Top Summer Travel Tips Every Family Should Know

Family getaways are always an exciting thing to look forward to. Whether it’s a weekend road trip, a cross-country flight, or a relaxing week at the beach, they’re all about having fun, unplugging from the daily grind and creating some wonderful memories.

The last thing you’ll want to concern yourself with is all the somewhat stressful bits in between. When you consider packing, keeping kids entertained, managing different schedules, and staying on top of safety, there's a lot to think about. The good news? A little planning goes a long way.

We’re sharing the best summer travel tips for families. Whether you’re still deciding on the best places to travel in summer with family or already halfway through planning, these tips will help make your next adventure your best one yet.

First, Decide What Kind of Trip You’re Going On

Before you dive head-first into the ins and outs of packing lists and what TV shows to download for the kids, it’s important to take a step back and think about the type of trip you’re planning.

Are you heading to a theme park? Is it a beach holiday? Will you be road-tripping? Knowing what kind of vacation you’re going on will help narrow down what to pack and what to leave behind.

Let’s break it down a little:

Planning a beach vacation? Pack the essentials like sunscreen, beach toys for the kids, and plenty of water (we’ll cover more about this later).
Taking a road trip? You’ll need games, snacks, scenic pit stops and probably, a lot of patience(!)
Flying somewhere new? Pack light, bring your travel docs along (including your family travel insurance plan documents), and make sure everything you need on the flight is in your carry-on luggage for easy access.
Traveling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents? Not necessarily a packing tip, but you’ll want to tailor your itinerary to match everyone’s energy levels and interests.

Beginning Tips for Planning Your Vacation

Once you’ve nailed down the kind of adventure you’re going on, it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts of planning. Again, a lot depends on what kind of vacation you’re setting off on, but the tips below should cater to all families, at this early stage of planning.

Research family summer trip ideas

It may seem obvious, but tailor your trip to what your family enjoys. If you aren’t typically the outdoorsy type you may want to skip an off-grid camping adventure. Ask yourself what your family enjoys doing together at home and see if you can expand from there. Are you into outdoor adventures? More cultural experiences? Or just want to relax by the beach all day? Whatever your preferences, there are tons of family summer trip ideas out there that fit all budgets and age groups.

And don’t just look at the big-name destinations, sometimes the smaller, less-crowded spots end up being the real highlights of your trip (plus, it’ll likely work out cheaper!)

Start early, book smart

Summer is peak travel season, especially for families.

Flights fill up fast, and popular resorts and parks can sell out months in advance. As soon as you know your travel dates, lock in accommodations and transportation (especially if you’re renting a car). Look for family-friendly travel insurance plans and consider traveling midweek for better rates and fewer crowds.

Build a flexible itinerary

You don’t need every minute planned, but having a general game plan helps. Schedule must-do activities early in the day (when kids are fresh), and always leave room for breaks or detours. Some of the best family memories come from unexpected stops or spontaneous moments.

Packing for your family vacation

The key to mastering packing for a family vacation is to keep things simple, organized, and tailored to your destination.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or a big city, your bags should reflect the activities, the climate, and the ages of your travelers.

Below are some general packing tips to keep in mind - what you pack will vary depending on where you’re going - so it might be useful to use the below as a starting point and then work the more specific items and packing considerations around it! Our packing checklist can help too, with remembering items you might need for specific types of trips.

First, some smart packing tips before we get into the essentials.

Smart packing tips

And don’t just look at the big-name destinations, sometimes the smaller, less-crowded spots end up being the real highlights of your trip (plus, it’ll likely work out cheaper!)

Use packing cubes to your advantage:

Packing cubes can help to maximize the space you have in your luggage, but it can also help you organize as well. You could have separate colored packing cubes for each person in your family or pack all your family’s outfits for a single day in one packing cube so every day you’re only pulling out one cube. Pack like items together to make them easier to fine when they’re needed – like swimsuits, sunglasses, hats or even hiking shoes.

Pack one change of clothing in your carry-on:

While it’s uncommon, baggage can occasionally get delayed or even go missing. So, having a set of clothes to change into while you are waiting for your luggage to be found is a lifesaver. And remember, if your luggage does get lost and you have a Travel Guard travel insurance plan, you could have coverage when it comes to repurchasing essentials for your trip.

Pack your travel insurance plan:

We may be partial to this tip, but the truth is, a travel insurance plan can help cover you for certain things that may go wrong while traveling. If you or your child gets hurt or becomes sick, travel medical expense coverage may help. If you need a new flight or hotel, our 24/7 emergency assistance coordinators can help arrange it for you. If your trip becomes interrupted or cancelled for a covered reason, we can help reimburse certain pre-paid, non-refundable expenses and more.

What to bring and leave behind on your family vacation

What to bring

Clothing essentials: Think layers, especially if you're traveling between climates. Pack a mix of comfy travel clothes, swimwear, light jackets, and at least one nicer outfit for special dinners or outings

Kid must-haves: Diapers, wipes, favorite toys or comfort items, travel-sized games, and books

Entertainment: Tablets with downloaded movies, headphones, coloring books, puzzle packs, and travel games are lifesavers during long flights or car rides.

Snacks and water bottles: Portable, mess-free snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, and crackers are a must. Refillable water bottles are essential for staying hydrated, especially when traveling to hot destinations

Toiletries and meds: Bring travel-size versions of the basics, plus any medications your family might need, including pain relievers, allergy medicines, motion sickness remedies, and basic first-aid items

Chargers and tech gear: Phone chargers, power banks, and a multi-plug adapter if you're traveling internationally

What to skip

Too many “just in case” outfits: Be realistic, most kids (and adults, let’s be honest) end up rotating through the same 2-3 outfits anyway

Bulky gear: If you’re flying, consider renting baby gear (like strollers or car seats) at your destination instead of lugging it through the airport

Oversized suitcases: Stick with carry-ons when you can. They’re easier to manage and less likely to get lost or delayed
Toys with tons of pieces: These usually end up scattered and lost in the first day or two. Keep it simple.

Think about activities for every age group

One of the biggest challenges in summer family travel is keeping everyone happy and engaged. From toddlers to teens to grandparents. The key is to plan a mix of activities that suit different ages, energy levels, and attention spans.

For young kids (Ages 2–8)

Look for destinations with interactive museums, splash pads, or easy nature trails
Beaches with calm waves and shaded areas are perfect for little ones, just make sure to bring something like a pop-up tent for shade and plenty of snacks
Think about doing some early morning outings and leave afternoons open for naps or downtime

For teens

Teens can sometimes be a little more difficult to plan for, but the below should set you off on the right foot!

National parks and scenic hikes are ideal for older kids who like a bit of adventure. Additionally, this is where our Adventure Sports Bundle might come in handy.
Hitting the local hot spots can be exciting if you include cool spots like food markets, street art tours or tech museums

If you’re brave enough, let teens help plan a day or pick an activity. Plus, they’re more likely to stay engaged if they help choose the fun!

For senior travelers

If you’re traveling with grandparents, aunts and uncles or anyone who may be considered ‘senior’ who have pre-existing medical conditions, there are some additional things to consider.

Cruises and all-inclusive resorts often rank among the best places to travel in the summer with family, especially when traveling with older relatives
Choose destinations with a mix of slow-paced and active options, think guided tours in the morning, beach or pool time in the afternoon - or maybe golf if that’s your thing!
Make sure your trip includes quiet spots to rest and has accessible transportation if needed

Keep in mind that the best summer trips usually include a little something for everyone. A happy mix of structure and spontaneity goes a long way in avoiding burnout - and meltdowns.

A few tips for family road trips

If you’re hitting the road with the family, you’ll want to break up the journey to keep things interesting (and keep the kids preoccupied, more importantly!).

Start with a flexible route that includes scenic stops, quirky roadside attractions, or fun parks where kids can stretch their legs. Mapping out kid-friendly rest areas ahead of time is one of the smartest tips for family summer road trips, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids who need frequent breaks.

Think about how to keep things entertaining, too. If you can, load up tablets with movies, pack headphones, bring along travel games, and don’t underestimate the power of a good audiobook or podcast the whole family can enjoy. If you’re crossing long distances, try to break up the trip with an overnight stay, as this helps minimize burnout and keeps the vibe relaxed. Or if you’re happy to fuel up on caffeine, consider loading everyone in the car extra early to let the kids sleep away a few hours of the drive.

Finally, don’t forget to double-check your rental car coverage before you go. Whether you’re renting a vehicle for the entire trip or just part of it, it’s good to know have coverage should you hit certain speedbumps (figuratively and literally).

Keeping your family safe while on vacation

It’s worth mentioning that no matter where your summer vacation takes you, safety should always come first.

Things like making sure kids know what to do if you get separated, keeping a close eye on valuables in crowded areas, and avoiding common travel scams should be high up on your priorities. And if you’re traveling somewhere hot, remember to take breaks in the shade, drink plenty of water, and plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.

Here’s a handy guide to use:

Keep a small first-aid kit in your day bag
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (especially after swimming)
Use ID tags or bracelets for younger kids
Avoid flashing valuables and use hotel safes
Always have a meeting spot in case someone gets lost
Pack snacks and water for every outing to avoid dehydration

And there we have it! Just a few simple steps can make a big difference when it comes to planning a vacation away with the family. If you’d like to discuss your travel insurance plan options with us, we’d be more than happy to help.

Contact our team now to speak to one of our friendly members of staff.

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