Family Travel Together, Breathe Together
How to find rest, joy, and presence—even when your calendar says “try again next year” If your family calendar reads more like a to-do list than a passport stamp collection, you’re not alone. The hustle is real—from deadlines and diaper bags to sports schedules and side hustles. But even in the chaos, travel isn’t off the table—it just needs to look a little different.
The Microcation Mindset
You don’t have to fly across the world to escape. Sometimes the reset comes from a one-night stay at a cozy inn or a slow morning in the next town over. Quick getaways that require minimal prep and maximum intention can shift the family mood from frazzled to fulfilled.
Saying Yes to Joy
Designating one unstructured day during your time away can breathe life into the whole trip. Let the kids guide the schedule, or do nothing at all. Spontaneity often holds the real magic—pajama mornings, impromptu dance parties, or ice cream before dinner.
Planning for Breathing Room
Vacations shouldn’t feel like another full-time job. Instead of packing the itinerary, build in space for naps, laughter, and those sweet in-between moments. The goal isn’t to “do it all”—it’s to feel something real.
Sometimes if you’re not able to do multiple vacations as a family a year people tend to over do. Don’t do that. Make things easy on yourself and avoid breakdowns and more.
Making Ease the Default
From grocery delivery to curated travel kits, lean into tools that support your bandwidth. It’s okay to accept help—even from an app or service that
Family travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off the map—it’s about creating soulful memories without sacrificing your peace. Whether you’re road-tripping or jet-setting, these tips will help you navigate the adventure with less stress and more presence. Also consider everyone in your family when you decide what type of vacation. For instance I love the heat but everyone else in my family doesn’t. So finding something that can be done outside but has cooling off points is imperative.
Plan Ahead—but Leave Room for Magic
Having an itinerary is helpful, but letting go of rigid plans creates space for delight.
Mindful Ritual: Start your mornings with an intention-setting stretch, journaling, or an affirmation circle. For parents that are able get up a few minutes before wake up time or make a plan at night for how the next or same day will look. If something the day before was an epic fail, it’s okay just don’t repeat it.
Family travel Pack Light with Love
Leave the “just in case” overpacking behind. Choose items that bring comfort, ease, and function. However if you have a baby some repeat items like onesies and more are key items to pack more. I packed a few extra outfits that could be interchanged. This made for more room in my suitcase.
Self-Care Staples:
- Aromatherapy rollers
- Calm music playlists
- Favorite cozy scarf for transitions
Prioritize Comfort Over Aesthetics
Stylish discomfort is a no-go on long days out. Comfort equals energy for making memories.
Family Reset Tip: Wrap up each day with warm showers, PJs, and a 5-minute DIY massage exchange. Add in time for everyone to tell you what they liked and what they didn’t like. This keeps the lines of communication open.
Choose Stays That Recharge You-family travel
Opt for lodging that matches your rhythm—kitchenettes, reading nooks, outdoor space, and laundry access can be game-changers. For our family we elect for kitchenettes to make things like breakfast. However that’s the only meal I plan to make. For me a vacation is one that I’m not meal planning. I cook daily and a vacation with cooking isn’t for me. Also this is also why I work hard to make sure we can eat and enjoy the vacation the way we choose.
In-Room Self-Care: Create a chill zone with a blanket, books, and wind-down music.
Make Everyone Part of the Journey
Let each family member contribute to the itinerary—it fosters connection and excitement. For instance we allowed each kid to tell us the key rides they wanted to go on when we went to Disney. They were able to tell us the goals they wanted. Although we booked the hotel and airline before we did this, they were able to build out the itinerary.
Wellness Activity: Try a sunset walk, café journaling hour, or unplugged museum time.
Capture, Then Be Present
Photos are wonderful—but living the moment matters more. Set times for capturing, then tuck the tech away. As a content creator, I was heavy on capturing the moments. However I snap and put the phone away. I too want to create memories. Also rule of thumb is make sure I’m in the pictures too.
Looking for travel Inspiration:
- Summer Travel and Taking it Easy
- The Ultimate Atlantic City Getaway: Showboat Casino’s Island Waterpark, Lucky Arcade & ACE Dining
- Disney Adventures: The Before you Go Edition
Gratitude Circle: End each day with “roses and thorns”—one highlight, one challenge, shared by all.
So family travel is high on the menu this summer but make it for everyone to be expressive and have some fun! Happy family travels!
