Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Epic Family Travel Adventure Plus a Free Family Vacation Checklist

I agree that creating and personalizing your family vacation checklist takes time and can be a bit overwhelming. But it should be exciting and fun. Planning a family trip can be as thrilling as the adventure itself. With the proper preparation, it becomes an enriching experience that bonds everyone and creates lifelong memories. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first family trip. But fear not—this guide will walk you through ten simple steps to create the ultimate family vacation checklist and experience an epic travel adventure.

Enter your Family Vacation Checklist.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

The Joy of Family Travel

Family travel offers more than just a break from routine; it’s an opportunity to explore new cultures, landscapes, and experiences together. Traveling as a family enriches your children’s understanding of the world and fosters a sense of curiosity and adventure that stays with them for life. It’s about creating shared stories and unforgettable memories that everyone will cherish.

Here are ten simple steps to add to your family vacation checklist.

Step 1 ~ It all starts with a dream and a bit of inspiration.

Sit down with your favorite travel journal, planner, and the internet, and dream a little. Dream about where you may want to go. Browse Pinterest, Google, and Trip Advisor to narrow your destination.

Choosing a destination that caters to all family members is essential. Consider factors like climate, travel restrictions, and kid-friendly activities. Look for destinations known for family-friendly attractions, such as theme parks, museums, and outdoor adventures. Websites and forums with family travel tips can be invaluable resources for gathering ideas.

Involve your kids in decision-making by asking for their input on potential destinations. This engagement can build excitement and ensure everyone has something to look forward to. Balancing everyone’s interests creates a more harmonious travel experience. Selecting a destination that fits your family’s personality and preferences is critical to a successful trip.

What type of vacation do you want?

• The beach or the mountains?
• Snow or sun?
• Europe, the United States, or Asia?
• On safari?
• A wine tour? A craft beer tour?
• Weekender? Road trip? or Long Haul Flight?

Why?

• Is it simply to get away from it all, relax and recharge? 
• Or do you want to show your family the world? 
• To get out of your comfort zone.
• Immerse yourself into another culture.
• Learn the history of a destination.
• To eat (some people do).
• Or to just travel.

And how many vacation days do you have to spend?

Is this for a long weekend, five days, two weeks, or a month? Or, better yet, the entire summer?

Enter your email address below, and I will send you the massively upgraded 50-page epic travel planning guide hot off the press. It includes lots of tips on travel planning, packing checklists, resources with links, travel journal prompts, and some fill-in-the-blank brainstorming fun.

Another important travel tip is to get the kids excited during the planning process.

Purchase a kid’s travel journal and travel guides. Show them movies filmed in a particular destination you are traveling to. Suggest that they create an Instagram Picture Challenge to get them interested in photographing different sites.

Step 2 ~ Set Your Budget

Determining a budget is crucial for any family trip. Start by considering all potential expenses, including travel, accommodations, meals, and activities. Research average costs for your chosen destination and look for ways to save. Consider off-peak travel times and use resources like airfare comparison websites to find the best deals. Planning can help you uncover significant savings, allowing more room in your budget for fun experiences.

Include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, such as last-minute souvenirs or emergency needs. Being financially prepared ensures peace of mind and allows you to focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about finances. Remember, family travel doesn’t have to be expensive; the key is to prioritize what matters most to you and your family.

Step 3 ~ Plan Your Itinerary

Logistics are paramount to your family vacation checklist. Decide where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay, how you will get around town, and what activities you don’t want to miss. Book ahead of time if you can. When you get to your destination, know where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Sculpting an exquisite itinerary is a travel planning task that has evolved for me over the years. I learned the hard way that not everyone needs to go, go, go, like me. Many travelers, especially teens, need downtime and relaxation time.

When planning your days, remember everyone’s needs, or you will have complaints, which isn’t very pleasant. Our plans usually involve sleeping in, eating a good breakfast, exploring late mornings and throughout the afternoon, having dinner, and having downtime.

Step 4 ~ Book Accommodations

Finding suitable accommodations is vital for a comfortable stay. Look for family-friendly hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities like kitchen facilities, pools, and play areas. Websites with user reviews can provide honest insights into the suitability of accommodations for families.

Consider the location and proximity to major attractions to minimize travel time. Staying in a central area can save time and reduce stress, allowing more leisure and relaxation. Booking in advance often provides the best rates and availability. Ensure that your accommodations meet your family’s needs to create a cozy home-away-from-home experience.

Step 5 ~ Pack Smart

Packing can be daunting, but planning helps alleviate stress. Create a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials like passports, tickets, and medication. Pack versatile clothing that can be layered for different weather conditions and activities.

Involve your children by letting them pack their favorite toys or comfort items. This can make them feel more involved and help ease homesickness. Packing light is ideal, but ensure you have everything needed for a comfortable trip. Smart packing reduces stress and ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

Gather your reservations and travel documents and put them all in one place, either in your travel journal or a ready-made travel planning folder. Don’t forget the essentials. Include a thorough packing list with your vacation planning checklist. Create a packing list for you and your family members. I know this sounds time-consuming, but it is always worth it. Plus, it teaches your kids to be responsible for their belongings.

There are lots of packing lists found in the travel resource library here. And I am adding new goodies all the time.

Step 6 ~ Prepare the Kids

Preparing your kids for travel is essential to ensure a smooth trip. Discuss the itinerary and expectations with them, explaining what’s involved in the travel process. Address any concerns they may have and offer reassurance about staying safe and having fun.

Familiarize them with the destination by showing pictures and videos, which can build excitement and reduce anxiety. Preparing your kids mentally for the adventure ahead helps set the tone for a positive travel experience. Setting clear expectations and addressing concerns ensures everyone is on the same page.

Step 7 ~ Notify the credit card or debit card companies of your travel plans.

Let your credit card/debit card companies know your travel plans. They don’t like to see unusual purchases, especially when they are out of the country where you live. They will decline purchases using your credit cards until they confirm that it is you.

Travel credit cards are reward cards that you can use to build points toward travel, enhance your status as many hotels and airlines, plus a few additional perks.  With COVID majorly hindering our adventure plans, now is the time to build up your points for the future when we are safe to travel again. 

Ninja Tip: Read the US News and World Report’s comprehensive list of the best travel perk credit cards and the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Step 8 ~ Check purchasing travel insurance off of your family vacation checklist.

No one wants to obsess over things that can go wrong while traveling. But stuff happens. Purchasing travel insurance will provide peace of mind that you will be taken care of in the event of an unplanned, unfortunate circumstance.

World Nomads, created by travelers for travelers, is one of the best choices for travel insurance, available to people in over 130 countries. Check out the World Nomads Website here. It doesn’t look at all like an insurance website. It is more like a travel blog, full of video and written content about traveling safely, responsibly, and ethically.

Step 9 ~ Travel tips for safety.

Safety is crucial to enjoying a rewarding family travel experience. Consider safety measures as you plan your next adventure. It all starts before you leave home. Admittedly, I choose our family travel destinations based on how safe a place is said to be. However, stuff can happen wherever you go. So it is vital to plan how to keep yourself and your family safe.

You can take precautions, but the best way to stay safe is to do your research, be smart, and be aware. Here are a few quick tips. If you want more, read this post.

• Research your destination. Family travel safety starts with the initial planning process.
• Notify someone of where you will be going.
• Take a picture of your passport to keep on your smartphone. If you are not traveling solo, email that picture to yourself and your travel companion.
• Don’t look flashy.
• Use the hotel safe.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Stay sober.
• Know emergency numbers may be different where you are traveling.

Step 10 ~ Stay Healthy.

Traveling sick is no fun for anyone in the party and can ruin a dream holiday. There are many different ways to prevent illness and ensure healthy travel. Stay healthy on vacation with these clever and practical tips.

For more, read this post.

• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
• Eat a healthy breakfast every morning and pack healthy snacks when on the go.
• Stay hydrated.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol.
• Get a workout in daily. This does not have to be super strenuous, but move your body for at least 30 minutes every morning.
• Walk everywhere when possible.
• Wear sunscreen and bug spray.
• Get your sleep.

Step 11 ~ Capture Memories

Documenting your family’s adventures is a beautiful way to preserve memories. Take photos and videos of special moments, and consider keeping a travel journal where family members can record their thoughts and experiences.

Encourage kids to create scrapbooks with souvenirs like postcards, tickets, and brochures. These creative projects can be a fun way to relive memories once you return home. Capturing memories allows you to revisit the joy and experiences of your trip for years to come.

Step 12 ~ Most importantly, check off “have fun” from your family vacation checklist.

And then…

Step 13 ~ Review and Adjust.

After your trip, take time to reflect on the experience. Discuss what worked well and any challenges you encountered. Use this feedback to make adjustments for future travels, such as revising your packing list or itinerary planning.

Encourage family members to share their thoughts and suggestions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Reflecting on your travels allows you to make each adventure better than the last. This process ensures you’re always learning and growing as a family of travelers.

**One more tidbit of advice.**

Arrive at the airport early.

Avoid starting your holiday in a panic because you are running late. Getting through an airport can be quick or a long, drawn-out, painful TSA experience. You never know. Just arrive early. If you get checked in quickly, more time to relax, read, listen to a podcast, or research where you are going.

Bonus: My Favorite Travel Planning Apps

Lonely Planet

The Lonely Planet App has more than 8,000 guides, packed with expert tips and advice. It is a must-have app that is an essential resource before and during your trip. Their travel books, digital or paperback, are stocked with helpful information and resources.

Trip Advisor

Founded almost twenty years ago, Trip Advisor is one of the largest travel planning sites in the world. It provides user reviews, pictures of restaurants and attractions, and bookings worldwide. If you have a question about a certain destination, you can find answers in an interactive forum from travelers who have been there. Just ask.

Trip It

Trip It is a 4.8-star app with 157,000 ratings with many features to help you keep your travel plans all in one place. Forward your travel confirmation emails to Trip It, and your travel schedule is created for you. Flights, car rentals, hotel bookings, and restaurant reservations are all tidied up in one app.

Viator

I have booked multiple tours and activities with Viator. You can check out over 200,000 things to do on Viator. It’s super easy to book, and the rest is done for you.

• Plans your driving route.
• Books your hotels on your route.
• Suggests off the beaten path attractions.
• Plans and saves your trip itineraries.
• Shares your trip with friends.

Open Table

Research the best restaurants, read the menu, check out reviews, and even pictures at over 52,000 restaurants worldwide on the Open Table App. Reserve a table online and earn points towards free meals. You can make a reservation in minutes.

Simple Airline Apps with Loyalty Rewards

• Jetblue TrueBlue
• Delta Skymiles
• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines Mileage Plus
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Program

Favorite Hotel Booking Apps

• Marriott Bonvoy ~ Keep track of your Marriott Rewards account from the app.
• Hilton Honors Booking App ~ Use the app to keep up with rewards, check in to your hotel, select your room, unlock your door, and even make requests such as extra feather pillows and an extra blanket.
• Travelocity ~ With access to over 300,000 hotels, book with Travelocity all over the world. Plus, you can book flights and car rental.
• Expedia ~ Thousands to choose from, as well as the bundle option that saves money when you book flight and room on the app.

The Ultimate Adventure Awaits

Planning an epic family travel adventure is a rewarding experience that strengthens bonds and creates cherished memories. By following these ten steps, you’ll be well-equipped to make a trip that caters to your family’s unique interests and needs. Whether exploring new cultures or relaxing in nature, the possibilities are endless.

Share your family travel tips and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Now it’s your turn. Send me your tips on planning an epic adventure for your family. I could use a few more steps and a few more tips for my family vacation checklist.