Five essential travel tips to make family trips exciting

It seems slightly strange to clean your home before a big trip. But the last thing you want to come home to after a fun family vacation is a messy home. That can just undo all that stress relief. So leave some time between packing to do some prep around your home. Take out the trash, start the dishwasher and launder some towels and bedding. You should also secure your home before you leave. Double check that all windows are closed, doors locked and the garage is shut. For added peace of mind, think about installing a quality security camera with motion detection, night vision and weather resistance.

Planning for a successful family trip definitely takes a grownup touch. But depending on the age of your children, you can let them help with planning, too. By making your children feel more involved, they will be more interested and invested in your travels. Let them pick a restaurant, choose a fun attraction or help you map out your driving for a day. If you have teenagers, you can even allow them to plan an entire day of activities that you can enjoy as a family.

When you travel early with your children, you get the unique opportunity to open their minds to the world around them. By venturing to new cities, states and even countries, you are exposing your family to so many rich and varied cultures. Take some time to immerse yourself in the area. Eat at regional restaurants or visit local markets. You can even plan some trips specifically for cultural value.

If you have not travelled with your kids before, children (and adults) can get cranky on long car and plane rides. Take it from parents who have been there: tablets and smartphones can be your best friends when travelling with children. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon make it easier than ever to entertain your kids for hours at a time. Pick up some comfy, kid-friendly headphones to make the journey easier for everyone. Hunger can also affect your family’s mood, so prevent being hangry by including some healthy snacks in your bag. You can stash veggies and fruits in a cooler or opt for TSA-approved options when travelling by plane.

When you travel with your kids, you are giving them the gift of the world. Plan some trips with your children, let them explore the world around them and be sure to set your family up to make memories everyone will cherish for the rest of their lives.