There’s nothing more annoying than a pouty, whiny child on a vacation you’ve worked hard to plan and are spending hard-earned money on. So, if you are you planning a family vacation and thinking of ways to keep the kids engaged, check out these helpful family travel tips from REI Adventures.  

1. Plan Together

Encourage your children to be a part of the planning/selection process. Select a few trips that meet your family’s requirements, engage children in learning about each trip, then let them choose the family vacation this year.

2. Ask Questions

Once your vacation is selected, ask your children what questions they have about the trip or location. Encourage them to come up with questions that the parents can ask an REI travel expert, or have your child participate in the call!

3. Geography Lesson

Use a map/globe to help children learn how far they are going and what the flight route will be, etc. This helps establish an early connection to the destination.

4. Research Locations

Search online for small towns your itinerary will pass through - learn about the history, animals, plants and people that live in these places. Find something your family wants to learn more about or see when you visit.

5. Pack It Up

Pack with your child - use the gear list and have them think about what they already have that fits the need and what they will need to get.

To read the remaining five tips, click here.