I backpacked around Europe for 5 weeks with my 3 young kids. Here are my 8 best travel tips for families.

• My family of five is always on the go — if we're not on a trip, we're planning our next one. 
• We always pack light and never check bags, regardless of the trip length and destination.
• Preparation is key, and our three kids love to help craft the itinerary for each vacation. 

Travel is a priority for my family, but hopping on a plane isn't always easy with three young kids.

After backpacking through Europe for five weeks and challenging ourselves to take 22 trips in 2022, we've come up with some ways to make traveling as a family a bit more manageable. 

Plan as much as possible in advance 

My No. 1 tip for families is to plan as much as possible before departing for a trip. I like to do extensive research on each destination.

First I look at the forecast for our travel dates so I can prepare for changing temperatures and inclement weather. I also learn about the landmarks and activities that we're considering adding to our itinerary. 

I'm always looking for ways to make the most of our time, save money, and optimize the experience.

Plus, this preliminary research helps me determine which items to pack. For example, I make sure to bring closed-toed shoes for hikes and water shoes for walks to a waterfall.

Make sure everyone's travel documents are prepared and up-to-date

I dig into the travel logistics before we leave to avoid any last-minute stress.

If we need passports to enter our destination, I make sure no one's documents are close to expiring. 

It's a good idea to withdraw cash in the local currency and handle any destination-specific paperwork ahead of time as well. 

We like to include our kids in the trip-planning process

One of our daughters doesn't like surprises. She wants to go into the trip prepared and know exactly what to expect, right down to the tiny details. Once she got involved in the trip-planning process, our other kids did, too.

When our children have a say in where we go and what we do, they seem to enjoy the on-the-ground experiences more. It also really helps them deal with moving on to the next destination.

Of course, plans can always change. When they do, we do our best to involve them in any last-minute decisions as well.

The bottom line is that you should include your kids in your planning process, even if they seem uninterested when you ask.

Prevent meltdowns by bringing snacks

We all get a little grumpy when we're hungry, and my kids' moods change very quickly when they need to eat.

Snacks are a huge hit in our house, and it's no different when we're on vacation. 

I like to make sure that we have plenty of snacks packed on every journey we take, so we always carry a box full of small bites.

Schedule plenty of downtime in the itinerary

This tip is just as important for parents as it is for kids.

We all enjoy experiencing new things, especially when we're visiting a place for the first time. I like to keep our trips action-packed and fill our itineraries with fun activities. 

The problem is that everyone in my family eventually feels burnt out. And if we do high-energy activities shortly after arriving, energy can dip early on in the vacation.

To avoid tiring ourselves out, we schedule downtime for all five of us. We typically plan one big day full of exploration and activities and follow it with a rest day to balance out the excitement. 

Be prepared for plans to change

You can do all the preparation you want and make a meticulous schedule, but let's face it: Things don't always go as planned.

Maybe an activity will be canceled due to unpredictable weather, or perhaps someone has to sit out of a tour because they don't feel well. Nobody can predict or control these situations, but you can still prepare for them and react appropriately.

I like to be prepared, so I always pack a "just in case" bag, which I fill with over-the-counter medicine and travel-sized cleaning supplies, for these unforeseen circumstances.

Pack light to reduce stress and expenses

When I first traveled without a checked bag, I was scared. Like so many other travelers, I worried that I wouldn't have everything I needed for my trip.

Don't let fear about what could go wrong stop you from traveling with more freedom and lighter bags. Once I ditched my suitcase for a backpack, I absolutely loved the ways it improved my travel experience. 

Traveling with just a carry-on makes trips easier and oftentimes cheaper. When you don't have to check a bag at the airport, you avoid luggage fees and save a lot of time. 

The best part is that you're free from all of the clutter and don't have to lug around items that you probably won't end up using during your vacation.

All five of us use backpacks and packing cubes to pack as strategically and efficiently as possible. I suggest checking out some of the travel backpacks we use — even our kids' bags can fit a surprising amount inside.  

If we ever do forget something, we just stop at a local store or ask for it at our hotel's front desk. 

Go with the flow and enjoy the present moment

Unexpected things are probably going to happen on your trip, but don't allow them to affect your experience. 

Staying present is easier said than done, but do your best to embrace the moment. You've done all the work to get to this point, so you deserve to enjoy it — even if everything doesn't go as planned. 

Rather than worrying about things you can't control, enjoy your surroundings and the memories you're making with your family.