✈️ Top 10 Family Travel Hacks for Stress-Free Vacations

Family travel doesn’t have to mean chaos — you can let the kids bring the chaos and you can use this handy list as your trick for a smoother travel experience!

Here are my top ten tried-and-true hacks for making luxury family travel seamless, fun, and stress-free.

1. Book Flights Strategically

Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, and kids are usually fresher earlier in the day. the early flights can feel torturous with that basically middle of the night alarm clock but often our kids will doze during the flight when we wake up super early!

Bonus: you land with more time to explore.

2. Always Pack a “First-Day Bag”

Flight delays happen. Keep swimsuits, pajamas, and a change of clothes in your carry-on so you’re covered if luggage lags behind.

We had our first experience this summer of our bag never arriving… and of course, i didn’t follow this rule. we had to spend so much time on our trip shopping - which sounds glamorous and exciting until it’s happening to you.

3. Make Hotels Work for You

Choose suites or connecting rooms — not just for space, but for sanity. If it’s in the cards to spend a little more for more space - always do it.

also, if you’re traveling on an overnight flight and arriving early to your destination, let us book your hotel for the night you’re traveling. you’ll arrive and be able to immediately check into your room to freshen up or cat nap!

Many luxury properties also offer perks like daily breakfast or resort credits when booked through a preferred partner (that’s me!) — don’t leave this great value on the table!

4. Download & Go

Offline maps, translation apps, and entertainment for kids are lifesavers. Pre-download before you fly so you’re not scrambling on weak Wi-Fi.

We always have a few shows, podcasts and audiobooks on hand for the kids.

5. Embrace the Kids’ Club

High-end resorts have incredible kids’ programming. Don’t skip it — your kids make friends, and you sneak in a spa treatment or cocktail in peace.

Most do start around age 5 - if you have younger kids, reach out to us and we’ll guide you to the best options with clubs or babysitters for the youngest travelers.

6. Snacks Save the Day

Pack a mix of healthy bites and fun treats. Hunger meltdowns are 100% avoidable.

7. Prep the Kids for the Adventure

Talk through the trip ahead of time — plane rides, hotel stays, even museums. When kids know what to expect, transitions are smoother. we love sharing a fun youtube video with the kids about our destination!

8. Prioritize Sleep

Book flights that work with nap times when possible, and don’t overschedule. A well-rested child = a happier family.

9. Think Experiences, Not Just Sights

Cooking classes, boat rides, treasure hunts at museums — kids remember activities where they got to do, not just see.

we work with some incredible travel partners that can offer the best experiences for kids - we’d love to share more with you, reach out today.

10. Pre-Order Baby Gear to Your Hotel

Skip hauling cribs, car seats, or baby gear. Many luxury hotels (and even airport transfer companies) can provide gear on arrival.

11. Request Early Housekeeping

Ask for your room to be serviced in the morning while you’re out — that way nap times and downtime in the afternoon are never disrupted.

12. Book Private Airport Transfers with Car Seats

Regular taxis rarely have them. Your advisor (👋) can pre-arrange cars with properly installed seats so you avoid the stress at baggage claim.

13. Use Breakfast as Your Anchor Meal

When daily breakfast is included (a perk I provide at many hotels), eat a big, leisurely morning meal. Then you can keep lunch flexible — great with kids who get hungry at odd times.

14. Turn Layovers Into Mini Adventures

At hubs like Frankfurt, Zurich, or Singapore, families can use airport play zones, nap pods, or even quick city tours instead of sitting at the gate.

15. Time Zone Trick

Book a hotel with a pool or outdoor space on arrival day. A swim in the sun is the fastest way to reset kids’ body clocks.

16. Make Dinner Reservations Before You Travel

Families rarely want to wander around tired and hungry. For high-demand destinations (like Italy or Hawaii), having kid-friendly yet elevated restaurants reserved makes evenings much smoother.

17. Build in a “Yes Day”

Give each child one vacation day where they pick the activity — from a gelato crawl to choosing the pool over sightseeing. It gives them ownership and cuts down on complaints the rest of the trip.

18. Book Through a Travel Advisor

Beyond the perks (room upgrades, VIP treatment, credits), a travel advisor takes the stress out of logistics so you can focus on memories.

✨ Bern Voyage Bonus Tip:
Always build in downtime. Even the most magical destinations are better when you give kids (and parents!) space to recharge.