7 Family Travel Tips for Summer 2021

It’s been more than a year since the announcement of the novel Coronavirus, and another travel season is upon us. It’s only natural to feel confused, have lots of questions, and wonder what the heck is going on. This is especially true for families with young children, most of whom already required detailed vacation planning before the pandemic. 

Thankfully, since the vaccination has been released and distributed, the world seems to be regaining some semblance of a new normal. Travel restrictions are lifting, mask mandates are being relaxed, and businesses are opening up again. It seems like 2021 will be the year for vacations, travel, and reconnection. In this article, we’re sharing some of the most important tips for parents to keep in mind during the summer season. Then, we’re discussing ways they can keep their families happy, healthy, and rested through any travel plans.

Tips for Staying Safe and Having Fun in Summer 2021

Health and safety are still a priority in 2021. Indeed, the vaccination has already been distributed widely, but Coronavirus prevention is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Life may never go back to the way it was before, so we should all learn to adapt to this new way of doing things. Here are the seven most important summer travel tips for families living in the new normal. 

1. Only Book Travel Plans That are Refundable

It’s impossible to predict the way things will go, especially during a global pandemic. Lockdown and safety measures seem to change in response to the current happenings, and an untold number of events have been canceled or postponed because of this. Learn from past mistakes, and plan for the unplannable. Purchase tickets with insurance and book rates that are refundable. Prevention is the best way to protect your wallet and itinerary. 

2. Stay Flexible

It’s rare for an entire vacation to go according to plan, even under normal circumstances. Cut yourself some slack and stay flexible during your travel this summer. If you’re willing to go with the flow, instead of forcefully sticking to the agenda at hand, your family will enjoy themselves so much more. Make sure you are considering flexible sleeping arrangements so everyone sleeps well. I personally love the SlumberPod as the BEST way to create a “room within a room” so your child has quiet, dark, private space to take great naps and sleep all night. This opportunity for travel should be a time of enjoyment, fun, and self-care. 

3. Appreciate the Covid-Safe Businesses

You work hard to keep your family healthy and safe; go out of your way to show some appreciation for the businesses that are doing the same. The only way for leaders to know that health and safety continue to remain a priority is for people to show them that they still care. Look for companies prioritizing public health and safety, and those still using Coronavirus prevention techniques. Show them your support and thank them for continuing to care. 

4. Spend Lots of Time Outdoors

Throughout the entire pandemic, the outdoors has remained one of the safest places to be. It’s easy to maintain a distance, and the wide-open spaces disperse particles from our breath quickly. Spending time outside is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself this summer. And there are many family-friendly ways to do it. Some great ideas for having fun outside with kids are to:

• Take a walk

• Fly kites

• Paint together (less mess!)

• Make mud pies

• Search for bugs

• Climb trees together

• Go geocaching

5. Have Lots of Snacks

Prevent the onset of hanger! It can be tough to squeeze in full meals and restaurant trips when you have small kids, which is why it’s so important to stay prepared with snacks. Having easy food ready to go also allows you to control the kinds of foods your kids are eating on vacation, preventing their eating habits from getting too crazy. Bento boxes, snackable containers, and reusable pouches are perfect for these situations, and will definitely help save your sanity. 

6. Squeeze in Naps Wherever You Can

Hungry kiddos aren’t the only ones you have to worry about. Those who missed naptime, or are otherwise feeling sleepy, can also be quite difficult - especially on vacation. Before leaving on vacation, try coming up with a schedule. Families with tiny ones might even benefit from choosing destinations that are slower in pace and supportive of a baby’s sleep. Aim for at least one good nap per day, and prioritize it. A rested child is a happy one, and this makes everything easier. 

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun

As important as it is to juggle all the different aspects of your trip, it’s important to know that not everything will go according to plan. It never does. Have fun anyway, and enjoy yourself. Your children won’t remember the times you forgot the snacks or almost missed your flight. They will remember laughing on the beach with their mom or swimming in the hotel pool with their dad. Make as many happy memories as you can and smile through the obstacles that come your way. 

At Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching, we know that a happy vacation is a well-rested one. And that means all members of the family get enough sleep. We provide parents with guilt-free, gentle sleep coaching to help reduce their overwhelm and get them back to life. Dozens of parents have changed the way they look at sleep, thanks to the Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching way. If you go on a trip and things have regressed upon your return, then please know I always offer Sleep Triage Sessions. Or if you are wanting your child to learn healthy sleep habits before your trip, then please Contact us today to learn more.