A Smarter Way to Travel This Year
By Dionne Roberts
January has a funny reputation. The holidays are over, the tinsel and decorations come down, and suddenly everyone is expected to be organized, motivated, and ready to take on big plans. When it comes to travel, though, January doesn’t need grand resolutions. It’s simply a great time to think ahead and make future trips easier and more enjoyable for everyone—kids included.
One of the smartest things families can do this month is look ahead instead of rushing ahead. January is an ideal time to talk about school breaks, family milestones, and those “someday” trips that keep coming up at the dinner table. Planning early often means better flight options, better room choices, and fewer compromises later. This matters even more when traveling with children or multiple generations.
Another helpful habit is building flexibility into your plans. Adding buffer days, choosing destinations with a variety of activities, or allowing time to slow down can make a big difference. Kids tend to handle travel better when schedules aren’t packed, and parents enjoy trips more when there’s room for unexpected delays, naps, or spontaneous fun.
January is also a great moment to upgrade how your family travels, not just where you go. That might mean prioritizing nonstop flights, selecting hotels close to main attractions, or planning one special experience everyone can look forward
to. Thoughtful planning often turns travel days into part of the adventure instead of something to endure.
It’s also the perfect time to get organized before travel season ramps up. Check passport expiration dates (yes, even the kids’), refresh travel apps, and create a simple digital folder for confirmations and documents. These small steps don’t feel exciting, but they save time, money, and stress later in the year.
The start of a new year is a chance to travel with more confidence and less chaos. With a little planning—and sometimes a knowledgeable guide behind the scenes—family trips can feel smoother, more memorable, and far more enjoyable from start to finish.
Dionne Roberts, MCC, VTA
Foster Perry Travel
888-878-5863
(888-TRVLTME)
