Whether you’re heading off on a sunny road trip with the kids or jetting away for a few weeks of adventure — we see these same five travel mistakes pop up every summer. But don’t worry: Travelicious is here to help you travel smart and stress-free.
🚫 Mistake 1: Packing at the very last minute
We’ve all been there… The night before your trip, the kids are in bed, and you’re still running around packing, doing laundry, and wondering if you actually packed the sunscreen (spoiler: you didn’t).
Tip from Travelicious: Start packing a few days ahead and use a family-friendly packing checklist like [our sunny holiday list]. Not only does it save stress, but it also gets the whole family excited for the trip!
🚫 Mistake 2: Ignoring hand luggage rules
A hand luggage bag that’s just too big, or a bottle of your favorite perfume that gets taken away at security — such a waste!
Tip from Travelicious: Always check your airline’s hand luggage rules and pack light and smart. For families, we recommend a small backpack per child with snacks, a refillable water bottle, and a surprise travel toy — trust us, it works wonders.
🚫 Mistake 3: No offline access to tickets or maps
You arrive, the WiFi isn’t working, and you can’t access your hotel booking or find the route to your destination. Cue: panic.
Tip from Travelicious: Download your tickets, hotel info, and maps before you leave. Google Maps allows offline areas, and screenshots of bookings are a lifesaver. Don’t forget to activate worldwide coverage on your bank card too!
🚫 Mistake 4: A chaotic suitcase
Digging through clothes to find one tiny sock or your phone charger? We’ve been there. A messy suitcase makes every transition harder — especially when traveling with kids.
Tip from Travelicious: Stay organized with packing cubes, a structured toiletry bag, or a cable organizer. Bonus: everyone gets their own color cube so unpacking at your destination becomes super simple.
🚫 Mistake 5: Planning every second of your itinerary
Yes, planning is great — but overplanning can leave you feeling rushed and exhausted. Spontaneity is where the magic often happens!
Tip from Travelicious: Leave space for slow mornings, beach days without plans, or exploring that cute village you spotted along the way. Some of our favorite family travel memories happened completely unplanned.
We hope these tips help you enjoy a smoother, more relaxed summer trip. Whether you’re flying across the ocean or exploring closer to home — Travelicious is here for all your family travel inspiration.
🧳 Need packing tips? Destination blogs? Or ideas for your next adventure with the kids? You know where to find us.
Happy travels this summer — from the Travelicious team! 🌍💛