Family Travel Planning: Tips and Tricks for Nigerian Families

Family travel planning can be exciting and overwhelming, especially with kids. Whether you are heading to a neighboring country in West Africa, venturing to Dubai for that exotic family holiday, or exploring the wonders of Europe, proper planning is the key to enjoying a stress-free trip.

For Nigerian families, there are unique considerations for their family travel planning like visas, budget planning, and even the cultural aspect of traveling with a large entourage (because, let’s face it, a family vacation isn’t complete without at least one “family friend” joining).

That is why I have compiled this detailed guide to help you plan your family trip like a pro.

1. Family Travel Planning: Set a Realistic Budget

Money is always a top priority when planning a trip. Start by figuring out how much you are willing to spend. Consider everything: flights, accommodation, feeding, sightseeing, shopping (because who doesn’t want to come back with souvenirs?), and emergency funds.

For example, if you are planning a trip to Ghana or Kenya, costs may be less than going to Europe or North America. You can also cut costs by looking for flight deals and promotions when booking. Websites like Wakanow, Travelstart, or Google Flights can be lifesavers when comparing ticket prices.

2. Choose a Family-Friendly Destination

In your family travel planning, some places are naturally more accommodating. For instance, Dubai is packed with family-friendly activities like visiting the Dubai Aquarium, Desert Safari, or even the famous Burj Khalifa. If you prefer staying within Africa, consider destinations like Kenya for a safari experience or Ghana for a cultural immersion.

Think about your children’s ages and interests. A theme park in Orlando may sound fun to you, but your toddler might be more entertained by a sandy beach in Zanzibar.

3. Get Those Visas Early

Ah, the infamous Nigerian passport challenge – visas! Applying for visas can be a lengthy process, so start early. Research the visa requirements for your destination.

Many West African countries like Ghana, Senegal, and The Gambia are visa-free for Nigerians, while places like Dubai and South Africa have straightforward processes. However, the Schengen visa for Europe might require more planning and documents.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to apply for your children’s visas as well. It is easy to overlook this when you are caught up in paperwork.

If you plan to explore Nigeria, these are stunning places to visit

4. Family Travel Planning: Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Packing can make or break your trip. You must know this when making your family travel planning. Nigerian parents, let’s address the elephant in the room—overpacking. Yes, I understand you want to take extra garri, egusi, and yam because “What if they don’t have it there?” But trust me, traveling light makes the journey so much easier.

Make a checklist of prerequisites:

• Clothes suitable for the weather.
• Medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Travel documents (passports, tickets, hotel bookings).
• Snacks and entertainment for the kids (because nobody wants a mid-flight tantrum).

Leave out unnecessary extras. This is because most destinations have stores where you can buy what you forgot.

5. Plan for Accommodation

Hotels, Airbnb, or resorts – choose what works best for your family. For larger families, an Airbnb might be more cost-effective and give you access to a kitchen for cooking those beloved Nigerian meals. Many hotels now offer family rooms or interconnecting suites.

When booking, look for places with child-friendly amenities like swimming pools, play areas, or babysitting services. You’ll thank yourself when you need an hour of peace.

6. Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable

We Nigerians are optimistic by nature, but when it comes to travel, it is better to prepare for the unexpected. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and even lost luggage. It’s a small investment that can save you a lot of headaches.

Have you visited the Nike Art Gallery before?

7. Keep the Kids Entertained

During your family travel planning, know that long flights or road trips can be tough on kids (and their parents!). Pack plenty of distractions: coloring books, tablets loaded with their favorite cartoons, or even a family playlist to sing along to.

If you are traveling by road, plan for frequent stops to stretch, snack, and take bathroom breaks. Trust me; a bored child is the fastest way to turn a peaceful trip into chaos.

8. Food and Dining Tips

Nigerian parents love to feed their children (and themselves) well, so food is a big deal. Research dining options at your destination. If you are traveling abroad, don’t be afraid to try local cuisines – your kids might surprise you by loving pizza in Italy or sushi in Japan.

For the picky eaters, carry easy-to-pack snacks like biscuits, plantain chips, or even dried fruit. Many hotels offer kid-friendly menus, so make use of them.

9. Cultural Etiquette and Customs

Every destination has its own culture and customs, and it is important to respect them. Teach your kids basic greetings in the local language. It is a great way to connect with the locals. Also, research dress codes; for example, some Middle Eastern countries have specific guidelines for clothing.

10. Document Your Journey

Family trips are about making memories. Take lots of pictures and videos, and encourage your kids to keep a travel journal. Years from now, they will thank you for capturing those moments.

11. Prepare for the Return

One thing Nigerian families often overlook is planning for the return journey. Save some energy for unpacking and settling back into routine. Consider leaving a day or two after your trip to rest before diving back into work or school.

Bonus Tip for Your Family Travel Planning: Stay Calm and Flexible

Even the best-laid plans can go wrong. Flights get delayed, kids throw tantrums, or the hotel might mess up your reservation. Instead of stressing, take a deep breath and adapt. After all, the unexpected moments often make the best stories.

Final Words

Traveling as a Nigerian family can be a fulfilling experience, full of bonding moments and discoveries. With the right planning, you can create a trip that everyone – young and old – will cherish. So, it doesn’t matter if you are exploring the beaches of Seychelles or navigating through Lagos traffic to catch your flight. All you need is to keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Remember, family travel planning as Nigerians is not just about the destination alone. It is also about the journey and the memories you create. Safe travels and stay safe!