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10 Tips for Stress-Free Travel Every Busy Parent Should Know

Writer's picture: Jenny Lou FaberJenny Lou Faber

You're already juggling work, kids, and life. Let's make travel easier. Planning a trip can be overwhelming - whether it's a weekend getaway or a two-week family adventure. Here are some parent-to-parent tips that will save you time, energy, and maybe even a few gray hairs!



Packing Smarter, Not Harder

  • Tip 1: Create a Packing List Template: Reusable lists save time and reduce stress. Packing lists are abundant on the internet if you need help starting one. Start with one and then customize it to you and your family. If you're unsure of where to start, there are plenty of examples online, or you can use F That Travel's packing list (link here). Once you have a basic template, customize it to suit your family's needs.

  • Tip 2: Use Packing Cubes: These keep everyone's belongings organized by person or category. I personally buy the compression bags and have them color coded. It did take a few purchases over time to color code to my whole family's needs, but it was worth it! These are the ones I use (not an affiliate link).

  • Tip 3: Roll, Don't Just Fold: Instead of folding clothes flat, fold them to the size you need and then roll them up. This saves space in compression bags and reduces wrinkles. Don't know why, but it works!



Booking Like a Pro

  • Tip 4: Be Flexible with Dates: If it's possible for you, adjusting the dates by a day or two could reap significant savings.

  • Tip 5: Book accommodations with Perks: Look for those places with free breakfasts, kid-friendly amenities, or laundry facilities. You don't think you'll need it, but you'll love that it's there when you kid gets food poisoning and it's coming out of everywhere! 🤢🤣



Keeping the Kids Happy

  • Tip 6: Pack a Surprise Activity Bag: Small, new toys, books, or crafts can really keep kids entertained during travel. I love making my kids busy books. These binders are filled with maps, coloring pages, games, and other activities tailored just for them! (Stay tuned for an upcoming post with step-by-step instructions!)

  • Tip 7: Download Content in Advance: You've probably already heard about this one - downloading movies and TV shows before you go. Here's my extra tip: Make sure you test it out before you leave home. My son will tell you that there's nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing that all the music you thought you downloaded is not there.



Staying Organized During the Trip

  • Tip 8: Use a Shared Itinerary App: I use Tern for my itinerary app (again, not an affiliate link). I use it both as a traveler and a travel advisor. I build all of my clients' trips on Tern. While Tern is wonderful and has changed my business life, I do caution solely using AI to plan out your vacation - more on that in another upcoming blog post!

  • Tip 9: Photograph Important Documents: Snap a picture of essential documents like passports, insurance papers, and tickets. Also, take screenshots of digital items such as dining reservations or admission tickets. You’ll thank yourself when cell service is spotty, or you can’t find the hard copy in a pinch. You can pull them up on your phone quickly and easily.



The Ultimate Time-Saver

  • Tip 10: Outsource the Planning: As you can probably tell by reading this, I love sharing these tips and helping families simplify travel. Most travel advisors do! We live and breathe this stuff because we genuinely enjoy making your life a little easier.


Schedule a chat with me today to see if we're the right fit. There's nothing to lose - and the next great adventure your family will love is just around the corner.


See you on your next big adventure!

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