The Family Friendly Guide
3 Tips for Finding Some ‘Me-Time’ While Traveling with Kids
Every parent knows that traveling with children can be a little, erm, challenging. As you spend your time chasing after the wee ones, you might find that you need a vacation from your vacation. But you’ll be glad to hear that there are ways you can actually carve out some time sans kids even when you travel with them. So how do you squeeze in a night out or an excursion they’re too young to appreciate into your itinerary? Here’s some tips!
Hire a babysitter at your destination
If the thought of leaving your precious offspring with a stranger in a foreign locale makes you feel anxious, put your mind at ease by researching the babysitting services on offer at your destination and vetting your picks before you go. That way, you’ll make sure you have a caregiver who meets your criteria and who is available when you need them. Don’t know where to start? Join a local parents’ group on Facebook or a local expat group in the destination you’re headed and ask for recommendations. Alternatively, scout out local childcare agencies with a good reputation. Having a sitter on-site is actually a great way to get your kids immersed in the local culture.
Travel with other couples or friends with kids
If you’d rather leave the children in the care of someone you know, why not travel with family friends? Not only will your kids have buddies to play with, but you’ll also be able to share in the parenting responsibilities with the other adults in the party. Just think about it: the moms could go enjoy some spa time while the dads watch over the kids! Or one couple could go out while the other sets of parent stay with the kids. Simply make sure the children get along (as well as the adults), and arrange to trade off alone time so everyone gets the rest they need. Even better: If you travel with kids who can count as babysitters for the younger ones, the adults can all get a night out! The more kids you have in the group, the less you’ll have to entertain.
Travel with relatives
Much like traveling with other families, a multi-generational vacation will give you plenty of opportunities to enjoy some solo time when needed (as well as precious family bonding time). For instance, your parents might be quite happy taking the little ones to the local play area, or keeping them busy at the beach, instead of walking around to see the sights. Or perhaps your in-laws wouldn’t mind keeping an eye on your youngest while you go out for drinks some nights. There is an inherent trust factor when you use relatives as babysitters: You know they’ll take care of your children as their own. Just make sure everyone gets some space to recharge throughout the vacation. Your kids might also enjoy having a break from their parents!
While traveling with children is certainly challenging, there are many ways to make time to relax on your own. Planning a family trip to the Mediterranean? Book your breathtaking vacation rental with THE STELLA today!
