Traveling has always been a source of joy, adventure, and connection for us as a couple. As our family expands with nieces, nephews, and friends’ children, our travel experiences naturally evolve.
We’ve embraced this shift, cherishing the new memories we create.
In this guide, we’ll share travel planning tips, activities, and suggestions to make traveling with friends and their kids a seamless and enjoyable experience.
We’ll explore the art of balancing activities that captivate the young ones while indulging in adult-friendly adventures.
From coordinating dates and budgets to finding family-friendly destinations and accommodations, we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we celebrate the joys of friendship, the excitement of discovery, and the beauty of traveling with loved ones of all ages.
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Traveling with friends and their kids
Here’s the scenario: You and your friends want to go on vacation together; they have kids, and you don’t.
As travelers and vacationers the way Jordan and I travel as a couple is much different than how folks with kids travel.
Sometimes we’re spontaneous, sometimes we don’t stop for a meal and just eat a small snack, and sometimes we’re out from early in the morning till late at night sightseeing, hiking, or exploring the area.
This is not the outline for a successful vacation with kids.
So, when our friends and family started having kids, the way we traveled with them shifted – in a beautiful way.
One of the biggest ways we’ve shifted our thinking is that traveling just the two of us, or in a group of adults, can be focused on the location, the sights, and the adventures.
When we travel with our friends and their kids, our focus moves to building relationships, spending time together, and ultimately, being much more relational.
Often, it’s no longer about the location as much as it is about the people we are traveling with.
We could drive 15 minutes down the road, stay at an Airbnb, and have just as great a vacation as if we hopped on a plane to a different country and explored new areas, foods, cultures, and languages.
Both are fantastic experiences; they’re just different.
Which leads me to…expectations.

Tips for setting realistic expectations
There are a few areas of travel planning that are key to the success of a trip. Discussing and considering these ahead of time will avoid any unmet expectations, miscommunication, or conflict.
- Type of trip
- Travel destination
- Lodging
- Meals
- Activities
- And more…expectations
Type of trip
The first thing we like to establish when planning a multigenerational vacation is what type of trip we want it to be. Simplified, this breaks down into two categories:
- Sightseeing and adventure
- Leisure and relaxing
Choosing to set the expectation up front dramatically helps define and establish the future choices about the trip.
Travel destination
Once you have established the type of trip you want to take, you can start to narrow down the destination.
We find that if the trip focus is leisure and relaxation, then we tend towards destinations where that is possible.
When we want to do something more cultural or where we are going to go exploring or be out every day then we might pick somewhere like a National Park or a city that we want to visit.

Lodging
Lodging has a large impact on a trip. Especially if your travel plans involve spending a lot of time at the place you are renting.
We love the option of renting with Airbnb or VRBO because there are usually so many options for renting an entire home.
This allows for lots of together time, common areas to play games and spend the evening, and opens up many activities that hotels or single room rentals don’t allow for.
If you are going to be spending significant time in a space, try to choose something large enough to give everyone their own room.
If you are an introvert and need time to recharge at the end of the day or in the morning, communicate this early in the planning process.
Waking up on the living room pull-out couch at 6 am to find that everyone twelve and under is already awake and in your “room” can be a shock if you aren’t prepared.
Meals
Meals are a great way to connect with friends and come together to fellowship uniquely and deliciously.
When we travel with friends, we typically put together a spreadsheet of all the meals we’ll need during the trip, and we sign up for meals to plan, prepare, and serve for the group.
Thanks to our good friend Josiah for initiating this plan years ago!
We’ll share more on this later in the post.
Activities
Traveling with kids means a slightly different type of activity itinerary than when you are traveling as a couple.
The pace is different, there may be nap times to work around, snack times are going to be more frequent (which really, doesn’t just have to apply to kids.)
Setting realistic expectations early is key to everyone having an enjoyable and fulfilling vacation.
Expectations
And since we’ve brought up expectations… this is a key element to maintaining a harmonious, pleasant trip.
If you are unsure about what it’s like to travel with kids, or if your friends are unsure about traveling with kids (everyone does it for the first time once), ask questions.
- When are nap times, and how often?
- Dietary restrictions or special needs to accommodate?
- Normal wake-up times and bedtimes?
- What are the usual energy levels?
- How well do the kids handle change (and the adults, for that matter)?
Questions like these can start to add the framework to the days of your vacation. And they help set realistic expectations.
If nap time is at 1 pm and lasts till 3 pm, then a full-day tour of the art museum is out of the question and may need to be removed from the plan entirely.
The children’s museum, on the other hand, might be a hit for the morning while a rousing (whispered) game of cards in the Airbnb would be the perfect plan for nap time.

Planning the trip
Coordinating the travel planning
One of our favorite ways to plan travel here at Jaunty is the spreadsheet. And luckily for us, our friends are also big fans of spreadsheets.
Each time we begin to plan a trip (which tends to be annual), we put together a new spreadsheet in which to house the info for the trip.
The spreadsheet holds:
- The meal plan
- The Airbnb or rental info
- The daily itinerary (if it’s more involved than “play on the beach with the sand castle kit”)
- Any other details necessary like emergency contacts, dietary restrictions, nap times…
Budgeting
Discuss budgeting considerations for both couples.
Establish a budget plan or a maximum for what to spend on lodging or other activities involved. This will help when looking for lodging so you can immediately eliminate anything that’s out of budget.
When traveling with friends and kids it’s a good thing to discuss how the lodging cost is going to be split.
You may want to split evenly between the two couples or split the cost based on the number of rooms each family is using. The choice is individual and often situational, but something to talk about early on so you can avoid awkward “pay me back” type conversations later.
Also, establishing who is going to book lodging and pay and how you will reimburse that person is helpful. Venmo is a great way to reimburse – and, of course, cash or checks.
Again, communicating this beforehand is helpful to avoid bad feelings.
The desired budget, as well as other aspects of renting lodging, paying for food, and money-related details, can be noted in the travel planning spreadsheet.
Choosing dates
Consider school schedules, work commitments, and family events.
We are big fans of off-peak season travel and love to avoid the crowds if possible. This also tends to mean missing peak season higher prices.

Location
As we mentioned earlier in this post, the focus of your trip will impact the location to which you travel.
Sometimes, simply doing something together is the goal, and a staycation could be a possibility.
Or you may want to travel abroad as a group.
In our friend-cations, we like to choose somewhere within a day’s drive where there are lots of hikes and outdoor activities to pursue. Then, we look for a good house to rent on Airbnb to find something suitable for the group.
Often I look at planning two different ways – either we start with a destination or location and find lodging, or we find a cute Airbnb and then look around the lodging area for things to do in that location.
Each trip can be a bit different depending on what the motivation is. Again, those motivations may be:
- Sightseeing and adventure
- Leisure and relaxing
Another way to look at this is “adventure” travel and “relational” travel.
Lodging
Choosing the right accommodations for your trip
When planning a vacation with kids, one of the crucial decisions to make is where to stay. The choice of accommodation can greatly impact your overall travel experience, so it’s essential to consider various options and weigh their pros and cons.
Here, we’ll discuss three common lodging options: vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels, to help you make an informed decision.
Vacation rentals
Pros:
- Space and Privacy: Vacation rentals often provide more space than hotel rooms, with separate bedrooms, living areas, and kitchens, offering a home-away-from-home feeling.
- Kitchen Facilities: Having a fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare meals, making it budget-friendly and convenient, especially for families with dietary restrictions.
- Local Experience: Staying in a vacation rental can give you a more authentic experience of the destination, as you’re often in residential neighborhoods.
Cons:
- Limited Services: Vacation rentals typically lack the services and amenities offered by hotels and resorts, such as housekeeping, on-site restaurants, and concierge services.
- Responsibility: You may be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the rental during your stay.
- Varied Quality: The quality of vacation rentals can vary widely, so thorough research and reading reviews are crucial to ensure a comfortable stay.
Resorts
Here at Jaunty, we don’t pursue resorts very often, so we’re not experts here. But we like to mention it as a viable friend travel option.
Pros:
- Amenities Galore: Resorts often offer a wide range of amenities, including pools, spas, fitness centers, kids’ clubs, and organized activities, ensuring there’s always something to do.
- Convenience: Many resorts have on-site dining options, making it convenient for meals, and some offer all-inclusive packages.
- Child-Friendly: Resorts often cater to families with kid-friendly facilities and services.
Cons:
- Cost: Resorts can be more expensive than other lodging options due to the added amenities and services.
- Crowds: Popular resorts can be crowded during peak seasons, which may affect your family’s experience.
- Less Local Flavor: Staying at a resort can sometimes feel isolated from the local culture and surroundings.
Hotels
Pros:
- Convenience: Hotels offer a hassle-free experience with daily housekeeping, room service, and front desk assistance.
- Safety: Many hotels have 24/7 security and are located in well-traveled areas, providing peace of mind.
- Variety of Options: Hotels come in various price ranges and styles, allowing you to find one that suits your budget and preferences.
Cons:
- Less Space: Hotel rooms may be smaller than vacation rentals, which can be challenging for families needing extra space.
- Limited Cooking Facilities: Most hotels have limited kitchen facilities, if any, which can limit your meal options.
- Less Privacy: Hotel stays may lack the privacy and separation of spaces that vacation rentals provide.
The choice between vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels depends on your group’s preferences, budget, and the type of experience you seek.
Consider what amenities and services are essential for your family’s comfort and enjoyment, and carefully research and book your accommodation well in advance to ensure a seamless and memorable vacation.
Meals
Our favorite way to navigate meals when traveling with friends is to split up meal responsibilities.
We’ll volunteer for different meals, plan, shop, and then make the meal the day of.
When we take turns, it allows for a break from cooking or freedom to focus on cooking while the other couple or the rest of the group plays with the kids or does some other activity.
Activities
Depending on the trip you are taking, the location and lodging may dictate the activities of your trip, and sometimes the activities may dictate the location and lodging.
Continue reading for a list of kid-friendly activities you can incorporate into your friend’s vacation.

Kid-friendly activities
When traveling with friends and their children, ensuring a wide range of kid-friendly activities is essential to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
Here’s a list of activities we’ve found to be great ways to keep both adults and kids entertained and feeling good while on vacation together.
Exploring nature
- Hiking: Choose family-friendly hiking trails suitable for various skill levels.
- Nature Walks: Stroll through parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens.
- Wildlife Watching: Visit wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, or aquariums to observe animals.
Beach and water activities
- Building Sandcastles: Spend time on the beach creating sandcastles and sculptures.
- Swimming: Enjoy swimming and playing in the waves at the beach or a pool.
- Snorkeling: Explore underwater worlds and observe marine life.
Cultural experiences
- Museums: Visit interactive and child-friendly museums with hands-on exhibits.
- Historical Sites: Explore historical landmarks and learn about local history.
- Cultural Shows: Attend performances, traditional dances, or local festivals.
Outdoor adventures
- Biking: Rent bicycles for a family ride on scenic trails or around the city.
- Canoeing/Kayaking: Paddle together on calm rivers or lakes.
- Zip-lining: Enjoy the thrill of zip-lining through scenic landscapes (if age-appropriate).
Educational activities
- Science Centers: Explore interactive science centers and planetariums.
- Educational Tours: Take guided tours focused on local wildlife, geology, or history.
- Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare local dishes or participate in culinary workshops.
Amusement and theme parks
- Roller Coasters: Experience age-appropriate rides and roller coasters.
- Water Parks: Cool off at water parks with slides and lazy rivers.
- Character Meet-and-Greets: Interact with beloved characters.
Arts and crafts
- Art Studios: Engage in art classes or pottery workshops.
- Craft Sessions: Create souvenirs or keepsakes during craft activities.
- Photography: Capture family moments and scenic views together.
Outdoor games and sports
- Mini Golf: Enjoy a round of mini golf as a family.
- Beach Volleyball: Play beach volleyball or other sports at the beach.
- Frisbee, Soccer, or Football: Have fun with various outdoor games.
Indoor games and activities
- Indoor hide and seek (if your space is large enough. This is one of our favorites, especially with little kids because they tend to be terrible at hiding, and its hilarious)
- Board games or puzzles: A quiet afternoon in your accommodation can be well spent playing board games or working on a large puzzle as a family.
- Storytime- reading aloud as a group
- Movie marathon: Sometimes, a relaxing day with a selection of kid-friendly movies and some popcorn is all you need.
- Crafting Sessions: Bring along or pick up some basic craft supplies and spend some time creating art, decorations, or scrapbooks of your travel adventures.
- Cooking and Baking Together: Use the kitchen to its full advantage by planning a cooking or baking session with your kids. You can try recipes from the local cuisine or make your family favorites.
Boat tours and cruises
- Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour to spot dolphins or whales.
- River Cruises: Explore rivers and scenic waterways by boat.
- Pirate Ship Adventures: Experience themed boat tours for kids.
Relaxation activities
- Picnics: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal in a scenic park.
- Yoga or Tai Chi: Try family-friendly yoga or Tai Chi classes.
- Stargazing: Spend evenings observing stars and constellations.
Cooking and food experiences:
- Food Markets: Explore local food markets and try regional delicacies.
- Family Cooking: Cook meals together in your accommodation.
- Food Tastings: Sample local snacks and treats.
Treasure hunts and scavenger hunts:
- Create family-friendly treasure hunts with clues and surprises.
- Join organized scavenger hunts in the destination.
Entertainment shows
- Family-Friendly Shows: Attend theater productions, magic shows, or puppet shows.
- Outdoor Movies: Enjoy outdoor movie screenings in parks or on the beach.
A bonus tip!
Create a group photo album
At some point during our trips, we create a shared album on Google Photos where we can all share the photos we’ve taken on the trip. We label it with each couple’s last name and the year.
We now have a beautiful library of virtual albums full of photos from each adventure we’ve taken. Looking back on past years and reminiscing is one of the fun aspects of friendships and these vacations.

