Top 10 Logistical Family Travel Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
How Common Travel Mistakes Can Help You Grow
“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.”
Family selfie in front of the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock in the Black Forest in Triberg-Schonach, Germany.
Let’s be honest: Family travel isn’t all postcard moments and perfectly packed snacks. Sometimes it’s moving too fast, having hangry meltdowns, or carrying too much luggage. We’ve been there—more than once. If you think travel pros don’t make rookie mistakes, let me reassure you: we do! All. The. Time!
The truth is, travel teaches, but not always in the ways you expect. In this post, we’re sharing some of our top logistical travel mistakes, mishaps, and lessons we’ve learned. But for every hard-earned lesson, there were countless moments when our misadventures led to growth, resilience, and a first-hand reminder that the world is filled with wonderful people.
Full-time travel has given us plenty of scary, funny, and frustrating moments, but it’s also gifted us memories, stories, and lessons that will last a lifetime. Because when you know better, you pack better, you plan better, and you recover faster when things go sideways. Because they will… and that’s okay!
So, buckle up as we reveal just a few of our logistical family travel mistakes and share how you can dodge them like a seasoned nomad.
1. Trying to Do Too Much in One Day
It’s tempting to fit in as many sights and experiences as possible, especially when visiting a new destination with limited time. However, an overloaded itinerary can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and stress. Rushing from one thing to the next leaves little time to soak in the experience as it happens.
Kids can become easily overwhelmed and irritable, making everyone wonder why you’re even bothering to take a vacation. When our kids were younger (and even now), Kevin and I said we wanted to “leave them wanting more.” It’s tempting to try to see and do everything, but leaving some things undone gives you an excuse to come back again someday.
How to Avoid It:
Plan only 1–2 main activities per day.
Group activities by location to reduce unnecessary travel time.
Include buffer time in your daily plans for rest or flexibility, proper nutrition, and impromptu discoveries.
Accept that you may not see everything, and that’s okay.
Use a family meeting before the trip to pick “must-do” activities together, ensuring everyone’s interests are considered and manageable.
2. Not Planning Ahead
When it comes to family travel, a little planning goes a long way. Some of the most stressful moments we’ve experienced were preventable with more advanced preparation. From missing out on sold-out attractions to sprinting through airports to catch a flight or scrambling for documents at the check-in desk, we’ve learned (often the hard way) that planning is key.
Airports can be unpredictable. Long lines at check-in, extra security checks, and the delays of traveling with children can all add time and stress. We’ve learned that taking computers and liquids out at security can be particularly stressful for our girls.
As a result, we arrive extra early so they don’t feel rushed. The reward is enjoying a calm break in a lounge (thanks to our Priority Pass membership) after security and before boarding. It’s become one of our favorite travel routines.
Planning ahead doesn’t stop at the airport. We’ve also learned to book high-demand attractions in advance, because nothing kills the excitement faster than showing up to a once-in-a-lifetime destination only to be turned away. You'll want to lock in tickets early if traveling during peak times or school holidays.
And don’t overlook the boring but essential stuff like document backups. We were almost denied boarding because we didn’t have proof of onward travel. Luckily, we had digital access. Having physical and digital copies of key documents like passports, tickets, insurance, visas, and reservations can save the day.
How to Avoid It:
Arrive at the airport early to avoid stress and give yourself a buffer.
Secure airport lounge access and arrive early to enjoy the perks.
Check for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or fast-track options to skip long lines.
Know what you can and can’t pack to avoid delays at security.
Research top attractions and book tickets in advance.
Use timed-entry tickets to avoid long waits.
Check if the city offers tourist passes that include skip-the-line access.
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and plane tickets.
Carry a backup copy of your itinerary and essential confirmations.
Email yourself or store a copy in cloud storage for easy access.
3. Ignoring Kids’ Preferences
When making travel plans, it’s easy for adults to overlook what their kids actually want to do. This can lead to boredom, resistance, disengagement, and even anger during the trip. Including your kids in the planning process is the best way to keep them engaged throughout a trip. Family vacations should include something for every single member of the family, even the youngest ones.
When we get ready to set off on a new adventure, we sit down with the kids and ask them what they want to do. For younger ones, this means educating them on the options. For older kids, it could be an opportunity to send them off to research the possibilities. You may be surprised by what they come up with and how their input enriches everyone's experience.
We wouldn’t likely have ventured to Tokyo specifically at Christmas time if not for Sophie’s unrelenting passion for seeing the Nightmare Before Christmas-themed overlay at the Haunted Mansion. That meant we ALL got to go to Tokyo Disneyland at Christmas, which was magical!
How to Avoid It:
Ask kids what they’re curious about or excited to try, and incorporate it into your itinerary.
Let them choose a meal, activity, or impromptu stop.
Say “yes” to requests when you might usually say “no” (like a box of fudge at a roadside stop).
Balance adult-focused sightseeing with kid-friendly fun.
Preview the itinerary with them ahead of time and ask for their input.
4. Moving Hotels Too Often (Fast travel)
Switching accommodations too frequently can become exhausting for some families. Constant packing, unpacking, navigating new areas, adjusting to new beds, kitchens, etc., can add stress, especially for kids. While rushing from one destination to another can seem the most efficient way to vacation, it often leads to less rest, more frustration, and fewer meaningful connections with the places you visit.
After years of traveling together as a family, we have learned a few things about our travel style. Some of these learnings have come through trial and error (failure). We have learned that we prefer a slower pace of travel, fewer destinations in a short period of time. Staying longer in fewer places allows us to enjoy a more relaxed pace and memorable experiences.
How to Avoid It:
Aim for at least 2–3 nights per stop, when possible.
Try establishing a “home base” that’s centrally located and plan day trips from there.
Consider travel time and the associated fatigue when designing your itinerary.
Choose accommodations near public transport or attractions.
Focus on the quality of experiences over the quantity of destinations.
5. Not Preparing for Jet Lag & Time Zone Change
Jet lag can wreck the first few days of your trip. Even traveling across just a couple of time zones can throw your family off balance, especially when you’re juggling kids’ sleep schedules, meal times, and moods. We’ve learned that ignoring time changes, even on domestic trips, can lead to sluggish, grumpy starts and missed opportunities. You don’t want to miss your first precious vacation days because everyone’s too tired to drag themselves out of bed.
Everybody responds differently to long travel days across multiple time zones. While there are some ways to help reduce the effects, the most important thing you can do is plan for some downtime and extend grace to everyone as they adjust.
International Jet Lag: The situation is magnified when you travel internationally. We all felt it when we landed in Dublin, Ireland, after an overnight international flight from Raleigh, NC, through Paris! While we powered through the first evening and ordered a small bite via Uber Eats, we didn't wake until almost 4 pm the next day!
Thankfully, we had no specific plans for our first full day, so the long rest helped us reset our internal clocks and avoid multiple tired days. (Plus, we awoke in time to enjoy a wonderful dinner out while having a brief introduction to the area.)
How to Avoid It:
Adjust your sleep schedule a few days before departure.
Stay hydrated and limit caffeine or alcohol during flights.
Plan a light schedule for the first day and build in time to rest instead of jumping into a packed itinerary.
Get outside! Natural sunlight is one of the best tools for resetting your internal clock.
For international travel, consider melatonin or natural sleep aids if adjusting is tough.
Be flexible. Everyone adjusts at a different pace. Grace and downtime are essential, especially for kids.
6. Overpacking for a Family Vacation
It’s tempting to pack for every possible scenario: extra shoes, backup toys, and “just-in-case” items. Overpacking can become a problem when you’re traveling with kids.
You can fool yourself into thinking you’re just being well prepared when packing that extra jacket, blanket, or large packages of diapers, but it can quickly become your biggest travel regret. Before you know it, you’re hauling multiple oversized bags through a crowded airport while juggling your toddler.
We’ve been there! Trying to cram big suitcases into tiny rental cars is awful, and lugging them upstairs is a headache! Ironically, most of that “must-have” stuff never even makes it out of the bag. Overpacking adds stress, slows you down, and makes family travel harder than it needs to be.
International Travel Insight: As a full-time travel family, we’ve learned that the less we bring, the lighter we feel physically and mentally. We’ve been on the road for over 8 months with the same rolling carry-on and backpack, each packed with the same clothes we left with in September (plus a few minor additions). Honestly, sometimes even that feels like too much!
How to Avoid It:
Pack versatile clothing that you can mix and match. A dress can double as a swimsuit cover-up, and a shawl can double as a blanket during a chilly train ride.
Follow the one-week rule: pack for seven days, even if you’re traveling for longer. Laundry facilities exist everywhere!
Use packing cubes to keep your suitcase organized.
If you’re traveling with kids, resist the urge to pack every toy and stuffed animal—trust us, they’ll be fine.
Here is a handy service we wish were around when our kids were toddlers: BabyQuip! Don't want to pack your baby’s entire nursery? BabyQuip delivers all the baby gear essentials you need right to your destination; they will even meet you at the airport!
Involve older kids in the packing process. Give them a packing list and let them take responsibility for their own space, including hauling their own luggage while traveling.
7. Not Anticipating Boredom
Even the best-planned trips have days when things don’t go as planned: rainy days, long waits, or travel delays. It is usually on these days that boredom arises quickly. Boredom can erupt into chaos if not swiftly alleviated. Kids, in particular, need space to unwind, play, or do something familiar. Screens can be one way to pass the time, but don’t rely so heavily on this option.
On the other hand, in a world filled with constant stimulation, boredom can be a good thing if handled correctly. Boredom and downtime allow our kids to use their imaginations, but we need to give them the tools to fill those slower moments satisfactorily. Think of some easy creativity prompts, whether writing, drawing, or building-focused, so you can have them on hand as suggestions.
How to Avoid It:
Have a deck of cards or a game that you can pull out to pass the time during a long layover or an unexpected rainy day (Monopoly Deal, UNO, Exploding Kittens, or even a package of pipe cleaners are some of our favorites and don’t take up much room).
Be willing to walk away from a long line in favor of a different activity (you can always return later).
Plan ahead with digital content (like movies, audiobooks, playlists, and podcasts) downloaded in advance.
Have a short list of low-effort backup activities in case of a cancellation or bad weather.
8. Getting Hangry
Few things can derail a travel day faster than a hungry, cranky family. Whether it’s a delayed flight, a skipped meal, or a day packed too tight to stop and eat, going too long without proper nutrition leads to meltdowns for kids and adults. We’ve had our fair share of travel fails because we underestimated this. The truth is, even the most exciting day of adventure can’t compete against hunger.
Kids burn through energy quickly, especially when walking, exploring, or adjusting to new environments. Add time zone changes, unfamiliar food choices, or a missed meal, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for hanger (hunger + anger). Parents aren’t any better. We can get so focused on logistics, directions, and itineraries that we completely forget to eat! Suddenly, everyone’s grumpy, snipping at each other or zoning out.
Food isn’t just fuel, it’s also a chance to rest, reset, and connect. Don’t let your travel adventure get ruined by hangry meltdowns when a snack break could have kept you on track.
How to Avoid It:
Always carry snacks! Granola bars, trail mix, fruit, and refillable water bottles are essentials, especially for long travel days.
Make food part of your plan, not just an afterthought. Look up restaurants or grocery options near your hotel or along your route. Bookmark some family-friendly spots ahead of time.
Feed kids before they’re starving! Hunger can sneak up fast, and it's tough to recover once they’re in meltdown mode.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, and even make us feel hungrier than we are. Be sure everyone has a refillable water bottle and fills it up frequently.
9. Relying Too Much on Technology
In today’s highly connected world, it’s easy to assume that Wi-Fi will be available everywhere and strong enough for everything you need: maps, messaging, streaming, entertaining kids, and more. But depending solely on Wi-Fi (or a single device) is a recipe for travel troubles.
We’ve stayed in Airbnbs that promised “strong Wi-Fi” only to discover the signal barely worked unless we stood in one awkward corner of the kitchen. That might be tolerable for a day or two, but when you’re juggling remote work, online school, or just need the kids to entertain themselves so you can recharge, spotty Wi-Fi becomes a big problem.
We’ve gotten completely lost in a foreign city when our only phone with data died, and we hadn’t downloaded directions, maps, or even our hotel address to the notes app on any other device.
Tech is great, but it’s not foolproof. Batteries die, signals drop, and hotel or Airbnb “high-speed internet” can fail you. Traveling families need to plan for tech hiccups by building in backups, downloads, and off-grid strategies. Tech is a fantastic tool, but don’t let your entire trip depend on a constant connection.
How to Avoid It:
Download offline maps and entertainment before you leave the house or hotel.
Bring a portable charger or power bank and ensure it’s fully charged at the start of each day.
Write key details (hotel addresses, emergency contacts, train routes, etc) down on paper or in note-taking apps on multiple devices. Make sure each adult and teen has a copy.
Read traveler reviews carefully before booking accommodations, especially if fast, reliable internet is essential for your trip.
International Connections: If traveling internationally, get a local SIM card or an eSIM so you’re not dependent on Wi-Fi for basic needs like directions or communication (including translation apps). We recommend the following eSims: Airalo and SimOptions.
10. Lack of Communication Within the Family
Travel plans can quickly unravel when everyone isn’t on the same page. Misunderstandings about schedules, expectations, or responsibilities can lead to tension or missed opportunities.
While we’ve improved on this, we can still fall victim to miscommunication. It can be as simple as some of you thinking your day starts at 8 am, while others plan to sleep in.
Clear, regular communication helps keep everyone informed and feeling like part of the team. I remember Kevin lining up our kids at the start of each day to set expectations and have them tell him the “rules” before setting out on our adventures. It even became a fun memory when we included their cousins in the ritual during a shared vacation adventure.
How to Avoid It:
Focus on consistent and intentional communication. Start each day with a quick rundown of the plan so everyone is on the same page.
Use a shared document or app to keep track of the itinerary (this is particularly great when you’re traveling with older kids or sharing your vacation with another family)
Check in throughout the day to make sure everyone is doing okay.
Be open to adjusting plans based on feedback from the whole crew.
Bonus Section: International Travel Mistakes
While most of this post has focused on logistical family travel mistakes that can occur in either type of travel (domestic or international), it’s important to note that international travel brings its own opportunities for errors. Many of them, however, can be boiled down to one thing: ignoring, or not fully understanding, local cultures, customs, and norms.
Ignoring Local Cultures, Customs, & Norms
Cultural missteps can be more than just awkward. They can lead to confusion, embarrassment, or even fines. What’s perfectly normal at home might be rude or baffling elsewhere.
For instance, tipping isn’t just unnecessary in Japan; it can be seen as disrespectful, as good service is considered part of the job.
In Malaysia, pointing with your index finger is considered impolite and even aggressive in some situations.
In France, where dining can be a more formal affair, grabbing a slice of pizza or a burger with your hands might earn you a few disapproving looks.
Speaking of dining… Have you ever wandered into a European town expecting a late lunch, only to find every restaurant closed until dinner? We have!
We learned the hard way that many restaurants close between typical lunch and dinner hours in some places, like France. This is bad news when you're in a small town and relying on a meal at off-peak hours. This unexpected lack of food availability can quickly lead to hangry travelers who begin to vent their frustration on each other.
Similarly, many international travelers don’t realize that businesses in certain countries shut down early (or entirely) on Sundays. This was one of our biggest mistakes during our first time in Europe.
Americans are so used to having 24/7 access to restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores that we seldom consider this until it bites us. We've found ourselves eating crackers for dinner on a Sunday in a small French town because nothing was open—no restaurants, no stores, nothing but empty streets.
Lastly, no one wants to discuss this, but let's be honest… bathroom mishaps are a part of travel (especially when traveling internationally). Whether it's struggling to find one, getting locked inside one, accidentally walking into the wrong one, not having money to pay for one, or finding out (too late) that the custom is “BYOTP” (bring your own toilet paper), there are endless ways to be humbled by international restroom adventures.
Our first wake-up call took place in Paris. We were just a few days into our first overseas trip when she-who-shall-not-be-named had a bathroom emergency. If there's anything more desperate than a child needing a restroom now, it's a parent trying to find one.
I pleaded with her to duck behind some shrubs in a park, but she was vehemently opposed. Kevin finally begged the host in a nearby restaurant to allow her entrance. He took one look at her face and mercifully waved us through.
These cultural norms might seem minor, but they carry weight, and ignoring them can unintentionally make you seem ignorant, inconsiderate, or ungracious. The more you travel, the more you realize that every place has its own rhythm and unspoken rules.
Learning to notice and respect those differences doesn’t just help you avoid awkward moments; it deepens your experience and builds a real connection with the people and places around you.
How to Avoid International Etiquette Mistakes:
Take a few minutes to learn your travel destination's basic etiquette and customs.
Observe locals and follow their lead.
When in doubt, ask! (I found myself in an airport lounge in Singapore wanting to try the laksa but not knowing how to assemble it. I asked the person in front of me to help me, and she was happy to show me.)
How to Avoid International Dining Mistakes:
Research local culture and dining habits before your trip.
Keep snacks handy for in-between meal times.
Ask locals or your hotel concierge for restaurant recommendations that stay open all day.
How to Avoid International Business Hours Mistakes:
Research local store hours before your trip.
Stock up on necessities ahead of time.
Plan your itinerary around local business hours.
How to Avoid International Restroom Mistakes:
Carry small change. Many public restrooms in Europe aren't free.
Never pass up a restroom opportunity. You think you don't need to go, until you do.
Stock tissues in your bag. Running out of toilet paper is a lesson best learned only once.
Why Mistakes Are a Good Thing
While mistakes and missteps are no fun when you’re in the midst of them, we would never trade the wisdom we've gained from these experiences.
Overcoming challenges has helped us to become more adaptable, patient, and confident. These moments have led us to discover new things, learn about new tools, meet new friends, and see the goodness in people who genuinely want to help. The world is a better place than we knew!
At the end of the day, travel isn't about perfection. It's about experiences! And sometimes, those experiences include a few facepalm moments. We're teaching our daughters how to be resilient, resourceful, and, honestly, better storytellers.
What have been your biggest travel mistakes? Have you ever had a travel “failure” that became a great learning experience? We'd love to hear about it! Drop us a comment or send us a message; we're all in this messy, beautiful adventure together.
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