How to Make Your Family Vacation Comfortable

When planning your next family trip, you want to make sure that it’s one filled with enjoyable and memorable experiences. It’s easy to fill your itinerary with hotspots, parties and tours—in your rush to make each day as fun as possible, be sure not to forget the basics.

Exciting as your trip may be, your family may find it difficult to enjoy without cold-weather gear or on an empty stomach. After you have your days planned, it’s time to start packing for your trip. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re whole family enjoys it.

Protect Your Feet

Spending all that time on your feet can take its toll if you’re not wearing the right footwear. When deciding which shoes to pack, be sure to take into account the climate along with what you plan on doing when you arrive.

If you plan on hiking through some rough terrain, you will want to bring some durable hiking boots. For a winter vacation, winter boots will keep your toes toasty whether you’re hitting the slopes, or just hiking up to a cabin. For normal, flat walking terrain in warmer climates, a good pair of walking shoes or sneakers is your best option.

To keep your family happily on their feet all day, look into footwear with orthopedic support. The shoes should be designed to reduce the pressure your feet experience so you can stick to the trails longer. If you already have the perfect pair of shoes, you can always pick up inserts make them more comfortable.

Dress Appropriately

If you are traveling in a colder climate, be sure to pack some extra layers. Not only will this keep you warmer than simply picking up a bulky jacket, but they’re much easier to pack. These can always be removed if you get too hot. For a jacket, find something light and breathable, particularly if you plan on walking around a lot during the day.

Be sure to bundle up your kids with hats, scarves and gloves. It’s a good idea to pack extra socks just in case your feet get wet. If you’re hitting the slopes, be sure to bring a pair of polarized lenses to help you deal with the glare.

For the warmer temperatures, be ready for anything. Pack swimsuits, shorts, and lightweight clothing. If you are going to be spending time in air-conditioned buildings, you may want to pack an extra sweater.

Don’t Forget Snacks

Dining out two or three times a day for the entire family can be quite expensive. One way to save a little cash and keep those tummies topped off is to pack some snacks for your travels.

Trail mix is a great option here, as it is easy to carry, delicious, nutritious, and filling. Some other snacking options include granola bars, crackers, carrot sticks, apples, bananas, grapes and other fruits. Don’t forget to bring water! Staying hydrated is essential. Collapsible water bottles are a great way to carry your water with you while using minimum space.

Pack Wisely

If you’re bringing along some extra socks, snacks, and scarves, you’ll need to find somewhere to carry it. To keep your hands free, backpacks are strongly recommended. A tote or handbag will mean putting added pressure on your shoulders or arms, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to enjoy yourself. Be sure that the straps of your bag are padded to prevent pain in the shoulders.

Look for a backpack that has multiple compartments to help keep your items organized. Many packs even have insulated compartments to keep your snacks and drinks cool for an extended period of time.

Enjoy Your Trip

If you’re planning to spend a few hours in the car getting to your destination, it’s a good idea to bring along some music, or even an audiobook to keep your kids occupied. Now that your bag is packed, itinerary set and playlist locked in, the last thing you have to do is figure out how to get everyone into your vehicle. Good luck.

Taking a trip with your family is a great way to build memories that your children will keep with them for the rest of their lives. From winter treks into the mountains to a lazy weekend at the beach, you’ve earned this time with your loved ones.