{Guest Post} Quick Family Travel Tips

I'm so excited to have Kendra Thornton on the blog today talking about traveling with kids. It's still Summer which means vacation time. Kendra has some very helpful tips & advice.

Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Quick Family Travel Tips

Are you a mom trying to plan a summer vacation for your family? Do you want to travel without the stress and anxiety of typical trip planning? If you are ready to experience a summer trip that is hassle-free and enjoyable, then follow this guide to quick family travel tips to learn more about how to plan the most effective way.

Tip #1: For a hassle-free trip, pack your clothing and other essential vacation items in a backpack or large tote instead of heavy luggage that is cumbersome. The less clunky your carry-on luggage the better. You can select lightweight bags that double as purses and diaper bags as well. Consider a beach tote as your carry-on for example. Pare down the number of items you are packing for lightweight travel.

Tip #2: Start your trip off right by picking a hassle-free destination for your next family vacation. There are many hotels and resorts that consider themselves “family-friendly,” and you can find these places by doing a little research. Look for hotels that have pools, activities, or day camps for children, and playrooms. In addition, ask if the hotel room has a fridge for storing bottles, snacks and bottled water. Some hotel restaurants will offer a reduced-price children’s menu, and some hotels offer efficiency rooms so that you can cook some meals in your room. I used Gogobot to sift through this great list of Orlando hotels and found a fabulous free continental breakfast for my family on our trip to Disney!

Tip #3: Always be prepared with a backup charger. If you can, select a universal one that can charge your computer, phone, and other electronics. This way, you only have to pack one charger that everyone can use. Of course, if you’ll be conducting business or traveling with teens while on vacation, you’ll likely need more than one power source. Always been sure to check the voltage conversions as well when traveling internationally so you don’t fry your favorite electronics!

Tip #4: Pack a Blanket

Whether you’re jetting across the ocean or driving across the country, traveling requires layers.  It's always good to have a soft blanket on hand for you and your little ones. A compact travel blanket will allow you to stuff it into your baggage or toss it into the backseat of the car. Miamica makes an adorable pink option with a pocket for your feet and a zipper for eyeglasses or iPods.  This blanket is cute and designed to attach to a carry-on for easy transport.

Tip #5: Make Time for Yourself

You also want to have a great vacation. Don't be afraid to have your partner watch the baby while you make time for yourself in the hotel spa or gym. If your hotel has a kid’s club or craft hour, use this time to have a romantic dinner on site with your spouse. The best vacation is one where you can relax and enjoy yourself as well.  It is called a family vacation and you deserve some rest too!

Get ready for a vacation filled with excitement and peace by planning ahead for your family vacation using these quick and easy tips. All it takes is a little research and motivation to plan a trip that everyone in your family will enjoy!