These 17 Common Mistakes Could Ruin Your Family Vacation Before It Even Starts

Family trips can be tiring, and you don’t need the added stress of bickering because one of you messed something up. If a vacation isn’t planned properly, it can leave everyone feeling annoyed and make it hard to have fun. To help avoid this, here are some common mistakes to watch out for when planning your family trip. With a little bit of planning ahead, you can make sure your vacation stays easy, smooth, and fun for everyone!

Not Setting a Budget

Let’s be honest; you may end up spending a lot on vacation if you don’t keep a check. Whether you wish to shop, sightsee, or try out exciting food, not having a budget will have you spending unnecessarily on useless things. Instead, set a budget for expenses, such as food, dining, etc, to make the most out of your vacation without burning a hole in your pocket.

Ignoring Reviews

We often ignore Yelp and Google Maps reviews because they might be exaggerated, but they’re a big clue about our destination. If the majority of the ratings of a place are less than 3 stars, it’s not worth your time and money. It’s better to book places with 4 or higher stars.

Overscheduling

Most families traveling somewhere new tend to overdo it with the activities; they’ll try to register for all possible tourist activities so they don’t miss out. But this only makes things more exhausting and complicated because you’re running from destination to destination with no chance of rest, and everything feels rushed, so you don’t enjoy anything.

Skipping Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may sound unnecessary, but it’s well worth the money. You can’t predict how things will go, and even the most detailed travel plan can go in all the wrong directions. Travel insurance ensures you’re able to get back on your feet in case of an emergency.

No First-Aid Box

Traveling with kids without any first-aid kits is an invitation to trouble. Kids tend to run amok everywhere, so you should have something handy to treat minor cuts and scrapes. However, a first aid kit also helps people with chronic illnesses, keeps you safe from unexpected weather changes, and is worth the space if you travel somewhere remote.

Overpacking

Bringing too much stuff can make traveling stressful. Dragging around heavy bags filled with stuff you don’t actually need just adds stress to your trip with kids. Instead, pack smart with versatile clothing and essentials, leaving room for those souvenirs you’ll want to bring home. Traveling light makes everything so much easier and more enjoyable.

Relying On Credit Cards

It’s pretty standard for parents to put everything on their credit cards, but you should also carry some cash and extra debit cards. Putting everything on your credit card is risky because not every store accepts cards. It’s also dangerous to rely on a credit card because you’ll be stuck with no money in a foreign place if it gets stolen or lost.

Not Copying Documents

Many families take original documents while traveling and lose them, which can cause trouble when going home. It’s best to copy every document you’re taking and keep a digitized version on your smartphone; this way, you’ll be prepared in case your documents get lost.

Ignoring Vaccinations

Many destinations have strict vaccination rules for a reason; ignoring them or being too lax about vaccinations can be life-threatening. When traveling, don’t forget to check your and your children’s vaccination records to ensure you’re up-to-date. It’s best to get all the recommended vaccinations, even if they seem unnecessary and even if you have to delay the trip for a bit.

Ignoring Time Zones

Booking in the wrong time zone is more common than you think. You might not believe it’s worth checking time zones when making hotel or dinner reservations, but the wrong booking can cause many problems for you and those receiving you at your destination. Make sure to adjust your watch and phone when arriving at the destination.

Overcrowding Hotel Room

We understand that booking a separate suite for every family member is impossible. Still, if you’re a big party, it’s best to at least check in with the hotel about extra mattresses and sleeping bags to ensure comfort. Overcrowding a hotel room can get you in trouble and unnecessarily dampen your family’s experience.

Packing Forbidden Items

While we’re always careful about the things we pack, some things we might think are allowed may be forbidden at our destination. It is best to check the laws and prohibited airport items for your destination to ensure you’re not accidentally packing a mundane item that might land you in hot waters.

Phone Roaming Charges

You’d be surprised how much a simple cell phone can rack up in bills because you’re in a different place. Many networks charge much more than the original price because of roaming; it’s best to check in with your service provider and buy a local SIM if that saves the cost.

Not Notifying Banks

Nobody thinks of informing their banks about traveling, but not keeping them in the loop can be troublesome. Your bank will block your card and stop all transactions based on suspicious activity; they won’t know it’s you, and you’ll get stuck in a foreign place with no idea why your cards aren’t working.

Not Keep Kids Entertained

If your kids get bored and cranky, the whole trip can quickly turn stressful. Pack plenty of different items such as games, books, and toys to keep them occupied during travel or downtime. Download movies or fun educational apps on tablets to keep them happy and engaged.

Not Considering Nap Schedules

It’s impossible to follow your kids’ routine and schedule to a T when traveling, but at least consider their nap schedules. Little ones who miss their sleep can become incredibly cranky and difficult to deal with while traveling, which means you might disrupt other passengers. Try to let your kids nap between wait times and flights so they won’t be a nuisance for other travelers.

Forgetting Chargers And Adapters

Forgetting chargers and adapters can be a real hassle when traveling with kids, leaving you with dead devices when you need them most. Make sure you pack all the chargers you need for your phones, cameras, and other gadgets. A power bank can also come in handy for keeping everything charged on the go.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.