Planning Summer Travel Tips for Moms

Let’s make the most of summer vacation! From finding the right destination to packing and preparing for your trip, there are a lot of things to remember during your summer travel planning. I’m sharing my favorite tips and my own checklist process to make your summer travel planning a breeze!

Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links I may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Whether it’s a beach vacation, a road trip, or a camping adventure, there are plenty of options to choose from for summer fun. Start by researching different destinations and activities that appeal to the whole family. You may also want to consider factors such as budget, travel time, and accommodations to ensure a stress-free vacation.

These are some of my favorite travel planning tips and tricks. From packing light to staying organized on-the-go, there are many ways to ensure a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Let’s create unforgettable memories with our families this summer!

Choosing the Right Destination

Choosing the right destination is the first step in planning your summer vacation. Consider your family’s interests and preferences when selecting a destination. If your family loves the beach, consider a beach vacation. If your family loves nature, consider a national park you haven’t traveled to yet. If your family loves theme parks, it may be time for a trip to a popular theme park!

Schedule the best fit vacation to allow your family time to relax, recharge, and connect!

Setting a Budget

Setting a budget is an important part of planning your summer vacation. Determine how much you can afford to spend on your vacation and stick to your budget. Consider the cost of transportation, lodging, food, and activities when setting your budget.

Creating a Travel Itinerary

Creating a travel itinerary is essential to making the most of your summer vacation. Research your destination and create a schedule that includes all the activities you want to do and places you want to visit. Use a map to plan your route and make sure you have enough time to see everything on your itinerary

Accommodations and Transportation

Booking Flights and Hotels

When planning summer travel, booking flights and hotels is a crucial step. Start by researching direct flights to your destination and comparing prices across different airlines. It’s also important to consider the time of day and day of the week when booking flights, as prices can vary significantly.

When it comes to hotels, look for accommodations that are family-friendly and offer amenities such as a pool or complimentary breakfast to help save time in the mornings. Or resorts that have food and activities onsite to save time driving to locations.

Considering Alternative Lodging Options

You could also consider alternative lodging options such as AirBnB, and VRBO. These options often provide more space and amenities than traditional hotel rooms, making them a great choice for families.

We also love staying in a cabin when we are visiting locations like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, as it puts you closer to nature and creates an entire vibe for the vacation!

Planning Road Trips and Public Transportation

For families planning a road trip, it’s important to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition and equipped with essentials such as a first aid kit, snacks, and water. Plan your route ahead of time and consider stops for rest and sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a unique twist to your summer vacation, consider a day trip on the train. Many areas offer themed outings that can be a memorable experience. We recently took a day train from Duluth, MN to do some sight seeing and it was a great time!

Packing and Preparing for the Trip

Here are some quick outfit ideas for your next summer trip!

Essential Packing List

When it comes to packing for a summer trip, it’s important to make a list of all the essentials. This will help ensure that you don’t forget anything important. Here are some of our favorite travel essential items all in one post!

I’ve also rounded up some of the best budget suitcases on Amazon, if you’re needing new suitcases to travel with!

Some essential items to include on your packing list might include:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Travel documents (passport, tickets, etc.)
• Cash and credit cards
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
• Lightweight clothing
• Comfortable shoes

Travel Gear for Kids

Traveling with kids can be challenging, but having the right gear can make all the difference. Some essential travel gear for kids might include:

• Car seats or booster seats
• Strollers
• Baby carriers
• Portable cribs or playpens
• Travel toys and games
• Snacks and drinks

Beach Favorites

Heading to the beach? Grab these essential beach items from Amazon.

• Beach Chair
• Sand Umbrella
• Cooler Backpack
• Pool Locker
• Beach accessory bag
• Beach Tote

We’ve also found some great swimwear on there as well!

On-the-Go Tips for a Smooth Vacation

Managing Entertainment and Downtime

When traveling with kids, it’s important to have a plan for downtime and entertainment. Bring books, games, and other activities to keep them occupied during long car rides or flights. Consider downloading movies or TV shows onto a tablet or laptop for easy viewing.

If you’re visiting a new city, research family-friendly attractions and activities ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your time and ensure that everyone has a good time.

Capturing Memories

Vacations are a great opportunity to capture memories that will last a lifetime. In addition to taking photos and videos of your adventures, there are other fun ways you can keep those memories too.

Consider creating a travel journal or scrapbook to document your trip. This can be a fun project for kids to work on during downtime and will provide a lasting keepsake of your vacation.

Or if your kids are old enough to capture their own photos, consider getting a Fujifilm Instax camera, to snap photos to share their summer story.

There are lots of ways to keep your memories to look back on and get ideas for your future travel adventures too!

Making the Most of Your Summer Travel

Summer travel is a great opportunity to explore new places and create unforgettable experiences with your family. To make the most of your summer travel, consider exploring unique activities, incorporating educational experiences, and enjoying local cuisine and culture.

Adding in Educational Experiences

Summer travel can also be an opportunity for kids to learn and explore new things. Consider incorporating educational experiences into your itinerary, such as visiting museums or historical sites.

We love visiting science museums that have hands on activities, and local hot spots like zoos and botanical gardens for some outdoor fun!

Enjoying Local Cuisine and Culture

One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing local cuisine and culture. When planning your summer trip, be sure to try local foods and explore the local culture.

Take time to visit local landmarks and museums that you haven’t had a chance to explore. See what areas in the city may offer a splash pad or water activity to try.

By exploring unique activities, incorporating educational experiences, and enjoying local cuisine and culture, make the most of summer travel and create unforgettable memories with your family.

Summer Travel Ready

So let’s get out there and plan some magical moments with our family! Visit these other great guides for more information to maximize your summer fun!

• Visit Chicago Itinerary
• Visit Huntsville Itinerary
• Visit Nashville Itinerary

** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.