How to Plan a Family Trip: Smart Travel Tips for Parents with Kids

Traveling solo can be such a relieving and relaxing practice. You only have yourself to think about, do what you want to do. 

Traveling with a partner or a friend – a little better, but you would need to think of someone other than yourself. 

Traveling with family? Now, that is thinking about at least four members at a time! Phew, that’s more than a handful, eh! This might seem restraining, but think of the plus side: you get to share your experiences with all your family, rather than merely tell them stories about it. You will all be going through the same things, more or less. Another plus side? More brains at work to solve your problems! 

To enjoy a better family trip, make sure you consider these helpful travel tips when preparing.

Involve the Kids in the Planning 

This is one of the best travel tips for families. Since all of you would be going together, it only makes sense to take inputs from the children, and not just decide amongst yourselves. Maybe all the children have a great desire to visit a certain place if they got the chance? You shall be the one to give it to them! Incorporate their ideas, too, for despite being much younger than you, they observe and learn more from others then adults do. 

Consider the Ages of your Kids

Do consider than ages of your kids and see what would be appropriate for them. For instance, there is no point in taking a three-year-old to Disneyland. See what all your kids would enjoy. This is not meant to say that you as parents shouldn’t enjoy it; you should. You should pick a list of places that you wager all of you would enjoy. Research extensively for this. 

Be Flexible and Ready to Adapt

Anything can happen during a trip, not just with family, even solo. You must plan out your entire 15 days with activities that you love or love to try out. It might turn out that on the third day, right till the tenth, you’re sick with diarrhea or a high fever, ruining your entire vacation. Well, it won’t if you consider not working as a vacation. 

When you travel with family though, you’re not alone—you will have several minds working together and brainstorming because everybody wants to you to get well soon and go experience their holiday. 

What if your kids fall sick? Be ready to spend the rest of the vacation on them. 

Also Read: Flying with Kids? These Family Travel Safety Tips Ensure a Smooth Trip

Expect the Unexpected

Something as small as air travel might make one of your kids sick. You may not expect it, but be prepared to resolve the issue. 

Two days in and another kid might complain of homesickness. A third might not like the local food. Be prepared to deal with these instances. 

Also Read: Traveling to India For The First Time? Here Are 8 Most Useful India Travel Tips!

Set a Family Travel Budget

Try not to overspend on your family trip. Keep a budget. And if you think paying for everything right from booking flight tickets to everything you buy during your trip is going to be a skyscraper, then know that a travel trip for families generally comes with a discount. Hence, you might even end up paying much lesser than you normally would.

In addition, you can look for budget hotels to stay in and budget places to eat, so you will be spending too much on basic necessities.

These are some family travel tips for a great vacation you can have with your kids. It will be different from solo travel or traveling with a friend/partner, but rest assured, you will definitely enjoy the whole trip! 

Pack Smart and Light

Kids plus travel often equals overpacked chaos. But here’s a secret hack, go light! Stick with clothes that mix and match, a pocket of meds, yummy snacks, and that must-have “security blanket” (literally). Don’t forget a small superhero carry-on loaded with wipes, food, and spare clothes. It’ll save you from suitcase treasure hunts at 30,000 feet and keep the journey way less stressful.

Trips with children are not like traveling alone or as a couple. They need extra patience and flexibility but bring unique shared memories that make the vacation better.

Planning a trip? Find great flights from Seattle to New Delhi with Indian Eagle. Don’t miss out on exclusive Indian Eagle flights deals for your next adventure! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep kids engaged during long flights?
Pack a small travel kit with snacks, coloring books, puzzles, or download kid-friendly movies in advance. Having a few surprises handy can keep them entertained and reduce mid-flight meltdowns. 

What’s the best way to manage different age groups on a trip?
Choose destinations and activities that offer something for everyone. For example, a beach holiday works well because toddlers can play in the sand, teens can try water sports, and parents can relax nearby. 

How do I handle picky eaters while traveling abroad?
Carry easy-to-pack snacks from home and research local restaurants that serve kid-friendly meals. Some hotels even customize food for children if you request in advance. 

What should I include in a family travel emergency kit
Essential medicines for fever, stomach upset, allergies, along with band-aids, wipes, sanitizers, and a thermometer. This small kit can save you from last-minute pharmacy runs. 

Is it better to book everything in advance or leave room for spontaneity?
Strike a balance. Book flights, stays, and major attractions ahead of time, but leave open slots for spontaneous family-friendly activities. This gives structure without making the trip feel rigid.