Since we’ve had kids vacation planning has, let’s say, evolved quite a bit. For starters, bed time has changed drastically. The boys go to bed super early, so we try to rent places that have at least two bedrooms. In a hotel, that means we’re shelling out for a suite ($$$), so I actually prefer using AirBnB or a similar service for renting a vacation home.
We’ve been traveling with our kids a lot more, and I’ve learned a few things along the way that I thought I would share.
6 Tips For Renting A Vacation Home
1. Less Is More
It’s easy to be all caught up on laundry and dishes when there are only 5 outfits and place settings to wash. I even vacuumed daily which absolutely never happens at my own house.
2. Make Your List; Check It Twice
Always check with the owner to see what will be provided. One recent stay didn’t include beach towels, something I could’ve easily packed, but didn’t think to ask about. It also had a washer and dryer, but no detergent. Not a big deal, but definitely would’ve been nice to know ahead of time!
3. Kids Will Play With Anything
I’ve read all the articles about less is more when it comes to toys. I’ve even attempted limiting our toys at home, but it wasn’t until we were in a small condo with one toy I brought for each kid did I realize that they will truly play with what they have. So more is not always better. My three year old (at the time) commandeered a wooden ship at the condo and used it to haul the toy train I brought for him to play with. While he did ask for more train coaches (that I didn’t bring) he didn’t ask for any more toys.
4. Buy Diapers After You Arrive
Previously when I traveled, I would pack diapers in my suitcase. Even typing that I feel like such a novice. Why did I waste such valuable suitcase space on DIAPERS? This trip, I packed just enough to get us to our destination. I knew we’d be stopping for groceries so when we did, I just bought the smallest package they had and we’re good to go. No wasted suitcase space.
5. Rent It All
We used a service called Babysaway.com that delivered what we decided we’d need upon our arrival. I rented a pack and play, a high chair and a wagon. Things we 100% needed but did not want to pack/haul through the airport.
6. Dine In
It can get expensive and difficult to plan your vacation around nap times and eating. We always plan on eating at least one meal (ideally two) at the rental property. This saves us a ton of time and energy, and a whole lot of money!
Traveling with kids hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I had thought it would be. We love renting condos or houses to accommodate our family and make our routines easier to stick to while on vacation.
Do you have any travel tips to share with me? I’m all ears!