Spring Break Travel, Staycation & Destination Ideas With Eirene Heidelberger! by Donna John

What are you doing for spring break? Whether you plan to travel to some near or far-flung destination or you’re just kicking back at home, you’ll need tips for making your family vacation or staycation a success. That’s why Eirene Heidelberger, founder of GIT Mom, joined us recently! Eirene is not only a certified parent coach, she’s also a seasoned family traveler who navigates the world with three boys in tow. Read on to get her tips so your spring travel blooms!

Q: What are your favorite spring break destinations and why?

• Viva la Mexico! Most direct flights from around country, “guaranteed” good weather and inexpensive lodging.
• Caribbean: Bahamas, Turks and Caicos make family travel simple with many all-inclusive resort options.
• Skiing: Slopes are open through mid-April and most families fly south, so trails are less crowded during spring break.
• Spring in New York City is pretty and there’s so much to do with kids. Mine love One World Observatory. Eyes like saucers!
• Las Vegas: Blue skies, cheap lodging, kids activities plus the Grand Canyon is nearby!

Q: What are your best tips for traveling with kids?

• Allow more time than you think you’ll need when flying. I plan a 30-minute cushion for my family.
• “One cook in the kitchen.” We designate one person to direct the travel day so kids aren’t overwhelmed with information.
• Pre-purchase snacks at convenience stores and pack in a reusable bag to save money at the airport.
• I plan a simple outfit that’s comfortable and put together so I feel calm and collected during a long day.
• Non-stop communication with the kids so they understand the plan and what is expected of them.
• Pre-arrange the first meal upon arrival earlier and make it simple and easily accessible to final destination.

Q: How do you find time for yourself and/or your partner when on a family vacation?

• Boundaries! When putting kids to bed at night, I tell them what time they’re allowed to wake us in the morning.
• Communication! My husband and I pre-plan each day around our needs first so we don’t get run down catering to kids.
• Divide and conquer. We trade off being in charge of the kids to get individual “Me Time.”
• Travel with other grownups. In our family, we take Grandpa with us to share the parenting.

Q: What if you can’t get away? Give us some ideas for a great staycation with kids.

• Any local hotels with a pool and room service so we don’t need to get dressed to eat and can lay around cozy together.
• Be a tourist in your own town. We did this on New Year’s Eve and it was an easy family bonding experience.
• Take a short drive to an indoor water park. The resorts are all-inclusive, so easy to plan.
• Create a theme night at home. Start with a movie, then plan a fun dinner and dessert around it.
  

Q: What’s the secret to making great family vacation or staycation memories?

• Not over-planning a destination. Small kids aren’t fun on a seven-hour flight. It’s not worth it. Europe can wait!
• Respecting kids’ feeding and sleeping schedule as much as possible. If their needs are met, they’ll be happier travelers.
• Our priority is on being together versus racing to excursions and feeling stressed out.
• Say no. We know our kids’ limitations best and don’t have guilt saying no when they beg for “just one more ride.”

Wonderful tips and ideas for how to make spring break family travel a breeze! Be sure to follow @GIT_Mom and like her on Facebook! To learn more about her coaching services, visit GitMom.com!