Tips For Easier And More Fun Family Travel

Thank you Kurt Brown of Travel Tip Tank for sharing these helpful tips with us!

Family vacations are a great way to bond, create lasting memories, and explore new places together. However, traveling with kids can also be stressful. Use these tips to make your next family vacation more fun for everyone involved.

Ease Your Stress Through Planning Ahead

One of the best ways to ease your stress when traveling with kids is to plan ahead as much as possible. This means making a packing list, booking your accommodations in advance, and mapping out your route. Planning ahead will help you stay organized and make better decisions while you're on the go.

Pack Light

Packing light is always a good idea when traveling, but it's especially important when you're traveling with kids. You'll have to keep track of everyone's belongings, so the less you have to carry, the better. Stick to the essentials and pack only what you need. And don't forget to pack comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the climate you'll be visiting. Look for stylish yet comfortable clothing like leggings, T-shirts, and dresses that are ideal for traveling while caring for your kids.

Consider Driving or Flying Schedules Carefully

If you're driving to your destination, plan your route carefully and take into account rest stops, sightseeing opportunities, and food options. If you're flying, consider booking early morning or late night flights when your kids will be more likely to sleep through the majority of the trip. And always allow yourselves plenty of time to get to the airport so you're not rushed.

Spot Kid-Friendly Accommodations Ahead of Time

When booking hotels or other accommodations, look for places that are kid-friendly. This may mean choosing a hotel with a pool or an apartment rental with a playground nearby. Kid-friendly accommodations will make your trip more fun for everyone involved.

Set a Flexible Schedule

It's important to be flexible when traveling with kids. This means having a loose itinerary and being willing to change plans on the fly. Kids (and adults) get tired quickly when sightseeing, so build plenty of downtime into your schedule. And don't forget to factor in nap times!

Maintain Familiar Routines as Much as Possible

Another way to be flexible when traveling with kids is to maintain familiar routines as much as possible. This means following the same bedtime routine, eating meals at similar times, and sticking to regular nap times if possible. Maintaining familiar routines will help your kids (and you!) stay sane while on vacation.

Visit Kid-Friendly Places

Allowing your kids some input into where you go on vacation will make the trip more enjoyable for everyone involved—after all, they're the ones who have to suffer through all those museums and historic sites! Do some research beforehand and find some kid-friendly activities and attractions at your destination so everyone can have fun together.

Arrange Meal Plans in Advance

Eating out with kids can be challenging, so it's often best to plan meals in advance whenever possible. This may mean packing snacks and bringing along a cooler for picnics or near-meals, or reserving a table at a restaurant before you even leave home. Meal planning will help keep everyone well-fed and happy while on vacation.

Stay Safe

Last but not least, make sure everyone stays safe while on vacation by following basic safety precautions. This means keeping an eye on your belongings at all times, being aware of your surroundings, and keeping track of your children at all times—especially in unfamiliar places.

With a little planning and preparation, traveling with kids can be easier AND more fun for the whole family! Just remember to pack light, be flexible with your schedule, maintain familiar routines as much as possible, wear comfortable clothing, visit kid-friendly places, and arrange meal plans in advance. And most importantly, don't forget to have fun!