#30Seconds In-Depth: Spring Break & Travel Tips With Eirene Heidelberger! by Christine Jones

At this week's #30Seconds Twitter chat we talked to our very own Eirene Heidelberger of GIT Mom and got some amazing travel tips and ideas. (We laughed so much with her on a recent episode of 30 Minutes With #30Seconds that we didn't get through all of her awesome spring break and travel tips.) Whether you're going somewhere warm, hitting the slopes, sight -seeing or just staying at home for spring break, you'll want to read on. 

Q: What are some of your favorite family-friendly travel destinations?

• Viva la Mexico! Most direct flights from around country, “guaranteed” good weather and inexpensive lodging.
• Caribbean: Bahamas and 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.

@30seconds @GIT_mom A2. pack plenty of snacks and drinks so you're not tempted to stop anywhere! #30seconds

— Amber Cheras (@shadow62310) March 23, 2017

@lorri1956 @30seconds @GIT_mom When we take road trips, we HIGHLIGHT a road atlas so they can "follow along" #30seconds

— Toni B 🎨 🎬 (@rychepet) March 23, 2017

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.

@GIT_mom @30seconds A3. a home made drive in theater in your back yard using a projector and cardboard boxes as seats #30seconds

— Amber Cheras (@shadow62310) March 23, 2017

Q: How can you pack without over doing it?

• A week prior lay out everything to pack. Choose one color scheme per family member then edit what you really need to take.
• Pack a few basic bottoms that match several tops then and fun accessories like scarves and hats to create fashionable looks.
• Use Ziplock bags to contain each child’s outfit and label with their name to make dressing on vacation hassle-free.
• Keep one list of last-minute items that need to be packed in the suitcase on travel day.

I mean I love a white robe, but, sometimes I gotta #GetItTogether! #30seconds

— GIT Mom (@GIT_mom) March 23, 2017

@30seconds @GIT_mom A4) research weather and make a list. Plus always get a room with washer & dryer even in Disney #30seconds

— SillySheep (@SillySheep) March 23, 2017

Q: How can one travel without needing a vacation from your vacation?

• Be realistic about your travel style, do you prefer to explore or relax?
• Feeling at peace with the budget will maximize your travel experience.
• Don’t forget about Mom and Dad! Get a sitter for an afternoon or night and try something new and unique. A cool new experience can boost happiness and create bonding.
• Plan a last hurrah, adult-only fancy dinner your last night that you’ll always remember as a couple.
• Take turns parenting and give each other a morning off to be alone and focus on yourself.
• Create clear bedtime boundaries for the kids and designate a reasonable time for everyone to start their day together.

@30seconds @GIT_mom A5) by going with the flow... if you can't make one place try plan B ... sometimes plan B works out better #30seconds

— SillySheep (@SillySheep) March 23, 2017

@30seconds @GIT_mom a5: plan for relaxation time! you have to relax on a vacation or you will need a vacation from a vacation! #30seconds

— JeannieGreener👬 (@JeanGMike) March 23, 2017

Be sure to follow @GIT_Mom, visit GitMom.com, like her on Facebook and check out her 30Seconds page!