As a busy parent, you need a vacation — like, yesterday. Of course, family travel comes with far more complications than simply hitting the road solo. You need a kid-friendly destination, the right clothing and supplies (for everyone!), and a pantry's worth of your family's favorite snacks. And don't forget about the entertainment options to keep everyone occupied during the journey. 

It's a lot to juggle, but it'll be worth it. With careful planning, you can enjoy a memorable family vacation that will leave you feeling recharged instead of frazzled. In this handy guide, we highlight great places for family vacations across the United States. We also share some of our top tips for planning and packing for your trip and the best bags to stay organized (and sane) throughout it all.

How to plan your family vacation (with as little stress as possible)

Everyone wants to give their family the perfect vacation, but it's not always easy to turn your dream trip into a reality. You need to think about dozens of details, from where to go to what to pack. 

These smart strategies will help you plan a fun and low-stress experience: 

• Set a budget for your vacation. Consider the cost of accommodations, transportation, meals, activities, and souvenirs. Determining how much you want to spend on these expenses will help you choose destinations that fit your financial goals. That way, you won't spend the whole trip nervously eyeing your bank account. 
• Pick a timeframe for your trip. Some families prefer longer vacations to explore their destinations to the fullest. Others enjoy the flexibility of quick weekend excursions, which don't require as much packing and planning.
• Look for destinations that match your family’s interests. Love to hike and teach the kids about wildlife? A mountain vacation will let your family get in touch with their wild sides. Are your kids fascinated by museums and zoos? Look for a city with plenty of cultural attractions to explore. 
• Plan a general itinerary. Create a list of must-see and would-be-nice-to-see attractions to help prioritize your days. You should also leave plenty of time for spontaneous activities and much needed relaxation. 
• Let go of your expectations. You don't need a picture-perfect family vacation to create lasting memories. Laugh off minor setbacks like getting lost or the strange decor in your vacation rental, and focus on spending meaningful time together. 

Life-saving travel tips for families 

Let's face it: Traveling with kids can be stressful. You might worry that your children will get bored during long journeys or have a meltdown in the TSA line. Follow these simple tips to set your family up for success and save yourself from potential headaches: 

• Build a travel kit. Pack our water-resistant Double Diaper Tote or Diaper Backpack with coloring books, headphones, games, stickers, yummy snacks, and other lightweight travel essentials. Designed for traveling parents, the tote and backpack include dedicated baby and caregiver compartments to help you stay organized and keep your kids occupied during long car rides or flights. 
• Consider traveling at night. Some parents prefer to travel after dark to increase their kids' chances of sleeping through the trip. However, this strategy could backfire if your children are too excited to sleep or if you're too tired the next day to do anything fun. If you try this option, bring cozy clothes and pillows to help your kids relax — and enjoy blissful quiet if your plan works. 
• Save your best entertainment options for last. You may feel tempted to break out the tablet or game console immediately, but it's better to hold off. Start with low-tech options like coloring books and puzzles when your kids are excited and fresh. You can switch to high-value entertainment to keep them engaged if they get antsy or frustrated later in the journey. 
• Take frequent breaks. Give yourself plenty of time to rest throughout your trip. Sometimes, a 10-minute snack break is all it takes for everyone to feel refreshed and in a better mood (parents included). If you're on a longer trip, sprinkle in a few days where you can rest, do laundry, and reset. 

Pack like a pro for your family vacation 

Packing is one of the most important parts of planning a family vacation. Well-packed luggage will contain everything you need to enjoy your vacation and care for your kids. That way, you can spend more time relaxing and less time wondering if you remembered to pack the sunscreen. 

Your most organized adventure yet

Packing for a family doesn't have to feel so daunting with these simple packing strategies: 

• Use luggage organizers. Keep your luggage tidy with The Insider Packing Cubes and The Large Tech Case. These accessories will help you find what you need quickly and prevent items from vanishing in the abyss of your suitcase. 
• Consider doing laundry. If you have access to a washer/dryer or laundromat, consider packing less, but plan to do some laundry. This saves space and gives you a chance to deal with unexpectedly messy items before you get home. Rather save time? All of our suitcases include convenient laundry bags so you can keep your dirty clothes separate until you get home.
• Take your time. Don't wait until the night before your vacation to throw everything into your suitcase. Start packing clothes, sunscreen, toiletries, and other essentials at least two or three days before. 
• Research the weather. Don't let rain or hot temperatures catch you off guard. Check the weather forecast for your destination a few days before you leave and pack accordingly. If you see rain in the forecast, you might want to stash an umbrella and jacket in some weatherproof gear like The Commuter Backpack.  
• Bring a first aid kit. Consider packing a few medical supplies, especially if you plan to adventure outdoors during your vacation. Band-Aids, allergy medications, and travel-sized sunscreen (under 3.4 oz for a carry-on) will keep your family safe without taking up too much room in your luggage. 

Kid-approved destinations (that you'll enjoy too)

You can have fun with your family anywhere, but some destinations are more kid-friendly than others. Consolidate everyone's stuff in The Trunk and hit the road to explore these favorite family vacation ideas. 

‍Soak up the sun on these family beach vacations

Some of the best family trips involve sand, water, and plenty of sunshine. Your kids can splash in the waves under your watchful eye or challenge each other to a sand castle competition. Beach vacations also let parents unwind and enjoy a good book or sunset stroll. If that sounds like your kind of trip, check out these seaside destinations. 

‍Virginia Beach, VA ‍

Virginia Beach is known for its iconic three-mile boardwalk and vibrant entertainment scene. Spend the day relaxing on the beach or take a boat ride along the coast. Need a break from the sun? Head indoors for educational fun at the Virginia Aquarium and Virginia Military Aviation Museum. 

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod is one of the best places to travel with young kids in the northeast United States. This Massachusetts peninsula offers plenty of options for summertime fun. Discover 40 miles of pristine shoreline along the Cape Cod National Seashore. Your family can explore tidal pools, search for sea glass, and enjoy delicious seafood at nearby restaurants. And don't forget to visit the Cape Cod Children's Museum and the unique Cape Cod Inflatable Park, an ultra-safe amusement park designed for kids. 

Destin, FL

Located in the Florida panhandle, Destin has miles of white-sand beaches and clear waters. Check out nature trails at Henderson Beach State Park or gaze at Okaloosa Island from Eglin Beach Park. Your family can also check out the nearby Gator Beach, where your kids can enjoy the thrilling experience of seeing and holding live alligators, safely, of course.

Find adventure at these top outdoor destinations 

Nature-loving families can bond while exploring breathtaking outdoor destinations. These getaways offer many opportunities for adventure for family members of all ages. Stash your sunscreen and water bottles in a durable bag like The Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L before you head out to hike, ski, swim, or horseback ride. 

Niagara Falls, NY

Niagara Falls is a classic American vacation, and for good reason. This destination offers stunning views of the famous waterfall. Get up close by taking the Maid of the Mist boat tour, but pack an extra set of clothes for everybody in something like The Outdoor Tote because you will get wet. You can also explore the former Schoellkopf Power Station and hop on any one of the various hiking trails. 

Aspen Snowmass, CO 

If your family loves winter sports, you can get your fill of the cold in Aspen Snowmass. This sprawling ski resort covers four mountains and offers skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, and more. Families can visit Buttermilk Ski Area for beginner slopes and accessible tree trails designed specifically for kids. The resort also has an indoor rock climbing wall, game lounge, alpine coaster, and other fun activities. Take The Outdoor Rolling Duffle 85L along so that you have everything you need while watching the kids play in the snow, and don't forget to bring The Boot Pack for easy cleanup.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ 

Soak up the scenery at Grand Canyon National Park. Your family can explore miles of kid-friendly trails or bike along the Rim Trail's paved Greenway section. When you're ready for some A/C, venture into the Yavapai Geology Museum to learn about the fascinating history of this wonder of the world.

Travel smart with family luggage sets

Stay organized and prepared with Away's stylish yet functional luggage sets. Our Double Diaper Tote and Double Diaper Backpack are designed for busy parents and compatible with all of our suitcases. These bags have waterproof and wipeable compartments that you can clean on the go. They also have built-in storage compartments to organize tech accessories, diapers, and other necessities. 

Need more storage? Check out The Carry-On Flex, our highly durable and expandable bag that unzips to accommodate all the extra souvenirs you'll pick up on your trip. Or, opt for something a little roomier, like The Medium, so you can be extra prepared for that next great family adventure.  

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