As a full-time working parent, the idea of traveling with school-aged kids might seem like an unattainable dream. Juggling work commitments, school schedules, and family responsibilities can make it challenging to find time for adventures and getaways. However, with careful planning, open communication, and a bit of creativity, it is possible to make your travel dreams come true. We want to share our practical tips and strategies that will allow your family to embark on exciting journeys while maintaining work and school obligations.
Map Out Travel dates For The Year – Don’t start the year without a plan or you’ll be playing catch up all year. Mapping out dates in advance also helps you plan to have certain assignments/tasks done at work so you don’t have to worry while you’re away. We usually start planning for the upcoming year around October. This is also a good time to figure out how many extra vacation days you’ll be rolling over.
Maximize Your Travel Opportunities By Scheduling Trips Around Your Job’s Paid Holiday Calendar – The majority of paid holidays fall on a Monday or Friday. You can have a great trip over a 3 day weekend, or add just one vacay/pto day and make it a 4 day trip! This is the easiest way to get in several trips a year without disturbing your work obligations too much and conserving your PTO for the bigger trips you want to take.
** Check out our Sample Trip Planner to help you get started on your 2024 plans**
Embrace Flexible Work Arrangements – Explore flexible work arrangements offered by your company. Many employers nowadays offer telecommuting options, flexible work hours, or even job-sharing opportunities. Discuss with your employer the possibility of working remotely while on vacation or adjusting your work schedule to accommodate travel plans. This will not only enable you to maintain productivity but also give you the freedom to explore new destinations with your loved ones. I do realize that some companies, like mine, don’t offer this option, but others, like my husband’s, does. The point is, know your options and use them to your advantage!
Consider Your Child(ren)’s School Calendar, But Don’t Let School Get In The Way Of Their Education. Traveling can be an excellent opportunity for educational experiences. When visiting historical sites, museums, or national parks, incorporate learning into your journey. Encourage your kids to keep a travel journal (Our sweet babies created one that would also be perfect for the little travelers in your life), research about the places they visit, and share what they’ve learned with their classmates once they’re back at school. By combining travel and education, you can turn vacations into enriching experiences for your children. A School building isn’t the only valuable learning experience, so don’t ever let that get in the way of your family adventures.
If you are more committed to making sure your kids get perfect attendance, Utilize school holidays and breaks to plan your family travels. Identify the extended breaks throughout the year, such as summer vacations, winter holidays, spring breaks, teacher planning days and holidays. Just about all school districts put their calendars out at least 6 months prior to the next school year. By aligning your travel plans with these periods, you can ensure that your kids don’t miss out on school time.
Let The Destination Choose You By Following The Deals – if you stay open minded on destinations not only will you be able to snag great deals, but you’ll discover cool places you probably never even considered. @scottscheapflights and @skyscanner are my fave sites to find unbelievable flight deals.
Short Getaways and Long Weekends – Not every trip needs to be an elaborate adventure that takes weeks to complete. Embrace the concept of short getaways and long weekends. As mentioned above, use public holidays and teacher in-service days strategically to plan brief trips to nearby destinations. These mini-adventures can be just as rewarding and provide much-needed relaxation and fun for the whole family. Check out our most recent long weekend trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, which we tacked onto the Juneteenth holiday.
Have A Clear Understanding Of How To Get The Most Travel Rewards Out Of Your Credit Card – We love racking up points towards flights and hotels, and even rental cars to save on costs. But, it’s not just about the points, some credit cards , like Platinum AMEX and Venture X gives you automatic upgraded status with certain brands. Make sure you have the right cards for your travel goals! Here is a sign-up bonus offer for Capital One’s Venture X.
Balancing full-time work, school, and family travel may seem daunting at first, but with careful planning and a flexible mindset, it is indeed achievable. Embrace the opportunities that modern work arrangements provide, leverage school holidays, and blend education with adventure to create memorable experiences for your family. Remember, the purpose of traveling isn’t just to escape routine but to bond as a family and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, plan your trips wisely, and embark on exciting adventures together!
Happy Travels!
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