Given that travel is often made affordable through the purchase of cheap travel offers, such as cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages, many seniors look at trips with their grandchildren as great bonding opportunities that result in wonderful memories.
Grandparents often think of their grandchildren as perfect, adorable bundles of joy who can be returned to their parents if they misbehave. That however is not the case if you are traveling with your grandchildren without their parents.
The following are tips from Independent Traveler on how to make such travel enjoyable for all:
First talk to the parents of your children who should know if their kids are ready to be away from home without them. Parents can help grandparents select a destination and activities that their children will enjoy.
Since kids bore easily, it is important to know how to keep children engaged, as well as be informed about their sleeping and eating schedules. Children tend to do best when they know what to expect and are in a comfortable routine.
Before taking grandchildren on a week long, or even longer trip, take them on a one day trip so that you can find out if homesickness will be an issue. If your grandchild is miserable away from his or her parents, that either means your grandchild is not ready for a longer trip with you or that you will need to see if you can eliminate your grandchilds anxiety by taking several more day trips.
A test run also helps the grandparent assess his or her own limits. If you find yourself exhausted after only a couple of hours, you need to adjust your travel plans or wait until the child is older.
Make certain you share your travel plans with your grandchildren once your plans are set. Children behave better when they know what to expect and surprises are kept to a minimum. Tell them if they will be traveling by plane and the type of place they will be staying at.
Bring a recent photo of your grandchildren on your trip that can be shared in the event they get lost. You should carry a notarized authorization form from the parents in the event any of your grandchildren need medical attention.
Get your grandchildren psyched about the trip by discussing the destination with them and asking what they would like to do there. Realistic shared up front expectations usually go a long way towards enjoying a great trip together.
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