Parents have to be super-organized and thoughtful when traveling with kids to avoid unpleasant surprises. When you book your vacation, you should start considering where to stay. There are so many things to think about: budget, distance from the main sights, school holidays, travel times and distances and – of course – child-friendly accommodation options. How can you know if a hotel is kid-friendly? Are B&Bs friendly for families? Can you rent an apartment instead of staying in a hotel or a B&B? Before booking your next vacation accommodation, ask yourself these questions to help you find the right place for your family.
Is there a specific location or attraction you want to be close to?
If so, the first thing you need to do is check the location of different accommodation options. After all, no one wants to spend a long time in the car traveling with kids. When planning your road trip, check the distances to the main sights in the area. You can also use Google Maps or Waze to get directions and see the distances between two locations. Also, think about the timings of the attractions: you don’t want to spend a long time waiting at the entrance. Always check the hours of operation for the attractions you want to visit, and try to plan your stay to be as close as possible to the time the attractions close.
Is it accessible?
You might be drawn to a specific hotel or B&B because of its unique charm and breathtaking views, but if it’s not accessible for families traveling with kids, you might want to rethink your decision. Can you easily access the property via public transport, or is there ample parking at the location? Can you quickly get to and from the accommodation to where you want to visit, or is it too remote to make a good base? While it might be attractive and cost-effective, if you will struggle to navigate the local area and make your way to and from the property or hotel, you might need to rethink. The same for places that don’t have elevator access for parents with young children or those who need disabled access.
How much space do you need?
Think about how many bedrooms you need, how many beds you require, and what other amenities you might want in each room. If you have a lot of kids or you’re traveling with a baby and a toddler, you’ll need plenty of space. If you have older children who don’t need their own bedroom, you can save money by booking a room with two beds or with a sofa bed. But if you have a young child or expect a baby, you’ll need a room with a crib or a travel cot. If you have a large family or lots of stuff, you may also consider booking a suite or a villa. These rooms usually have a separate living room and even a kitchen.
What experience are you looking to have on your vacation?
For some, the accommodation is simply a place to get a night’s sleep; for others, it will be more than a base, and they will spend much more time there. If you are planning on having your accommodation as part of your experience, you want somewhere reflective of the area. For example, if you have a beach vacation, staying on beachfront property can give you the perfect location and cut down on commuting to and from the beach. The same with nature vacations. Booking Mount Rainier cabin rentals can help you explore and enjoy Mount Rainier National Park more during your trip. Alternatively, if you are visiting a theme park attraction such as Disney World, chances are you won’t be in the room much, and a bathroom and comfy beds can be all you need from your accommodation.
What amenities do you need in your accommodation?
When choosing a place to stay, it’s essential to consider your family’s basic needs. Will your toddler be safe and be able to roam around freely? Is there somewhere for your baby to sleep? Is there a kitchen? A laundry room? An outdoor space where you can barbecue? Are there washing machines and dryers? While hotel rooms can be great for short trips or overnight stays, they aren’t always practical. Accommodation with cooking facilities, more rooms, and space to allow you to make yourself at home can be more appropriate for families to get the best from their vacation. Other amenities that can make your life easier include having towels and bedding, WiFi, safety gates, TVs, gaming equipment, etc.
What is your budget?
How much you can afford to pay will dictate the type of accommodation you can afford to rent and the level of luxury on offer. Once you have determined precisely what is essential to you regarding location, amenities, accessibility, and so on, you can narrow down your choices within your budget.
For example, instead of opting for a budget hotel for larger families or paying for multiple rooms, it can be more cost effective to look on Airbnb to see what places are available for larger families as it might work out cheaper. Another option is to stay slightly further afield to get more for your money. The choice is yours, but you should consider all different types of accommodation before making your final decision to be confident it is suitable for your needs.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect accommodation when traveling with kids can be a challenge. But by considering all of the factors above, you’ll find the ideal place to stay. The most important thing is to do your research and read reviews from other families similar to yours to find out how suitable it is for your needs and what others thought of it. Once you know where you’d like to visit, be sure to book as early as possible to get the best deals. And above all, don’t forget to enjoy your vacation – no matter where you stay!
