Family trips are full of adventure, laughter, and unforgettable memories… but let’s be honest, they’re also full of unexpected chaos if you’re not careful. Whether it’s your first vacation with kids or your tenth, some mistakes keep popping up.
As a traveling dad myself, I’ve been there. So here are the top 5 mistakes I’ve seen (and made!), with tips to make your next trip smoother.
❌ 1. Overpacking the schedule
Common mistake: trying to fit too many activities into one day. Three museums, a city tour, and a fancy dinner? Sounds great—until the kids are crying, you’re exhausted, and nobody’s having fun.
My tip: Build in “do-nothing” time. Parks, naps, chill moments with a book or cartoons. It’s a vacation, not a marathon.
❌ 2. Underestimating travel time
Classic trap: thinking a 3-hour train or car ride is no big deal. With kids? It totally is.
My tip: Turn every trip into a mini-adventure. Pack snacks, activity books, sticker games, and download a couple of podcasts or audiobooks. Always plan bathroom breaks and—this is key—deal with diaper changes or drinks before boarding.
❌ 3. Choosing the wrong accommodation
Sneaky mistake: booking a cool-looking hotel… with no crib, no lift, and loud music at night.
My tip: Go for kid-friendly first. Check for high chairs, baby beds, kitchen access, and reviews from other families. Sometimes a vacation rental or B&B will suit you much better than a fancy hotel.
❌ 4. Forgetting a critical item
Ouch: arriving without the favorite stuffed animal, the right formula, or enough diapers—and spending your first day searching for a pharmacy.
My tip: Use a travel checklist. I keep one at home and tweak it for every trip. Always pack a “first aid” day bag with spare clothes, wipes, snacks, and essentials—especially in your hand luggage or car.
❌ 5. Putting too much pressure on yourself
Emotional mistake: trying to make every second “perfect.” As parents, we want to give our kids amazing memories… but sometimes, life just happens.
My tip: Let go of the pressure. If you miss a tour because of a nap or a meltdown, it’s OK. The best memories are often the unexpected ones—ice cream after a tantrum, giggles in the rain, or silly little moments that turn into lifelong stories.
✈️ In short:
- Leave space for rest
- Plan kid-friendly journeys
- Choose the right place to sleep
- Check your packing list
- And most of all… enjoy the ride, mess and all
👉 Got funny stories or epic fails from your own family trips? Share them in the comments or tag us on Instagram: @familytravelleisureambassador
✅ Bonus: Free Family Travel Checklist
Planning a trip with kids? Don’t forget these essentials! Here’s a simple, parent-approved checklist to help you stay stress-free.
👜 Emergency Bag (keep within reach)
- Wipes
- Diapers / Spare underwear
- Spare clothes
- Healthy snacks (purees, bars, biscuits)
- Water bottle
- Basic medicine (fever, tummy ache)
- Health booklet / Insurance card
🎒 Entertainment for the Trip
- Picture or story books
- Magnetic games / Small toys
- Headphones + Tablet/Phone with cartoons
- Audiobooks or kids’ podcasts
- Coloring books and crayons
🛏️ For the Accommodation
- Favorite cuddly toy or blanket
- Comfortable pajamas
- Travel crib (if not provided)
- Baby monitor (if needed)
- Nightlight or soft headlamp
📑 Documents & Bookings
- ID documents
- Accommodation & transport bookings
- Travel insurance
- Pediatrician contact info
- European Health Insurance Card (if traveling in the EU)
🎁 Want this checklist in a printable format?
👉 Download the PDF version
