Summer Travel Tips
Planning on traveling this summer? Me, too! Be prepared with these summer travel tips.
Choose a destination. Of course this tip sounds like a no-brainer, but choosing a destination based on several factors can help you design the perfect summer trip for your entire family. I like to think about cost, of course, but also if our destination will be high season or low season. I prefer to travel during low season, because I don’t like dealing with as many crowds. Thinking about traffic, if you’re driving, is also a good idea.
Tip:I like to check Groupon for deals, and if I find a really good one, I might plan an entire trip around that one deal!
Keep it simple. Don’t stress about the small stuff, and don’t over-plan. Even if you’re the type that likes to plan every minute of every day, leave some spots open in your schedule because, well, stuff happens!
Pack plastic bags, and lots of them. If you’re traveling with kids, you never know when there’s going to be a spill, or a potty accident, or… whatever. I mean, they’re kids! 🙂 So, be prepared with plastic bags and an extra set of clothes – just in case.
Tip: Download this airport fact sheet PDF before you go.
Don’t forget the entertainment! I like printing out road trip games, making little toys, etc but you can always just hit up the dollar store before your trip to grab a few toys and books! If you pack a clipboard with paper and pencils, this can keep older kids entertained for a while because they usually like to make up their own little games. There are some great books and activities you can bring with you for the kids.
National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas: Maps, Games, Activities, and More for Hours of Backseat Fun
and Melissa & Doug Family Road Trip Box Of Questions
are two that would go along great with a road trip.
Some of my favorite ideas and websites for road trip entertainment:
–– DIY Tic Tac Toe Board
— Mom’s Minivan Free Road Trip Printables
— Family Travel
— Alphabet Coloring Pages
Plus there is this awesome The Most Scenic Drives in America, Newly Revised and Updated: 120 Spectacular Road Trips
that will help you with finding some really awesome views around the country
Do a double-check. If you’re flying, double (and triple!) check your itinerary. If you’re driving, check the date and mileage of your last oil change, tune-up, etc. If any work needs to be done on your vehicle, get it before you leave. The last thing you want is to get charged double for mechanic work in a tourist town.
Make sure you also check out my other posts to help with your travel needs!
- Essentials for Traveling with Kids
- Tips for Finding the perfect Vacation Location for your Family
- How to Save Space when Packing to Travel
- Tips for Traveling with Pets
- Tips for Flying with Children
- How to Save Money on Airfare
- How to Save Money when Flying
Comments & Reviews
ellen beck says
Take snacks, take some entertainment for possible rainy or ‘down time’ days too! Great btips!
samantha wagner says
These are wonderful tips! We haven’t ever flown with our kids before, but I do do things like the coloring activites too 🙂
Christina Gould says
I love the keep it simple tip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought too much stuff “just in case” I needed it. Never did! Thanks for the info!
Amy Byers says
Thank you for these tips! I always pack way too much and end up forgetting something I needed! Ha!
Teresa C says
Thanks for the tips.
Nancy Loring says
My favorite summer travel tip is to not let anyone get a sunburn within days of heading home. It doesn’t matter if you are flying or driving someone with a sunburn will not be comfortable no matter what you do. Believe me I have been through this numerous times with my kids (and myself) I have now learned my lesson.
cheryl c. says
All of these are smart tips. I completely agree with bringing plastic bags.