Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort has been welcoming families for decades. With roomy vacation rentals that fit the whole family and activities that are fun for all ages, it’s no wonder! And while we know that a vacation at Palmetto Dunes is laidback and easy breezy, traveling with kids can make for its own set of challenges. Read on for some of our top travel tips so this year you can have the best family vacation ever!
Tip 1: Make A List
And check it twice! When it comes to kids—especially young kids—there are a lot of essential items you’re not going to live without. You can always head to a local store to pick up forgotten wipes, diapers, bottles and more, but a little planning and a careful list can avoid any unnecessary vacation stress.
Tip: 2: Travel Distractions
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you’ll have a smoother ride by making sure you’ve got plenty to keep your kids occupied throughout your travel time. Load up a favorite show or movie on your tablet, bring some books, puzzles, toys, and maybe even a special snack or surprise for your children to add some excitement to the journey.
Tip 3: Book Accommodations with Separate Sleeping Areas
At Palmetto Dunes, this is easy! From two-bedroom villas to 6-bedroom homes, there’s a space here that will fit the whole family. Not only do separate sleeping quarters make for a better-rested brood, having a common space to hang out in takes the stress off needing to have every day jam-packed with activity, and a full kitchen makes it easy to make snacks, stick to your normal morning routine, or accommodate any picky eaters.
Tip 4: Rent Equipment in Advance
Save yourself some space and time by renting equipment in advance from Hilton Head Outfitters. Strollers, children’s bikes and bike buggies, beach umbrellas, beach chairs and more are available with the option to have your items delivered to your home or villa the day you arrive.
Tip 5: Don’t Forget Your Day Bag
Snacks, water, sunscreen, a toy or book, a change of clothes or warm layer; these are all things you’re going to want to have handy as you’re exploring Hilton Head Island with your family. Take some time to pack a lightweight backpack or bag with these items in the morning and you’ll be thanking yourself come afternoon.
Tip 6: Find Some Structured Activities
It’s so exciting to explore a new destination with your children or to introduce them to a destination you’ve grown to love. As an adult, you might be fine to follow the day where it takes you, but with kids, a little structure goes a long way. Block out a couple of hours to go on a family canoe trip, sign your kids up for surfing or tennis lessons. Having a couple of activities with a start and end date helps keep everyone having fun without getting too tired out.
Tip 7: Plan For Downtime
Speaking of tired out, it’s okay to slow down and take a rest! You’re in The South, after all! And while you (and your kids) might be ready to go, go, go, an hour or two of hanging at your vacation rental will make sure no one gets too much sun, too over-tired, or too cranky.
Tip 8: Go With the Flow
After all of that planning, don’t forget to relax! After all, that’s what vacations are for, and Hilton Head Island is the perfect place for your family to do just that! Some of the most incredible travel experiences are those that happen spontaneously. Maybe you stumble upon some live music that your kids just want to dance too. Maybe your morning at the beach turns into a whole day of fun in the sun. With a go-with-the-flow attitude, you and your family can enjoy these moments instead of stressing out that you’re off-schedule.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your family to Palmetto Dunes for a vacation filled with memory-making fun! We hope that with these tips, each and every member of your family, parents included, will have a stress-free, fantastic time.
