5 Pro Tips For Travel Success With Kids

I love planning a big vacation, but after the destination has been set, packing for the family often leaves hardly any room for anything other than my swimsuit. And then coming up with ways to keep kids occupied during a long drive or flight adds to the bulk. To calm travel nerves, we reached out to an expert to get pro tips when planning your next family adventure. Tiffany Kitts, the director of fun at the Embassy Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort, gets the stress of making a family trip memorable. Keep reading for Tiffany's suggestions, plus travel insights for a successful family trip.

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Tips For Traveling With Little Kids
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Tips For Traveling With Little Kids

Tiffany suggests to always pack little rewards or quiet toys along with comfort items. Select Embassy Suites just debuted amenity kits for kids that include coloring books and crayons. Another great tip is for parents to pack their toddlers' outfits in individual plastic bags labeled by days of the week to make it easier (and faster!) to get out the door in the morning and onto their day of vacation fun.

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Tips For Traveling With Toddlers
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Tips For Traveling With Toddlers

First and foremost, Tiffany finds making sure toddlers are comfortable and feel at home is essential. It's best to pack something sentimental like a favorite stuffed animal. Also, prior to the trip, Kitts recommends explaining what is planned for them while on vacation — and even showing photos to help get excited about the trip. Pack small, quiet toys, plus snacks you can distribute during the car or plane ride to keep kids entertained. You can also check out the Embassy Suites #PrettyGreat Family Travel Hacks online community for great travel tips from fellow parents.

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Two Things Parents Always Forget to Pack
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Two Things Parents Always Forget to Pack

Tiffany divulges there are two things parents often forget: the first is their child's floaties for the pool and the other is charging cords for electronics. It's always good to check with the front desk at your hotel before buying a charging cord to see if they have one on hand to lend. And check the hotel gift shop for floaties so you can quickly be on your way to the pool.

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Hotel Tips For Families
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Hotel Tips For Families

Planning makes perfect! Tiffany's main tip is to always have your day strategically planned out so children are entertained at all times. She recommends visiting the hotel concierge so families can learn about all the hotel amenities and activities. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, there are plenty of ways to get creative in your room. Have a family dance party by putting a phone in an empty glass to help amplify the sound, and don't forget to check at the front desk for complimentary DVDs and board games to rent. For a change of scenery, play them in the lobby!

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Top Tips For Preventing Meltdowns
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Top Tips For Preventing Meltdowns

Little ones' attention spans are much shorter than teens' or adults,' so it's important to make sure they have plenty to do during downtime. Keep healthy and filling snacks handy to keep energy levels up during the day, then wind down with a couch fort using pillows and blankets while cuddling and reading books. Make a learning game out of everything you do, and you'll not only entertain and educate, but make great memories to look back on for years to come.