Family Travel Tips from Cozi Families

Feb 3, 2020 | Blog

We asked Cozi families how they plan for their travel adventures. The most popular item they pack is "patience" all while aiming to make the trip "fun & adventurous". To find out how they do it, see the lists below for insightful and interesting family travel tips!

PLANNING

“Do your research!
“Travel with grandparents, extended family or friends.”
“If traveling with 8+ find group rates for your flights, car rental and hotel.”
"Set a budget and stick to it! Budgeting is key, as is saving for it and planning as best you can."
“Allow your kids to participate in the process, so they feel important, and are more excited about the trip.”
“Keep options limited to 2 when you are choosing between things.”
“Research the area(s) in advance to maximize time with family.”
“Plan ahead, but leave times open for last minute ideas and scheduled down time.”
“Have a back up plan for inclement weather or when other issues arise.”
"Try to figure out meals and activities for each day. This helps especially if anyone has food allergies."
“Make sure to follow a list and start planning and packing early!”

PACKING

“Look at weather forecast and be prepared for the weather.”
“Categorize: create your checklists under each category.”
“Every family member should have their own list that they follow to pack their own bag.”
“Laminate lists of common items to easily mark off each time.”
“Create a travel folder with all important documents that you keep with you.”
“Pack one small piece of luggage per person rather than one large suitcase.”
“Try packing cubes! Use one color for each family member, when packing.”
“For kids have each day’s outfit in a ziplock bag so it’s all together.”
“Make sure everyone has travel sizes of their everyday products.”
"Consider packing a separate toiletry suitcase. Avoiding suitcase spills & mess = no stress! And it can go straight to the bathroom when you arrive.”
"Pack activity bags for each person! Everyone gets a small bag filled with their choice of snacks, games, books and electronics."
“Bring a carry on with one spare set of clothes for everyone in your party.”
“Make sure you have all prescriptions!”
“Always pack a first aid kit.”
“Pack charged electronics for everyone + make sure you bring your electronic chargers.”
“Bring extra batteries for any devices or toys that need it.”
“Never forget your swimsuit or your pajamas!”
“Make sure everyone has their own hand sanitizer.”
“Leave room in your bags for souvenirs.”

TRAVELING BY AIR

“Try using only carry on luggage, one per family member!”
“Everyone gets a small bag filled with their choice of snacks, games, books, electronics and a change of clothes.”
“TSA pre-check and Clear applies to children traveling with adults.”
“Stick together!”
“Make the whole airport and flight experience a fun adventure.”
“Bring your patience and lots of travel games.”
“Pack a lot of non-perishable snacks and drinks.”
“Download audiobooks & listen together while traveling.”

TRAVELING BY CAR

“Make it a fun adventure.”
“Bring your patience.”
“Ensure there is enough wiggle room for everyone and your stuff in the vehicle.”
“Plan your route and schedule in stops to get out and explore.”
“Map out all usable bathroom breaks and gas stops so you can plan where to stop for potty breaks.”
“Be prepared. Pack healthy snacks and drinks so you save money on long trips.”
"Pack activity bags for each child! I call them busy bags that have small snacks!"
“Bring a good story book to read to everyone or download audiobooks & listen together while traveling.”
“Play car games, like Spot the License Plate, I-Spy, or GO.”
“Print a sheet of license plates from different states & do scavenger hunts.”
“Pack pillows and blankets so riders can get comfy and warm up if they are cold.”

AT YOUR DESTINATION

“Stay flexible!!!”
“Keep patient and find some time to be by yourself.”
“Make sure the place you’re staying has a washer and dryer.”
“When traveling with a pet, consider staying at pet-friendly Airbnb’s or campsites!”
“For babies schedule a delivery of diapers, wipes & baby food to your accommodations.”
“Have an agenda for all family members.”
“Let kids choose activities or restaurants when feasible.”
"Plan well but also make sure you schedule down time. Over planning will make people cranky!"
“Plan ahead, but leave a day open for last minute ideas.”
“Leave plenty of time for outdoor activities”
“Be prepared for emergencies, entertaining children, rainy days, etc.”
“Travel games for the down-times on vacation helps!”
“Shop at grocery stores over restaurants to save money.”
“Where possible, take an InstantPot, to help save money on food.”
“Give kids digital video cameras [older models] to document the trip.”
“Laminate your lists of packed items to easily mark off each time you need to pack.”
“One parent is always the last one out of the hotel room to triple check everything.”

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