21 Family Travel Hacks for Stress-Free Adventures

The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have for accommodations, activities, and transportation. Even if you don’t want to schedule everything out, make a list of things you can do, near where you’ll be. This way you’ll never wonder, what’s good nearby? Or we have free time, what should we do.

I can’t tell you the number of times this has happened to me. I always travel with backup options. This way if we don’t make it to the restaurant, or if it’s too busy, we have alternatives. Same thing goes with weather. If it’s raining, an indoor desi

Avoid overpacking by sticking to the essentials. Use packing cubes to organize everyone’s clothing, and make sure to pack for the destination, as well as the travel there.

When we did a backpacking train trip of the east coast, the family and I all got one cube for all of our clothing. It slipped in perfect into our backpack, and a the clothes were no wrinkled at all. They also work great in traditional luggage too.

Digital maps are great until your signal runs out. A paper maps is essential to have on hand. Plus, you can give them to your kids so they can follow along on the car ride. Find out how you can get a free road map before you even leave the house by clicking here.

Accidents happen, especially with kids. Ensure your trip is protected with travel insurance for peace of mind. Check with your credit card companies to see if they offer protection if something does come up.

We like to book with our travel credit cards just for this scenario.

This one can be controversial, but long car rides or flights can be tough on kids. Download games, apps, or shows onto devices before hitting the road. If you don’t have a tablet, consider using an old cellphone that still has wifi access and download content and games before you leave.

If you are trying to give your kids a break from the screen, create a simple road trip adventure binder for the kids instead. Give them a map, pictures of the destination. Then print off coloring sheets they’ll love. Stop by a dollar store and get some games, crayons and other fun things to do. Put it all in a three-ring binder.

I like to make custom ones specifically for the destination we are visiting. Wild west themed coloring for a trip to Yellowstone, Beach inspired pictures for the beach. You can even throw in the travel guides for the destination you are going to. If you dont have time, you can get pre-made activity books too.

Scheduling pit stops every couple of hours keeps the journey enjoyable for everyone. Use these breaks for food, stretching, and bathroom needs. Even better, find fun stops on a midway point on your road trip.

Last MEA, we found a cave tour on our way back from Chicago. It was one of the highlights of the trip and wasn’t even at the destination. On the way to New Orleans, we did a stop at the St Louis Arch, also amazing.

Opt for spots that cater to all ages. I’m a firm believer that every destination has something for kids. While most destinations have things for kids, planning to visit Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is a little problematic. Save Washington DC for when your kids are 10 or older. Otherwise cater to your own kid’s interest.

Snacks are lifesavers for kids and adults alike. Bring a mix of healthy treats and a little indulgence to keep everyone happy. Keep a bin of snacks in the back to keep you fueled up.

We usually keep a bin on all road trips stocked with our favorite, that won’t melt. If you are traveling via plane, swing by a local store when you get to the destination or throw some baggies of snacks in your carry on or luggage.

Every time you cross a state border in your car, make sure to celebrate. It helps pass the time. When you cross everyone hold up your favorite treat, like a cookie to celebrate! My kids love this tradition.

Travel apps can help you find family-friendly restaurants, activities, and even bathroom locations. They come in handy, especially during day trips.

Always have bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medicines on hand. Use a pill compact pill dispenser for your common medicines that can slip into your pocket and always have on hand.

You can get pill dispensers at any drug store, but my absolute favorite is the Zuihug travel pack because it’s shaped like a suit case, folds in half and holds tight. I have no concerns anything will fall out and fits in any pocket! I have them fully loaded in my work bag, desk drawer and car and of course in the first aid kits.

Layers are key, especially when exploring destinations or in fluctuating climates. Even while in the car or on an airplane, you never know what you’ll need to be comfortable. I’ve brough out the light zip-ups in Hawaii.

Look for family-friendly hotels or rentals with extra perks like pools, cribs, or play areas. This will reduce stress on packing for parents, while allowing the kids something to do between stops.

Bonus if you find a place with free breakfasts. When you spend upwards of $50 a meal, even on fast food, it’s a huge life saver. Yes, I know you can go grocery shopping, but when it’s done for you in the hotel, amazing.

Show kids photos and videos of where you’re going to help them get excited and more comfortable with the trip. Or request a travel guide from the destination and let them page through them.

We realized this when the kids weren’t excited about one of our adventures. We pulled up YouTube to show them videos, and they were immediately physed to go.

Have your kids be a part of the planning process. The trip should have something for everyone, let each person pick out something that they want to see or do at the destination, like a beach day, museum or zoo. Even if they don’t know, ask them what type of thing they want to do, or even what Animal did they want to see at the zoo you are planning on visiting and make a point to see it.

Too often I get wrapped in in all the fun things to do at the destination but really all the kids want to do is sit at the pool.

Keep everyone hydrated with refillable water bottles. They’re eco-friendly and budget-conscious. Add flavor packets if you are looking for a something different. If you are flying, wait until after airport security to fill them up.

I love my Hydro Flask, but if I’m going on the plane, I swap over to the Super Sparow brands ultra-light water bottles. Just as tough but a quarter of the weight and price.

If your adventures include hot tickets items, book in advance to avoid disappointment. Especially in places like Hawaii, San Diego or Disney. Any popular destination on spring break will need some advance planning.

My friends found this out on our Hawaii trip. While they did find something to do, it became a challenge to find one that met all the age restrictions.

Kids can be unpredictable. Allow room in your schedule for spontaneous stops or delays. With really little kids, plan a few nap times.

Disney is the perfect example. Potty needs while in the middle of a line, passing out during fireworks and needing to be carried out of the park. While cherished memories, you gotta be ready to roll with anything they throw at you.

Passports, tickets, and confirmations should always be easy to access. Create a folder on your phone to download all digital confirmation. Print them off in case you lose battery. Use a travel organizer to keep everything in one place. Use a manila envelope, 3-Ring Binder or even just a special spot in a bag for everything.

Bring along a camera or smartphone to document your adventures. Encourage kids to take photos too—they’ll love looking back on their favorite moments. If you have an old Cellphone, power it up and let them take their own pictures, or let them snap a picture with your own after you are done.