Family Travel Advice

Turbocharge your family vacation planning. Find tips for traveling with kids, saving money on vacations, and making the most of your family getaways.
Family Vacations
Our Family Vacations Expert
16 Subcategories in Family Travel Advice
81 Articles in: Family Travel Advice
Keep Your Cell Phone Bill Low on International Trips - Tooga/Getty Images
How to Avoid Massive Cell Phone Charges When You Travel Abroad
When you leave the country, your cell phone bill has the potential to skyrocket. Here's how to keep your data usage from exploding overseas.
Little boy sleeping in hotel bed - lina aidukaite/Getty Images
8 Ways to Sleep Better in a Hotel Room
Does someone in your family have trouble sleeping in a hotel room? Put some energy back into your vacation with these easy tips.
Family at Airport - Blend Images/Mark Edward Atkinson/Getty Images
Vacation Countdown: 17 Smart Things to Do Before Leaving Home
Going on vacation soon? Here's a step-by-step timetable on what to do in the days and weeks before you leave home.
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Trip-Planning Simplified: 7 Easy Steps to Cheaper Family Getaways
The secret to planning a family vacation on the cheap? Follow this no-brainer trip-planning system that really works.
smartphones using public wifi
11 Safety Dos and Don'ts When Using Public Wi-Fi
Too many of us are leaving ourselves open to identity theft when we use public wi-fi. Protect yourself with these smart tips.
Volunteer Opportunities on a Family Vacation - Pack for a Purpose
9 Easy Ways to Volunteer on a Family Vacation
Want to combine your family vacation with a volunteer experience? It easier than you think, thanks to companies that offer opportunities to give back.
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Essential Tips for Traveling During Hurricane Season
Concerned about the risk of a hurricane disrupting your trip? Here's a primer on hurricane season and what you can expect this year.
Family Vacation - Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury/Getty Images
The Best and Worst Hotel Rewards Programs
There's nothing like scoring a free hotel stay or a nice upgrade. Find out which hotel rewards programs are worthy of your loyalty.
Greatest Drive Road Trip App - SocialNav, Inc.
11 Indispensable Apps for Your Best Road Trip Ever
Planning a summer road trip? Downloading these helpful apps can make your vacation go from meh to marvelous with just a few swipes.
Boy playing with toy plane in airplane - Hero Images/Getty Images
Does My Child Need ID to Fly?
Does your child need some form of identification to board a plane? It depends. There are situations where ID is required and others where it is not.
What to Do When Your Smartphone Gets Wet - Peter Cade/Getty Images
Uh-Oh! Here's What to Do If Your Smartphone Gets Wet
Ack! If your smartphone gets wet or even submerged in water, taking these actions quickly could save the day.
Vacation Photographers - Demian Gibbs/Flytographer
Flytographer Connects Travelers and Local Pro Photographers
Looking for fabulous vacation photos? The hire-a-photographer service Flytographer is just the ticket to beautiful keepsake portraits.
VisitMexico_Oaxaca.jpg - Visit Mexico
6 Wonderful Places Where the Dollar Goes Further in 2016
The strong American economy has strengthened the dollar significantly against almost every other currency. Here's how to cash in with a great-value trip.
Southwest Airlines - Dennis Macdonald/Getty Images
Her Family Flies Nearly Free on Southwest Airlines and So Can Yours
Find out how a freelance travel writer and blogger manages to fly her family of four free or nearly free on Southwest Airlines.
Americans are Saving More for Travel - Colin Anderson/Getty Images
Survey Says: Americans Plan to Save More, Travel More in 2016
What are your family's financial goals this year? A recent AmEx survey says Americans aim to save more and also spend on a vacation this year.
Airline Checkin - Juice Images/Getty Images
The Best and Worst Airline Rewards Programs
There's nothing like scoring a free flight or a sweet upgrade. Find out which airline rewards programs are worthy of your loyalty.
Pinterest_Packing_PotHolders.jpg - pinned from huffingtonpost.com
135 Insanely Smart Travel Hacks Spotted on Pinterest
Planning your next family adventure? We mined Pinterest for the most fabulous travel hacks on the Internet.
Dad and son on waterslide
Kids Reveal What They Really, Really Want on Family Vacations
A recent survey from HomeAway and YouGov reveals what today's kids really want from a family vacation.
Hotel Resort Fees Cost Travelers
How to Avoid Hotel Resort Fees
The most hated of all travel fees, the resort fee can add between $15 and $75 per night to the cost of your stay. Here's how to avoid it.
Chicco C6 Lightweight Stroller - Travel Gear Babies Toddlers - Chicco
Essential Travel Gear for Babies and Toddlers
Does taking vacation with your little one feel like a military operation? It's time to streamline your load with gear that's portable and lightweight.
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How to Save Money for College Every Time You Go On Vacation
Upromise lets you book a vacation and save for college at the same time, through a rebate program that puts money back into your child's 529 account.
How Surge Pricing Works in the Travel Industry
What is Surge Pricing and How Does it Affect Your Vacation?
Why is everyone suddenly talking about surge pricing? Here's how this commonly used pricing model affects every vacation you book.
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How to Know if You Really Need Rental Car Insurance
Confused about whether you need to buy over-the-counter rental car coverage? This will help clear things up.
TylerPlace_Toddlers2.png - Tyler Place Family Resort
12 Fabulous Vacations with Babies and Toddlers
The best vacations for families with babies and toddlers offer support through flexible childcare, babysitting, and age-appropriate programming.
Amazon.com Outlet Covers - Amazon.com
7 Must-Have Items to Childproof Your Hotel Room or Vacation Rental
Want to babyproof your hotel room or vacation rental? These essential items go a long way to keep your little one safe when you're away from home.
lost wallet
6 Smart Moves to Prevent Identity Theft When You Travel
What's in your wallet? Too many of us are making it easy for identity thieves to do significant damage. Protect yourself with these smart tips.
Gary John Norman/Getty Images
Foolproof Tips for Wrinkle-Free Packing
Bye-bye, wrinkles. So long, rumples. Keep your whole family looking crisp and fresh on vacation with these simple packing tips.
Buying plane tickets - curiosity/Shutterstock
Exactly When to Book Flights to Get the Cheapest Price
When is the ideal time to book plane tickets? CheapAir.com crunched the stats on millions of flights and came up with a magic window of opportunity.
Mother and kids hiking in sunny forest - Imgorthand/Getty Images
6 Terrific Apps for Hiking with Kids
Integrating a short hike into your day is a great way to explore a destination. These apps help you find great walks no matter where you are.
Google Cardboard - Google
How Virtual Reality is Changing the Way We Travel
Ever want to try out a vacation before purchasing it? Now you can, thanks to advances in virtual reality that are making it affordable and accessible.
Battleship Game - Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Free Packing Lists For Family Vacations
These free packing lists and travel gear guides will save you time and keep you organized for your next family getaway.
Pinterest_Packing_PotHolders.jpg - pinned from huffingtonpost.com
19 Brilliant Packing Hacks Seen on Pinterest
These genius packing tips will change the way you get ready for a vacation. Pin away for better trips with kids.
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How to Get Your Picky Eater to Try New Foods on Vacation
Got a picky eater in your midst? Your next vacation can be a great time to encourage some positive changes.
Pinterest_AirTravelHacks_InflightMovie.jpg - pinned from macgyverisms.wonderhowto.com
12 Essential Air Travel Hacks Seen on Pinterest
These genius airport and plane hacks will change the way you fly. Pin away for better trips with kids.
CanadianUSFlags_FCC_JeffTurner.jpg - Jeff Turner/Flickr Creative Commons
Ask Suzanne: What Paperwork Do I Need to Bring My Child to Canada?
Solo parents traveling with kids to Canada need to get paperwork in order first. Here's what you need to know about required documentation.
Pinterest_Cruise_PowerCord.jpg - pinned from amazon.com
16 Clever Cruise Hacks Seen on Pinterest
These smart cruise hacks will change the way you set sail. Pin away for better nautical adventures with kids.
A car descends Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands north of San Francisco, California. - Jeff Diener/Getty Images
10 Easy Ways to Lower Rental Car Costs
Want to keep your rental car costs from getting out of control? Follow these tips and you won't pay more than you have to.
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7 Things to Disinfect When You Walk Into Your Hotel Room
Did you pack antibacterial wipes? Studies show that some items in your hotel room are germier than you may realize.
AirGrub App to Order a Meal at the Airport - AirGrub
Short on Time? These Apps Let You Pre-Order Food at the Airport
Need to grab a quick meal at the airport? Apps called AirGrub and Grab let you pre-order, pre-pay and then pick up your food and go.
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Smart Parent's Guide to Flying with Kids
Flying with young kids? Follow these tried-and-tested travel tips for a more stress-free family flight.
Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images
How to Get a Travel Refund When the Price Goes Down
Can I get a refund if my airfare, car rental or hotel rate goes down? Yup. These three indispensable travel sites have got your back.
Waze.png - Waze
15 Free Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Family Vacation
Taking a family vacation? Don't leave home without these essential free apps that can make your trip better.
PhotoFun_ForcedPerspective_Pisa.jpg - instantshift.com
12 Brilliant Photo Poses to Try on Your Next Vacation
Want to make your family vacation photos more fun? Try out some of these poses using forced perspective and other optical tricks.
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4 Ways Your Kid Could Get Your Family Kicked Off a Flight
Could your precious little darling get your family booted off a plane? While highly unlikely, here's how it could happen.
TransfercarUSA.jpg - Transfercar USA
How to Score a Free Rental Car for Your Next Family Road Trip
How does a free car rental sound? Transfercar connects savvy drivers with rental car companies that need to transfer vehicles from location A to B.
HotelTonight_RateDrop.jpg - HotelTonight
The Best Last-Minute Hotel Booking App Just Got Better
Need a last-minute hotel? Download the free HotelTonight app to find great hotel deals for the same night or up to a week in advance.
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Kids Missing School for Vacation? Turn to These Homework Helpers
Pulling your kids out of school for a family vacation? These online homework help sites and apps will keep learning on track.
DisneyCruise_Balcony.jpg - Suzanne Rowan Kelleher
Ask Suzanne: Can a Child Fall Overboard on a Cruise Ship?
Could a toddler fall overboard on a cruise? Not to worry, says the family vacations expert at About.com.
Family Vacation Humor from The Onion - The Onion
The Very Best Family Vacation Humor from The Onion
Nobody takes family vacations less seriously than the news satire site The Onion, whose farcical articles always leave us laughing.
IowaGroceryIndustryAssn_SaladBar.jpg - Iowa Grocery Industry Association
Eat Here, Not There: Alternatives to Fast Food on a Family Vacation
Looking for inexpensive alternatives to fast food? When your family is on the go, put these options on your go-to list.
MudpuppyMagneticSets.jpg - Mudpuppy
10 Must-Have Travel Toys and Games for Family Road Trips
Planning a family road trip? Each of these 10 child-centric toys and games can occupy kids for hours and save your sanity.
Sick on Vacation? This App Provides Doctor Visits via Video Chat
For minor medical issues away from home, Dr. Phil's Doctor on Demand app provides an affordable way to see a doctor.
Ask Suzanne: How Can My Family Sit Together on the Plane?
Airlines do not automatically seat children next to parents on a plane. Here's how to make sure your family sits together during the flight.
Family Reunion Planning Guide

Planning a family reunion is far less daunting when you delegate tasks and take advantage of the many smart (and free) resources available. Here are some helpful tips.
Required Documents for International Travel with Kids

Taking kids to an international destination? In general, each adult in your party will need a passport and minor children will need either passports or original birth certificates. Documentation becomes more complicated when one parent or guardian is traveling alone with a minor. Here's what you need to know.
Travel Toolbox: The Honk App Calls for Help on the Highway
Need roadside help on the highway? A free app called Honk can call a tow truck or garage quickly and affordably.
When it Makes Sense to Buy Insurance from the Rental Car Agency
Sometimes the smart money is on the rental agency's insurance coverage. Here are seven times when it makes sense to just say yes.
Product Guide: Travel Gear We Love for Family Vacations
Looking for travel gear and supplies for your family vacation? Check out this gallery of tried-and-tested products we love.
Product Guide: Travel Gear We Love for Family Vacations
Looking for travel gear and supplies for your family vacation? Check out this gallery of tried-and-tested products we love.
Ask Suzanne: Why Is It Cheaper to Buy One Plane Ticket at a Time?
Why is it cheaper to buy one airline ticket at a time? Here's an explanation from the family vacations expert at About.com.
Know Your Passenger Rights If Your Flight is Cancelled or Delayed
Has your flight been delayed or cancelled? Know where you stand with Airfarewatchdog's online guide to passenger rights.
Expert Tips for Safer Air Travel with Young Kids
How can chiild restraints make babies and toddlers safer during flights? We asked child passenger safety expert Allana Pinkerton for her advice.
Expert Tips for Travel Insurance
Do you need travel insurance for your family vacation? We asked Phil Hsia, AIG's Regional Head of Americas, for his best advice.
How to Plan a Vacation with Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Trying to plan a family vacation with a food-sensitive kid? We asked Kim Koeller, food allergy expert and author for her best advice.
Travel Toolbox: Hurricane App from the American Red Cross
Planning a trip to a hurricane-proned destination between June and November? Before you go, download the Hurricane app from the American Red Cross.
How to Get an American Passport

American citizens need a passport to travel to most international destinations. Since 2009, a US passport or US passport card is even necessary to travel to and from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. American citizens do not need a passport to travel to US territories such as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam.
How to Keep Your Phone and Devices Charged on Vacation
It's your all-in-one navigator, camera, and problem solver. Here's how to keep your smartphone powered up on vacation.
Travel Toolbox: Leaf Peepr App Tracks Peak Foliage
Planning a road trip to view fall foliage? Get the lowdown on where to find peak color with the Leaf Peepr app from Yankee magazine.
Travel Toolbox: The Glympse App Keeps Track of Your Family on Vacation
If your family splits up at a theme park or resort, a free app called Glympse lets you keep tabs on each other.
Travel Toolbox: First Aid App from the American Red Cross
Are you prepared for on-the-go emergencies? Before you leave on a family vacation, download the First Aid app from the American Red Cross.
Expert Tips for Choosing Rewards Programs for Travel
Which are the best rewards programs for family vacations? We asked Zach Honig, About.com's miles and points expert, for his best advice.
5 Fab New Year's Travel Resolutiions to Keep in 2015

With 2014 in its final hours, now is the perfect time to reflect on ways to make next year's family vacations better than ever. Start 2015 off right with these travel resolutions designed to keep your family healthier, wealthier, and wiser.
Smart Parent's Guide to Holiday Travel with Kids
Planning a family getaway this holiday season? Follow these tried-and-tested tips to make sure your trip is affordable and stress-free.
Where to Find Free (and Cheap) Audiobooks for Family Car Trips
Free and affordable audiobooks open up entertainment options on family car trips. Use these services to find great audiobooks for kids.
Travel Toolbox: Tripping is the Kayak of Vacation Rentals
Hunting for the perfect vacation rental? Tripping is to vacation rentals what Kayak is to airfares -- an aggregator site that can save you time and money.
5 Travel Truths from Clark Griswold
In celebration of Father's Day, here are 5 key travel truths from Clark Griswold.
Stay Safe on Summer Vacation : Drowing Prevention and Water Safety Tips
Don't slack on water safety while on vacation. Be safe with these drowning prevention tips from the US Swim School Association (USSSA).
Where to Find Restaurant Weeks this Summer
Here's where to find restaurant weeks during summer 2014. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at a discount, offering families a great way to find value.
The Rise of the Kid Influencer in Family Vacation Planning
Do your kids influence where your family vacations? A new survey finds that families are increasingly letting kids call at least some of the shots.
Resorts with Butler Service
Butler service has gone from a fad to an expected amenity at luxury resorts and cruise lines. Here's what to expect and what to tip.
The Best Travel Rewards Programs for Freebies & Perks
No time to figure out which airline and hotel rewards programs are the best? U.S. News & World Report did the work and came up with these top picks.
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