51 Tips For Travel With Family

Many people are astonished by how frequently our family travels, even with young children in tow. Traveling with kids can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. We believe that family travel is not only fun but also an excellent opportunity for bonding and learning. It can be an adventure full of pitfalls, from overpriced restaurants to seedy accommodations and tourist traps. In this article, we’re sharing 51 valuable tips to help you make family travel easy, enjoyable, and memorable.

Why Traveling with Family is Important

If you’re seeking family travel inspiration, think about what excites you most about traveling. Whether you relish new experiences in unfamiliar destinations or prefer theme parks, there are travel adventures for every family. You don’t need a family travel blog to enjoy life as a traveling family; anyone can do it.

Traveling with kids can complicate your plans, but with some preparation and these tips, it can be a fun and unforgettable experience. Family travel offers an excellent opportunity for bonding, exploring new cultures, and learning new skills. It pushes you beyond your comfort zones and helps you discover new interests.

Planning Your Family Trip

Starting with well-thought-out travel plans is the key to a successful family trip. If you’re new to family travel, consider beginning with a destination that offers direct flights. However, remember that you can have a fantastic family trip almost anywhere if it feels right for you. Preparation is essential for a great travel experience.

1. Gather user reviews of essential destination information from websites like Citysearch.com, Yahoo! Travel, Trip Advisor, Yelp.com, and FourSquare.
2. Join user discussion forums on Fodors.com, TripAdvisor.com, LonelyPlanet.com, and Frommers.com for insights and advice.
3. Read travel books about major cities and consult travel blogs and family travel bloggers for personal recommendations.
4. Stay updated on the best hotels, attractions, and cost-saving options through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
5. Secure comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses, baggage loss, delay, and cancellation costs.

How to Budget for Family Travel

6. Check foreign currency exchange rates online before your trip.
7. Exchange currency at post offices to avoid commission fees.
8. Break down package deals using websites like DealBase.com or kayak.com to understand the individual costs.

Selecting Transport for Your Family Vacation

Family road trips in the United States offer quality time for bonding during the journey to your adventures. With proper preparation, long car rides can be enjoyable, and young children can make excellent road or train travelers.

Air Travel Tips

9. Use Kayak to search for flight information from multiple airline and travel booking sites.
10. Explore overseas flights on DoHop.com or Momondo.com.
11. Choose the right travel days to avoid red-eye flights and crowded flights (consider Tuesdays or Wednesdays).
12. Keep kids active during the flight by walking the aisle and preparing games and activities.
13. Carry essential items like baby wipes, creams, diapers, and formula in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience.

Car Travel Tips

14. Ensure your car undergoes a thorough pre-journey inspection to avoid issues on the road.
15. Bring copies of essential documents like driver’s licenses, insurance papers, and car keys.
16. If renting a car, inspect it for spare tire, owner’s manual, radio/CD player, tools, headlights, A/C, GPS, and windshield wipers.
17. Obtain highway safety reports from NHTSA Online and D.O.T. Travel Safety Association Auto Safety sites.
18. Get free destination information and maps from local tourist information offices or automobile clubs.
19. Visit websites to find tourist spots, special events, and festivals along your route.

Bus and Train Travel

20. Choose front seats on buses for extra legroom.
21. Carry earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to drown out unwanted noise.
22. If possible, schedule train rides as overnight journeys to avoid unnecessary breaks.
23. Use major city train stations and opt for direct trains to minimize transfers.
24. Always book seats on newer buses to ensure a smoother and safer journey.

Family Travel Tips for Packing

Proper packing is crucial for an enjoyable and stress-free family trip. Ensure your electronic devices are fully charged, but don’t forget to let your kids enjoy the scenery during road trips.

Packing Tips for Family Clothing

25. Create a checklist of specific items for each family member and stick to it.
26. Pack mix-and-match outfits that can be easily hand-washed or laundered locally.
27. Choose lightweight, layered clothing for cooler regions to minimize bulk.
28. Pack wrinkle-free clothing to avoid the need for ironing.
29. Save space by placing socks and stockings inside shoes.
30. Limit each family member to two pairs of flexible, easily packable shoes.

Packing Tips for Travel Gear

31. Store toiletries in transparent plastic Ziplock bags to expedite security checks.
32. Opt for lightweight, durable, wheeled suitcases with backpack straps and detachable daypacks.
33. Use cell phone cameras or a single slim digital camera for family photos to reduce bulk.
34. Bring a simple, lightweight stroller and a portable car seat.
35. Keep copies of passports and other important documents in your luggage.
36. Include spare Ziploc bags and trash bags in your car’s trunk for various uses.

Packing Extras

37. Store a spare first aid kit, wipes, tissues, spare toilet paper, liquid anti-bacterial soap, and paper towels in your glove compartment for emergencies.
38. Pack an extra set of clothes for your child in your carry-on if you’re flying to handle unexpected situations.
39. Carry a flashlight, safety matches, candles, a waterproof tarp, a spare tire, a repair kit, a gallon of water, and blankets in your car’s trunk.

Traveling as a Family & Selecting the Best Lodging for the Best Price

40. Join a hotel’s loyalty program even for one-night stays to enjoy member benefits like free breakfast and complimentary services.
41. Watch out for extra fees at hotels, including parking and Wi-Fi. Find hotels offering parking fee deals to save money.
42. Consider alternative lodging options like hostels, AirBnB, farm stays, house swaps, and tourist apartment rentals based on the length of your stay.
43. Select a hotel with a pool to provide a relaxing space for kids to burn off energy.
44. Be cautious of non-refundable advance booking deals; they might save you money but come with restrictions.
45. Utilize babysitting services offered by many resorts to enjoy some time alone.
46. Explore suite options, which can be convenient when traveling with small children who can’t stay in a separate room.

General Tips for Traveling with Kids

47. Expect that there will be disappointments, tantrums, and delays, but adjust your expectations to make the trip enjoyable.
48. Be flexible with your kids’ routines, as travel will disrupt their usual schedules.
49. Build a friendly rapport with flight crews, as they can be helpful when dealing with fussy children during long flights.
50. Allow each child to carry a small “vacation bag” with family board games and treats of their choice.
51. Wear cargo pants or shorts with large pockets to store essential items while traveling.

In conclusion, we hope these family travel tips help you feel well-prepared for your next adventure. Start with a small family trip to see how enjoyable and manageable traveling with kids can be. The perfect family vacation is within your reach, and the memories you create will be invaluable. Enjoy your next journey!