss the need to silence their notifications or turn some of them off completely. Next, come to an agreement on a certain amount of smartphone use each day so they can keep their streak going. Even if you do not understand, this is something that matters to them. If you respect that, the trip will probably be more enjoyable. Finally, ensure you are not chronically online throughout the journey to set a good example for the rest of your family.
Use these tips to help you create a memorable family adventure. With an RV, some patience, and planning, you will be on your way to family fun. Remember, it is all about the journey.
