Modern Family Travel Tips

As the weather cools off you may be inspired to start planning a warm weather travel adventure with your family. Travelling with your bunch is both a treat – and a test.  It’s no day at the beach when you’re left to deal with all of the nitty gritty details…even planning a short trip can leave a mum needing a vacation.

Thankfully, planning a trip can be easier and more enjoyable when a mummy (or daddy, like myself) is packing these handy tips from Travel Guard and SavvyTraveller.ca. 

Pack plenty of entertainment
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of fellow airline passengers like spotting a wailing two year-old at the gate lounge. Make sure you pack more than enough age-appropriate activities than you think you’ll need. Hit the dollar store before you go for a bunch of inexpensive toys that mean you can pull a new ‘present’ out of your bag every hour. And, for good measure, bring along some extra earplugs and a smile for your neighbours.

Time well spent
Flights get delayed, baggage gets lost – there is a lot of time spent travelling that doesn’t involve the fun activities you have planned for your family. Good travel insurance can save you time by helping you rebook flights and find your luggage faster than you may be able to on your own, so it’s worth it to buy some.

A little extra help
So, your little one left the must-have toy-of-the-week at home and you need to find the closest toy store before a major meltdown…and you’ve never been to this city before. Some travel insurers offer extras to make your life easier: the Concierge Service from Travel Guard can help you find the closest toy store/24-hour drugstore/indoor play centre on a rainy day and help you with any other need (dinner reservations and a babysitting service, anyone?) – at no extra charge.

Plot it out
No, really. Grab a map of your destination and circle the attractions you want to catch while you’re in town. Now, base your accommodation on what’s the best combination for you of proximity to activities, amenities and, of course, price. No matter the price, it’s not a great deal if you have an hour’s drive from your hotel to get to any attractions.

Bring a trusted resource along
Emergencies are frightening enough when you’re home in familiar surroundings. What about when you’re in a strange city? Travel insurance is a great resource for you. A call to a toll-free number gets you help finding the closest hospital, access to someone who speaks your language and assistance when you need it. Having travel insurance means you can focus on getting the care your loved one needs - and not on the bills.


SavvyTraveller.ca is a resource from Travel Guard for travellers who want to get the most out of their travel.

Savvy Traveller’s goal is to provide travellers with what they need to know, from information on travel insurance to cost-saving advice in one, clear, easy-to-navigate place.