Ah, the family vacation. Incredible destinations like sandy beaches, thrilling theme parks, and international escapades allow families to unwind and connect. Spending quality time together is what family travel is all about. Most family vacation planning focuses on the destination, like hotels, excursions, tours, and other fun activities.
While low on the fun-o-meter, travel days are incredibly important in the vacation equation. Getting to and from the vacation destination can add stress that could make or break a family getaway. However, some kid-focused travel steps can help travel days run a little smoother. While unexpected travel delays cannot be controlled, taking a proactive approach can reduce anxiety. Whether you’re heading to Rome, Rio, or Rockford, here are some tricks and tips to help for a fool-proof family vacation.
Before You Go
Get Packing
Packing can be stressful for kids and adults alike. However, giving kids “ownership” over their luggage is empowering for kids. Giving them a choice over what goes into their luggage means fewer complaints about what to wear while on the road. However, guidance is still a good idea.
Using a packing checklist takes the guesswork and hassle out of packing for travelers of all ages. Write up a packing checklist or download one from your favorite travel site, TravelMamas or SaturdayGift.
The checklist should specify the items and quantities of each to pack. For example, three pairs of jeans, two swimsuits, a toothbrush, ten pairs of socks, etc. The kids choose the items, they just have to match the categories and quantities from the list. Easy peasy.
Let older kids use it as a guide to pack their own bags. Then do a bag check to ensure everything on the list is in their luggage. The bag check is a good time to remind them; they pack and carry it.
Younger kids can help pack their luggage, too. Turn the checklist into a game. Read through it and have the little ones “find” the items and pack them. Getting younger kiddos involved helps them learn about the packing process. They’ll be packing experts!
Luggage
Make every bag count. Don’t forget the luggage will be “lugged” from place to place, so try to keep the bag count manageable. Consider investing in bags with wheels to make moving luggage easier. Encourage older kids to carry their bags and help lighten the load.
Dragging around too much luggage is a pain for the traveler and could be a problem for airlines or travel companies. Most airlines impose bag limits and charge an extra baggage fee for each bag over that amount.
Group travel also typically has bag limits due to logistics and space. Find out the number of bags allowed for the tour and stick to that number. Travelers with too many bags may have to pay to transport them to each stop along the tour or shipped home. It’s not worth the expense or risk of losing luggage.
Families who collect souvenirs could pack an extra “take home” bag that is sturdy enough to check, like a duffle bag. Fill it with souvenirs, guidebooks, or other non-breakable treasures from the vacation. Families within the airline’s bag count could check it at the airport or carry it on for safekeeping.
Luggage Scale
Bag policies not only include bag count but weight limits as well. For many airlines, economy luggage weight limits top 50 lbs. or 22.6 kg. However, weight limits vary, so check with the airline for their specific bag policies.
Travel luggage scales conveniently calculate the weight of each bag BEFORE arriving at the airport. Weighing the bags in advance avoids overweight fees and spares the embarrassment of redistributing luggage contents at the ticket counter.
Most are handheld, portable, and packable. Packing a luggage scale in carry-on bags will keep it accessible throughout your trip. No family vacation is complete without some souvenirs, so it is a good idea to use the luggage scale to weigh bags before the trip home.
Entertainment
Various lightweight, easily packable items work best to keep kids busy. Backpacks are a good choice for most kids, but small roller bags are an option too. The only rule: they pack it, they carry it.
Travel days can quickly take a turn when kids get bored. Beat the “Are we there yet?” blues by giving the kiddos a travel bag. Let them fill it with their favorite entertainment. Electronics, games, books, cards, crayons, blankets, and stuffed animals are popular choices.
At the Airport
Remote Check-in
Download the airline’s app in advance for quick and easy remote check-in, if offered. Setting alerts can help track flight status while on the go. Set a check-in reminder for departing and returning flights, especially if seats are not assigned. It is easy to forget while having fun.
Security Savvy
Airport security can be scary for kids, especially younger ones. Talk to the kiddos about the security screening process BEFORE you arrive at the airport. Visit tsa.gov for more information.
Mention that adults and children can be selected for random screenings. Tell them it is completely random but will be quick, and you will be right there with them. Let them know that babies and even pets can be chosen. It’s just part of the security process meant to keep everyone safe.
GOOD TO KNOW: Kids aged 13 years and older must follow adult TSA screening procedures. They, like you, must remove shoes, hats, and jackets. They must also take out carry-on electronics and 3-1-1 liquids for X-ray screening.
Many families carry on more than backpacks and luggage. For travelers with strollers, and other unusual carry-on items, ask a TSA agent if you’re unsure about the security process. They will guide you through the process and keep the line moving.
Travel Sickness
Bumpy flights, wavy oceans and bouncy buses can cause tummy troubles in travelers young and old. Be prepared for motion sickness. Pack gum, motion sickness wristbands, or medications in your carry-on. If unsure, have your child wear the wristbands as a preventive measure BEFORE hopping aboard the bus, boat or plane.
GOOD TO KNOW: Gum can help balance ear pressure during plane take-off and landing.
Technology
Portable electronics are a must have for most young travelers. They can be especially helpful when travel days go awry. Keep chargers and charging cables for devices in carry-ons to stay powered up. Don’t forget to charge the portable chargers and check their battery before heading out.
While most airlines have in-seat charging ports, portable chargers save the day when the port doesn’t work. They also help when travel days stretch out longer than expected and access to power sources is limited.
TIP: Headphones let kids and adults watch their favorite shows and listen to music without disturbing others.
Road Trip
In the wake of COVID, some families would rather pack up their cars and stay local instead of fly. If a road trip is in the future, plan an early morning departure. Wake the kids, let them use the bathroom, and snuggle them into the car with their favorite blanket and pillow. They’ll likely fall back asleep, and you’ll get a few hours of quiet driving before the “Are we there yet” start.
Have a fool-proof travel tip you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.
This article has been UPDATED for relevance. The original version of the article Maribeth Pjosek-Durkin contributed is on Chicago Parent. Please check the websites for the latest information.