Travelling with kids has never been straightforward as there is invariably something always thrown in the mix, especially on an off-grid vacation, that spoils even the best-laid plans.
While no access to the internet for a tech-obsessed teenager or even an adult may seem daunting, off-grid vacations are becoming more and more popular with families who wish to relax and reconnect.
So here are a few options to dip your toes into some screen-free togetherness on a tech-free vacay that promises an unforgettable experience. Now is the right time to unplug and explore.
Tech-free time: Adventure on the water
Time spent on the water is guaranteed to provide the ultimate fascination to keep the kids away from the screens. A seagoing adventure may be the answer to the world’s best tech-free vacation.
During a cruise travel voyage, you will find ships equipped with plenty of attractions and activities that cater to multigenerational appeal.
This allows families to bond and create memories together rather than spend hours on technology, which can worsen both mental and physical health.
Venture into the wild
An off-grid vacation in a remote jungle location may sound daunting at first, but it allows a certain sense of freedom that not many kids would have experienced.
These tech-free holidays are typically designed in a sustainable way to avoid crowds and rekindle our connections with nature and with the whole family.
The wilds offer a getaway to separate the chronically online from their screens and immerse them back in nature, which in turn can do wonders for the body and the brain.
Discuss going tech-free together
Wise parenting advice says your kids are more likely to give a better response when you tell them what they can do, rather than what they can’t.
So stress upon them the importance of spending time together as far as possible and less on their devices, and assure them that both mom and dad are in this too.
Set an example by first putting your phone down, as the children will mirror what you do and not what you say.
Also, talk to the kids about your own reliance on your smartphone and the complications of giving up the device altogether on vacation, particularly in an emergency, to arrive at a workable solution for the whole family.
Kids should be made a part of the vacation planning
If you want your kids to be engaged so that they don’t miss their digital devices, a sure bet is to get them actively involved in the trip planning and let them give some ideas themselves.
You can do this by providing them a list of ideas and give them a budget to get their holiday juices flowing and challenge them to come up with ideas that the whole family would enjoy.
Give them an option of choosing at least one thing which they would really wish to do on the vacation to make them feel valued and go along with what other members of the family have chosen for themselves.
Prepare an entertainment kit
Carry a bagful of games, toys and colouring books in order to keep your little ones engaged, especially during long trips.
Consider the children’s attention span before moving to another activity and also the duration of a road trip or flight.
If in doubt, pack more activities than you think they will need, in order to keep them occupied. This will not only wean them away from their devices but minimize chances of meltdowns and tantrums.
Make technology a part of the fun
Instead of being glued to Facebook and Instagram, you can put technology to much better use by allowing the kids to be in charge of the mapping activities.
Allow them to check travel routes online much ahead of travel time by using themed apps which indicate time waits, road conditions etc. or Google Maps.
Some apps allow you to create and send postcards from the road or encourage the kids to make a playlist to keep the whole family entertained while on vacation.
Parting thoughts
Technology is an important tool in our everyday lives, but it also has the potential to disrupt a vacation.
That said, with the right mindset and setting boundaries, you can turn your next vacation into a magical experience with the kids.
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