Family Travel Tips For Hassle-Free Holidays

Do we even need family travel tips? Well, yes, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Because, let’s face it, it can be a wee bit…scary. Afterall, it’s a very different scenario from your usual holidaying alone or with a friend or two.

Apart from trying to keep your kids entertained and well, you also have to factor in how not to bother others around you and how to keep every member on the same page. 

With so many things to prepare for (even mentally!), you need a good collection of tips and advice to keep your family trip as fun, memorable, and happy as you’ve always wanted. 

A family holiday is a perfect time to bond and make lasting memories. Credit: Celie DEBUIRE

Family Travel Tips: What To Expect?

Before diving into the much needed family travel tips, let’s buckle up to go over what sort of things will likely happen when travelling with your family.

By having a clear picture of what to expect, you are better mentally prepared. It can also help you avoid disappointment and burnouts when things don’t go according to plan.

• So many men, so many minds: family members may disagree on what a fun destination may be.
• Budget constraint: catering to individual needs can be pretty expensive.
• Childcare responsibilities: children need constant care, which can be a challenge on a trip since you have to make sure that you’re not sacrificing your own comfort and fun.
• Health and safety concerns, especially with the elders and young kids, may require extra precautions and attention. 
• Packing may get overwhelming when travelling with young children.
• Stay calm. Don’t lose your head, or worse, get into fights with your partner. Laugh, have fun; you’ll pull through.

In the end, young kids might not remember that lavish, exotic meal or the breathtaking scenery. But they will remember every time you sit down and talk to/play with them—or even when you step aside to take a work call.

They will remember sitting at the terminal, wishing they were at home right now but can’t due to a delayed flight. They will remember a simple burger at a roadside diner. 

It’s these small, heartfelt moments that truly stick with them. And you are there, with them during those times. So be there for them. 

After getting the right mindset, here comes the best part - the tips and tricks to take care of all these challenges.

Family Travel Tips For Easy-Breezy Itinerary Planning

There are plenty of kid-friendly destinations to pick. Photo by travnikovstudio - stock.adobe.com

It’s hard enough to make an itinerary for yourself; now you have to consider your family members. But with the right strategies, the process can be much more streamlined and enjoyable. 

Research For Family-Friendly Destinations

The first part, choosing where to go, requires more planning if you are travelling with kids. Countries with high safety indexes are a no-brainer. But if you want to go somewhere like, say Cancun, you’ll need to have a second thought. For more examples, Cape Town is a better family-friendly destination than Johannesburg if you want to visit South Africa. Sit down with your partner and plan carefully down to the last details.

Some family-friendly countries to get started: Norway, Japan, Iceland, Austria, Switzerland.

Fun For The Whole Family

Make sure everyone has their share of fun by including one or two activities that each member prefers. The key is to let everyone know each of them will get to do an activity/visit a place they love, and it should be fair for all members. Find destinations that fit everyone’s age, health, and preferences. It sounds difficult, but there are plenty of options:

• The beach is a great place to start: the elders can relax on the sand; the kids can have fun in the sun with a ball game and lots of snacks. Then your whole family can join each other for a joyful lunch in a nearby restaurant or at a local market. 
• National parks are also full of family-friendly activities, such as camping, hiking and sightseeing. There are so many things you can do in one that can easily fill up a day.  A place like Costa Rica is great for family hiking or anything outdoor.
• If you’re in a big city like London or Manchester, museums and art galleries are perfect. They are cheap (sometimes even free) and great for all ages.

Book Ahead (And In Bundle If You Can)

Make reservations for accommodations, attractions, and transportation, especially during high season. This can give you a peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of and you have time to focus on having fun. Besides, booking ahead and in a package may also land you those early bird deals.

Include (Lots Of) Nap Time And Breaks

The little balls of energy need their nappy time to recharge after an adventure. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

If you’re travelling with your little ones, take into consideration that even though they’re hyper, their energy also runs out pretty quickly compared to adults. Make plans that include their nap time and snack breaks as well. 

For example, start the day with a visit to a theme park or the zoo. This will be followed by lunch, then a quick break back at the hotel or on the train to another city (if the kids are good on-the-go nappers). 

Leave Some Room For Backups

Travelling with your family might not be as flexible as travelling alone or with friends. Not everyone in the family may be on board with sudden changes; sometimes, it’s not even possible with small children. When you plan, consider some alternatives everyone can agree with in case of last-minute surprises. Lower the bar and expect more downtime for everyone (public playgrounds and libraries are our favourites).

Packing Tips For Lightweight Family Travel

Travelling with kids and trying not to bring everything is harder than it sounds. To begin, ask yourself questions like these:

• Where am I going, and what’s the weather like?
• How long is my trip going to be?
• What am I doing there?
• Are there any activities that require a specific item?
• Who am I packing for besides myself?

How To Pack Right

If you’re travelling with young kids, the last question is very important. To keep things clear and simple, the trick is to think in categories and stick to a formula. 

The categories for virtually any kind of trip are:

• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Important travel documents
• Personal items (such as money and medication
• Technology
• Activity-related items, and
• Emergency essentials.

Once you’ve worked out a checklist for each category, you can get even more lightweight by working out how many items you need to use in a day. For example, 2 outfits a day, which means 2 tops and 2 bottoms. But a pair of jeans can be reworn for more than 1 day, then you’ll only need 2 tops and 1 bottom for 1 travelling day. 

Get A Backpack That Is Good For Playing And Travelling

The key to a lightweight family trip is a nice backpack.

To save even more space and keep things flexible for your family holiday, consider a backpack with great duality. Think something you can pack to the brim to be on the move, then unpack to carry only essentials while you explore your dream destination. Check our range of CabinZero travel backpacks here.

Essentials For Travelling With Children

Besides the regular travel essentials, here are some items you might need for a kid-friendly holiday.

• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for kids during long journeys
• Bring a variety of entertainment, such as books and toys
• For better sleep in new places, bring their favourite stuffed toys or blanket
• Don’t forget the necessary medications
• Extra clothes and/or diapers
• Consider bringing a baby stroller or carrier
• Remember to bring necessary child travel documents.

Learn Packing Techniques For Family Travel

Rolling clothes can save a lot of space, and there are fewer chances of wrinkles, too. Small items like socks, ties, and scarves can be stored in pockets of jackets and jeans. 

Packing cubes are better for categorising items. If you’re packing baby formula and bottles, a waterproof and secure packing cube can save you from that possible spillage.

How Will You Prepare Children For A Trip?

When planning a family holiday with kids, it’s important to understand that you’re planning for them and yourself at the same time. 

While it may be a bit overwhelming for first-timers, preparing the kids for the dream family trip may be some of the most precious memories you can make with them.

Let Them In On The Plan

Involving the kids is one of the best family travel tips. They can share their preferences, which can make the whole itinerary planning step easier. Also, it can create a sense of anticipation and excitement. 

Prep Their Taste Buds

One of the best parts of travelling is getting to experience a new cuisine. Though, it can be quite a struggle for the little ones to adapt to new flavours. Getting them familiar with the cuisine of your destination a week or so ahead, either by cooking for them or ordering.

Even something as simple as french fries may taste different aboard. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

Adjust Their Sleep Habits

Let them go to sleep or wake up at a different time some days before the trip to get them used to the new time zone. Usually, three to five days is a good length to create a sense of habit. At the same time, try to slowly get them to sleep without their comfort toys, especially ones that are too big to bring on a trip.

Motivate them

The young one may find the chaotic world of the airport overwhelming (even we grown-ups struggle sometimes). But you’d be amazed at how kids stay patient through long walks to the gate and keep their spirits up as the immigration line inches forward with a chocolate bar or a few snacks. Sometimes, it’s the small comforts that make all the difference.

Transportation Options For Toddlers - Flying Or Driving?

All children behave differently on flight and in a car. Photo by Friends Stock - stock.adobe.com

To drive or fly with a toddler on a long trip has never been an easy question. It boils down to one thing - your child’s tolerance. Some kids enjoy car rides; some don’t.

Both have their ups and downs.

Car rides may seem less of a hassle because of the privacy and freedom of stops, but it’s harder to keep them occupied and entertained. There’s not much you can do in a car. You can’t reach over, can’t hold them comfortably, or play with them. And there is a lot more space for them to move around, too. 

Flying, on the other hand, may make some parents’ worst nightmare come true - bothering other passengers with noise. Acquiring the right documents can also be a hassle, and that’s not to mention the luggage. But, travel time is shorter, and kids have more access to entertainment.

Bottom line is: It depends on the child. If your little one is usually not fussy and can behave well in crowded places, consider flying to save time. If you prefer car rides, look for ways to keep kids entertained and avoid foods that can give them the energy spike.

How To Keep Kids Entertained On A Long Journey?

It’s never 1 solution. Keeping kids entertained during a long family trip is all about mixing up a lot of things. So, as a heads up, you are going to have to pack a separate bag of stuff your child can use/play with and prepare a day or two before the trip.

Pack Their Favorite Toys, Games, Books, And Snacks

For an excited toddler, there are not many things that can hold their attention for long. But even just 15 minutes of them having something to do is better than nothing except the constant “are we there yet?”. 

If physical games don’t work, try mixing in verbal games. For example, ask them to count how many churches or restaurants you drive by. While this may not be the most fun, it may be able to get them to fall asleep easier. 

CabinZero’s tip: don’t give them everything to play with all at once. It helps build excitement and curiosity. 

Plan Plenty Of Stops

A short change of scenery can help kids in long car rides. Photo by vitaliymateha - stock.adobe.com

Even adults get bored of sitting in one place for too long. If you’re travelling with a car, it’s better to stop either for food or just getting some fresh air once every 2-3 hours. You can also look for playgrounds or parks along the way. 

For those who are flying, we know this might not be possible for everyone, but if budget is not a concern, you can consider a trip with a connecting flight. That is, if you feel comfortable, and the layover is in an enjoyable destination. Then you can plan a mini layover-trip for you and your family. 

Choose The Right Seat

Some airlines allow your family to sit together for free, while some don’t. If possible, you can pay for seat selection to choose the best seats for everyone. Either way, you should inform the airlines and crew that you’re travelling with children and request assistance.

• Window vs. Aisle Seats: Younger kids might enjoy sitting by the window to watch the clouds, while older kids might prefer an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom.
• Front or Back of the Plane: The front of the plane usually deboards first, which can be a time-saver if you have a connecting flight or simply want to get off quickly. The back of the plane, however, is often quieter and may have more open seats.
• Bulkhead Seats: These seats often provide extra legroom and are ideal for families with small children who might need more space. However, they may not have under-seat storage, so be prepared to stow your belongings in the overhead bin.

Download Content Beforehand

In-flight entertainment can be hit or miss, and not all airlines offer Wi-Fi on board—especially on shorter or budget flights. It’s wise to download everything for offline viewing before you take off (streaming platforms may require an internet connection for account verification, even to access your downloaded content). Don’t forget to bring portable chargers and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. 

Family Travel Tips For A Safe Trip

Family trave tips to stay safe and worry-free. Photo by MNStudio - stock.adobe.com

When you’re travelling with younger members, it should be a top priority to take precautions and learn safety travel tips. Here are some you will need before going on your next dream family holiday.

Someone Will Get Sick

Travelling, while fun, can get rough on the body. It’s inevitable that someone will get sick. Thus, the first thing to do is to pack an emergency kit. Or two and three if your family is large. It should have essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any necessary medications. Last but not least, but somehow usually overlooked, note emergency and local medical services contacts in case of an accident or illness.

Mind What You Eat And Drink

Remember to. Trying a new cuisine is always fun, but if you’re not used to a certain herb or spice, your tummy may protest. Tap water in various countries is not safe for drinking. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. However, make sure the water is safe to drink—if in doubt, stick to bottled or filtered water. 

Stay Informed

Take precautions and get any medication/vaccination required upon entering for both you and your family members. It’s important to read the news about the place you’re planning to go. And even if you think it’s safe, always trust your gut instincts and listen to the locals.

Buy Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can happen, and that’s where travel insurance comes in. If your family plans to participate in activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, make sure your travel insurance covers these adventures. No matter what you choose, always read over all the policies to make sure you are covered when the unthinkable happens.

Use Your Common Sense

It’s a top priority to keep your family safe during travel. Photo by Lsantilli - stock.adobe.com

Research your destination and use travel common senses. Even the safest place is not 100% free of crimes. Especially for tourists, there are always going to be petty crimes, like pick-pocketing and scams, to watch out for. Don’t go to secluded areas late at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended.

CabinZero’s tip: keep precious belongings like money and phones in a hip bag/bum bag. When you’re in a crowded place, wear it underneath your shirt.

Also, stick together and have a communication plan in mind. Some members may want to wander off on their own, so what you can do is to make sure everyone knows each other’s whereabouts at all times and know who to call in case of an emergency. 

TO SAFELY TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN, be sure to:

• Teach them basic safety rules and to use emergency contacts
• Keep a close eye on them at all times
• Dress children appropriately for the culture and the weather

Got Your Family Travel Tips? Now The Fun Awaits!

Alongside a wonder-filled itinerary, these family travel tips are what you need for a trip full of memories. Remember that the magic starts with planning. Let the kids in on it, and be flexible and patient. 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to leave a comment and reach out to us via social media! We’re always more than thrilled to hear your travel stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh