Vacationing with kids can seem overwhelming at first. But, with a few good tips it can be a great experience for them and you.

Traveling with your kids is a great learning experience for them and a wonderful way to bond as a family. Although education inside the classroom is essential for kids, educational travel allows them to learn by seeing and doing. Making sure you visit the local museums and eat the local foods is one way to make sure your family’s travel experiences are learning experiences as well.

The most important tip is to make sure your kids are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes, and always bring an extra outfit for a long flight or drive (spills happen!).

Always make sure they’re occupied while on your flight or during a long drive. On family trips when I was growing up, my mother always made travel bags for my sister and I. She would give us the bags before we got on our flight. The bags would have activity books, crayons, our favorite snacks and usually a small gift that we could use once we arrived at our destination (water spray fans for our Disney trips was one).

Hotels and rental houses can sometimes be dark and scary for children at night. A good tip is to bring night lights for the bedrooms and bathrooms so navigating a unfamiliar room at night is easier.

Lastly, a fun way to remember all the special moments on your vacation is to have a journal. My mother used to ask us at then end of each day on our trip, what our favorite part of the day was. This will be fun to look back on after returning home.