After the stress of the global pandemic and the U.S. election, we could all use a vacation. Unfortunately, good parenting involves finding the best way for everyone to have a good time (just kidding, mostly). According to U.S. News, San Diego ranked number six for “Best family vacations” and number one for “Best places to visit in August.”
If you’ve already done Disneyland with the kids, or can’t afford that, and aren’t exactly the outdoorsy family, then San Diego is going to be the place for a great family getaway! Check out the following tips on planning a family trip to San Diego.
Plan Ahead
When visiting sunny San Diego with your children, one of the first things you’re going to want to do is to plan which attractions you’re going to want to see and try to get tickets and group discounts early. For example, Balboa park alone contains 85 cultural and family-fun attractions including the San Diego zoo and the San Diego zoo safari! The kids will also probably want to see SeaWorld San Diego as well as the various museums to visit. Also, while you won’t have to book it, you’re going to want to plan time to spend on La Jolla beach — the most family-friendly beach in the area.
You better pack your coats because the nightlife can be just as much of a good time as the days in San Diego, particularly for adults. There are great restaurants, theaters, nightclubs, arcades, ax-throwing venues, and more to do in the heart of downtown San Diego itself. Between the surf, the natural wonders to explore, the variety of things to see and do, and the amazing food and atmosphere that the locals provide, you’re sure to find something every family member can enjoy in sunny San Diego.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to book flights and hotel stays early. Often, this gets you a better price and an ideal location.
Keep Your Kids Safe
There are multiple reasons why you should track your child’s phone or computer — especially when traveling. Being able to track your child’s phone is not only a good idea in case they go missing but in case they misplace their cell phone somewhere on the trip. Tracking your kid’s cell phone is also the best way to keep them safe in the online world from child predators, cyberbullying, and the negative effects that social media can have on your child’s brain. There are even apps now that you can buy in the app store to monitor your child’s text messages, screen time, etc. While some parents may feel like they’re spying on their kids, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Whether it’s keeping toddlers on a safety harness or tracking your child’s devices, it’s important to have a plan to keep your children safe both in the digital world and the real world. But you’ll want to be cautious of your child’s online activities, too.
Be Picture Ready
Family trips are where a plethora of pictures get taken. Make sure you’re ready for it. Plan easy ways to style your hair, pack your most flattering yet comfortable outfits, and consider magnetic liner and false eyelashes to enhance your selfie look. With magnetic lashes from Glamnetic, you can purchase easy-to-apply lash extensions to make you look alert and fabulous in only a few minutes.
Say goodbye to the days of awful lash glue and say hello to magnetic eyelashes. By applying the magnetic eyeliner to your eyeline, the magnetic lashes easily attach to your lash line. If you prefer a more natural lash look without magnetic eyeliner, you can purchase tiny magnets that will hold the magnetic lashes in place for you.
Pack Smart
If this is your first time visiting San Diego let me be the first to reassure you that the temperature is mild regardless of the season. This means you should pack light layers and always remember bathing suits. Let me also be the first to warn you that San Diego has a population of nearly one and a half million and is a popular vacation destination. Therefore, be ready for crowds (and germs) by attaching travel-sized hand sanitizers to everything.
The seven most common things people forget to pack are hand sanitizer, medicines such as ibuprofen, glasses and contacts, itinerary confirmations, a hairbrush, passports, and a rain jacket, according to SmarterTravel. You’ve been warned!
