Family Travel Tips: 20 Do’s and Don’ts for a Smooth Vacation with Kids

Embarking on a family vacation can be a labor of love, requiring careful planning and consideration. To ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience, here are 20 do’s and don’ts for traveling with kids:

Do’s:

1. Bring Snacks and Entertainment: Pack non-messy snacks and devices to keep kids fed and entertained during travel.
2. Remember Chargers and Cords: Don’t forget charging cords and blocks for electronic devices, ensuring you can power up anywhere.
3. Bring Headphones for Kids: Avoid disturbing others by providing headphones for your kids during flights or in public spaces.
4. Let Your Kids Help with Planning: Involve your kids in the trip planning process, considering their interests and preferences.
5. Consider Kid-Friendly Vacation Options: Opt for family-friendly destinations, such as cruises or all-inclusive resorts, with built-in activities for kids.
6. Look for Discounts for Kids:

1. Take advantage of discounts for kids offered by various vacation options to save on overall costs.
2. Bring Toys and Activities: Pack favorite toys and games to keep kids entertained and create a sense of familiarity.
3. Plan Fun Activities: Include exciting and age-appropriate activities in your itinerary to make the trip memorable for everyone.
4. Pay for Conveniences When You Can: Invest in conveniences like in-flight wifi, checked bag fees, or seat selection to enhance the overall experience.
5. Plan “Free Days” In Your Itinerary: Allow for unplanned downtime, providing flexibility and preventing burnout during the trip.
6. Select Plane Seats Ahead of Time: Choose seats in advance to ensure your family sits together and meets your preferences.

Don’ts:

1. Forget Chargers and Cords: Neglecting charging essentials can lead to frustration if devices run out of power.
2. Let Kids Kick the Plane Seat in Front of Them: Ensure your kids’ actions don’t disturb other passengers, including refraining from kicking seats.
3. Let the Kids Decide Everything: While considering their input, maintain control over the overall trip planning to ensure a balanced and realistic itinerary.
4. Ignore Your Travel Budget: Stick to your budget, even when paying for conveniences, to avoid unexpected expenses.
5. Overpack: Bring essentials but avoid overpacking, as you’ll be responsible for managing the extra luggage.
6. Overplan: Allow for spontaneity by avoiding an overly packed itinerary, giving room for relaxation and unforeseen opportunities.
7. Schedule Cheap Flights with Layovers or Crazy Travel Times: Opt for direct flights and schedule flights that align with your kids’ normal sleeping patterns to minimize stress.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a well-balanced and enjoyable family vacation experience.