Wendy Perrin, Conde Nast Traveler family travel editor extraordinaire, has recently launched a travel contest to find the best tips from A-to-Z for traveling with kids. The winner gets a $16,000 family vacation for four to the Grace Bay Club on Turks and Caicos. Stop by the Conde Nast Traveler contest page to learn more.
Reading Wendy’s A-to-Z Guide for Traveling with Kids and dreaming about a family trip to the Grace Bay Club, inspired us to do one of our own, aimed at families traveling with teens and tweens and younger siblings or cousins. Groups with wide age ranges need lots of options, time outdoors and high energy activities so the kids sleep well at night. So, here we go:
A is for America. Whether it is a city, a suburb, a farm or the forest there is a new experience around every corner. Mix up hiking, history, wildlife, culture and nature with a camping roadtrip or stays at luxury hotels. America has it all.
B is for Beaches. You can never go wrong with a trip that includes time at a beach. Pick a deserted beach or one with lots of action depending on what your family likes to do. From Cape Cod to Florida, the Gulf Coast, the West Coast and Hawaii, we never tire of watching the waves and kids of all ages never complain about spending a day on the sand.
C is for Cruises. Boats like Allure of the Seas, the Disney Dream, and the NCL Epic have something for everyone. Each has fantastic kids and teen clubs, pools, shows and more.
D is for Disney. How can any kid of any age say no to time at Disney World - where wishes really do come true!
E is for Energy. A hungry and tired teen or tween is almost as bad as a worn out toddler. Keep everyone in good spirits by making sure they eat healthy and get a decent amount of sleep.
F is for Friends. Older kids love it when they can bring along a friend. Make sure you pick someone who you know will get along with the whole family. If you have younger kids in the group, the older ones can explore a bit on their own – assuming they check in frequently.
G is for Golf. Don’t ask why but teens, tweens and younger kids just love golf. Driving ranges, mini-golf, 3-par courses. It is a great activity for them to do together and they just can’t seem to get enough.
H is for Hikes. Getting outside in nature on a hike is a great way to spend time together as a family. Whether it is a waterfall hike in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, or an all day trek to the top of 7,000 ft Harney Peak in South Dakota’s Custer State Park, pick a trail that works for the group or split up so that the more hardy hikers can strike out on their own for a while.
I is for iPhones and iPods. Teens and tweens need to keep in touch with the friends back home. Set ground rules early about how much texting, facebook, etc. they can do but recognize that letting them check in a bit each day will help them stay focused on family the rest of the time by limiting worries about what they are missing.
J is for the Jersey Shore. If you have never visited the 130 mile Jersey Shore you are missing out on a wonderful mix of boardwalks, arcades, boogie boarding, body surfing, history, fishing, boat rides and more. Rent a house for week, walk to beach, cook on the grill and enjoy a down home family vacation.
K is for Kayak. Explore the water up close and personal. Rent kayaks and canoes on your own in protected waters or take a tour. We have had great times in the mangroves of the Florida Keys and the salt marshes of Cape May.
L is for Lakes. Lakes have it all, with fresh water! Pack a lunch, kick back and swim, sail, kayak, canoe and don’t forget to go fishin’. The trout are biting at Lake Yellowstone in the summer.
M is for Museums. Kids of all ages are used to going to museums on school field trips so they might not have them at the top of their list for vacation. However, this is one time when they will probably be grateful that you forced them to go see great works of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or moon rocks at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Dial into your kids interests and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten track.
N is for National History. Kids have been learning about their country’s history for years at school. They generally love it when they can see the real thing. Colonial Williamsburg is a great living history museum that fascinates kids of all ages. The Gilded Age Mansions of Newport RI evoke another age as well. Out west, don’t miss downtown Deadwood, South Dakota for a look at the gold rush era.
O is for Options. As in keep your options open. We encourage all parents to do a lot of research, get the kids – particularly the teens and tweens – involved in picking the most important parts of the itinerary but recognize that weather, traffic, allergies, and lots of other variables may require a change of plans. Take it as an opportunity to explore a hidden gem you didn’t have time for. You might be surprised at the memorable moments that can result.
P is for Pools. Not just hotel pools, we are talking about the really big ones with slides, sharks, lazy rivers and all the rest at waterparks. One of our favorites is Discovery Cove in Orlando but there are great ones all over the country. Let the older kids explore – or play with the younger ones while mom and dad take a break.
Q is for Questions. Encourage kids of all ages to ask questions wherever you go. At museums, zoos, on the trail, they can learn a lot – without even knowing it is educational.
R is for Rentals. Teens and tweens need space. Renting a house , condo or timeshare is a great way to get it. Any time you are staying more than a night or two check out HomeAway, RedWeek, VRBO, resort timeshare rentals and similar resources. Only staying for a night? Look for hotels with suites or adjoining rooms.
S is for Ski and Snowboard. Whether it is a quick day trip or a week long vacation to a major resort like Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont, skiing and snowboarding is great family fun. Can’t keep up with the tweens? Look for areas with top notch camps, and watch their skills improve in a matter of days.
T is for Transit. Whether it is a train, a subway, a bus or a ferry, public transit is a great way to get around without spending an arm and a leg. In cities like Boston and New York, leave your car at home.
U is for Underground. Head for the hills – or rather the caves. If you have a chance, exploring a cave with your kids is an amazing experience. South Dakota’s Jewel and Wind Caves are spectacular.
V is for Volcanoes. The immense scale and power of volcanoes makes a big impression on kids of all ages. Even dormant volcanoes can be impressive to hike but seeing the real deal like Hawaii’s Kilauea spewing smoke and lava will leave a lasting impression.
W is for Wildlife. When they are young kids are attracted to wild animals and as they get older the interest never seems to wane. Whether it is Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom or buffalo on the prairie, take the time to check it out.
X is for eXcitement. Get excited about spending time together as a family. Get those teens and tweens engaged in planning the trip so they are excited and energized too. And when you get back, keep talking about the great family memories you made.
Y is for Yellowstone. If you only take your kids to one National Park make it Yellowstone. The wildlife is wonderful but the geysers and thermal activity are beyond amazing.
Z is for Ziplines. Canopy tours like Arbortrek near Smugglers’ Notch Vermont and ziplines at ski resorts like New Hampshire’s Wildcat Mountain give teens a bit of a thrill ride, amid incredible scenery!
That’s our list from A-to-Z! We hope you found some inspiration for Spring Break, summer vacation and beyond. Be sure to share your tips here and with Wendy Perrin.
