7 travel hacks I've learned as a parent I tell everyone to use for easier and cheaper vacations

Emily HochbergJan 15, 2024, 20:43 IST

The author in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

As a long-time traveler and travel editor, I always considered myself savvy at hitting the road.
But it wasn't until I became a parent that I found my best tips and tricks for travel.

Before having kids, I always considered myself a savvy traveler. And not just because I'm a travel editor.

I was adept at packing light, finding great deals, and leveraging points and miles into luxury getaways.

But now that I'm a parent of two young children, I realize it was less that I was really good at the process and more that I had it easy.

So easy.

Traveling with kids is difficult, but I still do it. For practical reasons, such as to see family, and also because it's intrinsic to who me and my husband are, and makes us feel connected to our pre-baby selves.

I also want to instill a love of travel in my kids, just like I experienced as a child, making me who I am today.

We've traveled internationally and domestically as a family, and, in the process, found ways to make arduous journeys a bit less chaotic.

While I recommend these practices to all my parent friends, most are useful to travelers whether or not they have kids. Here are seven things I always do that can help anyone be a bit savvier on the road.

Show loyalty wherever you go.

The pool at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

Ask about checking in early. Even if you can't, most hotels and resorts will let you use the facilities while you wait.

The pool at the Hotel Del Coronado.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

Always ask for a late checkout if you need it, too.

The author and her husband in their room's private plunge pool at the Conrad Punta de Mita.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

If late checkout isn't available, you can still hang out in the hotel. You can also ask if there is a hospitality suite where you can shower or relax.

A sign outside the hospitality suite at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (L), and a look inside the suite (R).Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

For smaller activities that don't need to be booked ahead of time, don't commit until you're at your destination.

The author's largely unused beach chairs at the Hotel Del Coronado.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

Do the math on car rentals vs. transfers. Sometimes you'll be surprised which is cheaper.

The author's rental car being parked with the hotel valet in Hawaii.Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

It's inevitable when you travel that problems will arise. Sometimes, there's an easy fix — but only if you ask.

The downstairs bedroom in the loft suite (L), upstairs loft bedroom (R).Emily Hochberg/Business Insider

I tried van life for 2 weeks and 5 hidden costs revealed how the lifestyle isn't as cheap as I romanticized it to be

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