Must Have Travel Apps For Family Vacations

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become indispensable travel companions. For families hitting the road or taking to the skies, having the right set of apps can make a trip significantly more enjoyable and stress-free. From managing itineraries to keeping kids entertained, here are some top family travel apps you should consider downloading.

TripIt: The All-in-One Itinerary Manager

TripIt is a comprehensive travel organizer that helps you keep all your plans in one place. From flights and hotel reservations to car rentals and dining bookings, TripIt pulls everything together into a single itinerary. For families, this is incredibly handy as it eliminates the need to shuffle through countless emails or paper confirmations.

PackPoint: Never Forget an Essential Item

Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of travel, especially when you have to consider the needs of multiple family members. PackPoint simplifies the process by creating customized packing lists based on your destination, length of stay, and planned activities. It even checks the weather forecast for you!

Airbnb: Find Your Home Away from Home

While hotels are a conventional choice, families often find greater value and comfort in renting an entire home. Airbnb offers a vast selection of properties that can accommodate families, often with amenities like kitchens and laundry facilities that make long stays more convenient.

Citymapper: Navigate Cities with Ease

If you’re planning on visiting urban destinations, Citymapper is a must-have app. It offers real-time public transit information, step-by-step directions, and even tells you which subway car or bus seat to aim for optimal efficiency. It’s a lifesaver for families trying to navigate unfamiliar city landscapes.

Skyscanner: Snag the Best Flight Deals

Finding affordable flights for the whole family can be a daunting task, but Skyscanner makes it easier. The app scans multiple airlines and booking websites to find the best prices and also offers a “Flexible Dates” feature, which is particularly useful for families whose travel dates may be more flexible.

Roadtrippers: Perfect for the Family Road Trip

If a road trip is more your family’s speed, Roadtrippers is the app for you. It helps you plan your route and find interesting stops along the way, from scenic lookouts to kid-friendly attractions.

Netflix: Offline Viewing for Entertainment

Long journeys can be taxing for children who need constant stimulation. Netflix offers an offline viewing option that lets you download shows and movies to keep the kids entertained even when Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Heads Up!: Keep the Fun Going

A family favorite for game night, Heads Up! is also perfect for travel. The app is a virtual version of charades that can be played anywhere, from airport lounges to hotel rooms, and offers a variety of categories to keep everyone engaged.

First Aid by American Red Cross: For Emergencies and Peace of Mind

It’s always better to be prepared, especially when traveling with kids. First Aid by American Red Cross offers simple, step-by-step instructions for dealing with common first aid situations, from burns to choking.

Find My Kids: Location Tracking for Safety

For families with older children who might want to explore on their own, Find My Kids is a useful app that lets you track their location in real-time. It provides peace of mind for parents and a sense of independence for the kids.

Having the right set of apps can go a long way in ensuring your family trip is memorable for all the right reasons. From planning and navigation to entertainment and safety, these apps have got you covered.

 

As my babies get older and much, much, much easier to handle–I’m looking to become a real traveling family, a family that tries at least one new place/state/country a year, and can not only travel but travel WELL. That’s the plan at least! Last year we visited Philly, DC, Florida and countless sights all over NYC. We already have TWO trips to Florida planned this year and I hope to add more soon!

 

This year we had a ton of fun vendors to check out including EBags who has recently expanded into selling athletic wear and travel accessories such as portable chargers and Birkenstocks. They still sell their signature bags as well including little pouches to help you keep the small things organized. Or in my case, a spare change of clothes for boys.