Simple Ways to Make Executing Your Family Trip Amazing

This week is part 2 of a series with Rob Dulgarian all about planning and executing a great family vacation!

Over his many years of family travel, Rob has come up with many great travel tips, especially when it comes to successfully executing a family trip.

Here are four key principles that Rob shares about executing your trip!

1. Pack Light

Packing light is a game changer. Less baggage makes traveling (especially with kids) so much easier.
Pack light enough for each family member to pack in a backpack (They can be larger backpacks). This is especially helpful when you have younger kids when their clothes are smaller.
This is also a great option if you’re going to be gone for a longer trip and you’ll have access to a washing machine.
When you’re out of town, you don’t have anyone to impress, so no one will know if you rewear the same 3 pairs of pants! ;)
Backpacks are also much easier to transport if you’re going to be on any trains, buses, etc.
Packing in backpacks allows you to skip checking bags, so you never have to worry about losing your luggage when they’re checked bags!
I have a whole podcast all about packing light that you can find here.

2. Small things that make travel easier

If you are headed on a trip where you’ll have frequent border crossings or customs with a group of people (or your family), it is helpful to have your passports labeled for easy access.
Rob suggests using blue painters tape and writing each person’s name or initial on a piece of tape that goes on the front of each passport.

In case you end up losing your passport (or anyone in the family), it’s helpful to have a copy or picture of the passport.
It’s as easy as snapping a quick photo of each passport at the beginning of the trip, just to be safe in case one gets lost or misplaced.

Especially with international travel, you don’t always know what your phone service and data will look like. As most tickets are now digital, it’s a smart idea to print off these tickets ahead of time so that you’re not stressed about trying to download tickets at the last minute.
You can also take screenshots on your phone to keep in your photos.

Have one adult get on first, followed by the kids, and then the other parent to ensure that no one gets left behind.

3. Stay positive!

Staying positive is easier said than done, but it will make for a more enjoyable trip.
Sometimes kids will complain even if you’re taking them to amazing places, and all you can do is be patient and kind.
Do your best to be understanding of your kids’ and spouse’s feelings.
If there are grumpy moods throughout the family, come up with something fun and uplifting to lighten the mood… like getting ice cream!
Plan some down time into your schedule to keep from overwhelming your kids.

4. Enjoy the small things

It’s great to have a budget in place while traveling and to do your best to stick to it. However, if you’re in Italy for example, and you really want some pizza and gelato, then get it!
Be willing to spend a little extra to see and do the things you want to once you’ve spent all the time and money to get to your destination.
This also applies to free experiences! Sometimes it’s worth being a little extra tired to drive and see that viewpoint that you’ve always wanted to see.
At the end of the day, you know your limits and budget best. Just don’t forget to enjoy the little things.

5. Just do it

Just go on the trip. Save the money, plan, budget, and dream up vacations for your family.
There will always be an excuse to postpone a trip. Make the decision to just do it! You’ll never regret the memories that you make with your family while traveling and exploring new places.

You can find Rob @travelpointsrob on Instagram! Check out his page for more travel tips and feel free to DM him with any additional questions.

You can also check out his website: easytravelpoints.com