15 Travel Family Adventures That’ll Have Your Crew Laughing, Bonding, and Maybe Losing a Shoe

Planning a family trip to our destination in south east asia ? Sometimes it feels like you’re running a circus where the main act is “keeping everyone happy and (mostly) sane.” We all want fun, adventure, and a sliver of relaxation, but getting there as a family? That’s its own kind of wild ride.

We’ve learned firsthand that the right travel tips and must-haves make family trips smoother, easier, and way more enjoyable for everyone, as many families have experienced .

Whether we’re packing for different types of sandy beaches or city sights, it helps to have a few tricks up our sleeve. We’re here to swap chaos for (a little more) calm and share ideas so the memories outnumber the meltdowns.

Let’s dive into what really helps us survive—and love—traveling as a family.

1) The Bucket List Family – Epic fam adventures inspiring wanderlust!

Okay, have you seen the Bucket List Family, my husband friend? We can’t get enough of them.

They travel everywhere as a family, and honestly, it makes us want to pack our bags like yesterday! We love how they make traveling with kids look totally doable (and super fun).

The Gee family shares the good, the messy, and everything in between. Their adventures are like a giant permission slip for all of us to try new places—even if our “bucket list” is just a trip to the local zoo or camping in the backyard.

Their stories have literally inspired families around the world. The best part? They don’t just show the highlights.

We see the wild moments, the toddler meltdowns, and the realness, which makes us feel right at home. If you want more inspo or honest tips on traveling with little ones (and big ones too), check them out at The Bucket List Family’s official website or peek at their Instagram for sweet family moments!

2) American Travel Family Vlog – Real talk & fun family travel stories

We have to talk about the American Travel Family Vlog because, honestly, they’re out here doing full time the most! This Arizona fam of four just takes us right along for the ride with their adventures.

We feel like we’re in their car, snacks in hand, ready to conquer another random roadside attraction together. We are here for the real talk, too.

The Morrison’s don’t try to make it look perfect—sometimes the kids are grumpy, the weather’s a mess, or dinner is just string cheese and whatever’s left in the cooler. It is refreshing to see a travel family channel admit that not every day is Instagram-worthy, and we love them for it.

There’s a ton of energy and so many laughs in their vlogs that make us wonder . The chaos? The confessions? Same, girl.

We could watch them get lost and giggle about it all day. If you want real stories with a side of wild family moments, these folks have your back!

3) Smithsonian Family Journeys – Learning + exploring together

Can we just talk about how cool it is to actually learn stuff while we travel with our kids, just like digital nomads do ? Smithsonian Family Journeys are all about exploring new places together and picking up fun facts along the way.

These trips are set up so nobody has to pretend they know what they’re doing—because hello, none of us do! We get to visit places packed with stories, wild animals, or epic history, and everyone in the family has something to geek out over.

The whole vibe is super chill—think adventure, not a stuffy museum tour. Our kids can actually ask a million questions, and someone who isn’t us will answer (can we get an amen?).

Plus, let’s be real, traveling together is way more fun when nobody’s staring at their phones. Smithsonian makes family trips feel like we’re in on a big secret club for curious parents and kids.

If you’re looking for a mix of memory-making and learning, check out these family journeys for your next adventure at a new location .

4) Sophie Family Travel on Instagram – Baby travel tips you NEED

We all know how wild traveling with a child can be—hello, diaper changes in airplane bathrooms! That’s why we love following Sophie Family Travel on Instagram, especially for tips on traveling in our home country .

This account serves up some of the most real and helpful tips out there for families on the move. If you need to know what stroller actually fits down narrow hotel hallways or how to keep your kiddo chill on a long flight, Sophie’s got our backs.

She talks about stuff like grabbing a light travel stroller and asking hotels for a cot so we don’t have to pack half the house. Yes, please to less baggage—literally.

We also stalk her reels for easy hacks, like rolling our stroller right onto the plane to hold our baby and our bags at the same time. Why struggle when we could look like cool, calm travel pros?

Want the details? Head over to Sophie Family Travel’s Instagram for the tips we wish someone had told us sooner.

5) Family Travel Trip Experts – Pro tips for smooth vacays

Let’s be real—traveling with the family can feel like herding wild squirrels after a sugar rush. But hey, we’ve rounded up the pros’ best tips to keep us one step ahead of the chaos.

First up, we need to stay flexible. Seriously, a little flexibility during the week turns “Oh no!” moments into “Remember when?” stories we’ll laugh about later.

You can check out more on why being flexible is the golden rule at this family travel tips guide. Next, try not to cram all the “must-do” activities into day one.

We promise, skipping the early morning tour and letting everyone sleep in can save our mood (and sanity). It’s totally fine to just chill a bit and adjust to the new place—our future selves will thank us!

Packing a small “surprise bag” for the kids is a game changer. A new coloring book or a snack can be a total meltdown saver, and it’s way more fun than hearing “are we there yet?” for the hundredth time.

More clever hacks like this are over at these expert tips for stress-free family vacations. Let’s make our vacays as smooth as possible—mess included!

6) World Travel Family Guide – How to live the full-time travel dream

We’ve all daydreamed about just taking off with our kiddos and becoming world explorers, right? Turns out, traveling full-time as a family is not just for celebrities or super organized people—real families like us totally do it.

Honestly, sometimes it looks messy, but hey, that’s our vibe, especially when we think about saving money ! First, we need to get clear on why we want to live that travel life.

Are we craving adventure? Time together away from routines? Or do we just want to eat pastries in every country?

Whatever it is, knowing our “why” helps when things get wild. The next step is planning, which sounds boring, but bear with us—it saves actual chaos.

We’re talking about budgeting, learning a little about new cultures, and packing just enough so we don’t lose our minds (or our socks). Don’t freak out, we don’t have to get it perfect.

We’re totally allowed to ask for help, stumble a little, and try again. No family has it all figured out, and that’s the best part.

On the wildest days, just remember: we’ve got this, together!

7) Costco Travel Family-Friendly Resorts – Kids stay & play FREE!

Okay, can we just talk about how amazing it is, of course, when kids stay and play FREE on vacation? That’s some real parent gold right there.

Costco Travel totally gets it—because, honestly, who wants to pay extra when our kids are barely in the room?

Some family-friendly resorts through Costco offer dreamy perks. Think kids’ clubs, fun activities, and massive pools where our littles can splash for hours after a long drive in the car .

These spots actually make us feel like we might sneak in a moment of relaxation too (fingers crossed!).

Places like the Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana let children under 12 stay free. Let’s be real—seeing our kids lose their minds over slime and character breakfasts? That’s good stuff.

With a package, you might also score extras like breakfast buffets and resort credits. Less time stressing about food, more time making memories.

Give us all the free pancakes and poolside naps to spend , please!

8) Travel + Leisure Family Vacations – Ideas for every kid age group

We know planning a family vacation can get wild—like herding cats but louder! Lucky for us, Travel + Leisure has our backs with ideas for every age group, from toddlers to teens and even those “I-want-to-do-my-own-thing” college kids.

There’s something for every vibe. Got a baby? Think beach naps and stroller-friendly boardwalks.

For the school-age kiddos, it’s all about adventures, museums, and maybe sneaking in an educational moment (we can’t help it). Teens? Good luck, right?

But Travel + Leisure dishes out cool spots even they’ll say yes to—without the epic eye roll. We love that these family vacation ideas actually work for the whole squad.

No more stressing about someone getting left out, or Granny complaining there’s “nothing to do.” Let’s be real, family trips aren’t always picture perfect.

With options for every location and age, Travel + Leisure helps us get a little closer to that vacation magic—at least for a few minutes before the next meltdown.

9) National Geographic Family Travel Journalists – Inspiring stories

Okay, let’s talk about the travel journal dream team—National Geographic Family Travel Journalists. These folks basically have our dream job, right?

They pack up their families and get paid to go on epic adventures around the world as a full time travel family . Where do we sign up?!

We love following their stories because, honestly, it makes us feel like we’re part of their crazy fun trips, even when we’re just cuddled up on the couch. From camping under the stars to wild road trips, they really show us that anything is possible (even if your kid is throwing a tantrum in Italy).

If you’re hunting for family-friendly travel inspiration, you’ll find these amazing journalists sharing helpful tips, honest moments, and real-life family chaos.

Want some kid-friendly travel ideas with the world in nature ? Check out the Bucket List Family’s tips on Instagram or look into National Geographic’s awesome expeditions for families.

10) Magical Cruises with Family Activities – Pools, clubs & all fun!

Okay, besties, let’s be real: sometimes we just want to relax while the child and kids actually have a blast, right? Cruises totally get that.

We’ve found ships with epic pools, splash zones, and water slides that keep everyone smiling (and, let’s be honest, give us a break in a lounge chair).

We’re obsessed with those endless activities—like clubs for every age level. From little kid hangouts to “cool tween” lounges, the options are so good our kids might not want to leave!

On some ships, there are cozy childcare clubs and even spaces tailored for the tiniest cruisers. If you want to talk about next-level family magic, Disney cruises are out here with action-packed clubs and wild deck parties.

Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Carnival keep up the fun too, with arts and crafts, games, and even dance-offs. It’s family time with a serious side of play.

We love finding a cruise where we can splash, chill, and let someone else handle dinner (and cleanup) like it was normal . Honestly, we’re here for the sun, the snacks, and those endless happy girls and kid smiles!

11) Grandparent Travel Collections – Multi-gen trips made easy

Okay, let’s be honest—planning a family trip with grandparents, teens, and little kids can feel like a circus. We totally get it.

Juggling everyone’s energy levels and interests? Wild! That’s where grandparent travel collections come in clutch.

These trips are specially set up to make life easier for multigenerational families. Think: activities for all ages, comfy spots to relax, and no one gets stuck babysitting while everyone else has fun.

It’s like a group hug, but with suitcases and snacks. Some travel groups, like those on Road Scholar, focus on building cool memories that include everyone—yup, even Grandpa’s corny jokes make the cut.

We’re talking learning experiences, unique adventures, and enough downtime for Nana to sneak in her afternoon nap. The best part? No one’s left behind and everyone gets a say.

No more “I’m bored” or “I’m tired”—just family magic, and surely minus the drama of life . So, next family escape, let’s make it multigenerational and stress-free!

12) Instagram’s Traveling Family Celebs – Real life inspo & hacks

We all have those days when our suitcase explodes in the hotel hallway, and we just want to crawl under the covers. That’s when we scroll Instagram and see families actually thriving on trips—with clean shirts, no visible meltdowns, and epic family group hugs on the beach.

Seriously, we love following fellow parents who make travel look both gorgeous and real. People like Kate Team share family travel tips, dream destinations, and honest moments that feel like our own.

It’s not all sandy sunsets—sometimes it’s lost shoes, squeaky strollers, and snack negotiations. Another favorite is Bri + Liz from Our Traveling Tots.

They post packing tips, hotel hacks, and basically all the stuff we wish we knew before flying with toddlers. Their feed is like a giant pep talk cheering us on when travel gets wild.

What makes these travel fams special? They’re real, a little messy, and big on sharing hacks.

We pick up something new every scroll, and it makes us feel way less alone—and maybe even a little inspired.

13) All Inclusive Family Resorts – Eat, relax, repeat with zero stress

Let’s just admit it: we all dream of that vacation where absolutely everything is done for us. All inclusive family resorts totally bring that fantasy to life.

No one is fighting over where to eat or stressing about making dinner reservations. We get to roll out of bed, hit the breakfast buffet, and grab a latte while the kids run around like wild things.

The only thing we have to plan is when to reapply sunscreen—seriously, these family resorts know what parents really need. Every age group finds something.

Water slides for the little ones, game rooms for teens, and maybe even fancy spa time for us. And if there’s a kids-stay-free deal, it feels like winning the vacation lottery—places like the Moon Palace Jamaica offer perks that save us money too (check out these resorts).

We give a major high five to anyone else who grabs a nap during “kids club” time. It’s our holiday too, right?

14) Family Travel Coaching – Tips for travel with toddlers and teens

Alright, fellow parents, let’s talk about traveling with toddlers and teens. It’s not for the faint of heart, but hey, we’ve survived worse (potty training, anyone?).

First up, packing. We swear by packing light, but honestly, it never really works out that way.

Try to bring just the basics and use travel-sized stuff. Our toddlers need their lovey, our teens need their headphones, and honestly, we just need a moment of silence.

Schedules sound great, but trust us, planning only one or two things each day during the week is the sweet spot. Anything more and someone will end up crying—and it’s probably us.

For the littles, snacks keep everyone happy longer than you’d think. For teens, we get them to help plan; ownership equals less eye rolling.

We ask for their must-see spots and sometimes bribe them with ice cream when needed. It’s okay if things get messy—we’re making memories, even if half of them involve searching for the nearest bathroom.

15) Gear Up with Kid-Friendly Travel Essentials – Backpacks & snacks

Let’s be real, backpacks are our superhero capes when wrangling kids on trips. The right backpack lets us ditch those clunky suitcases and keep our hands free for emergency snack requests.

We once tried rolling a suitcase through an airport with a toddler hanging off each arm…never again. We always make sure our backpacks are roomy but still fit under airplane seats.

Side pockets for water bottles? Yes, please. Padded straps so our shoulders don’t quit halfway through the day? Absolutely essential.

We found some mom favorites from the best backpack for travel with kids that actually survived our family road trip and three snack explosions. Speaking of snacks, they’re non-negotiable.

We stash everything from fruit gummies to squeezable yogurt. Snacks are magic wands for tantrums.

We also load up with wet wipes because someone always gets sticky—usually all of us. Don’t forget a few fun surprises like stickers or tiny coloring books, so boredom doesn’t win.

Mastering Family Travel Dynamics

Family trips are a team sport, and yeah, sometimes everybody’s playing a different game. We’ve learned that a successful journey isn’t about things going perfectly—it’s about rolling with the wild, snack-stained punches and finding those magic moments in between off the beaten track .

Handling Kid Chaos in Transit

Alright, let’s talk travel days—the real test of our parenting powers. Planes, trains, road trips: every route comes with its own toddler tornado.

Our best move is always to expect chaos and show up ready. We pack easy-access essentials like wipes, tiny snacks (so many snacks), and favorite comfort items.

Pro tip: slip each kid their own little activity bag to cut down on fights. We also swear by flexible rules.

Want to watch three movies back-to-back on the flight? Go for it, kid.

Desperate times, desperate measures. When things get tense, we use humor or get everyone moving—walk the aisle or have a stretch at rest stops.

Sometimes all it takes to break up a meltdown is a silly face or snack they forgot you packed. Nobody has a perfectly chill family travel day every time.

Behind every Instagram “vacay vibes” pic is a suitcase full of Goldfish crackers and a parent silently counting to ten. We’re in this together.

Keeping Everyone Entertained—No Matter What

Entertaining the whole crew can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to be a circus act. We’re big on variety!

We pack a mix of travel games, books, coloring supplies, and playlists. If we’re driving, we rotate who controls the music or picks the next roadside stop—hello, world’s largest ball of twine.

We try to plan activities everyone can enjoy, but we’re also not scared to split up sometimes. One adult hits the playground with the little ones while another explores a museum with the big kids.

When in doubt, snacks double as activities. A scavenger hunt for new treats at rest areas can pass a surprising amount of time.

We do what works, even if it means making up a song about airport bathrooms or letting Grandpa lead a game of “I spy” for the tenth time. Family travel is wild—embrace the mess, celebrate the giggles, and don’t forget to share your own hilarious moments for future memory-lane laughs.

Want to hear about other families’ wild rides? Check out Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers podcast for some relatable stories!

Secrets to Stress-Free Packing

Packing for a family trip can feel like a total circus, but it doesn’t have to be chaos, as seen in the comments from other parent in our daily life . We’ve learned that a little planning, some clever tricks, and the right gear can save our sanity (and maybe keep the kids from wearing pajamas to dinner).

Must-Know Packing Hacks for Families

Let’s team up with packing cubes, folks! Honestly, these things are game-changers for keeping our stuff together.

Everyone gets their own color, including my two daughters so there’s no fighting over whose shirt is whose. I can’t tell you how many times this tiny hack has saved us from suitcase chaos and that frantic hunt for a missing sock.

We always keep a travel essentials bag on hand. Think wipes, chargers, headphones, travel pillow, and a mini first-aid kit—because, let’s face it, someone’s always going to need a Band-Aid.

When it comes to toiletries, travel-sized bottles really save space. Nobody wants to haul around giant bottles you barely use anyway.

I like to toss those tiny containers in a zip-lock to avoid messy spills. If you want even more ideas, check out these packing hacks that help parents stay organized.

Here’s our at-a-glance list for simple packing:

Must-Have	Reason We Love It
Packing cubes	No more lost T-shirts!
Travel toiletries	Lighter bags, less stress
Essentials pouch	Easy grab-and-go

We’re all about working smarter, not harder. Let’s make our bags work for us—not against us!