Backpacker Trip with My Kids –No Regrets, Only Memories
Backpacker Trip with My Kids – No Regrets, Only Memories
Planning a backpacker trip with kids can seem daunting, but it can turn into a beautiful adventure with the right approach. Here's how we did it:
Our Travel Background
- As a couple, we had a passion for holidays and traveled extensively as a DINK (Dual Income, No Kids) family.
- Over three years, we visited stunning destinations like Mussorie, Nainital, Manali, Goa, Khajuraho, Kashmir, Assam, Meghalaya, and Shimla.
- After having kids, we prioritized shorter trips and their comfort but never gave up on the joy of traveling together.
The Inspiration
- A quote changed our perspective: “We have lesser time left on this Earth than our kids.”
- This motivated us to plan a long-awaited backpacker trip with our little ones.
Destination: Rajasthan
- We chose Rajasthan for its winter-friendly weather and rich history.
- The itinerary included Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodhpur, Kumbhalgarh (via Ranakpur), Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Boondi, and back to Jaipur over 10 days.
The Planning Process
- Started planning a month in advance by reviewing travel blogs and crafting a kid-friendly itinerary.
- Ensured travel time between destinations was under four hours to allow for relaxed mornings and downtime.
- Selected Jaipur as the starting and ending point for its excellent air connectivity.
Preparing the Kids
- Prepped the kids by teaching them to complete tasks like:
- Eating meals on time.
- Taking quick baths.
- Avoiding tantrums.
- They were excited and fully on board with the trip plan!
Travel Arrangements
- Hired a cab (Innova) for comfort and safety:
- Extra space for the kids to play, eat, stretch, and nap during long rides.
- Ideal for rocky terrains like Kumbhalgarh.
Accommodation
- Booked three-star hotels after reading online reviews.
- Ensured:
- Comfortable stays with good food.
- Options to relax if we needed a break.
Packing Essentials
- Brought:
- Enough clothes and extra footwear.
- Familiar toiletries for the kids.
- Medicines and snacks for added comfort.
- Packed treats like chocolates and biscuits for occasional indulgence!
Food Choices
- Relied on Rajasthan’s roadside dhabas for fresh tawa chapatis and Indian delicacies.
- Enjoyed Rajasthani thalis, churma, and halwa.
- Stuck to milk products, salads, and fruits at hotels for breakfast and dinner.
Daily Routine
- Checked out of hotels by 8 AM after breakfast.
- Reached the next destination by early afternoon, ensuring time to explore forts and attractions before they closed by 5–6 PM.
- Included kid-friendly activities like:
- Zoo visits.
- Animal rides and boat rides.
- Sound and light shows at historical sites.
Shopping Highlights
- Explored Rajasthan’s markets for:
- Sanganeri prints and lac jewelry.
- Colorful puppet pencils for the kids.
- Hand-printed t-shirts painted live at a shop in Udaipur.
Creating Memories
- Helped my 6-year-old create a travel journal, capturing the history of the forts we visited.
- Treasured the kids’ enthusiasm during long car rides, fort treks, and dining at dhabas.
The Takeaway
- Kids are more adaptable than we imagine, and with proper planning, long trips can be magical.
- Our dream backpacker trip with the kids left us with:
- Wonderful memories.
- New knowledge.
- The joy of fulfilling a long-awaited family plan.
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“HealthyKids”
Live the adventure, create the memories, and cherish the moments with your kids!