Solo Travel Tips

Today we’re sharing our first Traveler Takeover post in which WanderWell Travelers friend Amy shares her top four solo travel tips.

Hi! I’m Amy–tech marketer, borderline animal hoarder, and avid traveler! I started solo traveling nearly 20 years ago when I (impulsively) packed up and moved to Prague for 3 years. And while I love traveling with groups, family, and friends, I’ve found there’s nothing quite like the excitement and insights that come from traveling by myself. 

Here are a few pieces of advice, tips, and recommendations I’ve picked up or been gifted from others in my two decades of solo traveling!

Tip 1: WANDER. One of the best parts of solo traveling is that you set your own agenda and can pivot as much as you want. Stay at the great cafe/bar and have a second drink. Follow random people to the delicious looking street food. Turn down that interesting looking street—there are surprises around every corner, so go find them.

Tip 2: NOT ALWAYS ALONE. Solo travel doesn’t always equal companionless travel. Sometimes you might go out in search of true peace, quiet, and solitude. However, sometimes you might want to meet new people and make friendships along the way. Or, maybe you have a perfect, non-human best friend who likes to join you in your adventures. (I love traveling with my chichi bestie and camping buddy, Mona Lisa Sapperstein) 

Tip 3: POPULAR ISN’T BAD. Don’t skip the “popular” destinations/activities. I held a bizarre misconception for far too long that I needed to ONLY go find the hidden destinations, the “not-yet-discovered” spots, and carve out an experience that was somehow mine and mine alone. And while this is absolutely fine, remember that the popular spots are popular for a reason - THEY’RE AMAZING! So carve your own path, blaze your own trail, but don’t forget to make time for the must sees!

Tip 4: DON’T BE SCARED. Don’t be scared, but be prepared. Don’t let a fear of the unknown keep you from experiencing new things or waiting to take that trip you’ve always wanted. It is completely possible to plan a perfectly safe trip, even across the globe, even for folks who have never traveled before. It’s also especially helpful to have a team of trusted professionals in your corner, like WanderWell. They can make planning easier, help you develop itineraries and secure bookings in advance of your trip, and can be an essential resource to you in-country should something unexpected arise.

Thank you Amy for sharing!

Check your Passports!

Ever heard of the “6 month rule”? It’s the rule that if your passport has less than 6 months to expiration, some countries won’t permit you to enter. Not exactly how you want to start a vacation! This rule is especially important for children’s passports, as they expire after just 5 years (adult passports expire in 10 years).

If your passport is less than a year from expiration, you can follow directions on how to renew at the State Department’s website, though note that you cannot renew a child’s passport, but must instead apply for a new one. Make sure you read carefully all of the required details to do so (including both parents being present- or a notarized letter by the absent parent).

When is the best time to renew? While wait times vary greatly, we’ve found the quickest turnaround- without paying the expedited fee- is usually in the months of December through February. (We’ve seen turnarounds of less than 4 weeks!)

What are you waiting for? Go check your passport!

Visit Austria: Tips From A Local

Beautiful Austria, also known as the Eastern Realm, is a popular European destination known for its history, music and culture, and breathtaking scenery. I asked a friend from Austria for some insider information. Here’s what she had to say:

What attracted you to your current city?

Having grown up in Upper Austria, I came to Vienna for university. I always loved Vienna, even when I was little and went there to visit. I used to tell everyone that´s where I´m going to move when I´m a grown up. I love the city and the architecture. It´s a great city for young people, you have so many options for college and university that you can choose from, the public transportation is great and you don´t need a car at all. There is a great balance between city life and nature. And there is soooo much to see and do in your free time.

What's a must do/see while in your city? (Vienna)

-The castle Schönbrunn and its gardens

-Kaffee Sacher (get good coffee and a Sachertorte)

-Go to a local restaurant and get traditional Austrian food (Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren, Schweinsbraten, Gulasch, Käsespätzle and so much more)

-Vienna Hofburg and Spanish Riding School

- Stephansdom Cathedral and Crypt

-Go to a classic concert or opera

-Schmetterlingshaus (Butterflyhouse) -Hundertwasser odd architectur

-Prater (amusment park)

-Museums Quartier

If you like being in nature and like hiking definitely go to Styra or Tyrol. There are some amazing mountains with spectacular views. Great places to see include Zillertal Alps, Innsbruck, Kaisertal Valley, South Styrian Wine Road, Green Lake, Krimml Waterfalls, etc.

In your opinion, whats the best time for someone to visit? And how long should someone/a family plan on staying for? 

Honestly all year around. Spring and Fall are great to visit cities and do sightseeing because its not that hot yet. Summer is great for sightseeing too,even though the weather is hotter but not unbearable. It´s also a good time to go hiking and see the Alps. Winter is a great time to experience all the christmas markets, which are definitely a must see. Depending on where you go expect cold weather and a lot of snow though!

Any other tips or suggestions for someone planning a trip to Austria? 

Austria is a great country to visit. It´s all about culture. We have a great music and art scene with some of the most famous musicians and artists. There is something to see and do all year around. Skiing and Christmas markets in the winter and hikes and relaxing summer walks around lakes in summertime. Also don´t miss out on all of the great food, whether it´s cakes, bread or traditional Austrian food. Its a great place if you want to travel alone, with your partner, or your whole family.

Visiting the Statue of Liberty - Know Before You Go!

Lady Liberty! This symbolic site is a meaningful place for both children and adults to visit. And yet, even as I grew up outside of, and then LIVED in NYC, I had never gone to Liberty Island until last month. My eldest daughter requested a trip there as part of her 10th birthday NYC weekend, and I couldn’t say no. Here are some tips and things to know before you make the trip yourself.

1. Free to visit…kind of. While there’s no charge to be on Liberty Island and for the museum onsite, you have to pay to get there. This means paying for a ferry service. Statue City Cruises is the only authorized ferry with service to Liberty Island (and also Ellis Island!). Additionally, there are separate fees for going UP inside the statue. If you want to climb to either the pedestal or crown levels, expect to pay more (price is rolled in with the ferry price so it’s just one ticket). Don’t want to pay or don’t have the time? Simply take the free Staten Island Ferry and do a drive, err, sail-by.

2. You can go from New Jersey OR Manhattan. Cruises from Manhattan leave from Battery Park, and those from New Jersey leave from Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Since we were driving from DC to NYC, we decided to take the ferry from Jersey City since it was on the way, and then drove into NYC afterwards. We also opted for this because, as we had a car, parking at Liberty State Park is abundant and inexpensive ($7), whereas it is much more difficult near Battery Park. However, not everyone feels comfortable driving in NYC! If you are taking the train to the city or coming from a different direction, it probably would make more sense for you to take the ferry from Manhattan.

3. Go as early as possible. I was so thankful my daughter and I took a morning ferry (11 am — we left DC around 6:30, got in at 10 am, which gave us enough time for a snack and bathroom break before going through security and waiting in line). It was crowded in the morning, but even more so when we left a few hours later. Also, even though the sailing only takes about 15 minutes, be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting in line for security and boarding beforehand. Plan to arrive at your selected terminal at least 45 minutes in advance.

4. Items inside the Statue are highly restricted - bring a quarter! We were surprised that we weren’t allowed to bring our stainless steel water bottles with us for the climb up to the pedestal level, and were told to rent a locker. These are 25¢ each. Bring a quarter - we experienced the change machines to all be broken, and had to rely on the kindness of a stranger! (Other restricted items include food, all drinks except in clear water bottles, backpacks, and strollers).

5. It’s a National Park Site. This means, for kids, that it is also a place where they can take part in the Junior Ranger program and earn a badge. The activities are best for kids ages 5+.

6. It’s not ideal for very young children. Not going to sugar coat it - this is a place where you really need to watch young ones. The ferry can be tight and crowded, and difficult to use a stroller, so if you are bringing a little one, baby-wearing is the way to go. While I want all my children to experience the Statue of Liberty, I felt much more at ease not making this a trip where I’d have to worry about my highly energetic toddler!

7. Don’t miss the museum! I’m so glad we didn’t rush things and went into the museum. My daughter loved soaking up the history of the construction of Lady Liberty and seeing the original torch, inspiration for the statue, replicas of the face and feet, etc. The visitor center is also inside the museum.

Flying A Budget Airline? An Honest Take From A Mom

When my husband and I first started discussing possible spring break plans, part of our calculus was the price of flights. With five tickets to purchase, this is an understandable constraint for many families! After some research and number crunching, it was undeniable that flying a low-cost airline - Frontier, to be precise - would be literally a fraction of the cost of major carriers. Here’s how we decided to bite the bullet and try out Frontier plus an honest review of our experience.

The Cost

All in all, our 5 round-trip tickets from BWI to PHX plus the cost of 2 checked bags came out to just over $500. Total. Yup, you read that correctly. And bonus - the flights were direct, which many big carriers did not offer. The cost was the tipping point for us and we decided that we could 100% handle a less cushy flight experience in order to get this deal. Are flights always this much of a bargain? Nope. I checked for flights to Omaha, where my brother’s family lives, and they were far more expensive than other carriers. Finding these deals really depend on your city of origin and final destination.

Another way we were able to score such great deals is by taking advantage of Frontier’s Kids Fly Free ticket options. We got 2 of our 3 kids’ tickets completely for free because we had flexibility in our dates and could choose the less-desired days of the week to fly, when these Discount Den fares were offered.

Logistics At The Airport & Tips

When we arrived at BWI to depart, there was virtually no line at Frontier. This of course isn’t always the case (there was a massive line when we departed Phoenix), but it gave us a positive start! Here’s what we did to make sure the processs was as seamless as possible:

1) We made sure our luggage fit the necessary criteria. This meant bag dimensions and weight. We checked two bags and weighed our bags beforehand at home to ensure we wouldn’t have to do any last-minute shuffling at the airport. With flying a budget airline, bag fees are how they make extra money, so make absolutely sure you are within the necessary limits and you will be just fine. While we had to pay for 2 checked bags (each way), we each were allowed a “personal item” for free. This is similar to basic economy on other airlines where it needs to be a bag you can fit under your seat.

2) We printed out our boarding passes in advance. If you need assistance doing this at the airport, you will be charged. Another option is to download the Frontier Airlines App to get your boarding passes (which we did for our return flight since we had no printer at our AirBNB).

3) Tag your own luggage. There are self-service kiosks where you print out and tag your own checked luggage. To be completely honest this one threw me off a bit, but it’s easy once you’ve done it.

4) Tag gate-check items. We brought my son’s convertible car seat and car seat travel cart (which got loads of compliments from two other traveling families!). Like other airlines, you can gate-check car seats and strollers for free. Just ask for the blue gate-check tag at the baggage drop or at the gate and the staff will gladly fill it out for you (but you must attach yourself).

The Flights

Real talk? The flights were FINE. Zero complaints. The seats aren’t as plush as some other airlines but for a 4 hour direct flight, none of us found any fault in them. The staff were friendlier than I was expecting, having heard a lot of negativity about Frontier and other budget airlines beforehand. Like with luggage, Frontier will charge you for everything they can on the flight. But when you realize this is how prices are kept so low, it’s really understandable. Complimentary water is offered, and you can purchase other drinks and snacks. We simply brought one “personal item” bag full of snacks each way. I also appreciated how the flight attendants came through the cabin several times in order to collect trash (which was much appreciated as my kids were devouring Z-bars and apples and lollipops!). I also generally dislike checking luggage out of fear something will happen to it when out of my sight, but we had no issues and our luggage arrived at the baggage carousel pretty promptly.

Every airline has its positive and negative reviews and experiences, but my husband and I both came away feeling really pleased with our decision to give Frontier a try. We would absolutely fly them again if the price and flight path was the most favorable. In my opinion, we would most likely only use them again for direct flights.

Have you tried a budget airline (domestic or abroad)? Would you do it again? Let us know!

Should you take advantage of a free lap child flight or not?

One of the things I love about flying with children under 2 is that they are, in general, free (or gosh darn close to it)! This is especially great for newborns and young babies who will mostly want to be on mom—or dad—anyways and it’s also a real money saver, especially when taking an international flight. It’s a nice perk that makes traveling with young ones just a little bit easier.

But then there are the toddlers. (Shudder)

We recently traveled with our almost-two year old and just had a lap child ticket for her so that we could take advantage of the last few weeks of her “free” status. For three of our four flights, she did amazingly (she’s an old pro at flying). But that fourth flight? Yikes. She screamed, she wanted to run around and she most certainly did NOT want to be on my lap, especially when her older siblings had seats of their own. And she let the whole plane know it! I think we were both crying at one point.

So should you book that lap child ticket or suck it up and pay the cash for your child’s own seat? Read on for our general rule of thumb:

A “usually yes” for children under 12 months

While some children at this age are already very independent and mobile (and stable in their mobility), the vast majority are still young enough that sitting on mom or dad will be a positive experience. I’ve found that baby wearing on the plane at this age is especially helpful (I’m a fan of the Ergo and the Moby ring sling, but there are hundreds of options!) if allowed— some carriers do not allow baby wearing during takeoff and landing—and it also works well if you’re breastfeeding. Generally speaking, this age is a “usually yes”.

A “strong maybe” for children 13-18 months

By this point, most children are much more mobile and like to express their physical independence. At the same time, they’re usually still very emotionally attached to mom and/or dad (and some are still breastfeeding) while at the same time being easily distractible when frustrated or upset, especially with our favorite helpful plane items. You know your child best: will they want to be on top of you or will they want to be able to explore a little bit more, even if just at your feet? And is more space worth the cost of a plane ticket? For us, this age is a “strong maybe”.

A “probably not” for children 19-23 months

There’s a reason they call it the terrible 2s. Children at this age usually want to express their independence in ALL ways and have often been mobile for quite a while. They frequently have also developed more of their personalities and may have VERY STRONG FEELINGS about, well, everything. They’re also just physically bigger and harder to hold on your lap. At this point, it’s probably worth paying for that ticket and getting kiddo his or her own seat.

Travel with children- especially travel on a budget- is full of constant judgement calls. But you can use the general guidelines above to hopefully make travel with young ones pleasant…for everybody.

National Parks with kids

The last time we went to Acadia National Park, my youngest child was seven weeks old. Yep, seven WEEKS. (I’ll spare you the picture of me pumping in the front seat of the car). Sure, maybe it was crazy—but it was also a magical time for all five of us. And really, that’s the beauty of each and every National Park; you can choose to hike 20 miles if that’s your thing, or you can choose to sit or bike or drive and look out over beautiful vistas, snack in hand (ok, maybe leave the snack for a break if you’re on a bike). A trip to a National Park can work for you and your family no matter your travel style.

Of course, like all travel with children, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a walk in the…park…errr….easy. But if you keep these pointers in mind, we know your experience will be one you won’t soon forget.

Involve your kids in the planning

My boys never saw a puddle of water they didn’t want to try and fish in, so you better believe on each and every trip they’re begging us to find a place for them to plop down their poles. Is hours spent fishing how I want to spend my days when I’m in a beautiful setting? No, not really. But it brings them so. much. joy. that I’ve learned it’s worth it, if even for part of one day. I’ve also learned that involving them in the planning helps keep them excited through the parts that they find less interesting (cough hiking cough) and gives them ownership in the whole experience. It might mean doing things that I’m not particularly excited to do, but I firmly believe it’s their vacation, too, and so they should get to do things they love.

Learn how to handle crowds

If you’re traveling to one of the most well-known National Parks—especially in the summer—chances are good it’s going to be crowded, particularly at the main entry point. How to manage all the people? We’ve found the usual “avoid crowds” tips apply for the National Parks, too. Arrive early. Travel in shoulder season or the offseason. Book anything you can far in advance. Plan to hit the big attractions either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. But did you also know that some parks have multiple entrances? It might mean doubling back to hit up the Visitor’s Center or that one site you really want to see, but often secondary (or tertiary) entrances are much less crowded and, in my mind, much less stressful. So pull out that map and see what you can find.

Junior Ranger programs

“Explore. Learn. Protect.” Many of the National Parks have a fabulous activity-based Junior Ranger program, appropriate for children 5-13. The program includes various activity books that are both site and topic specific (yep, my kids are eyeing the “Junior Ranger Angler”) and can be done either at the park (for a badge!) or beforehand (print-at-home badge) to help get kiddos excited for the trip.

Snacks

You knew it was going to be on the list, didn’t you? We all know what it’s like to be hangry, and if your kids are like my kids, hangry is a feeling you want to avoid AT ALL COSTS. We’ve found that keeping multiple high-protein snacks in our backpacks (or whatever we are planning to have with us for the day) go a long way in tiding kids over until they can have a proper meal, be that in a restaurant or on a big picnic blanket. And a special treat- in Maine we always stop for whoopie pies- can usually help produce at least a few more smiles.

And finally…keep expectations low (you might be surprised)

I know it might be hard to hear, but I think we’re setting ourselves up for disaster when we push and push and push to accomplish all. the. things. on a trip. That’s why I caution our clients to be reasonable about what they can see or do in a day: chances are good that if your child needs a two hour nap to not have a meltdown by 5pm, they’ll need the same on vacation. And that means either building in that rest time or being ok with the meltdown (and I have chosen both paths). When it comes to trips that might require more physical activity, this is especially true. So keep those expectations low- give yourself and your kids the space to sit and enjoy and look and explore, without having to rush on to the next thing. And here’s the good news: as Juliet wrote last week, it’s often these unexpected highlights that make the whole trip.

Unexpected Highlights

We’ve all been there. You’ve envisioned how a trip would go and what would amaze and delight your children. The magic of the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. The immense power of Niagara Falls. The thrill of exploring a coral reef with a snorkel for the first time. And yet, when you ask your kid to recount their top memories, often times what sticks out the most to them aren’t these grand places, but rather more mundane (in our minds, at least!) or ordinary things. These unexpected highlights from a trip are simply small moments that tickle their brains in some way and leave a lasting impression.

On one particularly hectic travel day last summer, we were visiting Kravica Falls in Bosnia and Herzegovina before crossing the border back into Croatia to drive south to Dubrovnik. It was a long day, but the highlight was supposed to be these waterfalls where we would swim in the emerald waters surrounded by lush nature. My kids were excited, and I was certain this memory of swimming in the Bosnian waterfalls would become a top trip moment.

On the drive through the mountains to Dubrovnik, however, our little rental car was stopped, literally, by something apparently more impressive. An unattended herd of cattle just waltzed along and stopped in the middle of the road. We were stuck. Not wanting to risk damage to the rental car, my husband wisely decided we needed to wait them out. Our wimpy rental car horn did nothing to persuade the cattle from moving along. Yet while Mom and Dad were frustrated (“We’ll be so late to check in! What about dinner plans? Why won’t they MOVE?!”), our children were utterly fascinated and entertained. These lazy mountain cows didn’t care one bit about us and had zero intention of getting a move on. There were so many jokes made and at many points my kids were in fits of laughter, especially as my husband’s annoyance grew at the wayward Balkan bovine.

When we reminisce on that trip, there are many moments that are “top” memories for the kids, but what always sets off the giggles is when someone says, “But remember THOSE COWS?!” A seemingly insignificant, and certainly unplanned interaction became an unexpected highlight of the trip. You just never know what will stick out in a child’s mind!

How to explore more and pay less using a simple Google Flights tool

Do you know about the Google Flights “open jaw” or multi-city flight search? This type of search gives you the ability to search the price of flights into one city and out of another. While these types of flights aren’t always less expensive, the search often does produce cost savings when you plan to fly into a secondary or smaller city first and then out of a larger hub.

Last summer, our family took advantage of an amazing IcelandAir multi-city flight itinerary that got our family of 5 great tickets flying into Bergen, Norway and out of Copenhagen, Denmark for the same price as a roundtrip ticket to Copenhagen alone. That meant we didn’t have to waste any of our precious vacation days trying to get back to Copenhagen and could, instead, make a relatively linear trip from Bergen to Oslo to Copenhagen- with a few other places sprinkled in between.

These less expensive “open jaw” flight options nearly always require a layover of some sort on at least one leg of the trip. They also tend to be most common on airlines that have one main European hub, such as IcelandAir, PLAY and TAP (airlines on which we suggest you consider paying for space and baggage upgrades, so make sure you take those extra costs into consideration), but can also be found on the large code-share partners if you play around with dates and cities.

More exploring, less backtracking. We like the sound of that.

Traveling With An Anxious Child: Part 2

Last week, I explained how one of my children suffers from Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and how this necessitates an extra level of planning when taking a vacation. But once the planning is done and you are on-site, what happens then? There are 5 tips we have utilized in our travels that have truly helped manage my child’s anxiety when far from home.

Just Say Yes

Ok, not yes to everything, but make your anxious child as comfortable as possible in little ways. We used to be a no-screen travel family. (Yes, I bet a lot of you are rolling your eyes right now!) When my child started to express extreme anxiety about flying on airplanes last year, for the first time ever, my husband and I decided to make some changes. While long/international flights typically provide in-flight entertainment, we also wanted to be sure that there were familiar options for our child.  We purchased tablets and it ended up being a great tool to have in our back pocket. There may be small changes you can say “yes” to that will go a long way in providing comfort in an otherwise anxious situation.

Acknowledge Feelings

Empathize with your child, reassure, and give them space to express their feelings. Children with anxiety can express these big feelings in any manner of ways, and it’s important as parents and caregivers to allow them to feel safe enough to let these feelings be known.

Give Some Autonomy

Some kids will find decision making to be paralyzing, others will find it helpful. For my child with anxiety, we allow strategic times for autonomy. Parents are in charge of the big picture, but we are fine handing over some smaller detail planning. This can look like, "Which gelato shop should we go to today?" or "Should we eat lunch before or after we visit that cool playground?" Of course with multiple children this can be tricky, but always look for ways to give a child with anxiety some level of control if/when possible. 

See Their Perspective, Literally 

Give them a camera! This helps to reorient children to be on the hunt for things that interest them at the new place. Instead of focusing on a fear, this can help a child to literally look for interesting things and help build memories at the same time. Incorporate these photos into discussions in your daily debrief.

Daily Debrief

A tradition we have as a family is to record our family’s highs and lows for each day of vacation. This is simply achieved over a dinner conversation or evening gelato. For your child(ren) with anxiety, probe a little deeper. What went well? What was an unexpected highlight? What caused big feelings? What made you feel uncomfortable? While you may not always be able to change things in your schedule, it is helpful to ascertain if there is any way you can adjust things to be more palatable for your anxious child. 

We hope these tips are helpful for you and your family!

Disclosures:

1)We are not medical professionals or therapists. The suggestions made here are from a parent’s point of view for what we personally have found to be helpful.

2) This post contains affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission from purchases made (at no cost to you). Thanks!

Traveling With An Anxious Child: Part 1

One of my children suffers from GAD - Generalized Anxiety Disorder. What does this mean for traveling to new places? Well, to be honest, it can be complicated. Unfamiliar places, different cultural customs, and being off-schedule can be really triggering for my child and cause strong emotional responses. The following are things my husband and I have learned over the years to be helpful in preparation before a big trip!

Mental Prep

If your child has a therapist or some other outside support, schedule a session before (and after) travel if possible. This is a great way for a child with anxiety to work through some of those fears and anxious thoughts with a professional before you even leave.

Go Over Your Itinerary 

Making sure your child with anxiety understands the basic flow of the trip is really important. For example, “Monday and Tuesday will be beach days, Wednesday and Thursday will be sightseeing days with more walking, and Friday will be a lot of driving to get to and from a historic site.” Whether or not you have WanderWell prepare an itinerary for you, we can also help you create a more visual guide for your child for them to better understand the method of your upcoming trip.

Visually Prepare For Your Destination(s)

Can I get a hallelujah for Google maps?! Sit down with your anxious child and walk him or her through the place you will be staying and visiting. I have found that this is such a helpful approach for kids (ok, grown ups too!) to explore and prepare for a new place.

When we did this before our trip to Croatia last summer, I let each of my kids “look” around our first stop (the city of Split) on Google maps. They loved being able to “see” our destination and “explore” parts of the city. Two of my children, including my anxious one, found an attraction they declared they HAD to visit - Froggyland. Was a museum of frog taxidermy on my Croatian itinerary? Absolutely not. Did I see how much excitement it brought to my kids, especially my anxious one? Completely. I kid you not, being excited to go to Froggyland gave my anxious child something to look forward to and I totally credit it with helping to diminish some of the worries before the trip. (And yes, we visited and it became a highlight for each of my 3 children. Who would’ve guessed?!)

Learn About Your Destination

Going to a new culture can be jarring for even seasoned travelers. For a kiddo who is naturally anxious? Even more fear-inducing. Before a trip to a new place, I try to pre-load my kids with age-appropriate materials so that they can understand where they will be before they arrive. This can be as simple as teaching a few new words in a different language (“Hello”, “please”, and “thank you” are at the top of our list!).

Preparing your kids can also include checking out some location-specific books from the library or even just watching YouTube videos about your location.

Ask your child in advance what he/she wants to know about the destination and go from there. “What do they eat for breakfast? What do kids do for fun? Do they dress differently? What sports do people like there?” Dispelling the mystery around a new place can help a child with anxiety feel much more comfortable once they arrive.

Don’t have the time or energy to gather materials? Contact us for help and we can put together a destination-specific times and traditions primer for your kiddos!

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog next week for managing a child’s anxiety during the actual trip!

How to manage the unexpected

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When my oldest son was around two, we decided to take a long road trip to the beach as a family. He had been happily playing in the backseat when suddenly he went quiet. Curious, I turned around to see what had caused him to stop babbling.

He was having a seizure.

We immediately pulled off the interstate, and in an amazing stroke of luck or Providence, a police car happened to see us pull into the exit median. The officer called 911, and an ambulance showed up within probably two minutes; by that time, our son was back to his normal happy self. We knew he was at risk for febrile (high temperature) seizures- I had one as a child myself- but it happening in the car, away from home, on vacation (or on our way there) was, well, horrifying.

As much as we prepare ourselves for vacation with packing lists, itineraries and all the tips and tricks, we often forget to think about what we’ll do in the event of an emergency or if something completely unexpected happens.

So how should you think about managing the unexpected? Here are a few things that have helped our family:

Know the emergency number for the area where you’ll be traveling.

In-country emergency numbers are always at the top of every itinerary that WanderWell produces for our clients. Make sure you know what number to call and remember: in some countries this may be different for different types of emergencies.

Have good trip (and other) insurance

We know that travel insurance can feel like a racket, but you sure will be thankful you have it if the unexpected happens. We like to use Squaremouth to compare the many different plans available and to make sure that we understand what is- and isn’t- covered.

Additionally, if you book any portion of your trip, including a rental car, through a credit card, your credit card company may provide supplemental insurance at no cost to you. This includes trip cancellation and delay, accident insurance and lost luggage reimbursement. For travel benefits and protections, we like Chase Sapphire credit cards as well as Capital One.

Be aware of country-wide holidays and regular opening and closing hours

Of course you can’t plan when an emergency will take place. But being aware of any large scale holidays that will cause places like pharmacies to be closed is a good idea. Additionally, in some places around the world, stores, shops and restaurants are routinely closed on a specific day of the week. Being aware is being prepared! And speaking of being prepared…

Plan to travel with essential medicines

While you can absolutely pick up over-the-counter medicines upon arrival in your destination, it’s always a good idea to have at least a couple doses of medicines such as acetaminophen (we love the brand Genexa), Imodium or Pepto-Bismol and some sort of hydrating powder, such as Gatorade powder or Pedialyte powder packs. Dramamine has been put to good use in our family, too! And of course a thermometer is always a must. That way, if someone starts to get sick, you have at least a little bit of time to figure out where you need to go and how to get there. Which brings us to…

Try to know where the nearest hospital, urgent care and pharmacy are

Chances are very, very good that you won’t need a hospital or even an urgent care. But it’s always good to know where they are just in case. Same goes for local pharmacies; in fact in Europe, many people first go to the pharmacy when feeling ill, rather than their doctor. According to the Patron Saint of European Travel, Rick Steves, “European pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe remedies for many simple problems, such as sore throats, fevers, stomach issues, sinus problems, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint, and back pain. Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies.”

Stay Calm

The vast majority of people travel with absolutely no issues at all. And we also can’t let the fear of the possibility of something happening keep us from going out and enjoying ourselves. But by following these simple tips, you’ll be prepared should the unexpected happen, getting you back on the road to an enjoyable trip soon.

Why a road trip is a great decision…even with kids

Some of my fondest memories as a child revolve around piling into the back of our Ford Aerostar minivan and setting off to destinations unknown. From our home in Texas, we ventured all up and down the East Coast, out to Niagara Falls, down through the Appalachians and covered a lot of ground all around the Gulf of Mexico. It was memory-making at its finest.

And yet, the thought of a road trip…with kids?!…can be quite daunting. Here are our top three reasons we think a roadtrip can be worth it.

Explore more places

Ever been to Castine, Maine? How about Sylva, North Carolina? The reality is that road trips allow you to explore so much more of a country. A few summers ago, as our family made our yearly trip to Santa Rosa Beach, we made a pitstop in Montgomery, Alabama and explored the National Memorial for Peace and Justice. It was by far one of the most impactful experiences in my life…and we would’ve missed it if we had taken our normal flight down to the beach. Could we make a separate trip to some of these smaller places? Sure. But road trips can be a natural way to explore these smaller but no less beautiful and impactful areas.

Take your time

Is it just me, or is making sure you’re constantly running on time- can’t miss that flight/train/tour/restaurant hours/shop- one of the most stressful parts of travel as a family? When you take a roadtrip, you more fully control your own schedule. If you need to stop to play at a park to get some wiggles out? Do it. Forgot to pack enough diapers? Detour at a local grocery store or pharmacy. Someone need a potty break, after a potty break, after a potty break? Annoying, but possible when you’re on a road trip.

The costs are usually lower, and the time together as a family is so valuable

While gas prices aren’t exactly low these days (who remembers filling up a tank of gas for $20?!), generally speaking, roadtrips in your own vehicle are significantly less expensive than flying. Yes, they sometimes take more time (thought when you add in getting to the airport early, security, etc etc, maybe not)- but the time spent as a family really can be so valuable. When we travel, my husband or I read a world history book out loud to our kids and discuss what we’re learning as we go. The kids now ask us to read any time we’re in the car, even on short trips around town! Audible has excellent children’s books options. Or maybe you just need to hand your kid a tablet and some headphones so you can stare out the window in peace for a little bit. And that’s ok too- because what matters most is that you’re wandering well, together.

What are some of your favorite roadtrip memories or tips? Share them with us on our Instagram, @wanderwelltravelers

Packing Cubes: Organization and Efficiency in One

Previously, I wrote about how to successfully pack light for a family trip (yes, it’s doable!). One of the key components for me to be successful in this is using packing cubes. Packing cubes aren’t anything fancy, but they can really help you organize, compress things into easier-to-pack shapes, and visualize what you are bringing with you.

Packing cubes come in many different sizes and styles, and I’ve used many brands over the years with great success. Here are some of my recommendations:

1) Eagle Creek Brand. This is the first brand I ever bought of packing cubes and more than a dozen years later, they are still going strong.

• This multipack with XS/S/M is a great option

• A tube cube is great for smaller, long options (belts, many pairs of rolled socks, ties, etc)

• I appreciate how this starter set includes two cubes (S/M) and one folder, for keeping pants and shirts crisp

2) Amazon Basics. These get the job done for an exceptional price point. I have purchased several sets of these packing cubes and while they aren’t as sturdy as Eagle Creek brand, they absolutely fit the bill for what I needed. I also appreciate how many different colors are offered! One organization tip is to assign a different color cube to each member of the family.

• Go with the 4 piece travel set. You’ll get one small, medium, large, and one slim rectangle for about $25.

• You can also buy in bulk with an 8 piece set (2 large, 2 medium, 4 small) for under $50.

• Looking for just one size? A 4 pack of the same size (these are medium) are great.

3) Bagail. I bought these on a whim after reading the stellar reviews and they are just as good as the Amazon Basics, and often less expensive too. There are several “compression” varieties available, as well.

• This set is the best bang for your buck. Six cubes.

• Their compression series is worth a try and highly reviewed!

4) Briggs & Riley. The more high-end version but also with amazing reviews. Comes in sets of 3.

Once you have your packing cubes set to keep your clothes and accessories organized, don’t forget excellent luggage! Here are two brands WanderWell Travelers recommends.

1. TravelPro Max Lite carry on. Easy enough for a child (5 years +) to push through an airport and holds up very well to travel. We have several of these and love them.

2. TravelPro Max Lite checked baggage. Just like the carry-on, but bigger. So many colors to choose from, too!

3. Briggs and Riley. This brand has hardcore devotees, and for good reason! With a lifetime guarantee on all functional aspects of the luggage, this is a worthwhile investment if you will be traveling a lot. We recommend these products for all ages. The Sympatico Hardside series (large checked, carry on) are the fan favorites. The Baseline series suitcases are recommended if you like a soft fabric suitcase.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission from purchases made (at no cost to you). The opinions expressed in the blog are our own and we only recommend products we actually own and love!

Confessions From A Reformed Over-scheduler

I get it. You’re on a long-awaited vacation with your kids. There is SO much you want to see and experience in this new place. You’re itinerary is perfect, you have all the maps and local information you need, and nothing can get in your way! Except…for that one little variable you brought along. Your children.

As much as we’d like to think otherwise, bringing kids on vacation changes things. It makes the experience different and brings so many opportunities to learn together, see new interests blossom, and create lifelong memories as a family. In my mind, there’s nothing better! But as someone who loves to plan, I’ve also learned that sometimes you need to put that schedule aside.

The most vivid example of this was our last big vacation as a family to Croatia in August 2023. This was a trip planned for 2020 (womp, womp), and to say I was excited to finally be there was an understatement. My husband gave me full authority to plan our 15 days adventure and I did so with gusto. Towards the end of our trip, we were staying in Dubrovnik in the southern tip of the country. Just an hour’s drive south (plus summer traffic, plus border crossings) was the glorious Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, a place that had been on my bucket list for a while. In my mind, this was an obvious day trip.

In the morning, I was up early to pack snacks and make sure everyone had a change of clothes and necessary things for the day. As my husband and I put together a quick breakfast, our children came out of their room all bleary-eyed and decidedly NOT enthusiastic about getting in the car and driving again. To put this in perspective, we had already driven quite a lot. We’d taken the kids down the entire Dalmatian coast, across the island Bol, in and around eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina…and the next day we were going to spend the whole day driving back north.

“Mom…”, my 9-year old started, “I really don’t want to take another day trip.”

“What?! But this place is going to be so beautiful! I really think you’ll love it!”

My 7-year old chimed in next. “Yeah but I like this place. Can’t we just go to the beach?”

By the time my 2 year old made his opinions known, it was clear that no child wanted to go anywhere other than the beach and out for gelato.

I was shocked. My heart sank and I felt my whole body deflate a little. And then I realized that while this was my vacation, it was also theirs. And I had tried to squeeze every bit of magic out of every beach, fortress, castle, or vineyard we visited, without stopping often enough to assess what it was my kids needed.

My husband and I looked at each other and knew that today, we were going to have to throw out my perfectly crafted schedule. Not because it was bad but because in some moments you need to be flexible enough to adjust course and listen to the needs of your tiny travelers.

And you know what? The day ended up being blissfully near-perfect. We ate fresh goodies from a bakery, played for hours on the beach, strolled amongst the throngs of tourists inside the Old City walls, and ate gelato all at the pace our kids needed. The kids had so much fun that day and I knew we made the right call.

I’m a reformed over-scheduler, and I’m so grateful for my kids helping me to embrace the more leisurely pace of vacation.

My night sleeping like royalty

(Oh! Did you think this was going to be a blog post about how to beat jet lag and have your little prince and princess sleeping like a dream? Reach out to us here; we would love to share all our tips and tricks with you!)

There’s just something about castles that grabs our imaginations. My two sons, from a very early age, loved to dress up as knights and pretend they were defending their castle from the “bad guy” raiders (the oldest once dressed our middle child up as a dragon and then tried to “defeat him,” but that’s another story for another day). Princes and princesses, knights, lords and ladies… something about all of it enthralls us.

Historians (castleologists?) estimate that Germany has between 12 and 25 THOUSAND castles and many- or their ruins- can still be toured. Some are even now available for weddings, events and- like Arenfels castle where my family stayed last summer- great places to spend a few nights of your family vacation.

So how do you go about finding a castle to stay in for a whole or part of your next family trip? As simple as it sounds, it helps to know the word for “castle” in the national language (in German it’s schloss) to help in your search, especially to find the smaller castles that often provide an amazing experience at a fraction of the price. Quite a few countries have associations of castles that will contain good information, including ways to book. Airbnb, Booking.com and VRBO all have filters to search for “unique properties” like a castle or estate. And don’t worry, you don’t necessarily have to book the whole place: Schloss Arenfels, for example, offers a variety of rooms to potential guests.

A castle is more than just a place to lay your head, though. Many castles are still family- or small business-owned and operated, and will most likely love to share more about the castle and the surrounding region with you. And, of course, take advantage of any tours and other programs the castle may have available; many castles in Germany, for example, offer a tour in English a few times a week. We also recommend choosing the “bed and breakfast” option when it's available; who doesn’t want to eat a delicious European breakfast in a 14th century dungeon or wine cellar?!

Even with jet lag, picky eaters, mishaps and unknowns, family travel is fun. Staying in a castle for all or part of your family vacation is a great way to get to know more about the peoples and cultures of your host country and a unique experience your family won’t soon forget.

Successfully Packing Light

Kids come with a lot of…extras. Toys, safety equipment, strollers, feeding tools, and all the gear. You seemingly can’t leave the house without a diaper or tote bag busting at the seams, so how are you going to holiday in a different country while traveling light? Believe me, it’s possible! Whether out of desire or necessity, you can have a successful trip while packing light.

Your Luggage Matters

My husband and I can approach certain purchases quite differently. I’m usually looking to save money, while he focuses on the long-term investment. After 13 years of marriage and a whole lot of travel under our belts, I’ve come to see his approach as the wisest one. Investing in high quality, durable, and lightweight luggage is something I advise everyone to do. In the days when airlines are really pinching their pennies and issuing tight restrictions on luggage weight, it’s important that your luggage is as light as possible in order to maximize how much you can bring (and also, bring back home with you!).

Have A List

Before every trip, I make an itemized list of what I am packing for each member of the family. Seeing it written down helps to keep me organized and to make sure that I stick to a plan instead of throwing in a lot of extra outfits at the last minute. It also helps for packing up on the return trip, too! I try to keep the same rules for every member of the household (for example, everyone brings 2 swimsuits, 2 pairs of shoes, and 7 outfits). In terms of clothing, plan in terms of multifunctional, mix - and - match pieces. This way you can get the most mileage out of your clothing while still keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh during your travels.

Plan To Do Laundry

One of the reasons why we usually opt for staying at apartment rentals is for the convenience of doing laundry. That way, we only have to pack clothes for half the number of days if we do laundry mid-trip. (And let’s be honest, when traveling with kids, things are bound to get messy and dirty and need a good clean sooner than you anticipate) If you opt for a hotel rather than an AirBNB or VRBO rental, check to see if your hotel offers laundry services.

Make The Most of Your Space

I was first introduced to packing cubes when I backpacked around Europe with friends after graduating college (cliche, I know). That was my first time having to be extremely mindful of what I was packing, as I was literally carrying everything on my back. My friend told me that packing cubes were a non-negotiable and after using them for that trip, I’ve never looked back. Packing cubes serve multiple purposes that are helpful when traveling with a family. For one, they allow you to fit more into a space as the clothes get (slightly) compacted. Secondly, it’s easier to keep clothes wrinkle-free when packed in cubes (although the debate rages on whether to fold or roll clothes…I prefer to roll!). Lastly, it’s a great method for separating peoples’ clothes. This is especially helpful if you are sharing suitcases! When my family of 5 went to Croatia for 15 days last summer, we packed carry-on only. Packing cubes were a tremendous help in being able to do this. I assigned each person one packing cube, put all our swimsuits in another, and our beach towels in yet another. And that was that!

Purchase At Your Destination

Think about what you absolutely need to bring versus what will be available to purchase (or rent) at your destination. Things like diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and general toiletries are easy to find in grocery stores or pharmacies in most places. Also, if you are renting a car and trying to travel light, consider renting a car seat through your rental company. This is of course an extra charge, but some people find this convenience worth every penny.

Test Run! Weigh Your Luggage

This is one step many people overlook! Weighing your luggage is especially important if you are flying a budget airline or if you just can’t cut back on what you plan to bring for your family trip. And don’t forget to take into account space (and weight) for souvineers you might plan to bring home (wine from France? Leather shoes from Milan? German beer? Bulky Norweigan wool sweaters?).

Try these tips above for your next family adventure and let us know about your success in traveling light!

How to Find the Best Flights

Sometimes it feels like finding the best flight deals is next to impossible, unless you’re willing to search at exactly 2:27am on the third Wednesday of the month, while wearing one sock on your right foot and three rings on your left middle finger. Impossible, right?

Guess what: it doesn’t have to be that difficult. You just need to know a few tips and tricks we’ve outlined below, and you’ll be on your way to some of the best flight deals around the globe.

Tip #1: Utilize Google Flights

If you don’t know about it already, make sure you bookmark the Google Flights search page, a great tool to use to search across multiple airlines and days. While a very few number of airlines don’t list their flights with Google, the vast majority do. Google Flights also has extensive filters that are easy to utilize, as well as an easy multi-city function. One warning: we always suggest booking directly with airlines over a third party vendor. While these vendors may have slightly lower prices, they usually provide no support should you have to deal with a flight cancelation or delay. Google Flights almost always shows both the third-party and direct airline option.

Tip #2: Fly on Certain Days

Travelers used to claim that flights were always cheapest on Tuesdays. And while that might have been the case at some point long ago, it’s simply not true anymore. What is still true, however, is that it’s cheaper to fly on certain days over others. According to an analysis done by NerdWallet, if you want to save a little on domestic flights, look to depart on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. And if you’re headed off internationally, book those international flights for Wednesday.

Tip #3: Consider Nearby Airports (for arrivals & departures)

Here in the Washington, DC area, we’re lucky to have not one but three airports to choose from (four if you include Richmond, VA) for our departures, and prices can vary significantly depending on which one you choose. Likewise, many large cities around the globe either have multiple airports or large cities close by that can save you hundreds of dollars. Interested in Edinburgh? Consider flying into Glasgow, an hour’s train ride away and often a hundred dollars cheaper. Want to soak up the sun in Naples, Italy? Check flights into Rome, paired with a train ride down the coast of Italy.

Tip #4: Off-Season (or Earlier Season) Travel

We get it: most families understandably choose to travel during the summer break from school. Unfortunately, that also usually means higher prices, longer lines and crowds, crowds, crowds. But here’s a pro-tip if you’re traveling to Europe: European school summer breaks don’t usually start until mid-July, making travel in most of June and earlier July much less crowded and potentially less expensive, especially once in-country. It’s also worth considering off-season travel: the holiday markets of Germany and Austria are gorgeous during the winter, or the beautiful Croatian coast shines in the early autumn. The South of France for Spring Break? Oui, s’il vous plaît!

Tip #5: Book at the Right Time

Here’s one way procrastination rarely pays off: waiting to purchase airline tickets. According to Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going), domestic airline tickets should be purchased between one and three months before departure, while international tickets are usually best booked two to eight months before departure. While last minute deals can be found, the best prices usually fall within these windows.

We know traveling with your family- especially when children are young- can be stressful. But booking your flights doesn’t have to be. Just remember these 5 tips and you’ll be well on your way to a fabulous family vacation.

“Paris is always a good idea”…Yes, even with kids!

This iconic line by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Sabrina usually evokes images of chic adults headed off to Paris for some spontaneous and elegant adventure. But is the City of Lights still a good idea…with your kids in tow? Bien sur, oui! We have found Paris to be a delightful destination with our children. Here are some of our favorite reasons why:

Wide Open Spaces

While there are many busy boulevards in Paris, the city was thoughtfully planned to include plenty of open public spaces. There is so much room to roam that one might think that a parent of a toddler had this in mind when designing the city. From large public gardens to playgrounds to the iconic Champ de Mars, there are no shortages of places for little people to run off all the energy they have (because let’s face it, they have a LOT).

Easy and Beautiful Transportation

While Paris truly is a walkable city in many regards, it is just so large that it is not feasible to assume you can do all you want on foot. Even less so when you factor in pushing strollers or expecting your children to walk miles upon miles. Cabs are abundant but not always cost effective. Enter the Paris Metropolitain underground system. This metro is massive (136 miles in length!), easy to navigate, and will get you and yours wherever you need to go. Moreover, we felt completely safe using it with toddlers and school aged kids. My children are used to using the Metro at home in DC, so taking trains elsewhere added a sense of familiarity for them. Bonus: so many of the stations are designed with art and history in mind. Some of the best stations are the Louvre (with replicas of the museum’s statues on display), Bastille (with depictions of French history on the walls), and Arts et Metier (fashioned after a Jules Verne submarine). Children of all ages will love to see how the stations differ in decor.

Reliably Delicious Food

It’s true, one of the best things about France is the food. Even for the pickiest of eaters (ahem, my eldest daughter), there is something for every palette in Paris. From the delicious baked items at boulangeries (there are over 30,000 in Paris!) to roadside carts with treats-on-the-go to casual family-friendly bistros, your children will have plenty of yummy, delicious things to eat. French cuisine is the perfect mix of just foreign enough that it is different and intriguing, but also hugely accessible to kids. Just maybe not escargot! An added plus: You’ll also find the French are generally more conscientious with their food, using high quality ingredients and listing pesticides used on produce in grocery stores for greater transparency.

No Shortage of Activities

No matter the time of year, there is an incredible amount to do with kids in Paris. The city is chock-full of museums, cinemas, performance halls, historic and cultural sites, parks and gardens, and so much more. Not to mention if you are feeling up for an extra side trip and a taste of Americana, there’s always Euro Disney a short train ride away! It’s hard to be bored, at any age, in a city as vibrant and full of possible adventures as Paris.

Welcoming People

There’s an unfortunate stereotype that Parisians are cold and unwelcoming towards foreigners. My husband and I found that this could not be further from the truth! From helpful cab drivers to restaurant staff to even a neighbor at our AirBnB apartment, we were quite taken with the warmth of Parisians. We had such lovely interactions with locals in Paris, and found that there was a lot of goodwill towards families with young children in particular.

Has visiting Paris been on your radar but you haven’t quite felt comfortable committing to it? Talk to us and we can help put together the perfect itinerary for your family to get the most out of your time in the City of Lights!