(RW) Modern Advisors

Ahh, summer! It’s the season of sunshine, no kids in school, paid time off, endless ice cream cones and the occasional meltdown in the middle of a crowded rest stop or airport. But have no fear, parents! Whether you’re trying to negotiate with a moody teenager or wrangling a newborn or toddler, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to make your family trips more bearable. (Because a vacation with children isn’t always a vacation, right?) But we’ll help you make the most of it.

Tiny travelers (ages: 0-2) 

Traveling with a baby may be on your “way in the distant future” or “heck no” list, but it’s absolutely doable. Here’s how: 

1. Pack like a pro. Throw a change of clothes for everyone in a plastic over-the-door shoe storage contraption. Clothes are separated and easy to see. When you arrive at your destination, just hang it over the door and pull out what you need. 

2. Embrace the baby carrier. Don’t leave home without it. No one wants the job of carrying that sweet cherub around all day. A carrier in a stroller will save your sanity. 

3. Choose baby-friendly destinations. Think beaches with calm waters or kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts that offer babysitting services. 

4. Rent locally. Does the baby need a crib or a Pack ‘n Play? How about a high chair? Use a service like BabyQuip to rent everything you need at your destination instead of lugging everything along. 

Pro tip: If you’re flying somewhere, book flights during naptime. A sleeping baby is happy, and so are you (not to mention your fellow passengers). 

Terrible—er, terrific toddlers (ages: 3-5) 

Oh, the age of “why” and “me do” have arrived. Here’s how to channel that toddler energy: 

1. Opt for interactive destinations. Think children’s museums, petting zoos, splash pads or hands-on science centers. 

2. Bring entertainment. Pack a special travel bag filled with new small toys and activities to keep them busy during travel or slow times. 

3. Stop often. If you’re road-tripping this summer, plan multiple stops along the way to let the kids out to run wild (within reason, of course). 

Remember: Snacks are your secret weapon. Keep plenty of healthy, mess-free and tasty options on hand. 

School-age kiddos (ages 6-12) 

Some may consider this age range the “golden age of family travel.” The kids are old enough to create memories but young enough to still want to be around their parents. 

1. Check out national parks. Consider them your playground for hiking, camping and stargazing. But stay away from restricted areas and wildlife...and be sure to leave no trace. 

2. Consider educational trips. Depending on what your children learned in school the past year, plan a trip to see a historical site in person (if feasible, of course). This will help bring their textbooks to life and offer some pretty cool context. 

3. Let them help plan. Involve your children in choosing an activity or restaurant. It helps build excitement and teaches them decision-making skills. 

Bonus idea: Start a family travel journal (written and/or video). It’s a wonderful way to preserve memories for years to come. And don’t forget to take lots of pictures to build a memory album, whether digital or printed. 

Tenacious teens (ages 13-18 years) 

Traveling with teens can be…an adventure. Here are some tips to make it work: 

1. Compromise is key. Make sure to include activities they enjoy along with the things you and your partner want. It’s a trip for the whole family, after all. 

2. Give them space. Many teenagers want their privacy, so consider booking adjoining rooms or a vacation home for more space. 

3. Embrace technology. Let them be your official road-trip bloggers, vloggers or photographers. Don’t be afraid to join them in a TikTok dance, either. 

4. Consider volunteer vacations. Giving back is a great way to bond and make a difference in your community. 

Pro tip: Talk beforehand about phone-free times to ensure you get quality and distraction-free family time. 

Universal tips for all ages (yes, including you) 

1. Flexibility is your friend. No matter how hard you plan, things will go wrong. Laugh it off and make it part of the adventure. The first to yell “plot twist” gets an ice cream treat! 

2. Slow down. Don’t overdo it on the planning. Be sure to include plenty of downtime and time for spontaneity. 

3. Capture the moments. Time goes by so quickly. Take lots of photos and videos, but remember to also put the phone or camera away at times so you can all live in the moment. 

4. Create traditions. Consider collecting a souvenir from each trip that you can display at home, like a postcard, magnet or a Christmas ornament. 

Remember that it’s a journey 

Summer adventures can be go-go-go and traveling with kids can be challenging, but don’t forget that some of the best memories come from unexpected moments or even minor disasters. Years from now, you’ll look back on these trips and have fun stories to tell. So, laugh at the travel hiccups and tantrums, and take time to cherish the tender moments. Happy travels!