As adults, we consider vacations a time for unwinding and relaxing. But when you’re traveling with kids, you quickly realize their energy levels aren’t going to drop just because you’re in a new place.
By planning an activity-based trip, everyone goes in with similar expectations and shares excitement and connection.
Bodie enjoys some relaxation and green space at the Family Adventure Retreat at Beach Break Surf Camp in Panama. Contributed photo.
Ashley Knowles, owner of TRIP Well Planned and mom to three little wanderlusters, once ruled out destinations for her own family because they didn’t seem kid friendly. By shifting her focus to specific activities rather than the destination, she’s “discovered a whole new range of places perfect for family travel” that will also meet everyone’s adventure needs.
Ashley’s first activity-based vacation, a surf trip in emerging go-to surfing destination Nicaragua, changed her perspective on family travel. She recalls tropical music playing in the background and a cold drink in hand after she’d finished her surf lesson when she looked over and saw her youngest, who was barely 3 at the time, napping peacefully in a restaurant chair. As she explains: “At that moment, I thought, Wow — we’ve figured it out. We’ve found a way to travel and do activities that everyone can enjoy as a family.”
An activity-based trip does require more planning than just booking an all-inclusive hotel, Ashley acknowledges. It takes time and effort to research destination options, find the right accommodations, vet reliable tour companies, and secure qualified instructors — especially for unique or niche experiences (think crewed yacht charter to the British Virgin Islands). As a travel advisor, Ashley has access to insider knowledge and a network of trusted providers, both locally and globally. This, she explains, “allows me to save you time, ensure you’re getting the best options, and create a seamless experience tailored to your family’s interests.”
Logan and Blake greet a highland cow during a visit to Loch Ness in Scotland. Contributed photo.
If you’re looking to do the heavy lifting yourself, here are a few of Ashley’s tips for planning an activity-based trip and navigating the experience:
Selecting the Destination
Start by choosing the activities you want to do, rather than picking a destination and searching for things to do while there. Whether it’s snorkeling, golfing, hiking, or skiing, focusing on the activities will help you narrow down your destination. If you have younger children, I highly recommend traveling with another family. It gives you the flexibility to take turns participating in activities that may not be suitable for all ages and provides your kids with a playmate to keep them entertained.
The Travel Experience
Always opt for a longer layover — it gives you more time to grab a meal and prevents missed connections. For warm-weather destinations, we always travel with carry-ons. Our favorite carry-on is the CALPAK Hue Mini because it’s the perfect size for kids to manage on their own and fits under an airplane or bus seat.
Blake, Logan, and Bodie get the lay of the land in Costa Rica. Contributed photo.
Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks to last through the entire travel day. I stash a few lollipops in my bag for the kids once we’ve arrived, especially if there’s a long customs line.
While on the Trip
I recommend scheduling one activity per day. This gives everyone something to look forward to and eliminates the “What’s next?” question. For dining out, we always bring a small card game (UNO Flip! is a favorite), Silly Putty, and Plus-Plus blocks to keep the kids busy while waiting. If you’re traveling abroad, be prepared for slower service than you might be used to — these little distractions can help pass the time.
Happy planning!
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