Smart Family Travel Tips for Meaningful Adventures

Visiting a winery in Mendoza, Argentina

Travel has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent years hopping between countries, planning complex itineraries, and learning how to get the most out of every trip; whether it was a quick city break or a months-long adventure.

But becoming a parent has changed how I travel.

These days, my trips involve packing cubes full of snacks, Googling stroller-friendly restaurants, and rethinking what makes a “successful” day on the road. While many of the travel principles I’ve leaned on for years still apply, I’m in the process of adapting them to suit a slower, more thoughtful, family-oriented pace of travel.

Here are some of the tried-and-true tips I still rely on, and how I’m learning to adjust them for this new season of life.

1. Stop Over-Searching

Once upon a time, I’d spend hours tracking flight prices. But now I’ve learned that searching too much can actually cause prices to rise, thanks to demand-based algorithms. These days, I search with purpose: using incognito mode, clearing cookies, and limiting how often I check routes, especially for high-traffic destinations.

2. Book Early (Even Earlier With Kids!)

Booking in advance has always been a solid strategy, but now with a family, it’s become essential. Getting direct flights, adjoining rooms, or family-friendly accommodations is so much easier when you plan ahead—especially during school holidays or long weekends when everything books up fast.

3. The Non-Refundable Gamble

Pre-kids, I didn’t think twice about non-refundable bookings. But family life can be unpredictable. While non-refundable rates can save money, I’ve become more selective about when I take that risk. If it’s a short trip we’re committed to, I might go for it. But for bigger travel plans, I build in a bit more flexibility.

4. Book Direct for Better Service

One of my long-standing travel rules still applies: when possible, book directly through the hotel or airline. Not only do you sometimes get a better rate or perks (hello, free breakfast), but customer service is often more responsive if you need to make changes, which is especially important when traveling with children.

5. Reimagining Transport

I’ve traveled across Asia on $10 buses and spontaneous car shares, but those options don’t always fit with a baby or toddler in tow. That said, I’m still exploring alternate transport for family trips—like overnight trains with sleeper cabins, or private car hires for regional trips. The concept is the same: get creative with how you get from A to B.

6. Travel Off-Peak If You Can

I used to chase off-season travel for the better deals and smaller crowds. Now I’m discovering how much easier it can be for families too. Off-peak trips usually mean quieter airports, more space at restaurants, and a slower pace that suits little ones perfectly. If you have flexibility (especially with a baby not yet in school) off-season travel is where it’s at.

7. Look Beyond the Usual Booking Sites

I’ve always loved going down the rabbit hole to find local accommodations, small hotels, or regional chains that don’t show up on the big sites. Now, I’m also searching for places with practical features: kitchenettes, laundry, walkability, and family-friendly extras like high chairs or play spaces.

8. Facebook Groups and Reddit Are Family Gold

These platforms were always part of my travel research, but now I use them differently. Family-focused Facebook groups and Reddit threads offer real, up-to-date info from parents on the ground: everything from stroller accessibility and baby gear rentals to which restaurants won’t mind a bit of chaos at dinner.

9. Considering Longer Stays or Temporary Moves

I’ve done extended stays before, but now I’m seeing how this model really works for families. Staying in one place longer means less unpacking and repacking, more routine for the kids, and a chance to settle in and really experience a destination. It’s slower but often deeper.

10. Appreciating the Value of a Travel Agent

Before becoming a parent, I could plan a 6-country itinerary in my sleep. Now? I can’t even finish a cup of coffee uninterrupted. For complex trips, I appreciate the value of a good travel agent, especially when it comes to sorting logistics, navigating travel insurance, and finding appropriate stays or experiences.

11. Always, Always Ask

This rule has served me well for years, and it’s even more useful now: just ask. Ask the hotel for a crib or early check-in. Ask the airline about extra baggage allowance. Ask locals where they take their kids for a treat. When you ask with kindness, people are often more helpful than you’d expect.

Wine O’clock in Mendoza, Argentina

Travel is one of the greatest privileges and joys in my life, especially now that I get to experience it through the eyes of my child. And while I’m still figuring things out, these tips have helped me travel more intentionally and create more meaningful experiences along the way.