Post contributed by Joyce Wilson at teacherspark.org
Homeschooling gives you an enormous amount of freedom when it comes to planning a family homeschooler vacation! You aren’t chained to a public-school calendar, meaning you can avoid peak tourist season. You can travel off-season instead when time off work is easy to come by, prices are low, and it’s not so crowded everywhere.
Below, Happy to Homeschool covers everything you need to know about vacationing with a homeschooler. We also include creative travel as well as at-home “staycation” suggestions for when you’re hard-pressed for ideas.
Homeschooler vacation considerations
Have a conversation with your children and ask them what they’d like to do. Take everyone’s input into account when you plan your trip. Here is a quick checklist of the most important travel considerations:
Budget
As always, your budget will dictate your options. On average, ValuePenguin says you can expect to spend $144 per day for a domestic vacation and $271 for an international one.
Length
Smaller vacations are, of course, more affordable, but longer ones offer more experiences. According to science, an ideal vacation is eight days long.
Time of the year
As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to be chained to the usual travel calendar. However, be aware that peak tourist time is frequently the best in terms of weather and accessibility.
Educational opportunities
Vacations for homeschoolers can be as educational as they can be fun. Consider taking your homeschooler to museums, art exhibitions, and historical places. Explore the local food, history, and culture. Teach your child as you travel.
Socialization
Your homeschooler can build terrific social skills with your assistance when they vacation. Encourage them to introduce themselves to other children their age or consider traveling with another family that homeschools (and don’t forget, parents need socialization, too!).
Staycation
When you have budget constraints or you just don’t want to take the risk of traveling, seeing as the pandemic hasn’t subsided yet, you can vacation at home. You can still have an amazing homeschooler vacation (see ideas below).
Post-pandemic safety
If you’re traveling, keep pandemic safety in mind. Avoid crowds, travel safely, and vet your food and accommodations.
Logistics
Plan the logistical details such as your travel itinerary, flights and lodgings, and clothes and travel accessories. A travel notebook can help you plan and stay organized.
Preparing for emergencies
Emergencies can happen, especially when you’re with kids. Explain to them what to do if something goes wrong – like if they get separated from you. Consider investing in a kids’ smartwatch. The latest ones have parental controls and, most importantly, GPS and medical ID functions, so you can always track your kids remotely.
Travel gadgets
Some other helpful gadgets for a homeschooler vacation are universal adapters, waterproof cases, solar chargers, and water purifier bottles.
If you have a destination in mind, look at travel advisories and talk to other families who just visited before moving ahead.
Worthwhile outdoor homeschooler vacation ideas
Here are some domestic and international travel ideas for families with homeschoolers with an emphasis on pandemic safety:
Road trips
Road trips are affordable, amazingly fun, and convenient to arrange. More importantly, they allow you to limit contact with crowds while still seeing all the sites and sounds. You can camp outside or rent an RV with beds.
Remote stays
Travel restrictions abound and popular tourist destinations like Hawaii are still off-limits. That’s where remote stays come in! Small islands, towns, and villages in the countryside are safe to visit and have little-to-no restrictions.
Train outings
Flying remains a problem, not to mention a major health risk. Train travel is a wonderful alternative. Not only is it super-safe and comfortable, but it also features stunning scenery. Combine that with private rooms and a menu of delicious food and you have an unforgettable homeschool vacation experience.
Boats and yachts
Many families are choosing to rent private boats for a few days. If your children are old enough, you can spend a few days sailing on the river or lake and have a wonderful time. You can explore local islands and beaches, and spend the night in a safe resort.
The great outdoors
Finally, exploring the great outdoors remains a safe, tried-and-tested option. There are many state and national parks and nature retreats you can take your kids to. Many offer camping options and some have family-friendly lodgings on-site.
Staycation options for homeschoolers
Believe it or not, staycations can be just as fun as traditional vacations, with enough thought, creativity, and effort:
Day-cations
A homeschooler vacation doesn’t necessarily have to last for a week. There are plenty of interesting places nearby that can appeal to children – such as nature reserves, museums, art centers, and even a local mall. A day at the beach also always works, as long as you take safety precautions.
Outdoor activities
There are countless holiday outdoor activities you can plan. Building a garden and growing your own vegetables are long-term projects that can be fun and educational. Hiking, bike rides, and camping outside (or in your backyard) allow you to enjoy nature and get some exercise at the same time.
Local homeschooler vacations
Chances are your town or city has plenty to offer to tourists. Why not put yourself in a tourist’s shoes for a day, literally, and experience everything with fresh eyes? You can visit the local biggest attractions, dine at the best local restaurant, and book a room at the bed and breakfast for your family.
Indoor activities
If you’re stuck due to travel restrictions or personal reasons, there are plenty of activities for you to do still. Some examples are family game nights, movie marathons, cooking a delicious meal together, and putting up a full-fledged play together for your neighbors.
Volunteer work
Finally, if you’d like to make a difference, give back to your community, and instill values in your child, consider volunteering as a family. You’ll all learn something, build connections with good people, and spend your time constructively. There are even ways to volunteer vacation abroad.
Final Thoughts
When planning a homeschooler vacation, your child or children should be front and center. Factor in their likes, dislikes, and needs. You want them to be happy and have fun. Some homeschoolers feel cooped up because they spend so much time at home (even if the place is big and they play outside). A vacation offers a change of pace and freedom from the usual routine!
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