The 9 Best Things to Check Before Traveling with Kids

• Traveling with kids can be both rewarding and incredibly stressful, with all the moving parts and short fuses.
• Ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip by planning your trip around things that will make traveling easier.
• Plan and verify things ahead of time so you aren’t worrying as soon as the trip starts.

There’s nothing like a family vacation with the kids; the open road, the memories to treasure, the new experiences to take in, all of the potential meltdowns to avoid. That last one can cause a trip to come to a halt faster than a popsicle melting at an amusement park.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating. You know your kids' needs better than anyone, so with the proper pre-planning, you can ensure things are taken care of beforehand. From providing activities to having the right bedding, here are nine things to check before traveling with kids.

Pack accordingly ahead of time

The best way to prepare for a trip with kids is to make sure things start smoothly. That first day sets the tone for the rest of your trip. Pack smaller bags for your kids they can handle themselves. It gives them a sense of responsibility and, more importantly, takes it off your hands.

These smaller bags can include toys, snacks, and a change of clothes. The last is crucial, since someone will inevitably need new shorts after they spill apple juice!

Have activities and understand that it might mean compromising. An hour of tablet time could provide incalculable peace. Also, build-in stops along the trip to run off energy.

Check for room amenities

No matter if you’re staying in a small hotel, a private villa, a vacation home, or a friend's home, your kids still need certain amenities to keep their routines in place. Talk to property managers ahead of time to find out if there will be a tub for anyone who needs a bath, or at least an adequate substitute.

You also want to check what kind of kitchen situation is available. If your kids are younger, they likely need to eat at specific times. Don’t be caught without a way to heat food. If you have a baby who is breastfeeding, ask for access to a larger fridge if needed.

Check dietary restrictions and options

If your little one has certain dietary restrictions, check the food and menu options at your destination ahead of time. If there are arranged activities at your destination, such as a wedding or pre-planned event, be sure to arrange any menu changes ahead of time.

Having a kitchen or kitchenette, as mentioned above, will also give you the option to bring food for your child if accommodations can’t be made with outside parties.

Make the room a paradise

Sometimes you and the kids both just need a break. Vacations are exciting but can also be overstimulating, overwhelming, and tiring. Give the kids a fun activity to occupy them, wear them out, and make sure you have a relaxing time by booking a luxury villa with private pool access.

The private pool offers an exciting option for the kids, providing you with peace of mind. The privacy and quiet allow it to feel like a luxury, while tiring out the kids.

Make sure the property is kid-friendly

On that note, always call ahead of time or do research to ensure the property is kid-friendly and safe. This means fenced-in areas, kid-safe zones such as playgrounds, clear rules about areas that may be off-limits to kids, and more.

When booking, ask your customer service representative if certain areas of the resort or facility are better for families than others, so you can book the best accommodations.

Find local things to do

There’s no point in visiting a new place if you don’t get to experience said place. Take in the town with either a bucket list of things to do ahead of time or play it by ear. Either way, you want to have built-in activities for the kids. This gives them something to look forward to as the day arrives!

Give yourself built-in activities to cure boredom, tantrums, or those sibling fights in the back of the minivan. Research family blogs from those with kids the same ages as yours, tourism sites, and town community boards to find the best kid-friendly options at your destination!

Check for proper sleeping arrangements

Resorts and hotels might say they’re kid-friendly, but imagine arriving, tired and irritable, only to find out they meant “in theory.” While booking, ask specific questions to verify they have a crib or pack-and-play, or that there is at least room if you need to bring your own.

If you have older children, ask about pull-out beds, cots, or air mattresses. Nothing can derail a trip faster than someone who is tired. Don’t let the property tell you they’ll have sleeping accommodations. Make sure they have sleeping accommodations for your needs.

Verify any missing school assignments

Imagine you’ve just returned home from a long vacation. Everyone is tired and a little irritable, even if they had a good time. There is laundry to do, groceries to buy, and then your child tells you they have a project due the next day. Now you need a vacation from your vacation.

Avoid any potential post-vacation stress with school-aged kids by touching base with teachers ahead of time (because what are the chances your kid will remember) about any assignments they’ll miss while you’re gone, or anything due shortly after returning. That way, you can get ahead of it all.

Plan relaxation for yourself

This is your vacation too! Make sure you enjoy it and find pockets of time to relax. If your accommodation has a spa, book some of their services. If you're traveling with grandparents, ask if they’d like to have “grandparent” time while you grab an hour by the pool with a book.

The best thing you can offer your kids is a relaxed parent. Everyone will have a better time if you’re in a good mood, so plan for a little relaxation for yourself, and everyone will benefit.

Conclusion

These are the years when your family makes memories to last a lifetime. Ensure they are good memories. With a bit of pre-planning, verifying certain details, and building in pockets of time to cater to everyone involved, you and your family can have a trip to remember.