I am someone who loves to travel and spends all year dreaming and planning of where I’ll be visiting next. I am a big believer in traveling with kids of all ages – travel is enriching and exciting and should be something that children grow up with, though a few trips away as a couple is much needed sometimes. When it comes to family trips, a lot of us opt to keep it simple with a beach break. While family beach breaks can be a lot of fun, when all you do year after year is hit the beach, it can start to get a little dull, especially if it is to the same area each time.
Just like traveling in your early twenties, family travel can be exciting. You just need to take the leap and pick a location that’s a little more interesting than the beach, like the ski slopes of Aspen, for example (we are going there in a matter of weeks – eeek)! A lot of parents think that skiing with kids is impossible to enjoy, but if you plan in advance and are well prepared, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of little things you can do to make a family skiing trip as enjoyable as possible. It’s just a case of being smart about your planning and trip.
Wanting to take the kids skiing but worried it won’t be a good experience? Take these ideas on board:
Be Smart About Flights
This isn’t exclusive to ski trips, but it’s still worth mentioning. When it comes to traveling with the kids in tow, getting your flights right is crucial. It’s easy to think that children and air travel just don’t mix, but that’s not the case. The truth is if you’re smart about when you travel, such as at a time when they’re not tired, cranky or hungry, your chances of an airplane wobbly are low. When are your kids happiest and most relaxed in the day? Book a flight for around that time.
Remember, to keep them occupied at the airport and on the plane, packing their carry-ons wisely is crucial. Think books, iPads, colouring pencils, puzzles, and anything else that will keep them busy. A word to the wise, book your airport transfers in advance. The last thing you want after a long flight is to have to wait around in the airport for hours with tired kids.
Pick Your Accommodation Carefully
Most ski resorts, like the aspensnowmass resort, have various accommodation options on offer. Your best bet, with young children in tow, is to opt for self-catered accommodation. That way, you’ll have a whole lodge or condo for your kids to run around in, instead of just a small hotel room. You’ll also have access to your own kitchen, so you don’t have to worry about how restaurants will cater to your kid’s fussy appetites.
Plan Your Itinerary Around Your Kids
The most important thing you can do to ensure your family trip to the slopes is a success is plan your itinerary around your children. Children get tired and cold easily, so spending six hours a day on the slopes will be too much for them. Plan to ski the big slopes while your kids are having lessons so that you get to have some fun while you’re away. For skiing lessons, make sure to book your kids in with an English-speaking instructor as this will make learning easier for them. If you want some adult time, consider putting your kids in the resort kid’s club for a few hours.
If your kids are used to having lunch at 12 noon, break for lunch then. Having an amazing time on the slopes with your children in tow is about working your time around them. You’ll find you’ll have more fun if you do this, as you won’t have to worry about cranky kids and tantrums.
Take these tips and ideas on board and you can ensure that if you choose to hit the slopes with your kids, you’ll have an incredible time. Have you ever taken the kids skiing?
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