The Guide to Enjoying Your Vacation as a Traveling Family

Do you want to have a great time on your next vacation? Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with a little planning, it can be enjoyable. Here are some ideas for making the most of your family's next big adventure.

Pack Snacks and Water

You don’t want anyone getting hangry (hungry + angry) while traveling. Pack a few favorite snacks when traveling. If we are flying, I don’t pack too much and plan on buying more at a grocery store at our destination. If you are traveling by car, pack a case of water. If you are flying, bring along an empty water bottle and fill it after you have cleared security.

Pack Activities for Kids

You don't have to pack too many activities, but it's always nice to bring some along that can keep them entertained during long flights, layovers, or just when you are waiting for your reservation. 

You can get some small coloring books to share, print out a few of the free airplane safety cards that they give at most airlines and let them color those in, pull out an old card game like UNO (which comes with its little pouch), bring along a word search book; the list goes on.

Pack Snacks for Pets

If you are traveling with a pet, make sure to pack plenty of snacks (and their bowls) for them. The best time to find out if they like any new foods is when they're hungry. We love bringing a portable dog water bottle/bowl along when we do on a road trip with our dog.

Have Recording Equipment Available

Something fun that could entertain kids for quite a while is recording equipment available in case your little one wants to make a video journal of the trip. This way, they can tell you all about their vacation after it's over.

Plus, this is a great activity that keeps them occupied during long hours on planes or road trips. It makes for some fun memories, too. You can carry DrDrone to capture spectacular angles using your smartphone.

Be Flexible with Reservations and Plans

Try to make reservations that can be canceled. Sometimes, some things will need to change due to weather or other circumstances out of anyone's control. 

Pack Extra Clothes and Toiletries

Don't forget extra clothes and toiletries when packing as a family because accidents happen. If you are flying, pack at least one change of clothes in your carry-on bag.

Also, make sure everyone has an outfit packed for every day so even if lunch gets spilled, you can still head out for dinner after washing it up.

Medication

If anyone in your family is on medication, make sure to pack this in a separate carry-on bag because it will need to be accessible if you get separated, and the airline doesn't find that checked luggage for days. You'll want to have these items with you at all times.

Necessary Documents

Make sure to pack all the necessary documents. These include your passports, visas (if required), travel itinerary or reservation numbers, kids' birth certificates, those kinds of things. 

You can also bring along some cash if you need it, but try to avoid using debit cards whenever possible because they don't work everywhere. For example, if something happens to them while traveling through an airport or other high-security area with no bank nearby, you could be out a lot of money until someone back home can get another one issued for you.

Strollers For Traveling With Kids

If at all possible, consider bringing your stroller when vacationing with little ones. It will not only keep them contained but comfortable as well. However, if this isn't an option, make sure to take plenty of breaks from walking and try not to go out in the heat too much if you do have to leave your stroller behind.

You could even buy an inexpensive umbrella stroller at your destination and then donate it before you head home.

Keeping Everyone Occupied While Travelling

Keeping everyone occupied while traveling can sometimes feel like a full-time job. But, the good news is that you don’t need to provide entertainment all of the time. Kids can have downtime and use their creativity while traveling.

While traveling with kids might be a little more work than traveling without, it's definitely worth the extra effort. Mainly because then you get to see everything through brand new eyes and have fun together as a family visiting all of these places that the parents want to show them. Get out there and make memories with your family!