20 Travel with Family Tips to Keep Everyone Sane & Smiling This Summer
Traveling with family members in their 20s brings a whole new dimension to vacation planning! These young adults are in that sweet spot between childhood dependence and full independence, making trips both exciting and challenging.
Finding destinations that balance everyone’s interests is key to creating memorable family experiences that strengthen family bonds without the eye-rolling or boredom that can come with mismatched vacation styles.
We’ve all been there – trying to plan that perfect family trip that keeps everyone from toddlers to grandparents happy, but traveling with 20-somethings deserves special consideration. They’re energetic, curious, and often seeking experiences that expose them to new cultures differ from what younger siblings or parents might enjoy.
Whether you’re planning a multi-generational beach vacation or looking for activities that teens and young adults will actually enjoy, we’ve got you covered with ideas that will keep everyone in your crew happy!
1) Pick family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs and splashy pools
Let’s be real, mamas – vacation with kiddos isn’t always a vacation for us unless there’s somewhere fun for them to go during their school breaks !
We’re obsessed with all-inclusive family resorts that offer supervised kids clubs where our little ones can make friends and stay entertained.
The absolute game-changer? Resorts with splash pools and water slides that will keep the kids busy for HOURS!
Trust us, there’s nothing better than sipping a fruity drink while your children burn off energy racing down waterslides.
Many resorts even offer places where kids can stay free! We’re all about that budget-friendly life that doesn’t sacrifice the fun factor. Parent win!
2) Plan nap times and chill breaks for the little ones
Let’s be real, folks – cranky, overtired kiddos can turn dream vacations into total nightmares! We’ve all been there, right?
When traveling with multiple children, it’s super important to cater to the child most affected by missed naps to ensure they get the rest they need . Our sanity depends on it!
Try creating a flexible schedule where younger kids can have a shorter “nap on the go” in a baby carrier. This lets everyone enjoy morning activities together!
For toddlers and babies, we love the strategy of 15 minutes of one-on-one time before naps to help them settle down. Game changer!
3) Pack snacks like trail mix and fruit leather—hangry kids are NOT fun
Let’s be real – nothing ruins a fun family trip faster than a car full of hungry, cranky kids! That’s why we always look for money saving tips to keep our snack game strong. We’ve all witnessed those meltdowns that seem to come out of nowhere, but actually stem from empty tummies.
Homemade trail mix is our absolute lifesaver! Mix some nuts, dried fruit, and yes, a few chocolate candies for that perfect sweet-salty combo that keeps everyone happy.
We’re also obsessed with fruit leather and string cheese as easy grab-and-go options. No mess, no fuss!
Making snacks with your kiddos before the trip can be super fun too! They’ll be more excited to eat what they helped prepare, and it builds anticipation for the adventure ahead.
4) Bring a travel stroller that folds up like a boss
Let’s be real – a good travel stroller can make or break your family adventure! We’ve learned this lesson the hard way, folks.
Look for strollers with one-hand fold capability that can be done in seconds. No more wrestling with complicated contraptions while your toddler makes a break for it!
The Bugaboo Butterfly is winning our hearts in 2025 with its unmatched convenience and style. It’s giving everything a travel stroller should!
We’re obsessed with ultra-compact designs that are airplane-friendly. Trust us, you’ll feel like a travel goddess breezing through the airport with that stroller neatly folded under your arm!
5) Download offline maps and shows for long rides
Let’s be real – keeping everyone entertained on long family trips is a MUST for our sanity!
We always download offline maps from Google Maps before hitting the road. Just search “ok maps” or use the offline maps feature to save your route!
Apps like MAPS.ME and Sygic are also amazing for offline navigation when cell service gets spotty during our holiday travels .
Don’t forget to load up those tablets with downloaded shows and movies too! Nothing calms backseat chaos like a few episodes of their favorite show.
Trust us – your future self will thank you when you’re driving through that middle-of-nowhere dead zone!
6) Get matching comfy tees for the fam Insta moments
Let’s be real – nothing says “we’re making memories together” like matching family vacation shirts! These tees aren’t just cute; they’re practical conversation starters.
We’ve totally been that “Matching T-Shirt Family” and proudly own it! The kids pretend to be embarrassed, but secretly they love being part of the squad.
Look for breathable, soft fabric that’ll keep everyone comfy while exploring.
Bonus points for personalized designs with funny “Most Likely To” labels for each family member!
These shirts create instant memories and make your vacation photos pop on the ‘gram. #NoRegrets #FamilyGoals
7) Use packing cubes to keep chaos in check
Ladies, let’s talk about our secret weapon for family travel – packing cubes!
We’ve all been there, digging through a messy suitcase while the kids whine about needing their favorite shirt RIGHT NOW.
These magical little organizers can help you fit an entire week’s worth of clothes for multiple family members in one space. No more clothing explosions!
We love how packing cubes keep clothes organized and actually help reduce bulging suitcases.
You can even assign different colored cubes to each family member – genius, right?
They’re basically a mom’s best friend when packing for family travel, letting you compact everything into neat little bundles.
8) Scavenger hunts during travel to keep kiddos entertained
Let’s be real – traveling with kids can get chaotic fast! One of our favorite sanity-savers is the trusty scavenger hunt.
We’re obsessed with how these simple games can transform a boring car ride into an adventure!
You can grab ready-made scavenger hunt games that include pictures and words, making them perfect for kids of all ages. Some even come with 20 different games and 500 items to find! How amazing is that?
For a DIY approach, try a color scavenger hunt where kids spot items matching different color squares. This is a great example of keeping them engaged during travel! So simple yet so effective!
Road trip scavenger hunts are our absolute lifesavers for long drives. The kids stay engaged, and we get to enjoy some peaceful moments. Win-win!
9) Choose accommodations with kitchens to save on meals
Let’s be real – feeding the whole family three times a day on vacation can drain your budget faster than our children empty a snack bag!
We’ve discovered that booking hotels with kitchenettes is a total game-changer for family travel. Having a fridge, microwave, and stovetop means quick breakfasts before adventures and easy dinners after long days.
Many hotels offer fully equipped kitchens with everything you need! We love hitting up local grocery stores for snacks and simple meal ingredients.
Even if you eat dinners out, making your own breakfasts and packing lunches can save serious money on your family vacation!
10) Set up a group chat for extended family trip updates
When planning a family adventure, we’ve found that keeping everyone in the loop is super important! Creating a dedicated group chat is a game-changer for extended family trips.
We love using apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger where everyone can share their excitement before the trip even begins. It’s so much easier than trying to communicate with everyone individually about preferences and plans!
This chat becomes the perfect place to share quick updates, cute photos, and meeting spots when you’re traveling together. Plus, it’s a fun way to keep friends and family updated during your adventures without having to send the same message twenty times!
11) Try a family photo session at your destination
Let’s be real – we’re usually the ones behind the camera on family trips, which means we rarely appear in our own vacation memories!
Hiring a photographer during your family vacation can capture those precious moments with everyone included. No more awkward selfies or asking strangers to take blurry photos!
We love that vacation photo sessions feel more relaxed and joyful than formal studio shoots. The kids are having fun, the scenery is gorgeous, and everyone’s in a good mood!
Research photographers at your destination before your trip. Many tourist spots have pros who know the best locations and lighting. Even just a quick 30-minute session can give you frame-worthy keepsakes that’ll make you smile for years!
12) Let teens have at least one ‘free’ day to do their own thing
Teens crave independence, and nothing says “we trust you” like giving them space to explore on their own during family vacations, which is an important part of their life . We’ve found that letting teens have freedom actually helps them mature and learn!
Set some ground rules, of course. Maybe they need to check in every few hours or stay within certain areas. But giving them this independence works wonders for everyone’s mood!
They might want to spend their own money at shops you’d find boring, sleep in while you sightsee, or just hang by the pool with their phone. And honestly? That’s totally fine!
This breather helps prevent those classic teen vacation meltdowns we’ve all witnessed. Trust us, your relationship will thank you!
13) Bring a first aid kit stocked with all the essentials (hello, bandaids!)
Oops and ouchies are just part of family travel, so we never leave home without a trusty first aid kit!
Whether it’s scraped knees from exploring or unexpected fevers, being prepared can save the day.
BAND-AID® first aid kits are perfect for travel and come with bandages, antibiotic ointments, and gauze pads for those inevitable mishaps.
For the super space-conscious travelers among us, there are even wallet-sized first aid kits that can slip into any bag!
Don’t forget essentials like antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and antibiotic ointment. And moms, the PreparaKit was designed by a mom and nurse specifically for families with little ones!
14) Book direct flights when possible to cut down travel time
Let’s be real about flights with kids – fewer transitions means fewer chances for meltdowns! We’ve all been there, trying to sprint through an airport with a cranky toddler and all your carry-ons.
Direct flights might cost a bit more, but we think they’re totally worth the splurge. No connecting flights means less stress and more relaxation for everyone in the family!
When booking flights with kids, direct options minimize travel time and reduce the chance of delays during the journey that can turn your sweet angels into tiny terrors.
We always look for those non-stop options first. Our sanity is worth those extra dollars!
15) Carry travel journals for kids to doodle and document
Let’s be real – keeping kiddos entertained during travel can be a challenge! Travel journals are our absolute favorite solution that’s both fun and meaningful.
These interactive journals for kids give little ones a special place to draw, write, and stick mementos from your adventures together.
We love how they keep tiny hands busy during downtime while creating the sweetest keepsakes. Your future selves will thank you when you’re flipping through those adorable doodles and memories years later!
Look for journals with fun prompts or blank pages – both work brilliantly for encouraging creativity. Throw in some colored pencils and stickers, and you’ve got instant entertainment that doubles as a precious family treasure.
16) Create a playlist of everyone’s favorite jams for road trips
Road trips with family are perfect for belting out tunes! We’ve learned that creating a playlist that includes everyone’s favorites makes the journey so much more fun.
Ask each family member to pick 5-10 songs they absolutely love. This way, everyone feels included in the music selection process!
Don’t just think about your own musical tastes. Consider what your friends and family might enjoy too. That teen in the backseat might surprise you with some cool recommendations!
Try creating themed sections like “Songs About Roads” or “Tunes About Cars” to make it more exciting. Vehicle-themed music adds a perfect touch to your highway adventure!
17) Find local spots with playgrounds or open spaces for wiggle time
Let’s be real—kids need to burn off energy when traveling!
We always try to locate parks for kids wherever we’re visiting because a little playground time works magic on cranky travelers.
Many cities have amazing family-friendly playgrounds that are totally free and perfect for letting the littles go wild for an hour.
We call this essential “wiggle time” in our family!
Don’t forget about checking local resources like Macaroni KID that list family activities and parks in many areas, which is something many families find useful .
Their guides are lifesavers when we’re desperate for a place to let our kids run around!
18) Use travel apps designed for families, like Tripadvisor’s kid-friendly filter
We’re all about making family travel easier, and the right apps can be total game-changers!
Tripadvisor’s kid-friendly filter is our go-to for finding attractions and restaurants that won’t have our little ones melting down.
Another lifesaver is the Family Locator app which shares everyone’s real-time location.
No more panic when your teenager wanders off in that crowded museum!
For finding hidden gems, we’re obsessed with GoWhee, which shows kid-friendly attractions near your current location.
Just open the app and boom – instant fun options appear!
Planning before you go? Try apps for travel organization that help with everything from packing lists to itineraries!
19) Talk about trip plans with everyone—yes, even the little bossy ones
We all know that one person who wants to take charge of every vacation detail! Whether it’s a bossy friend who takes the planning lead or that one family member who needs to control everything.
But here’s the truth, ladies—everyone deserves input!
When we include the whole fam in planning, even those control freaks, the trip becomes more fun for everyone.
Have you noticed how some moms end up doing all the vacation planning with zero thanks? Ugh, so unfair!
Instead, let’s get everyone involved in choosing activities.
Even the kids need a voice! Let them pick one activity each.
This way, nobody feels left out, and even our bossy family members feel heard. Win-win!
20) Bring a portable charger to keep devices alive (parent survival mode!)
Let’s be real – our kids’ devices dying mid-trip can trigger meltdowns of epic proportions!
A portable charger with built-in cables is seriously a parent’s best friend.
We’ve all been there – stuck on a delayed flight or long car ride when the iPad battery hits 10%. The horror!
Many travelers consider power banks absolutely essential since outlets can be hard to find.
Some chargers are even waterproof and shockproof, perfect for our chaotic family adventures!
Trust us, this little gadget will save your sanity when you need those precious minutes of screen time peace.
Making Memories: Why Traveling With Family Is The Real Adventure
Family travel isn’t just about visiting new places or trying new food – it’s about creating lasting memories together that we’ll cherish forever ! Travel builds bonds and helps us escape the everyday routine, giving us stories we’ll laugh about for years to come.
Bonding With Your People
Let’s face it – at home we’re all busy with our own things. The kids have activities, we have work, and sometimes we barely see each other!
But when we travel, magic happens. We’re suddenly present and connected.
Those long car rides? They’re perfect for silly games and deep conversations we never seem to have time for at home.
Remember how your teen actually talked to you for hours on that beach last summer? Or how your little one’s face lit up seeing their first waterfall?
These shared experiences strengthen our family identity in ways nothing else can.
Travel isn’t just fun – it’s an investment in our relationships!
The inside jokes and memories we create become our family’s special language that connects us for years.
Embracing Imperfection On The Road
Girl, let’s be real – family travel is NOT Instagram-perfect! And that’s actually the best part, as it fosters a deeper connection among family members .
Remember when it rained our entire beach day and we ended up playing board games in that tiny hotel room? Or when the rental car broke down and we met that amazing local family who helped us?
These unplanned moments often become our favorite memories!
Family vacations break us away from the mundane and open our minds to new experiences – even when things go sideways.
We’ve learned that a positive attitude turns mishaps into adventures. That time we got totally lost and discovered the world’s best ice cream shop? Pure magic!
The messy, unscripted moments teach our kids (and us!) flexibility, problem-solving, and finding joy in the unexpected. That’s real life, and that’s where the good stuff happens! ✨
Real Talk: Navigating Travel Challenges Together
Family travel brings amazing memories, but let’s be honest – it’s not always Instagram-perfect; full disclosure, it can be quite the adventure!
We’ve been there with the meltdowns, the schedule changes, and those moments when you wonder why you didn’t just stay home!
Handling Meltdowns (Grown-Ups Included!)
When the kids lose it in the middle of a museum, remember you’re not alone! Travel challenges happen to every family.
We’ve found that packing small comfort items from home can prevent many meltdowns before they start, and this is great advice for any family trip .
Create a “break code” with your family. When someone says “pineapple” (or whatever word you choose), it means they need five minutes of quiet time. No questions asked!
And let’s be real – sometimes it’s us parents who need the timeout!
We’re not above admitting when we need a breather. There’s no shame in stepping away to regroup.
Pro tip: Pack snacks. LOTS of snacks. Hunger is often the hidden villain behind many travel meltdowns!
Flexibility Is Your Secret Superpower
The family who traveled to 100 countries didn’t do it without some serious flexibility muscles!
When flights get delayed or attractions are closed, we’ve learned to pivot with “Plan B adventures.”
Instead of rigid itineraries, we now plan one main activity per day and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
This has actually led to some of our favorite travel memories!
Weather not cooperating? Turn it into a game!
Our kids still talk about our “rainy day café crawl” in Paris where we rated hot chocolates at different shops.
Remember that kids often find joy in the simplest experiences.
That puddle-jumping detour might become more memorable than the fancy museum you had planned!
