How to plan your vacation

1. Why Trip Planning Matters (Especially with Kids in Tow)

Traveling as a family is one of our favorite things to do—it brings us closer, gives us new experiences to share, and creates memories we talk about for years. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a little planning goes a long way. With kids, we try to keep things fun and flexible, but knowing where we’re staying, what we’ll eat, and how we’re getting around helps avoid meltdowns (from the kids and the parents!). I love planning trips that balance adventure and downtime, and this page is where I share the tools, tips, and checklists that help make our travels smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

2. Trip Planning Checklist

Create a downloadable or visual checklist with categories like:

• ✅ Destination research
• ✅ Budget planning
• ✅ Booking transportation
• ✅ Accommodation selection
• ✅ Visa & documentation
• ✅ Travel insurance
• ✅ Packing list
• ✅ Itinerary creation

Example:
“We always start by checking visa requirements, as I have published in my Visas post for international destinations, then move on to booking flights and hotels.”

3. Destination Research

Choosing the right destination can make or break your family vacation. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an international adventure, here are some key tips to help guide your decision-making process.

✅ How to Pick a Destination

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are a few criteria we always consider:

• Weather: Check the seasonal weather patterns before booking. Rainy seasons, extreme temperatures, or hurricane months can affect your plans.
• Kid-Friendliness: Look for places that offer a mix of educational and fun experiences, safe outdoor spaces, and family-friendly accommodations.
• Visa & Entry Rules: Always double-check visa requirements and entry policies, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Some destinations offer visa-free or eVisa options, which make planning easier.
• Safety: Use resources like travel advisories, forums, and local blogs to understand which neighborhoods are safe, and where to avoid.
• Cost & Currency: Research the local cost of living. A destination may be affordable to fly to, but expensive on the ground. Currency exchange rates and local transport costs can impact your budget.

🗓️ When to Book

• For international trips, aim to book 3–5 months in advance for the best deals and flexibility, especially if you’re traveling during school holidays.
• Domestic getaways or long weekends can be booked 6–8 weeks ahead, though lodging in popular spots may fill up sooner.

🌤️ Peak vs Off-Season Travel

• Peak Season (summer, spring break, major holidays): Expect bigger crowds, higher prices, but often the best weather and most activities open.
• Off-Season (shoulder months or off-peak): Cheaper flights and accommodations, fewer tourists, but be aware some attractions might be closed or the weather might be less predictable.
• We try to target the shoulder season—just before or after peak times—when weather is still good but costs are lower and crowds are manageable; however that is not always possible with kids’ school schedules.

🧰 Digital Tools to Help You Research

We use a combo of tools and platforms to research and organize ideas:

• Google: Research the destination on Google to get to know the destination and the places people visit when going as tourists
• YouTube: Travel vlogs give you a real sense of what to expect, from how stroller-friendly a hike is to how a hotel room looks in real life.
• Travel Blogs: Travel blogs like ours are a great way to learn from real-life experiences and use pre-made itineraries. 
• Destination Landing pages: Websites like Expedia offer landing pages for destinations and are a great way to plan your trip.

4. Building an Itinerary

• Decide the number of days you are going on vacation and sample some itineraries accordingly
• Determine how to balance sightseeing and downtime (especially with kids)
• Figure out when to book tickets in advance vs be spontaneous

5. Budget & Money Tips

• It is always good to estimate trip costs so you know if you are way over your budget or not
• At many destinations, you can look for money-saving tips (e.g., free walking tours, city cards, public transport)
• Many countries now accept credit cards; however, we always carry some local currency for emergencies or to shop a smaller, local shops that only accept cash. 

6. Booking Flights, Trains & Local Transport

• Flight search strategies (Expedia, Skyscanner, Google Flights)
• Trains in Europe (Omio, Rail Europe, country-specific sites)
• Airport transfers, kids’ car seat rules
• Local transport cards (e.g., Vienna Card, Oyster, etc.)

7. Choosing Accommodation

• Hotels vs vacation rentals vs hostels (esp. for families)
• Booking platforms (Expedia & Hotels for hotels, Vrbo for vacation rental properties)
• Tips on reading reviews, location scouting
• Amenities checklist for families (laundry, crib, breakfast, etc.)

8. Travel Insurance & Health Prep

• Travel insurance for international destinations will offer you peace of mind in case you / your family member falls sick. It is good to carry them with you, and there are a few different providers like Insurte, SafetyWing, World Nomads, etc.
• It is a good idea to carry first aid kits and have them handy for emergencies
• Check Vaccine requirements for international travel, especially for kids with pediatricians

I will plan to go over some of the above sections with a dedicated post, so stay tuned!