I'm participating in this month's 12 Months of Montessori and I'm featuring tried and tested family travel tips for a stress free and enjoyable holiday that you might be embarking this summer.

Family Vacation with Montessori Friendly Tips

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: PREPARE THE ENVIRONMENT

Sometimes we are just too excited planning out for a trip or a holiday that we tend to forget to orient our kids on what and where you are actually going. Preparing "their" environment means, making them aware of the upcoming holiday, orienting them on where you are going, what they need to expect (if travelling by road or plane), and what they're supposed to do. Just simply point the location of your destination on the map and how far it is from your home and if you will need to ride an airplane, boat, or use a car. Talk to them about the upcoming preparations and what part they need to take (preparing their own suitcase maybe?). Talk about the change in the weather (if applicable). This will alleviate the stress in case of a sudden change in the environment for the child.

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: PROVIDE CHILD FRIENDLY TRAVEL KITS

Our last travel went breezily! Thanks to these travels bags and suitcases that I prepared for each of the boys. They love having their own. They feel the independence given to them and the free access to all the things they need and "want".

Now let's take a look at each of these kits that I provided:

Suitcases. Each have their own suitcase which they packed on their own as well. They picked their own clothes with the help of a checklist given to them. The packing is not perfect of course, but they were able to select their own clothes, fold them and place them in their own suitcases. They were so happy being able to do this without Mommy or Daddy!

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: PROVIDE CHILD FRIENDLY TRAVEL KITS

The boys love their American Tourister. They're easy to use, sturdy, and lightweight! I highly recommend this to your kids!

Travel Bags. Each have a mini Kanken which contains basic things they needed for the trip. This is where they kept their water bottle as well during our long walks in cities and towns.

Things the kids brought with them:

miniKanken backpacks
LUMIX point and shoot camera for Mavi
Kindle for Mavi
set of marker pens and Bullet Journal for Mavi
Antiseptic wipes
Sarah's Playsilks
Band-aid/plasters
Antiseptic gel
sunglasses
coloring pens and books for Vito

They absolutely love the idea! Again, independence and free access to the things they need. Plus, this is so much helpful to moms as we don't need to bring all of our kids' stuff! Imagine carrying all those wipes, towels, books, candies etc! We need to distribute the load Mommies!

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: SPEND MORE TIME OUTDOORS

Before we had kids, husband and I are all about landmarks and museums. But now with a 5 year old, we decided to do more outdoors rather spending time in museums and visiting landmarks (but Mavi loves museums!). We have to consider that our boys wanted to go to the seaside, play in the water, and have some fun under the sun.

The outdoors and nature are free and kids can run around, walk, and play freely! Let them exhaust their energies there :D

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: FOLLOW THE CHILD (DON'T RUSH ON THINGS)

We plan as we go. Take your time and don't rush. We basically spent an entire morning in the beach because the boys don't like to leave!

FAMILY VACATION TIPS: ALLOW INDEPENDENCE BUT WITH LIMITS

None of the boys wanted to hold my hands during our walks in the cities and towns. Of course, if you are in a touristy area, this is quite scary because the cases of missing children on holidays is freaking us out. So I was really strict about it. There were cases that I really NEED Vito to hold my hands, but PROMISED to let go once we are in a much safer place, or in an area where it's not crowded or too busy.

Note, you need to explain WHY THEY NEED TO HOLD HANDS, WHY IT IS NOT SAFE, WHY THEY NEED TO STAY WITH MOM AND DAD. This is part of the preparation process and again. I must emphasize that kids should be aware of the dangers out there.

And speaking of independence, yes, let them eat on their own even if it is messy! This is your holiday and you deserve to enjoy your meal too without worrying about anything LOL.