
Set yourself up for success
Pick a kid-friendly destinationNot all destinations are created equal when you have kids in tow. Sure, a secluded five-star resort sounds dreamy until you’re chasing a bored toddler around a silent spa. You don’t need a theme park, but you do want a destination with activities your kids will genuinely enjoy — one that you can experience together as a family.Beach breaks with room to roam, mountain retreats full of fresh air and adventure, and lively cities with museums and parks strike the right balance of kid-friendly and adult-approved. The key is to choose a place that offers fun, enrichment, and plenty of ways to burn off that endless energy.Pack smartA little preparation goes a long way. Start with a packing list so you don’t forget the essentials. Portable sound machines, blackout travel shades, baby monitors, and comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make or break bedtime. Just as importantly, pack for safety. New environments mean new hazards, so pack a few lightweight child-proofing tools like outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner guards. When you arrive, do a quick scan of your space for anything sharp, breakable, or climbable.Creating a space that’s both familiar and safe helps everyone settle in faster — and when you’re staying at a Pacaso, these child-proofing essentials are stocked and ready, so it’s one less thing you have to worry about.Stick to a routine (as much as you can)Kids thrive on consistency, especially around sleep and meals. Bring a few bedtime favorites like books, nightlights, or even their usual pajamas to help recreate their nighttime routine on the go.If you're dealing with a time change, aim to adjust to the local schedule as soon as possible. A solid anchor (like naps, meals, or wind-down time) can help reset their internal clocks faster. Snacks, snacks, and more snacksHunger is the enemy of calm. Whether you’re en route, sightseeing, or just relaxing at home, keep familiar snacks close by. A well-timed applesauce pouch or bag of crackers can do wonders for morale.
Embrace the chaos
Choose experiences over attractionsSkip the pressure to check every box; there will be plenty of time for that when the kids are older. Sometimes the most meaningful memories come from the simplest moments like a beach picnic, backyard playtime, or an at-home movie night after a long day. Let the trip unfold naturally around what works best for your family.Be flexibleEverything takes longer with kids thanks to potty breaks, snack stops, meltdowns, and childrens’ natural tendency to explore the world at their own pace. If you have set plans, be sure to pad them with buffer time to account for the inevitable delays.It’s just as important to let go of the idea of the perfect itinerary. A skipped dinner reservation might turn into a DIY pizza night. A quiet park may beat out the crowded museum. You may have a plan, but your little ones might have better ideas—and that’s part of the fun.
The right home base changes everything
Choose a home with space and amenitiesEven the most luxurious hotel can be tricky with kids due to tight spaces, no kitchen, and busy communal areas. Instead, opt for a home with room to spread out, a full kitchen, laundry, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space for increased day-to-day comfort (and sanity). Prepare for downtimeNo matter how fun the itinerary, there will be downtime: rainy afternoons, jet lag, skipped naps, or just moments when everyone needs to reset. Pack a few indoor options like books, toys, tablets with headphones, and coloring books to help everyone recharge.