Family trip organization is elusive to some people – particularly if, like me, you are an ADHDer and organisation comes quite hard to you… 😂 With the kids maybe a little over-excited and parents getting stressed, keeping things in line is a must when going on holiday. So, how can you make it easier? From creating an itinerary to keeping the kids happy, here are some family trip organization hacks that might help save a little bit of your sanity when you are away.
This is a collaborative post.

Establish a base of operations
To survive as a parent when traveling with kids, you need to establish a base. Your main base will be the accommodation where you stay. However, you also need a reliable base when venturing out. For example, you can’t go sprawling all your stuff out in a major city. But a service like Radical Storage in Los Angeles is ideal for packing your luggage so you can travel light and store or take what you need. Additionally, your valuables will be kept safe and secure, too.
Family trip organization with an itinerary
According to some surveys, 61% of parents get stressed when traveling with their kids. Frankly, we are a little confused that this number is so low – we are almost always stressed when we are travelling with the kids…
To try and alleviate this, we have used an itinerary in the past, and even have a few on the site to help you to get started, alongside some travel coloring pages to keep kids busy and entertained. An itinerary is a plan of sorts. It helps you map out what you will be doing and when. This ensures you are organized for the day or week ahead:
- Break up each day’s plan by morning, afternoon, and evening activities.
- Plan to visit eateries and resting spots close to the day’s adventures.
- Plan based on attraction availability and opening hours to avoid disappointment. We also need to factor in how busy places are too; because the kids don’t like too much noise as it can be overwhelming sometimes.
A daily plan will help you when out and about, especially when it comes to eating and planning the day’s activities. But be aware that you may have to change your plans dynamically.
Research local transport

Getting around is a major factor when traveling. You can use the car, but it isn’t the best idea in some places. For example, using your vehicle in London will probably cost more than your trip 😉 It can be easier to use public transport. Local transport is pretty reliable, and you can save a lot of money – the tube network in London is reasonably prices once you get the hang of it. Most transport services offer generous discounts for family passes and all-day tickets. Just research the best routes before you leave, or it might not end well.
Have a family meeting
Traveling with your family is everyone’s holiday. A family meeting each morning is a great way to discuss the itinerary and make some dynamic changes. The kids will probably change their minds on a daily basis, so asking them what they would like to do during the meeting is a good idea. However, it also means you can then organize for the day ahead. Ask for everyone’s input and make decisions based on consensus, with a little democratic vote by all family members if you can.
Family meetings can be a bit much for some kids though, and a little too formalised, so if they prefer just a quiet chat over dinner without that formality, that works too.
Packing for family trip organization
Packing is a strange thing. Some people love it, and others hate it. And suitcases seem to shrink over time! But don’t worry; there are a few things you can try to avoid any packing woes.
Make a comprehensive packing list
Make a road trip checklist and include clothing for various activities, such as bathing suits. But also includes phone chargers, travel documents, and, of course, any medication you need.
Categorize with packing cubes
Packing cubes are an excellent idea if you want to stay organized. They allow you to maximize luggage space and keep categories separate, also making it easier to find what you need.
Designate family member packing space
Each family member will need access to their things. So there should be specific spaces in suitcases and packing cubes for everyone.
Collaborate with digital tools

Today, we live in a connected world, for better or worse. One of the coolest things about devices such as smartphones is that you can access information in an instant. This means you can keep the children secure with tracking apps. However, you can also use family collaboration tools such as FamilyWall. These act like workplace collaboration apps and allow you to share reminders, calendar events, and even each user’s location. Great for giving a teen a kickstart – and because the teens are so used to tech, they might not even mind using these tools….
Make backup plans
No family trip is without its ups and downs. There are many variables that can get in the way of something, such as a theme park being closed for bad weather. These can be disappointing, but you can relieve some of the stress with backup plans. A backup activity that each family member agrees on can make a massive difference. For instance, the theme park might be closed. But an indoor activity like a trip to a museum is an excellent, fun-packed alternative.
Family trip organization with happy kids
Keeping the kids happy is harder than some people think. Even on vacation, they can get bored and act up. One survey found that 85% of parents stated that their kids get bored when on holiday. However, there are some simple hacks you can try to ensure they stay entertained:
- Bring their favorite distractions, such as books, toys, and video games – or just check out our printables and download some of them before you go,
- Ask the children to create a travel journal or scrapbook about their adventures.
- Ensure you plan for rest and downtime between activities and at accommodation.

Simple distractions can be enough to keep little minds from being devious! However, the kids can make memories with practical activities, which can also be enough to wear them out.
Family member responsibility
Children love to be involved in things so they don’t feel left out. It also brings them closer to the experience. As parents you have responsibilities. But that doesn’t mean you have to take them all. For example, if they are old enough to understand, the kids can be responsible for carrying their own backpacks or getting themselves ready each morning. You can also make them feel more grown up and part of it all by assigning a special task such as choosing the day’s food.
We do hope you like this article, and the tips within it, if you want more travel tips, we have got loads for families onsite:
Travel coloring pages for kids: What cities mean
City focused travel colouring pages for the kids to have a go at in the back of the car.
Free printable kids iSpy game for the car
Another iSpy game for the came - but with a little bit of a twist. Check it out.
5 family travel ideas you won't have thought of
Ideas for travel for your next family holiday - that you might not have actually thought of doing before.
We also like thee from other sites relevant to family travel too:
Travelling with kids tips from around the web
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Thanks for coming to see us,
Helen
