Travel Tips to keep in mind on your next family trip

Having kids transforms every aspect of life, from simple errands to elaborate travel plans. Whether embarking on a quick store run or a full-fledged family getaway, meticulous preparation is key, factoring in nap times and snack preferences. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from industry specialists and fellow mom explorers, I've compiled a comprehensive guide to family travel. These invaluable tips cater to every stage of childhood, ensuring smooth sailing on all your adventures and dispelling any doubts about the feasibility of a peaceful family vacation.

1. Get kids involved in the planning process.

Encourage your children's involvement in trip planning by incorporating interactive activities before departure. Instead of handing them a globe and letting them choose the destination (although that does sound intriguing), engage them in other ways. Consider creating family flashcards filled with interesting facts about your upcoming destinations or cooking a traditional recipe together from the place you'll be visiting.

2. Encourage little travelers to pack a bag.

While this suggestion might not be suitable for infants, it's a fantastic way to build excitement for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens. Encourage them to pack a bag with their chosen items, whether it's a small backpack filled with toys and coloring books for the little ones or travel-sized games for older kids. These essentials will come in handy during downtime throughout the day or evening, keeping everyone entertained and engaged.

3. Book bulkhead seats.

Bulkhead seats offer significant advantages for families traveling with lap infants. Many airlines provide in-flight bassinets for babies, making the journey more comfortable for both parents and infants. As children grow older, the extra space to spread out and access bags, along with the freedom from worrying about little legs kicking other passengers, makes these seats highly desirable. Additionally, quicker deplaning is an added bonus, ensuring a smoother travel experience for the entire family.

4. Make use of priority boarding with little ones.

Many airlines offer parents traveling with young children the option to pre-board the aircraft, usually following first-class passengers and elite frequent fliers. This early boarding privilege allows families valuable time to settle in before the hustle and bustle of general boarding, ensuring a smoother and more relaxed start to the journey.

5. Pack snacks, snacks, and more snacks.

If you've packed enough snacks to feed a football team, you're likely well-prepared for one kiddo on a short plane or car ride. All jokes aside, hunger can lead to crankiness for all ages, so it's crucial to avoid it. Since young palates can be picky, especially with toddlers, it's wise to bring along extra options. Favorites for our two-year-old include Peter Rabbit Organics pouches, Serenity Kids grain-free puffs, and Cerebelly granola bars.

6. Prepare a first-aid kit.

The age-old saying, "prepare for the worst, hope for the best," certainly holds true for family travel. While we all hope for a healthy and injury-free journey, it's essential to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Assembling a comprehensive first-aid kit is key, including age-appropriate medicine, electrolyte packets, syringes, and a thermometer, along with essentials like bandages, gauze pads, and antibacterial ointment.

7. Download music, podcasts, audiobooks, and shows before you go.

While it may seem like common sense, it's surprising how often travelers forget to download entertainment before a flight. Ensuring you have playlists of music, podcasts, or audiobooks downloaded before your journey means you'll always have entertainment at your fingertips, even if your devices are offline.

8. Take a road trip.?

With more family members, the cost of booking plane tickets can quickly escalate. Opting for a road trip offers greater flexibility for exploring destinations, which is particularly advantageous for families. There's a unique charm in driving through a place rather than flying over it. If you spot something intriguing, simply pull over and explore. Additionally, many children nap better in the car, providing parents with a welcome break from constant entertainment like Cocomelon playing on repeat.

9. Consider using a travel company.?

Planning a trip requires significant organization, and this workload increases exponentially when children are involved. While some parents thrive on arranging every detail, it can be a source of stress for others. Utilizing a travel company can help alleviate the burden of coordinating everything, freeing up valuable time for families to focus on the numerous other tasks leading up to a trip.

10. Go with the flow.

Research emphasizes the importance of routine for children's development, but there's also value in embracing spontaneity and adventure. While skipping an afternoon nap may not be memorable in the long run, the special moments shared during family vacations will leave a lasting impression. These experiences become cherished memories for children, forming core memories that they'll carry with them for years to come.