Guest article provided by parentingwithkris.com

Traveling with young children can be both stressful and expensive—so much so that some parents choose not to take any trips until their kids reach adolescence. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive! With a bit of planning, you can make your next family vacation fun and affordable. Brittany Alaine shares seven tips to get you started:

1. Choose your destination wisely

When traveling with young children, it’s essential to pick a place with plenty of activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. A place that centers around history or culture may not be the best choice because many kids will quickly become bored. Instead, opt for a location that has kid-friendly activities like amusement parks, beaches, or even just a large playground.

2. Travel during the off-season

Off-season travel will save you money on accommodations and airfare while helping you avoid crowds. This is particularly important when traveling with young children, as they can easily get overwhelmed in large groups of people. To find out when the off-season is for your chosen destination, simply do a quick Google search or ask your travel agent. 

3. Pack with a strategy

When packing for a family trip, it’s essential to be organized and pack efficiently. Here are a few tips for packing for a budget-friendly, stress-free trip with your kiddos:

• Pack light. When packing, try to stick to the essentials. You don’t need to bring everything you own!
• Pack versatile items that can be worn in multiple ways. This will help you save space in your luggage.
• Pack clothes and accessories that can be used for different activities. For example, pack a pair of jeans that can be dressed up or down, or choose a versatile scarf that can be worn in many different ways.
• Make a list of what you need and stick to it. You can avoid packing unnecessary items and save money on airline baggage fees.
• Label everything. Doing so will make it easier to find what you need when you’re unpacking and prevent any mix-ups with other family members’ belongings.

4. Help your children adjust

If you’re taking an international trip, why not get ahead of jetlag and make adjustments now? Consider the time change you’re about to experience, and modify your and your kids’ bedtimes now; that way, you’ll be well-rested, and jetlag won’t impact you as much. Keep in mind that drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods can also minimize jetlag. 

5. Stay in a family-friendly hotel

It’s important to find a hotel that caters to your family. You’ll want access to amenities like cribs, high chairs, and perhaps even babysitting services. Many hotels also offer kids’ clubs where children can play while parents enjoy some time for themselves. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels around the globe, so do your research before booking your trip! 

6. Bring your own food and snacks 

One of the quickest ways to blow your budget while traveling is by eating out all the time. To save money (and keep everyone happy), bring along some easy-to-transport snacks and non-perishable items from home. Then you can avoid fast food restaurants and overpriced concession stands altogether! 

7. Do some research before you go 

Before embarking on your trip, take some time to read up on your chosen destination. That way, you’ll know what to expect and can plan accordingly. 

Many travel websites offer helpful tips and deals specifically for families traveling with young children. By doing a bit of research beforehand, you can ensure your trip goes smoothly—and without any surprises!  

Travel smarter not harder

Planning a stress-free and budget-friendly vacation with young children may seem daunting, but it’s entirely practical when you plan in advance. By following these seven tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating lasting memories with your family—without breaking the bank. Safe travels!

If you enjoyed this article, you can find more helpful content on BrittanyAlaine.com! 

About the author:

Kristin Louis is a former advertising copywriter and has two rambunctious boys, 10 and 7 years of age. She created Parentingwithkris.com to share her experiences about the trials and tribulations of parenting.