From their first trip to Disney World to racing down ski slopes, family travel can provide your child with some of the most important memories of their lives. But did you know that it can also make your child smarter by traveling with them? According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, kids who travel more scored higher on academic achievement tests. The study explored the number of vacation days and places of travel for each child. This was linked to an improvement in reading, mathematics, and general knowledge. Read on to see how traveling with children can be uplifting to their development.
The benefits of traveling with children increase when vacations are educational in nature. Research from the U.S. Department of Education’s study has further shown that “adults who took educational trips in their youth make 12% more money per year and were significantly more likely to graduate from college than those that did not take such trips.” Exactly 400 consumers between the ages of 21-69 were surveyed. Half of them took an educational trip in the USA while the other half did not.
The study broke the two groups off even more and filtered gender, age, ethnicity, and income to prevent bias. In the end, they found that “regardless of gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic class, children who traveled were more likely to be academically and financially successful.”
Family travel can also lead to more curious children both inside and outside of the classroom, affect their career choice, and makes them overall better people. This is great news for parents that own a timeshare. It’s just another added benefit to owning a timeshare as a parent.
Tips for Traveling With Children
Traveling with children can be highly rewarding, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. Here are a few tips for your next flight or drive when you need to travel with the little ones.
- Pack smart. When you’re traveling on domestic or international flights, space is limited and you’ll always want more room. Pack only what you need for the whole trip. Things like sunscreen, a toothbrush, and other essentials will be a must. With that said, you may also want to bring things to keep your kids entertained like compact art supplies. Packing cubes are a good way to fit a lot of items into your bag while letting you save space.
- Find the right car seat. If you have a young child, a good car seat will make the entire trip easier. Children tend to fall asleep more easily in a travel car seat, and it will keep your little one cozy until you reach your final destination. Keep in mind that not every car seat is great for this. A bulky car seat or heavy booster seat could be difficult to pack, but a compact travel car seat is an efficient way to keep a kid comfortable while being easy to carry with you. Baby carriers can also be a good investment for younger children.
- Preparation is everything. When it comes to vacations, the sooner you do everything, the better. If you book your flights significantly ahead of time, it’ll be easier to take advantage of low-cost airlines that will help you save money. Have your boarding pass either downloaded on your phone or printed out before arriving at the airport to save time at the ticket counter, and sign up for TSA precheck if you can. That way, you can go through an expedited security line and don’t have to worry about waiting an eternity to go through the walk-through metal detector. You can even check-in online for your flight. Being prepared can save you both time and money.
Best Family Friendly Resort Brands
Disney Vacation Club
This one is a no-brainer as Disney and families go hand and hand. If your family already takes a Disney vacation every year, then DVC is a great way to go. They often have a kid’s club so that young kids have something to keep them entertained while adults can enjoy other parts of the property. Not to mention, most of these resorts have easy access to Disney World and Disneyland. On top of everything that Orlando has to offer, DVC gives owners park perks and access to every resort property. This includes Disney’s Aulani and Vero Beach properties. Whether you have older or younger kids, these resorts are a great choice!
Marriott Vacation Club
If historic travel spots are more your forte, then Marriott’s Vacation Club is right up your alley! MVC offers a more affordable way for families to stay in prestigious hotels such as Boston’s Custom House. International travelers will love their resorts in Italy, France, and the United Kingdom. All of their properties offer family-friendly activities that are on-site, such as swimming, golfing, bicycling, kids’ clubs, and arcades. It’s also worth mentioning that each property is close to fun family hot spots like breathtaking lakes, gorgeous national parks, adventurous theme parks, and historical landmarks.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club
When it comes to family travel, location is everything. For both older and younger children, it’s good to stay at a resort that’s close to the most exciting attractions. This is where Hilton Grand Vacations Club shines. These resorts are scattered across top destinations in America like Orlando, California, and Hawaii, so few places can match the sheer number of options you’ll have for a family trip. This makes a huge difference because kids traveling on long car rides to get where they’re going don’t usually have the most enjoyable time. You can cut down on the time spent getting somewhere and spend the entire time being there.
Family-Friendly Timeshares
Of course, while knowing what brands are good for a family vacation is sure to be helpful, it’s just as important to know which resorts in particular are great. These resorts are sure to keep not just the kids happy, but the whole family thanks to their top-notch amenities, comfy rooms, and easy access to the best attractions.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club is a New England-styled resort overlooking a tranquil lake. This resort is home to Stormalong Bay, a 3-acre mini waterpark the whole family will love. It has an enormous pool area, multiple water slides, and tons of aquatic activities. If you have children with a sweet tooth, Disney’s Beach Club has you covered. Just a few steps away from Stormalong Bay is Beaches and Cream. This restaurant serves mouth-watering burgers and onion rings, but what it really excels at is dessert. Beaches and Cream boasts signature milkshakes and ice cream sundaes that are sure to be the highlight of your stay. Not only is this resort close to Disney World but it’s packed with opportunities for you to enjoy spending time with your children.
Marriott MountainSide
Are you traveling with children who love a challenge? Then Marriott MountainSide is perfect for you. Located in the ski resort town of Park City, Utah, this resort offers guests easy access to some of the best skiing in the state. As a result, the MountainSide is an excellent choice for older kids who can handle the slopes. With that said, other kids who are younger can still have fun in the game room. Plus, this Marriott property offers plenty of kid’s activities perfectly suited for children younger than those who are suited for the slopes. No matter the child’s age, this resort has plenty to do.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Grand Waikikian
Who doesn’t love Hawaii? From its bright sandy beaches to deep blue seas, the Aloha State is a great place to visit when you’re traveling with kids. You’ll find this resort on the island of Oahu, one of Hawaii’s most popular islands. The Grand Waikikian is a 39-story resort that brings endless amenities right in the middle of all the action. Start your day off with your favorite Starbucks drink from the resort’s on-site store. Then, head out for a swim in one of the many resort pools, play watersports with your family, or stroll down Waikiki Beach together. You and your children are sure to love the Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Grand Waikikian.
Buy a Timeshare to Enjoy Traveling With Children
Whether you’re exploring a theme park or catching some sun, traveling with children is a rewarding experience, both for the children themselves and their parents. If you’d like to make traveling with kids a yearly tradition, consider buying a timeshare. With a timeshare, you’ll be able to return to a beloved destination again and again. As a result, your children will leave each vacation looking forward to the next trip. Not to mention, buying a timeshare means you’ll have one less thing you need to worry about planning for. From booking domestic flights to packing for the vacation, traveling with kids requires a lot of prep. Knowing you’ll be able to return to your home resort takes one worry off your shoulders. Plus, many resort brands have loyalty programs, so you’ll gain more benefits as you keep staying with them.
Rent a Timeshare Instead
Or, if you know you’ll only be visiting a destination once, you can rent a timeshare instead. You’ll get all the amenities your resort has to offer, without having to worry about things like maintenance fees. Think of it like booking a hotel room but much bigger and with far more benefits. If you’re looking for a low-price paradise when traveling with kids, renting a timeshare is a great option.
Buy or Rent to Travel With Children With Timeshares Only
Whether you decide to buy or rent a timeshare, Timeshares Only can help! We have 20 years of experience in the timeshare resale market, and as a member of ARDA, we follow a strict set of ethics that help keep everyone in the industry safe. If you’re ready to travel with your children on the adventure of a lifetime, check out our marketplace! We have thousands of listings from top developers like Disney Vacation Club, Marriott Vacation Club, and Hilton Grand Vacations Club. If you have any questions, please email us at info@timesharesonly.com or call us at 1-800-610-2734. We’re always happy to help!
