Banish Stress from Your Trip Planning

A trip to a new city is an excuse for beach fun, fresh mountain air, seeing new sites, or exploring a new destination with your family this summer. But every parent who’s organized a trip to a new city with their families knows how stressful it can be when you show up without a plan. Kids can get cranky at the back of the car. Besides, there’s so much you’re trying to squeeze into each day. You don’t want to only hang at the beach. Then again maybe you do!

Whatever you decide to do when visiting a new destination, let me suggest a few things that will help make your planning run more smoothly.

Plan your Must-see Spots

Granted, you don’t want to be driving aimlessly. You need to plan the essential things you don’t want to miss. Your must-see list doesn’t have to be long. Indeed, highlighting a handful of areas for your trip can help you plan the day more spontaneously. For example, if you are visiting Miami, Florida, whether it’s a famous site such as the Vizcaya Museum you’re interested in or an obscure and lesser-known area that picks your curiosity, it can be helpful to decide on a few points of importance ahead. This will free up your schedule for breaks, spontaneous explorations, or unexpected experiences. 

When I start researching what to do in a new city, I’ve found a great place to check out is Trip Advisor. Having reviews posted from past travelers gives me insights and confidence when making plans. They have a great top 10 list that can be a helpful guide to setting up some fun plans to explore a new city. This list can be a great starting point for your planning.

I also suggest leaving some unscheduled time so you can have flexibility in your plans and have time to check out new things you hear about throughout your day. Ask locals about their favorite places to visit and you’ll be able to discover some off-the-beaten-path places you can visit while exploring.

Book an Appropriate Accommodation

Traveling with family can be stressful when you don't have appropriate accommodation, be it a villa or apartment that will suit your family. Before booking anything, make sure to have in mind the number of rooms you need. Which facilities are a priority? These can be a pool, air conditioning, internet connection, and parking space. 

There are so many different options when it comes to accommodations. Our family loves to book Airbnbs. Or you could consider something like Indiana cabin rentals which are ideal because they give you a place to escape from the outside world while still giving you a feeling of freedom. Because the cabins accommodate more people, you'll get the space you need to spend some quality time together.

Another way to relieve stress from your trip planning is by figuring out how much budget you have for accommodation. Rental costs vary depending on the time of year you are traveling. Prioritize kids' needs when booking the accommodation making the trip more fulfilling.

Forget Sandwiches, Make Every Meal a Little Treat

When you’re traveling to a new city, you want to be able to experience a taste of the local culture. Forget packing sandwiches, and pick a new restaurant that will keep everyone happy. Let’s take Miami as an example, when you are around Miami, check out sites like Upper Buena Vista that list some of the best breakfast places. A late brunch with giant pancakes could be exactly what your family craves!

Are you thinking about sharing a lobster? Plan a stop to head to some of the best seafood restaurants in town. You could even book a table at Mignonette, the restaurant that’s famous for its fresh oysters and buttery lobster rolls. If possible, make a reservation ahead of time especially if you will be traveling with kids to avoid long wait times.

Nearby National Park

When planning a visit to a new place, we love to check and see if there are any nearby national parks. No matter where you are traveling in the United States, you will likely be near one of the amazing National Parks. Check out the “Find a Park” link on their site and click on the state you will be visiting. You will see the list of all of the parks. Be sure to look at bordering states too and those parks might not be too far away.

You’ll be surprised to notice how much difference these few tips can make to your overall experience. Embracing spontaneity, making time for a few gourmet pleasures along the way, enjoy with the kids!