Family Ideas for Traveling with a Grandchild

Thinking about taking a trip with your grandchild? These tips and family ideas can help you plan a marvelous and memorable experience.

One grandchild at a time. No exceptions.
Optimum age is 11 or 12.
Trips of two or three nights are best.
Let the child choose between two trip options, but only two.
Set a budget and share that information with the child.
Look for hotels and motels that offer children’s rates.
Keep driving to a minimum and leave time for adolescent activities.
Use public transportation where possible. It’s cheaper, and it’s a learning experience for the child.
Limit shopping time. Buying presents for the family can consume huge amounts of valuable time.
Take lots of pictures, order double sets of prints (or print out extra copies from your digital camera), and make two albums--one for you and one for the child.

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