It’s special to take a trip just with your child. You and your child will have no distractions and an itinerary that is tailored to your shared interests.
As I grew up in Texas, it was a regular thing that my mother and I would do. It became our tradition. She took me, my sister, and my father all over the world during my adolescence. I still remember our grand train tour through Europe—three women, way too much luggage, and a running joke about exchange rates in every country (this was pre-Euro, after all). Also, we visited Costa Rica, Tahiti and New York.
My dad also had his moments. He took my sister and I on a trip to Alaska when I was in college. We went fishing, exploring, and bonded like only happens when you leave your usual dynamic at home. My dad also had his moments—he took my sister and I on a trip to Alaska when I was in college; just the three of us fishing, exploring, and bonding in a way that only happens when you leave your usual dynamic at home. Here’s what I did to keep the tradition alive with my daughter as a mother and travel advisor. You can also use these tips for your own travel plans.
Take the time to embrace the efficiency and the time
Rosewood Amsterdam
Together, my daughter and I have visited five continents. These trips are an important part of our relationship. GalápagosYou can indulge in a shopping spree in Paris at Samaritaine or ride every attraction in Disneyland Shanghai.
It can be very efficient when it’s only the two of us. When there are less people involved, planning is easier, more flexible and cheaper. Consider a parent-child trip instead of skipping your family’s spring break vacation because your spouse is busy or your children’s school calendars aren’t in sync.
Visit a Major City
There are many ways to explore what makes your child happy in major cities. For this type of travel, I enjoy New York City and Chicago in the United States. Paris, Amsterdam and London are all great destinations for families, with world-class attractions and hotels. They also offer a perfect blend of culture and fun. Although they’re busy, you can still make them intimate.
My favorite hotels to take a child and parent on a trip include The Newbury Boston has many things to do. The Carlyle New York City The Rosewood Amsterdam is a city that has a lot to offer. Cheval Blanc Paris. If you want to have an unforgettable experience, Les Airelles Grand Contrôle In Versailles, you can enjoy private evening tours and access to the palace.
Make a thoughtful itinerary
laughingmango/Getty Images
If you’re traveling with your kid alone, the best thing to do is prioritize experiences that foster connection. You can visit a museum relevant to your child’s interests. For example, the Van Gogh Museum, the Museum of Ice Cream or a cooking class.
Afternoon tea is another favorite—there’s something delightful about lingering over finger sandwiches and sweets together. It doesn’t really matter where you eat. It’s more important to share memories than fancy restaurants. meals together, whether that’s dim sum in Chinatown, a Nutella crêpe by the Seine, or deep-dish pizza along the riverfront.
Travel with your child and other ideas
Four Seasons Hotel Orlando
You and your child can reconnect and unplug in scenic destinations such as Costa Rica, Alaska or a U.S. National Park. You can share a sense of wonder and conversation with your child by hiking, looking for wildlife or zip-lining.
The younger children can use the Disney Parks The best theme parks around the world deserve to be mentioned. Theme parks can be overwhelming for some parents, while others dream of pixie dust. Take your child to a theme park alone if you are the first type of parent. Consider a luxury property such as Disney’s Grand Californian, or The Four Seasons Orlando Book VIP tours for added comfort and to avoid the long lines.
Why you should consider working with a tour operator
Tauck Bridges Adventures offers guided family tours that provide an array of experiences and a built-in feeling of security. You can also make new friends on the trip.
Whether you and your child prefer big-city adventures, theme-park thrills, or quiet moments in nature, taking a trip together allows you to see the world—and each other—more clearly.
Kaleigh Kirkpatrick I am a member Travel + Leisure’s A-List Kirkpatrick specializes in family vacations. Kirkpatrick will create a custom itinerary for you. [email protected].
