Travel Tips for Trips with Kids 👩‍👧

I had an incredible trip to New York City with my daughter for her 10th birthday. It was an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and lots of planning.

We were in the theater watching Harry Potter, and there was this line that was something like, "You have to make space in your head and your heart for what you want to fill it with." And, of course, I started crying because it was so obvious. How can you let in your hopes, dreams, and goals when you're so busy trying to survive? 

Trips are the perfect time to make that extra space and fill it with meaningful memories. Here are some tips and insights I gathered on how to make these travel moments extra special:

Pack Light, Pack Right: We managed a weekend trip with just two backpacks, bypassing the hassle of rolling luggage upstairs or crowded streets. As she packed her bag, we went through each item, deciding if she would use it and if it was worth carrying or if she could go without it for the next 48 hours (and I reminded her that we needed extra space for shopping, which suddenly made this process very easy). 🛍

Empower Their Choices: Involve your child in the planning process. Find out their interests and desires for the trip. This engagement creates excitement and gives them ownership of the adventure. When we had dinner the first night at Eataly, my fav, she wasn't psyched about her meal. The next night, she really enjoyed Chick-fil-A. 🍗 Not every meal has to be a big deal. This one was so simple yet made such a significant impact.

Navigate Overwhelm Together: Big, bustling places like Times Square can be overwhelming for anyone, especially kids. We were standing right in the middle of everything. Instead of seeing wonder in her eyes, I saw sadness. 😢 She didn't want to be there. I found that moments like these offer teaching opportunities. I looked her right in the eyes and said I can help you through this (because running through the crowds back to the hotel wouldn't solve the problem). We practiced mindfulness techniques like focusing on one thing, deep breathing, and knowing that this too shall pass and she'll be back in a quiet space shortly. 

You won't always be there with them to protect them from situations that make them uncomfortable, but you can help them through them with the tools they can use to help themselves for a lifetime. 👏

Rest and Recharge: Recognize when they're feeling tired or overwhelmed. Plan breaks, find quiet spots, or even return to your hotel for downtime. Rest is just as crucial as exploration. I'm type A and am always in GO mode. 🔛 But realizing she's 10 and can't run as fast or needs to, I chilled out and let her say when she was ready. 

Fun Through Their Eyes: Remember, the trip is about them, not just us. Keep checking in on how they are doing. Take the quiet moments to have a conversation you might not have during the monotony of home life. 👩‍👧Embrace their sense of wonder and joy. Let them lead the way and let them gain empowerment. You'll be amazed at the experiences they'll cherish. 

Traveling with kids can be a fantastic way to bond and create lifelong memories. By involving them in the planning, respecting their needs, and empowering their decisions, we pave the way for a meaningful journey that enriches us all.

Please let me know which tip you found most interesting and what others you've incorporated. Here's to more adventures that foster joy, connection, and unforgettable moments - for them and us! 🙌

That reminds me of another line from the play, something about how hard it is to be a parent but remember how hard it was to be a kid growing up. We both have it hard, so don't forget you need love and compassion. We're just all figuring out life together. One step at a time. 😘

Love you. Gotta go. Bye.

You got this! 

xoxo

Tamara

And when you're in NYC, check out the Toastieland rainbow grilled cheese that wasn’t just pretty looking, but also delicious! We snagged this one at the Bryant Park Winter Village, but you can find them in various locations even outside NY.

Starbucks fans, there's a Reserve Roastery in Chelsea, one of six worldwide. It’s a huge space where you can see the beans roasting, grab an alcoholic coffee from the bar, and gifts from the shop.

And for your Harry Potter fans, there’s a massive store in Flatiron near Eataly with a bar serving the famous Butterbeer. Cheers!

I always take Amtrak to New York. It's super easy, with no security lines. Just get to the station and sit where you want. There are electrical outlets at each seat and super big chairs with plenty of space. And if you're traveling from Boston to New York, grab a seat on the left to catch the views of the water in Connecticut. I booked in advance, which helps with the price, and kids up to 12 get a discounted rate. Make sure you sign up for points for you and the kids!