Family Travel Tips
How we plan, pack and keep long travel days fun with two kids. Real tips from years of family adventures, so your next trip feels easier.
From Jen
We've traveled with our kids since they were babies: road trips across Canada, months in Maui and Costa Rica, and a winter walk along the Camino in Spain. Along the way we figured out what makes family travel feel easy, and what makes it fall apart.
These are the systems, packing lists and lessons we actually use. Start with the planning guides below, grab a packing list, and you'll be ready for your next adventure.
Our top tips
Plan the big pieces first: flights, where you will stay and one main activity a day. Leave the rest flexible.
Time flights around naps: with little ones, early flights or overnight flights are usually easiest.
Pack a day bag for each kid: snacks, a change of clothes and one new thing to play with.
Sort your data before you land: an eSIM means maps and messages work the minute you arrive.
Get travel insurance: it costs little and saves a lot of stress if plans change.
Slow down: two or three bases per trip beats moving every night.
Let the kids choose: give each child one activity to pick on every trip.
Start here
Planning a family trip? These three guides cover the basics.
Before you go
The Ultimate Family Travel Planning Checklist
Pick a destination
The 15 Best Family Vacation Destinations for 2026
Pack smart
Printable lists we use for every kind of trip.
Tropical adventures
What to Pack for Costa Rica with Kids
On the road
Ideas for long travel days and slower, easier trips.
Drive or fly?
Long Road Trip vs. Fly-and-Drive for Families
Car entertainment
35 Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips
Travel slower
What Is Slow Travel? How to Make It Work with Kids
At Adventurous Family with Kids, we’re all about making travel easier, more affordable, and stress-free for families. We recommend trusted tools and resources to help you stay connected, plan amazing activities, and travel with peace of mind. Plus, when you make purchases through our affiliate links, you’re helping support our website—allowing us to keep sharing tips and inspiration for your family adventures!
DiscoverCars.com is an online platform for comparing car rental deals from various companies, offering transparent pricing by including all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in their quotes. They offer lower prices by negotiating deals directly with car rental companies.
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Make every family trip unforgettable with GetYourGuide.com! Discover and book top-rated tours, activities, and attractions worldwide, all in one place. From skip-the-line tickets to kid-friendly experiences, GetYourGuide makes planning easy and stress-free. With flexible cancellation options and 24/7 support, your next adventure is just a click away!
Travel with peace of mind thanks to SafetyWing! Designed for families and adventurers alike, SafetyWing offers affordable travel medical insurance that covers unexpected expenses while abroad. With flexible monthly plans, global coverage, and support for kids under 10 at no extra cost, you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about the 'what-ifs.
Pack smarter for your next family adventure
Get our free printable Family Packing Checklist, plus trip ideas and planning tips twice a month.
Are you looking for something a little more specific and customized to your family? I can help!
I love creating detailed itineraries that suit the unique requirements of your trip. I always include specific accommodation and activity options plus personal tips since I have actually been there and can provide insider info. It’s the best $100 you will spend, and it will save your HOURS of time and research.