Travel Mom Amy on Mexico with Kids
Travel Mom Amy joins us to talk about Mexico with kids, her family’s latest adventure with husband Devin, daughter Emma (9) and son Kellen (6). As AAA Travel Strategic Partnership Director, she also shares great travel insider tips.
How did you get started traveling with your kids?
My husband Devin and I always loved to travel, and when we had kids, we wanted to balance that love and be able to go as a family.
Our first trip was a cruise when Emma was 18 months old. It was the perfect option with her. There was so much to do…meetups and tot activities. And we could still get off the boat to go to the beach and see the sites. Not to mention how doting the staff was on her. We could also pre-purchase things, like the special formula Emma needed, to have on board, so we didn’t have to bring it.
We went on our second family cruise when Kellen was 7 months old. Then Emma was old enough to go to the Kids Club.
What was your last big family adventure?
We went to the Cancun, Mexico area to an all-inclusive, a Karisma Resort. It was the first time we have done that as a family. We picked a brand known for gourmet food and chose a kid-friendly property which was a great way to do Mexico with the kids.
It was also an all-suite property, so we had our own room, and the kids had theirs. The Kids Club was excellent. Every day had a different theme, and the kids loved it.
What was the best part of the trip for you?
Spa time! The resort had an awesome spa, as most of the all-inclusives do.
What was the BEST part of the trip for the family?
Spending lazy days on the beach. Lots of watersports were included and hanging out in the cabanas.
What was the best part of the trip for the kids?
We love to introduce the kids to the local culture, so we like to get off the property. Most of the resorts have reputable companies you can book excursions through. The kids loved the catamaran snorkeling trip we went on.
What are the benefits of working with AAA or any Travel Advisor?
You have someone dedicated to your needs. Many think it comes with a huge cost, but it doesn’t. And when something goes wrong, you have someone on your side.
AAA is one of the largest brick and mortar travel agencies in the U.S. We have a 24-hour emergency hotline, and we have great partnerships that allow us to provide great benefits to our travelers like free excursions or free drink packages.
We also have exclusive AAA vacations, including an upcoming Ama Waterways River Cruise with TV Host and Travel Expert, Samantha Brown.
You don’t have to be a member to use our Travel Advisors, but if you are, you get access to the great benefits.
Top Tips and Advice
- Pack everyone’s outfits in separate bags (color-coded or labeled).
- On our last trip, the airline didn’t charge for extra bags, so we took snacks and a lot of beach/pool toys that we just left for other kids to enjoy.
- We hired the resort photographer to take family photos.
- Have a travel advisor to support you and help you.
- Get travel insurance. I’ve seen first-hand on trips how helpful it can be.
- Learn to say please and thank you in the local language.
- Balance what’s good for you and what’s good for the kids. Everyone needs to enjoy the trip.
Why do you travel with your kids?
It makes them better people. When you see other cultures and can be empathetic to the way other people live, it’s the greatest education.
Next trip you’re planning or dreaming about?
The kids, as part of their Social Studies school work, decided to plan their high school graduation trips. We had a fun time looking at maps and talking about travel. Emma wants to go to Paris AND Venice and Rome. Kellen wants to go on a South African Safari.
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Thank you for joining us, Amy! Explore how AAA Travel can help you plan your family’s next adventure!
And for more family travel ideas, check out all the podcast episodes.