Where is your favorite resort? Ask my kids this question and they will rave about the Britt Resort. With its private pool, pond, lush grounds, nearby park (complete with carousel), children’s program and gracious hosts – they make it sound beyond compare. My kids have stayed at five star resorts and hotels around the world and yet the Britt Resort is hands down their all-time favorite vacation destination.
Just where is this spectacular place? It is actually my Aunt & Uncle’s house nestled in the heart of Chesterfield, Missouri. Not necessarily the hot spot for tourist travel but my kids love it just the same. And what is not to love? A trip to the Britt Resort is all about the kids. We swim, visit the park, play games, do crafts, bake cookies and eat all their favorite foods. While it is a fun and relaxing for all, it isn’t the only destination we want to visit on vacation. It does, however, highlight the value of having a portion of each vacation day focused on the kids.
Unless you are headed to Disney (or have a Britt Resort of your own), it is unlikely you will find a completely kid-centric vacation destination. So how do you mix in some fun for the kids with the things you actually want to do? Take some good planning, flexibility and a sense of humor and you have the ingredients for a great family vacation.
Good Planning: Before the trip, decide on the non-negotiable must-see sites and plan on visiting these early in the trip but limit it to only one or two a day. Find a few kid things to do (like the zoo, aquarium or park) and mix these throughout the trip – including one within the first few days. Do something fun and unexpected everyday. Head to the hotel early for swimming, stop at a playground, visit a book store or grab an ice cream cone. These small things are often the best vacation memories that come home with your child.
Flexibility: Change the itinerary as necessary. Did you plan for 2 stops but you aren’t done with the first by mid afternoon? Roll the second activity to later in the trip. Or, if things are going well, add an additional activity for a day.
Sense of Humor: Simply stated – this is a must for any vacation with kids! Things can (and most certainly will) go wrong – the ability to laugh along the way will go far towards making it a fun vacation.
While a vacation shouldn’t be ALL about the kids, it is important to remember it is a family vacation and they should have fun too! What steps do you take to create a fun, family vacation?
family vacations · General Travel With Kids · traveling with kids
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