New year, new travel plans! I love planning out our family vacations for the year and usually start with the rough penciling in a year to two beforehand. Today we’re diving into the ultimate guide of stress-free family travel. When should you plan? What are my secrets as a mom of seven? Keep reading to find out! Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

10 tips for stress-free family travel

embrace the early bird mentality

You’ve heard it before, and I’ll say it again–early planning is the key to stress-free family travel. At least, as stress-free as possible. From accommodations to flights, securing your reservations well in advance ensures you score the best deals and have plenty of options to choose from. Plus, it gives you lots of time to research family-friendly activities and attractions at your final destination.

master the art of packing light

Trust me, no one knows more than I do the struggle of packing for a family! With seven kids and my obsession with everyone coordinating for vacation photos, I know what a challenge it can be. Want an insider tip? Less is more. Create a checklist for each family member, focusing on those clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Then, make sur to keep it all organized. I love packing cubes to keep everyone’s belongings organized, but Ziploc bags work great too! If packing for your family overwhelms you, check out free packing list printable below as a good base to get started!

plan, but also be open-minded

If you’re a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of person, I have bad news for you–I find that thorough planning is essential to family travel. However, you also need to be able to roll with the punches. Weather, tired kids, traffic–a lot can factor into the best-laid plans! Leave a little wiggle room for spontaneity. Some of our most memorable (and best) family vacation memories have happened because of unexpected adventures. Schedule in downtime when you can. This allows your family to explore at their own pace and stumble upon hidden gems. More importantly, it lets everyone decompress during hectic travel plans! Flexibility is the key to turning a good trip into an extraordinary one.

choose family-friendly accommodations

There are so many great options for family travel these days. From pricey budget-busters, to accommodations that are a little friendlier on your wallet. Opt for family-friendly accommodations that cater to your own unique vacation wants and needs. Look for hotels or vacation rentals equipped with kid-friendly amenities, such as cribs, high chairs, and play areas. A well-rested and entertained child equals a happy and relaxed parent! Our family usually looks for pools, on-site laundry, and included breakfast when booking our hotel stays.

| Read: Howard Johnson Anaheim Review and Travel Discount! |

involve everyone in stress-free family travel planning

Transform trip planning into a family affair by involving your little adventurers in the decision-making process. It can be really fun to have a family meeting to discuss your vacation destination. Mike and I always make it clear to the kids before we start that they’re not making the choices, but that we want to know what they think. Let each family member contribute ideas for activities and destinations. Our family especially does this when our children each turn eight. They get to pick a special family vacation and have a lot of input in where we stay and what we do.

don’t forget about health and safety

Health and safety is always important, but especially when you’re on the road away from the comfort and familiarity of home. Don’t stress too much about having everything you might need, after all, most destinations will have access to stores in case of emergencies, right? But taking some precautions before leaving home can make all the difference. We like to make sure we have everyone’s supplements and current medications. While traveling I always like to pack Black Elderberry along with us too. It’s always a good idea to have your insurance information handy as well for all family members.

| Read: Staying Safe in our National Parks |

the answer to stress-free family travel is always snacks

I once joked around with someone that the key to a successful road trip with kids was snacks. I even made a Reel about that last year. But I’m only sort of exaggerating. A well-fed family is a happy family, especially when you’re all stuck in a car together for hours on end. Save yourself form the options at the gas station by stocking up ahead of time. Bonus tip: Pack an empty water bottle to refill on the go and stay hydrated. Is it just me or are kids always thirsty??

pack entertainment… but lean into boredom too!

Hear me out on this somewhat controversial statement–sometimes it’s okay to be bored. We do such a disservice by shoving a screen in front of our kids anytime they might be the slightest bit bored. Not that I’m opposed to screentime, but I think it should have its limits, especially when traveling! I still remember the time we were driving through a National Park years ago and I remarked on something Mike and I saw form the front seat, only to turn around and see every child staring a a screen. That started a “No Screens in National Park Limits Rule” for our family. Prepare for your trip with fun entertainment the whole family will love. Bonus points if you include a couple new things that kids will be extra excited about, like a new coloring book. Pro tip–don’t forget headphones to keep the peace and your sanity!

pics, or it didn’t happen

Even before social media I was obsessed with capturing the perfect family photo on our trips. I joke around with my kids that someday when I’m old and they’re gone, all I’ll have is the pictures. Travel journals are great for your kids to fill out to remember all their adventures too. You can buy my travel journal on Amazon! Take plenty of photos, not just of the landmarks but also candid shots–those are usually my favorites! Don’t forget to take a few videos too, because if a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is that worth?!

pack patience and a sense of humor

Last but certainly not least, remember to pack patience and a good sense of humor. Flights may be delayed, plans may change, and there will undoubtedly be the occasional meltdown. Or maybe even vomit–ask me how I know. Our family trips have not always gone smoothly and I must admit, I haven’t always handled the upheaval well. Take a deep breath, find the humor in the situation, and remember that these challenges are just part of the adventure. And pray that you have a spouse who handles the chaos better than you, like I do.

Follow our family adventures on Instagram with #YoungFamilyJaunts

Even with the best planning, stress-free family travel isn’t always possible. Life happens–trust me, I know. But planning ahead of time and planning smart can make all the difference in the world!

Have any other tips for fun family trips? Let me know in the comments below!