10 Tips On How To Enjoy A Vacation With Family

Going on a family vacation? Get through yours distraction-free! Great family vacations with kids are those that are well planned, painless, and downright fun! Here are my top ten tips for a fun, distraction-free family vacation. Use this as a checklist before you go, and have a nice vacation! Also, see this post for how to save on hotel rooms for your next family vacation.

I know I get antsy, so you can imagine the kids! Sometimes eating a snack can get their minds off of the long trip. This is one of our top tips on how to enjoy a vacation with family. If you are flying, bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at the airport. I would also bring chocolate 🙂

2. Fill up your gas tank the night before

If you are anything like us, it takes a bunch of time to finally get out of the house, let alone stop for gas, snacks, restrooms, etc. Fill up your gas tanks ahead of time and be sure to check the air pressure in your tires while you are there. If you are getting a ride to the airport, double check your reservation or call your ride to be sure they know the scoop.

3. Stock up with games and fun entertainment

Music, tablets, portable game consoles, paper and crayons, books – these are all essentials for my son. All are lifesavers. Here are some ideas on how to keep kids busy on road trips.

4. Pack some pillows and blankets for comfort

If you are on a long trip, I am sure sleep will be in order. Make it a little more comfortable, especially for the person who has to sit in the middle seat! This is one of the top tips for family trips.

5. Pre-book everything in advance and plot your rest stops and layovers ahead of time

If you’re doing the vacation planning for your family, make sure that everyone is on the same page and agrees with the destination, dates, times, prices, activities, and all other aspects of your itinerary. You will not have to worry about booking anything while you’re traveling, which is very helpful.

It is also helpful to plot your rest stops and layovers in advance. If you’re driving, this can save you time and ensure that you don’t miss a gas station or restroom stop when you really need it. If you’re flying, be sure to schedule enough layover time to relax, walk around a bit, use the restroom, and grab a bite to eat.

6. Charge your cameras, cell phones, and other electronics the night before you leave

When you’re vacationing with family, electronics must be charged! Nothing worse than a dead cell phone right when you need it, or a crying toddler on the airplane when their tablet dies!

7. Pack extra clothing items

My favorite family vacation advice, we always can use extra clothes! Dependent upon where you are going, the weather may change. Kids spill. Winds blow. Clothes rip. Babies poop. You get the idea.

8. Leave some space in your itinerary for free time

It’s always nice to have the day after arrival to settle in, explore and relax, as well as the day of departure. This gives all of you time to enjoy some free time after traveling for so long because who doesn’t want to take a nap or hang out by the pool for an hour or two?

9. Have wet wipes and napkins readily available

This is another one of our top tips on how to enjoy a vacation with family. With all of the food and drink you enjoy each day, spills are bound to happen!

10. Keep a little extra cash

Believe it or not, some places are still cash-only! You never know what can happen or where you might end up!

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