13. Work your way up to the big trip

It is common knowledge, with kids, it’s all bout habits! They thrive on things they know and usually act up when changes come up. 

So to remedy the surprise effect of a trip, go on small outings near home first. This way you will set expectations on how they should behave in public.

It’s also much easier to pack up and go home when you are a few minutes away. Going to restaurants is a different deal than eating at home, so try to take them out to eat and rehearse that part of your trip ahead of time.

>>> Find things to do with kids near you on the Gowhee App.

14. Pack Blackout travel curtains for a good night sleep

One of the least talked about family travel tips! 

If you have ever traveled with your kids before, you may have experienced these crazy early rising habits they get. 

To help fight jet lag and sleep in, you will need a dark room. Most hotel chains have blackout curtains nowadays, but smaller inns or Airbnb may not. Prepare for the unpredictable and bring along a travel blackout curtain or a Pack N Play cover.

15. Use a Refillable bottle of water during your trip

The obvious reason why this is always a good idea is of course to protect the environment. But some other reasons may include: 

Budget-friendly option: Many hotels provide refilling stations with purified water, even sparkling water! Why pay for good water if you can get it free.

Time-saving: That is one less trip to store, stop to the gas station… All these little stop-and-go add up, that’s not even counting the clean-up of empty bottles all around the car.

Safety: Many countries have issues with clean water. This lead to a whole market for selling unsanitary water to tourists in the form of a bottle. When your resort or Airbnb like this house in Mexico provides you with filtered water, using your bottle will keep your family safe.
If your accommodation doesn’t provide filtered water, invest in bottled water with filtration like this one.

16. Use homeopathy medicine to help with travel-related issues

Do you have to deal with car sickness? Jet lag? Difficulty sleeping or tummy aches?

These little illnesses and discomfort can put a toll on your family vacation Luckily some companies like Boiron, make it easy for parents by selling all-natural remedies for travel in one little travel box. 

The pellets are great for young children and adults too*. They are small, taste sweet, and cover all the necessary ailments while traveling.
*This is not meant as medical advice, please refer to your physician for more details.