How to Make Travel Plans When Traveling with Kids

When I first started learning how to make travel plans with my kids, I didn’t realize how much a solid plan could save the day. 

There was a time when we took a spontaneous trip, and without proper planning, we faced more chaos than fun. 

That experience taught me the importance of pre-planning, especially when Olivia and Liam are involved. Now, I never leave home without a well-prepared travel planner. 

In this post, I’ll share the specific tips I use to ensure a smooth trip, along with how my personal travel planner, filled with handy checklists, makes every journey easier.

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The Essential Steps to Pre-Planning Your Family Trip

When I learned how to make travel plans with my kids, I realized that each step counts. From setting a budget to packing the right essentials, every detail matters. 

Let me walk you through the key steps I take, using my travel planner to keep everything on track.

1. Setting a Realistic Travel Budget

When making travel plans, I realized that budgeting is key. Before we even pick a destination, I sit down with Bryan and map out our budget. 

We decide how much we’ll spend on accommodation, food, and activities. This keeps us from overspending and allows us to enjoy the trip without financial stress. 

My Budget Tracker checklist in the travel planner helps me allocate funds and stay on track. It’s my go-to tool for making sure we have a clear financial plan before we hit the road.

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2. Choosing Family-Friendly Destinations

One of the most important steps in learning how to make travel plans is picking the right destination. I always consider places that both Olivia and Liam will enjoy. 

For Olivia, I look for destinations with fun parks or beaches, while Liam needs spots with easy access to baby-friendly activities. 

I suggest maintaining a Destination Research in your travel planner  where you can list potential places and their kid-friendly features. 

This helps me narrow down options and choose a location that will keep both kids happy and entertained.

3. Creating a Packing Checklist

Packing is another crucial part of how I make travel plans. I know that if I forget something important, it could throw off the whole trip. 

So, I use a detailed Packing Checklist in my travel planner to ensure I have everything. For Liam, I pack his favorite toys and plenty of snacks to keep him busy. For Olivia, I make sure to include her must-have items like her favorite snacks and comfort items. 

My checklist covers everything from clothing to toiletries, making sure we’re prepared for anything.

Also Read: Travel Packing Checklist PDF Free – Your Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Trip

4. Planning Your Itinerary

When figuring out how to make travel plans, I’ve learned that a flexible itinerary is essential. It’s important to balance activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. 

For instance, while Olivia might love spending hours at a theme park, Liam’s shorter attention span means we need breaks for naps or quiet playtime. 

My travel planner’s Itinerary section helps me map out daily activities, leaving room for downtime and spontaneous fun. This way, we all get to enjoy the trip without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Download Susie’s 25-Sheet Travel Planner Now

5. Preparing Emergency Contacts and Health Information

One of the critical steps in how I make travel plans is ensuring we’re prepared for any emergencies. When traveling with kids, it’s crucial to have all medical information and emergency contacts readily available. I always carry a list of local hospitals and doctors, along with our insurance details.

Also don’t forget to carry a First Aid Box with you on your trip.

It is suggested to use a Health & Emergency Contacts checklist, where you can store all this information. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that I can quickly access everything we need in case of an emergency.

6. Making Arrangements for Your Pets

If you’re like me who wants to make sure your pets are taken care of while you’re away then remember to hire a pet sitter.

Our dog, Max, is a big part of our family, so I always ensure he’s in good hands. 

I use the Notes to The Pet Sitter section in my travel planner to detail his feeding schedule, favorite toys, and emergency contacts. This ensures Max is well cared for, and I can focus on enjoying our trip without worrying about him.

Download Susie’s 25-Sheet Travel Planner Now

7. Outfitting the Family for the Trip

When I think about how to make travel plans, packing the right outfits is always high on my list. I consider the weather, activities, and even the cultural norms of our destination. 

For example, when we went to Mexico, I packed lightweight, breathable clothes for Liam and sun-protective outfits for Olivia. 

For my convenience, I created an Outfit Planner that helps me coordinate clothes for the whole family, making sure we’re all comfortable and appropriately dressed. This way, we’re prepared for anything, whether it’s a day at the beach or an evening out.

8. Booking Accommodations and Transportation

Another key aspect of how I make travel plans is finding the right accommodations and transportation. I look for family-friendly hotels with amenities like a pool for Olivia and easy access to local attractions. 

When it comes to transportation, I choose options that are convenient and safe for both kids. My travel planner includes an Accommodation & Transport Checklist, which I use to compare different options and make reservations that fit our budget and needs. 

This ensures that our trip is smooth from start to finish, with comfortable places to stay and easy ways to get around.

Conclusion

Pre-planning is the secret to a smooth and enjoyable family trip. From setting a budget to packing the right outfits, every step makes a difference. 

I encourage you to use a travel planner like mine for your next adventure—it keeps everything organized and stress-free. Don’t forget to download The Ultimate Travel Planner and subscribe for more travel tips and insights!

What’s your go-to tip for planning a family trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Download Susie’s 25-Sheet Travel Planner Now