Hey, mamas. If you’re looking at booking a vacation but aren’t sure what to do about your kids, that’s okay. Traveling with kids can be tough, especially because it involves wonky schedules, time changes, and hauling so many more bags than if you were alone. Finding a great place to stay shouldn’t be part of the challenge.
Here are our top tips for finding the best places to stay for families.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.
Don’t Be Afraid of Multiples
It might seem non-intuitive to stay in multiple places throughout your vacation. Yet sometimes it’s a great way to break up the trip or make certain sightseeing adventures more manageable.
For example, if you’re visiting a relative who lives a few hours from a major city, you’ll probably plan to spend a day or two in the city. There are more cultural opportunities and better shopping. If you’re doing a couple days there, why not spend the night? Find a place to stay in the city that will accommodate your family. You may pay a little more, but you don’t stay there the whole time so it won’t be too big of a splurge. Plus, it’s worth it for the convenience.
If the family you’re visiting is coming along to the city with you, you may be able to go in together and split the cost. AirBnB makes it really easy to split the cost with multiple users.
Free Cancellation
Be sure you get the best cancellation policies, especially since you’re dealing with the tail end of a pandemic. Spring break is fun, but not if you’re paying for the trip without getting to go.
If you’re searching on AirBnb, make sure that you get the best cancellation terms. If a place looks great but won’t let you cancel for free unless it’s within the first 48 hours of booking, skip it. Whether you’re going to Disney or just a short weekend getaway, it’s not worth the aggravation.
Same with deals on aggregate sites like booking.com or expedia. You may get a cheaper rate if you book a place without free cancellation, but it’s better to pay a few extra dollars for the peace of mind that comes with free cancellation.
Consider Your Unique Needs
Before you even start searching, consider what accommodations your family will need. Think about bedtime routines at home and what would help your kids feel at home and ready for bed, despite excitement and schedule changes. Here are some ideas:
Does your AirBnb have a bathtub? Bath time before bed will be just like home, so skip a booking if there is only a shower available
Will your kids have separate bedrooms? If they sleep apart at home, sleeping in separate rooms on vacation will be most comfortable and feel normal
Do you have access to a kitchen? If you’re trying to save money on vacation, then cooking a few of your own meals is the way to go
Sleep Well
These are just a few of the ways to ensure your vacation accommodations are top notch. If you’re planning a vacation for your family this spring, be sure you’ll stay in a comfortable place. Keeping your kids on schedule and happy will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
For more on travel, check out these other posts from A Wild Lass:
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.