Top-notch vacation advice can help you make smart decisions, stretch your dollars, and keep planning fun.
I tapped seasoned family travel bloggers for the best summer family vacation tips they could think of.
Summer Family Vacation Advice – from the Experts
Heather, Daze and Knights
When we travel, we are often in the car together for up to 25 hours at a time (each way!). Our best tip is that while it is exciting to stop and see the sights on a road trip, if your real goal of the trip is the destination (and not the road trip itself), make a game of quick pit stops. For example, we try to get gas, food, and bathroom stops done all at once and in under 10 minutes. It is a fun challenge for the boys and just enough time to stretch our legs. If we make our stops too long, we find it is harder to get the boys back in the car and the travel part of the trip ends up feeling like it lasts forever!
Kim, Savvy Mama Lifestyle
If you have young kids, look for late Summer hotel bookings. After Labor Day, many schools are back in session and people stop vacationing. Take advantage of having young kids and book a trip then, when the older kids will be in school.
Jessica, The Healthy Mouse
One of my favorite places to go with my family for summer vacation is Disneyland. One of my number one tips is to go on a Saturday in the summer. Although it may seem like that would be the most crowded time, since a lot of Disneyland’s Annual Passholders are blocked out on Saturdays, it actually makes for few crowds. Also when trying to have lunch to fit in your budget, I recommend getting the kid’s power packs at quick service restaurants. They make for a good sized meal, are healthy, and are an incredible value.
Hannah, Eat, Drink, and Save Money
When it comes to summer travel, I always encourage people to go off the beaten path and maybe even consider visiting a place that is considered “out of season” during the summer. You’re more likely to get a good deal when you visit a place that isn’t as popular in the summer. For example, South Florida is extremely hot in the summer. Lots of hotels and attractions offer the best deals of the year during the hot summer months because not as many people want to visit. Not only is this smart for your wallet, but it is nice to enjoy a vacation spot without all the tourists. You end up feeling more like a local!
Cheryl, Kids on a Plane
My top summer vacation tip is to find accommodations that either includes meals (like complimentary breakfast or happy hour) or one that comes with a kitchen. Summer is one of the most expensive times to travel with kids and having some meals taken care of (either by your resort/hotel or being able to cook in your room) saves so much on eating out every day
Dustin, How To MCO

Erin and Mark, Points to Neverland
Janice, An Open Suitcase
Julia, Oh, Julia Ann

Sola
Tuesday 4th of July 2017
This advice is amazing! Sadly, I have to hold off on vacation until October but this gets me excited to start planning.
Blair Villanueva
Sunday 2nd of July 2017
Thanks for these amazing advices. I would love to travel to places that I could learn a lot, those things that even money can't buy.
sparkofsouthernmoms
Saturday 1st of July 2017
I love traveling to places that have an educational value and just to get on the open road and drive! There is so much to see and take in!
Stephanie Pass
Saturday 1st of July 2017
These are so great! I'm going to have to go back and read a few for my current vacation planning.
Andrea ThePetiteCook
Saturday 1st of July 2017
Bookmarking this! These are such great tips, I'm sure they will be handy for our next holiday!