The thought of going for family outings and vacations is always exciting for the little ones. For parents however, planning an itinerary that is suitable for everyone can sometimes be tricky. Giving your children a chance to take over the reins and plan a day out can better engage them with the travel experience. Besides learning about your child’s interests, giving them ownership over the planning process also allows them to hone their skills in research, organisation, budgeting and collaboration. Here are 5 tips on how to get your children started with the planning.

1. Talk About New Places and People You Will Encounter

Having conversations with your children about travel plans help to build their interests and give them an idea of what to expect from your day out. Give them a background on the people you will be meeting, or show them pictures of the places you will be visiting. Make it a point to answer their questions and incorporate their suggestions too.

2. Encourage Them to Carry Out Their Own Research

Are you visiting a museum or a famous monument? If so, you could ask your children to conduct some research on the historical significance of exhibition sites that you will be visiting. By actively conducting their own research, they can also learn important information which would enhance their experience. If they’re up for it, you could also challenge them to be your tour guide during the outing.

3. Create A To-Do List or An Itinerary

Guide your children on how to create a checklist or an itinerary that lists the places you will visit. This simple yet significant responsibility would make them feel that their opinions are valued and, hence, they would be more invested in future planning. Their ideas would also help in painting a better picture of their interests and what to expect from your trip.

4. Teach Them The Basics of Budgeting

Teaching children to prioritise and spend wisely from young can help them make smart choices with their expenses in the future. Begin by introducing them to simple financial concepts in the budgeting process. For example, you can give them a limited amount of money and help them decide which rides they should take in an amusement park. If your children are older, you could even ask them to make a holiday itinerary which accounts for the family’s accommodation, food and travel expenses.

5. Take Their Interests Into Account

Some children may be fond of animals while others may enjoy playing and watching sports. By considering their diverse interests and asking them to plan a trip around these interests, your children would be more enthusiastic about helping with the arrangements and will find these trips more enjoyable.

Encouraging your children to plan your next day out will not only give you an insight into their interests and ideas, but would also keep everyone engaged and excited for the upcoming adventures! Challenge your little ones to plan the next trip and be impressed by what they can achieve.