{"id":9662,"date":"2017-06-01T10:17:59","date_gmt":"2017-06-01T14:17:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/?p=9662"},"modified":"2017-09-18T09:14:24","modified_gmt":"2017-09-18T13:14:24","slug":"playa-del-carmen-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/playa-del-carmen-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips on How to Playa del Carmen with Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let’s face it, having kids isn’t easy, heck, being a kid isn’t easy.<\/p>\n

Traveling with your kids sure the hell ain’t easy.<\/p>\n

But….<\/p>\n

It’s also one of the richest, most fulfilling experience families and kids can have.<\/p>\n

Traveling opens up new doors, unique ways of seeing the world. It breaks down barriers and opens up a healthy curiosity<\/strong> for people and things outside of our comfort zone.<\/p>\n

And it doesn’t have to be any more complicated than it already it is.<\/p>\n

With some simple planning, you and your tiny terrors<\/strong> can take a Playa del Carmen vacation and actually enjoy the experience.<\/p>\n

10 Easy Tips on How to do Playa del Carmen with Your Kids<\/h4>\n

So what do you need to do to make it less painful and more enjoyable?<\/p>\n

Do it right. Think it through. But above all, allow yourselves to enjoy the experience. Especially the kids.<\/p>\n

Here are our 10 tips.<\/p>\n

#1 Choose the Right Hotel<\/h2>\n
\"Photo

The swimming pool for kids at Sandos Caracol<\/p><\/div>\n

It’s easy to find a hotel that claims to be family-friendly.<\/p>\n

However, simply allowing children to stay at a hotel doesn’t necessarily mean that management and staff have neither the kids well-being nor the parents’ sanity in mind.<\/p>\n

When choosing a hotel, make sure the activities and amenities are also geared to keeping children entertained.<\/p>\n

Otherwise, you risk turning your dream vacation into a trip from hell.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check out our list of 6 best kid-friendly hotels in Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Finally, if your kids are picky-eaters and you prefer a little more privacy than a large hotel allows, consider a Playa del Carmen vacation rental<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

With fully-equipped kitchens and all the amenities of a modern home, you can recreate a comforting, home-like atmosphere in Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n

#2 Plan your Airport Transfers<\/h2>\n
\"Cancun

A vehicle typically used for transporting small groups to\/from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen.<\/p><\/div>\n

Don’t let something so essential like getting to and from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/a> be something that gets forgotten while trying to plan so many different aspects of your trip.<\/p>\n

The last thing you want<\/strong> is to arrive at the airport with tired, cranky kids and still not know how you are going to get to your hotel.<\/p>\n

Likewise, you don’t want to be stuck at the hotel on your last day trying to catch a cab back to the airport.<\/p>\n

Be smart, plan ahead and avoid the stress.<\/p>\n

For more information, check out our Cancun airport transfers<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

And remember, be sure to let us know if you need a car seat. We provide them free of charge!<\/strong><\/p>\n

#3 Carefully Select Your Activities<\/h2>\n
\"Family

A family goes snorkeling off the coast of the Riviera Maya.<\/p><\/div>\n

The key here is to find age-appropriate activities that are also in line with the type of things your kids like to do.<\/p>\n

In addition, time is of the essence.<\/p>\n

For instance, perhaps the entire family wants to visit Mayan ruins<\/strong><\/a> and learn about the fascinating history of these noble people past and present.<\/p>\n

However, a trip to Chichen Itza<\/strong><\/a>, a New Seven Wonder of the World, may be too stressful due to the length of the tour (around ten to eleven hours in total).<\/p>\n

A trip to Tulum, on the other hand, that majestic fortress overlooking the Caribbean Sea, only takes about two hours and can be combined with a visit to Xel-Ha Park<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

For more information, be sure to check out our excellent piece on 13<\/strong> kid-friendly activities in Playa del Carmen<\/strong><\/a> as well as these 10 awesome tours for families<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

#4 Make sure you have all the documentation<\/h2>\n
\"Passport

Photo credit: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n

You may think to have tickets and passports, but there are a few other things you may need to consider.<\/p>\n

Make sure all passports are valid for at least 6\u00a0months<\/strong> from the time of the return flight.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, make sure you scan all important travel documents and send yourself a copy via email.<\/p>\n

For families traveling with only one parent, you may want to get a notarized letter signed by both parents granting permission to travel.<\/p>\n

When possible, have the letter translated into Spanish. Likewise, be sure to bring a doctor’s prescription for any medication.<\/p>\n

#5 Be Ready for the Tropical Climate<\/h2>\n
\"Riviera

The heat rises with the sun in Playa del Carmen<\/p><\/div>\n

Let’s face it.<\/p>\n

These stunning white sand beaches, mesmerizing blue hues of the Caribbean Sea, and verdant jungle foliage come with a price.<\/p>\n

Just like heat, humidity, and flying insects come with the territory.<\/p>\n

So what do you do about it?<\/p>\n

Use common sense.<\/p>\n

Always keep children’s skin covered in light clothing, use biodegradable sunscreen as well as biodegradable insect repellent, especially during dawn and dusk hours when mosquitoes feast.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, be conscious of the need to stay hydrated and make sure young and old drink enough water (and not just margaritas, parents!).<\/p>\n

#6 Set the Example<\/h2>\n
\"Man

Photo credit: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n

Let’s face it, kids are sponges.<\/p>\n

Even when they seem distracted or uninterested, they observe our behavior and mold theirs based on how adults act and treat one another.<\/p>\n

Traveling to a foreign country implies an even higher level of absorption.<\/p>\n

Being placed in a foreign environment means paying even more attention to the nuances of our behavior.<\/p>\n

So keep up the good parenting and set a good example abroad as well.<\/p>\n

Be respectful of the people you interact with, make efforts to speak Spanish<\/strong>, and respect the environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What you do will heavily influence your kids interest<\/strong> in people from other cultures and whether they show curiosity and respect or ambivalence and disrespect.<\/p>\n

For instance, and as someone whose eyes are bigger then his stomach I know personally this one is a challenge, don’t take more than what you can eat from the buffets.<\/p>\n

Likewise, treat the area as respectfully as you would your own home.<\/p>\n

If you want to take it even a step further, you may want to avoid attractions that involve captive animals.<\/p>\n

Check out our blog for ideas on things to do that are better than swimming with dolphins<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

And if you’d like to encourage kids to get involved in supporting the community, reach out to our travel specialists<\/strong><\/a> for a list of possible ways to get involved and make a difference while on vacation.<\/p>\n

#7 Know Your Airline Fees<\/h3>\n
\"Airplane

Photo credit: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n

Be sure to check for any additional airline costs for seating and\/or extra luggage.<\/p>\n

Recently, some airlines have found ways to charge families more money<\/strong> just for being able to sit together.<\/p>\n

Likewise, additional luggage such as strollers or special car seats can incur extra fees, so check with your airline at least a week before your flight to make any necessary arrangements.<\/p>\n

#8 Have Kids Keep a Travel Journal<\/h3>\n
\"Photo

Photo credit: Kids’ Travel Journal via Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The great 14th Century Moroccan traveler and scholar Ibn Battuta coined one of the most famous inspirational phrases in the world of travel:<\/p>\n

“Traveling – first it leaves you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller.”<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n

The profound encounter with a different culture and with oneself is one of the greatest gifts of travel.<\/p>\n

Encourage your children to keep a travel journal, writing and drawing about those newfound friends, that fun activity, or what she or he felt when entering into the Caribbean Sea for the first time.<\/p>\n

You never know, your child just may be the next Ryzard Kapuchinski<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

#9 Teach Them to Use the Camera<\/h3>\n
\"Girl

Photo credit: Pixabay<\/p><\/div>\n

We all know the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words.<\/p>\n

Empower your kids with the magic of photography.<\/p>\n

Let them get out and explore, document, and share their unique perspective<\/strong> on the people, places, and sights of Playa del Carmen.<\/p>\n

It will make both you and them proud, and perhaps cultivate their interest in a future hobby or profession.<\/p>\n

#10 Stay Positive<\/h3>\n

\"Girl<\/p>\n

Breathe. Relax. Focus. Repeat.<\/p>\n

Traveling is a challenge, and even more so with kids removed from their routine and environment.<\/p>\n

Be patient, and allow your kids to be just that. Let them explore, try new things, and meet new people.<\/p>\n

Empower them on their journey through a new culture.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Need some more family-friendly vacation advice?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Give us at PlayaDelCarmen.com call toll-free at 888-537-9797<\/a>!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Our travel specialists\u00a0can get you the best deals on family-friendly hotels<\/a> and family-friendly tours<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let’s face it, having kids isn’t easy, heck, being a kid isn’t easy. Traveling with your kids sure the hell ain’t easy. But…. It’s also one of the richest, most fulfilling experience families and kids can have. Traveling opens up […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":13410,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[140],"tags":[4,264,75,297,470,531,392,532],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9662"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9662"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9662\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14805,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9662\/revisions\/14805"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9662"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9662"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.playadelcarmen.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9662"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}