Expert Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Family Travel
Meet Lia Tuso, our loyal client who is a seasoned travel influencer and certified child passenger safety technician with a passion for making family travel safer and more enjoyable. With years of experience flying with her own little one, Lia has become an expert in child safety while traveling, particularly in the air. Through her popular Instagram account, @lia_tuso, and her website www.liatuso.com, she shares valuable tips and insights for parents navigating travel with young children.
We’re excited to partner with Lia to bring her expert advice to our clients, helping families travel safely and stress-free. Below, Lia shares some of her top family travel tips, along with a roundup of her favorite family-friendly resorts that ensure both parents and kids have a memorable vacation. Whether you're planning your next getaway or looking for expert advice on traveling with your car seat, Lia's got you covered!
Special Jetset & Travel Offer:
Want to learn about flying with a car seat? Access her FREE “Safe Skies” Ebook (launched 9/12) at her website www.liatuso.com/shop
Lia’s Top 10 Family Travel Tips:
Pack Light and Smart: Focus on the essentials and pack versatile clothing. Use packing cubes to stay organized, especially with kids' clothes and accessories.
Bring Your Car Seat: If you're flying, bring your child’s car seat on board. Not just for safety, but also for comfort and in-flight convenience. Check your airlines car seat policies before you go and ensure your car seat is approved for use in aircrafts.
Book Accommodations Wisely: Look for family-friendly accommodations, use resources like JetSet & Travel to book accommodations with extra perks, like resort credit and daily breakfast. I always look for a playground either onsite or within walking distance!
Plan for Down Time: Children can get overstimulated quickly when traveling. Plan some downtime or slow activities to let them rest and recharge between sightseeing or long travel stretches. Don’t plan too many activities in one day. I like to stick to an early morning activity that is family focused, and then play the afternoon by ear.
Pre-Book Transportation: If you’re renting a car, make sure it has enough room for your family, luggage, and any gear, like a stroller or car seat. Pre-booking ensures you have what you need when you arrive. Remember, renting a car seat from a car rental company is not recommended.
Read, Watch, Learn: Expose your child to airports and airplanes before you travel. Watch YouTube videos of airplanes taking off and read children’s stories about flying. Teach your child about pilots, the seatbelt sign, and walking through security so when the day comes – you can remind them of the expectations during travel and it will be familiar to them.
Create a Flight Survival Kit: For flights, bring a backpack with essentials like a change of clothes, wet wipes, entertainment (toys, tablet, or books), and snacks. The more prepared you are, the smoother the flight will be. I always recommend packing 1 diaper per travel hour. Include plenty of healthy snacks, and avoid in-flight tantrums by leaving the sugar at home.
Prepare and Practice At Home: If your child will be sleeping in a new environment, practice 3-7 days before you travel. For example, if you’ll be using a PacknPlay with the Slumberpod in a hotel room, let baby sleep in that at home so they can grow comfortable with their space. It’s also important to practice other logistics, like car seat installation, and your luggage set-up. Use your driveway to practice carrying the stroller, car seat and luggage around so you can see what is most comfortable for you. Take advantage of bag straps, and bungee cords to piece it all together!
Stay Safe: Prioritize safety and be prepared with travel insurances, emergency contact information, and know where your nearest hospital. Bring a travel first aid kit for any bumps and bruises.
Prepare for Delays: Delays happen, so bring extra diapers, formula, snacks, and entertainment to cover any extended travel time. Flexibility is key to family travel success. If you go into it with the right mindset, you can avoid unnecessary stress.
Lia’s Favorite Family-Friendly Resorts:
Montage Deer Valley
Montage Deer Valley is an excellent family-friendly hotel due to its spacious accommodations, including multi-bedroom suites perfect for families, and its extensive kid-friendly activities, such as the "Paintbox" children's program for ages 5-12. The resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, making it convenient for families who enjoy skiing, and a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking and biking in the warmer months. Families can enjoy the indoor pool, kid-friendly dining options, and on-site arcade and bowling alley, while parents can relax at the luxurious spa or explore nearby Park City. With activities for all seasons, Montage Deer Valley ensures a fun and comfortable stay for the whole family.
Four Seasons Orlando
Four Seasons Orlando is a fantastic family-friendly hotel offering spacious accommodations, including suites designed with families in mind. The resort features the "Explorer Island" water park, complete with a lazy river, water slides, and a splash zone, making it a haven for kids. With a complimentary kids' camp, supervised activities for children, and a family pool, there’s plenty to keep young ones entertained. Parents can relax at the adults-only pool, luxurious spa, or one of the fine dining restaurants, while character breakfasts bring a bit of Disney magic to the hotel. Located near Walt Disney World, the resort also offers convenient transportation to the parks, making it an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.
The Breakers Palm Beach
The Breakers in Palm Beach is another ideal family-friendly resort with a wide range of amenities and activities for all ages. Families can enjoy spacious accommodations and access to four oceanfront pools, including a family-friendly one with zero-entry. The Breakers offers a Kids' Club with supervised activities, as well as family-friendly dining options and beachside restaurants. They also have an arcade, putt-putt, and an incredible playground onsite! The resort’s private beach, water sports, and golf courses ensure plenty of outdoor fun. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, The Breakers provides a luxurious and relaxing getaway for families.
Don’t forget to reach out if you’re interested in booking and we’ll add on our extra perks!