Backpacking as a family can be a fun, memorable experience if you can swing it. Not sure where to start? We’re sharing some tips to make your trip hassle-free, enjoyable and a great way to see the world for the whole family.
Involve kids in the planning
Get your kids excited about your upcoming family backpacking adventure by involving them in the planning process. Pull out maps, let them peruse guidebooks (or pictures of where you’re going if they don’t yet read), and search websites as a family as you plan routes and potential itineraries for your trip. The more involved your kids are in the process, the more interested and invested they will be in once you embark on your travels.
Do a practice run
Once you have your backpacks, take three or four days to explore a town or city nearby that can help mimic the backpacking experience so everyone has a better idea of what to expect. Book a hostel or motel in the area, plan an itinerary and then set off to see how the process goes. This way you’ll have time to work out any potential kinks before you go on a longer adventure.
Stick to a slower paced schedule
Healthy adults can cover a lot of ground on a backpacking trip, and it’s tempting to do so when you want to squeeze as much as possible into your trip. But when you have kids with you, it’s best to slow down. That way you’ll ensure kids don’t get overtired, or overwhelmed, and that everyone has enough time to fully appreciate where they are and what they’re seeing.
Book family-friendly accommodations
Some hostels, hotels and guest houses are not as family-friendly as others. Look for accommodations with family-size rooms, large, comfortable common areas where kids can play and unwind, fridges or communal kitchens for easy between-meal snacks and cheap eats, and locations close to public transport.
Book rooms and excursions in advance
Solo backpacking or backpacking as a couple means it can be easier to book rooms and activities as you go, but a family trip requires more planning. Make sure you always know where you’ll be staying and what you’ll be doing to avoid setbacks or disappointments. You won’t be able to book everything in advance, and snags in planning will occur, but the more you can pre-plan, the easier your trip will be.
Plan lots of kid-centric activities
There are only so many art galleries, museums and world famous feats of architecture the average kid can handle. In amongst some of your own must-sees, plan a good portion of kid-friendly activities – mini golf, beach days, water parks, children’s museums, etc. so they feel as much a part of the adventure as you.
Lead photo: Hanumann
