I remember my younger spring break days…road trips, margaritas, suntans and days spent at the beaches. Spring Break as a parent usually includes a few kids in tow, a whole lot of luggage, and even more planning. Spring Break with kids is different; but it can be just as great! Here are some key tips for traveling with wee ones this Spring Break.
If you are going to the beach…
Choose a destination that is NOT synonymous with Spring Break. Plan ahead and research the beach areas that are known for loud and rowdy college students and AVOID them. Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, South Padre Island, and Miami Beach are all well-known college spring break locales. Not only are they typically much more expensive during peak seasons, they are also more packed and rowdy.
If you are going to the amusement parks…
Plan ahead and check out exclusive park tips prior to your stay. If you are going to Disney, Disneytouristblog.com and Mousesavers.com are great resources for park coupons, current happenings, and local attractions that are going on around the park. If you are eligible for a military discount, you can look up Military discounts listed by park.
If you want to stay close to the park but not at the actual resort, Airbnb can offer homes and apartments that are usually a walkable distance to the entrance. Vacation rentals can be cheaper than resorts and have full kitchen accommodations so you don’t waste money buying expensive meals at the park.
If you are nursing or have a child in diapers, Disney and Lego amusement parks offer pretty incredible nursing and childcare rooms. Some of the accommodations include rocking chairs, privacy curtains, private changing areas, high chairs, microwaves, refrigerators, bottle warmers and emergency diapers and wipes. I have used both the LegoLand and the Disneyland nursing rooms and I cannot say enough great things about them! It really made it feasible for our whole family to go to the parks when we had a young one in tow.
If you are visiting family or friends without baby or toddler items…
If you’ll be staying with people that aren’t equipped for small children, there are many different companies that rent kid supplies. A few years ago we stayed with a family friend in Malibu when my youngest was 8 months. We rented a high chair, crib, crib sheets, and even toys for an entire week, all for a very reasonable rate. If you don’t have to check extra bags when flying, renting can actually save you money. We used Baby’s Away and the delivery and set up was included in the fee! After a long flight, it is a real stress reliever to have everything all prepared at your destination.
No matter where you are traveling, if you’re doing so with kids, always have a plan for separation
Every family should have a predetermined meeting place to go if you get separated, like the ticket window or park information booth. Make sure to talk about your strategy with your child so they know the plan. Some families even use hospital ID bracelets on children to write pertinent information, such as your phone number, in case a child is lost. If you are staying at a hotel, you can also tuck a hotel business card inside your child’s pocket so they know where they are staying. No one wants to think about getting separated from their loved ones, but it is always best to be over prepared.
Tessa Wesnitzer is a health and wellness coach who lives in a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves her husband, two boys, green tea, long runs, and snowy winters.
