As a mama and travel planner, I understand how the excitement of a family trip can quickly be overshadowed by the stress of preparation. Ensuring a smooth journey and a hassle-free return can make all the difference in your overall experience. Here are my top three tips to help you reduce stress before your next family adventure.

1. Plan and Pack Strategically

Packing can be one of the most daunting and stressful tasks when preparing for a family trip. However, with a little strategic planning, it can become a breeze! And dare I say - it can actually make your trip EVEN better! Because when you are prepared, you have less last minute freak outs and more time for fun! Here are some tips to streamline the process:

• Create a Packing List: Start by writing down everything each family member needs, from clothing to travel documents. This prevents last-minute panic and ensures nothing essential is left behind.

• Pack Smartly: Roll clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles, and use packing cubes to organize items by category or by day. This past trip, I used a hanging shoe organizer (like this one) to organize both my son's clothes by day. I packed it in our suitcase and when we got to the hotel, I simply took it out and hung it up. No need to unpack and organize inside the dresser drawers! You will also want to keep a separate bag for essentials like snacks, entertainment, and toiletries, making them easily accessible during the journey. I recommend putting those in a bag you will be carrying WITH you on the plane or in the car (and not in a checked bag).

• Check the Weather: Look up the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. This will help you avoid overpacking and ensure everyone is comfortable. Some weather related must haves could include rain ponchos, extra socks and shoes, sun hats, winter hats, gloves, and scarves, etc.

2. Arrange for Post-Trip Groceries

Returning home to an empty fridge is the last thing you want after a fun-filled family vacation. Ordering groceries in advance can save you from that post-trip scramble. Here's how to make it work:

• Use Online Grocery Services like Instacart or Walmart: Many grocery stores offer online shopping and delivery services. Schedule your order to arrive the day you return, ensuring you have fresh food waiting for you. Or if you are going to be driving by the grocery store, schedule a pick up and grab it on your way home!

• Adjust Back Using Simple Meals: Consider preparing a simple meal plan for the first few days back. Having a plan will help ease you back into your routine and alleviate the stress of figuring out elaborate meals immediately.

• Stock Up on Essentials: Make sure to include essentials like milk, bread, and breakfast items in your grocery order. This way, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable transition back home.

3. Prepare Your Home for a Relaxing Return

What better way to ease back into post vacation life than walking into a clean and organized home. It can definitely make your return feel peaceful and welcoming. Here are a few steps to take before you leave:

• Tidy Up Your Spaces: Spend a bit of time tidying up living spaces, making beds, clearing clutter and taking out the garbages. A tidy home can make all the difference in how you feel when you walk through the door.

• Secure Your Home: Ensure all windows and doors are locked, unplug any unnecessary electronics, and set your house security alarm (if you have one) when you are leaving. This peace of mind allows you to focus on enjoying your trip. One more thing I like to do before we leave is walk around and take pictures of all the door locks and appliances to ensure things are locked and off! No one wants to be in the middle of the plane ride and second guess whether or not you turned the stove burner off or locked the sliding glass door!

• Plan Ahead for Chores: Arrange for someone to water your plants or take care of pets if necessary. Knowing these responsibilities are covered will let you relax and enjoy your vacation.

By taking these steps before your family trip, you can reduce stress and focus on creating wonderful memories together. Safe travels and happy adventures!

Bio: Kim is a Travel Planner with Goldgell Getaways. She specializes in helping moms and families book less stressful vacations to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, cruises and other Disney destinations. Kim walks clients through the planning process step by step and takes the guesswork (and stress) out of travel! From research to booking and recommendations to reservations, Kim is your one stop shop for a fabulous family vacation! Kim was previously a health and mindset coach for moms who specialized in stress management. She decided to pivot to travel planning so that she could focus on reducing stress and increasing fun in one specific area for moms - travel and vacation planning!

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