From hot cocoa and a warm fireplace to powdery-capped mountains and thrilling adventures, a winter getaway is the perfect way to embrace the chilly season.
To help you arrange a trip that meets your family’s needs while keeping the giggles going, we’ve listed our go-to tactics that’ll make traveling with children in tow a breeze. Unsure of where to stay at? Look to Marriott Bonvoy’s vast portfolio of hotels across the country for your perfect fit.
Choose where you want to be a winter adventurer
While parts of South America, Asia and Europe experience a low season during winter, the frosty weather marks prime travel time for Northern Hemisphere ski resorts. If your family is looking for a winter escapade, look to Colorado, Vermont, Montana, Idado or Utah for exhilarating snow-filled activities.
Pick a resort with accommodations that meet your needs
When choosing a resort, base your selection on your lifestyle. Do you prefer preparing meals for your family while on vacation? Look to a suite with a kitchenette. Do you enjoy trying new foods at restaurants? A room with fewer accommodations may be best. To help keep your children entertained, find a hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub for the parents. If mom and dad want to sneak away for a couple of hours of snowmobiling or a romantic dinner date, ensure your stay offers a childcare center for little ones.
Don't skip out on travel insurance
Oftentimes, travel insurance is overlooked, but for a winter getaway that could face the potential of trip cancellations or delays either from difficult weather conditions or illnesses like the flu or COVID-19, having this security net can provide you peace of mind. In case of any emergency that occurs before you packed your bags or amidst your ongoing plans, travel insurance provides you financial security, so you don't lose out on what was initially spent for your travel accommodations.
Book your vacation early
Once you’ve nailed down your winter holiday destination, it’s best to book your lodging and travel accommodations ahead of time to avoid the holiday rush. Since holidays are the busiest time of year for airlines and hotels, the earlier you snag your spot the better. You’ll have ample options to choose from, so your family doesn’t have to squeeze into a room with one king bed and rollaway. Plus, you’ll beat spiked costs leaving more money in your budget for exciting activities.
Create an itinerary that meets everyone’s interests
When traveling with the kiddos, it’s important to make sure they’re happy, entertained and having a great time. The age of your children, however, will dictate the type of activities you can do as a group. For tweens, consider hitting the slopes during the day and nighttime snow tubing. If you have younger children, plan skiing lessons, an epic snowball fight and a game board extravaganza. Don’t forget to carve out time for hiking through local (and safe) trails as well as sightseeing in the area.
Pack a winter travel kit to keep your immunity strong
While a true winter wonderland vacation offers beautiful sights and experiences, it also brings about harsh weather conditions and seasonal ailments. To avoid spoiling the fun with an illness, create your own winter travel kit that'll keep your immune system in tip-top shape, like flu or fever medications, nasal decongestants and daily vitamins. Our go-to accessories also include heat packs or warmers that will keep your extremities warm and a small, portable humidifier for combatting respiratory infections that thrive in the dry air.
Start planning your winter escape today. With Marriott Bonvoy, you can find a hotel that checks off all the boxes.
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