Family vacations: They can be a wonderful time, filled with exciting adventures and unforgettable memories — provided you’re smart when traveling with your family. Everyone has heard horror stories about unpleasant family journeys that turned into a serious headache. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid the mishaps that can plague family travel by following a few easy tips.

We’ve got the do’s and don’ts of family travel that will make your next vacation fun and relaxing for all your loved ones. Read on and get ready to fall in love with your next family adventure.

DO: Think About Activities Everyone Will Enjoy

You want every single family member to have a good time on your trip, so be sure to look for activities that have no age limit on fun. Try to avoid the more adult-themed locales (at least until you find a babysitter), but don’t settle for activities only the kids will enjoy. There are plenty of amazing all-age friendly places and events, from interactive museums to water parks to the beach, so take some time to plan ahead and make sure your vacation is fun for everyone.

DON’T: Skimp On Time

When traveling with a group — especially one that has kids — it’s important to add in extra time when getting from one place to another. Give yourself a cushion of time for every step of the journey, from traveling to the airport to arriving at different destinations. Remember, kids need to use the bathroom (often at the least convenient time), and need breaks to rest and explore. If you calculate that into your travel plans, you’ll cut down on stress and maximize the enjoyment of the whole family.

DO: Spend Some Time Apart

The family that spends every single second of their vacation together is bound to get into some squabbles. Even the most close-knit of families need some breathing room, especially when factoring in the stress of travel. Make sure your children pack some solo activities, including books and devices that can occupy their attention. It will give them (and you) a break and let them recharge their batteries for the next family adventure.

DON’T: Overpack

It might be tempting to load up every single toy and item of clothing for the family trip, but do your best to resist this urge. Your kids aren’t going to want to lug around a ton of luggage, particularly when they’re tired and hungry after traveling. And the more you pack, the bigger the risk you run of losing a beloved stuffed animal or favorite item of clothing. Instead, make a list of the items you’re bringing so you can keep track of it all, and ensure you come back with your luggage (and vacation) intact.

DO: Take Plenty Of Pictures

With everyone running around having fun and exploring, you may forget to document these precious moments. But it’s important to savor this time together, and this unique event in the lives of your children. They grow up fast, and they won’t be joining you on family vacations forever. If you can, get someone to snap a shot of the whole family together, so you have a permanent reminder of your time traveling with your loved ones.

DON’T: Forget The Snacks

A hungry kid is a cranky kid — and one that’s close to a total tantrum, particularly if they’re tired or stressed from long hours of travel. Avoid this unpleasant situation by packing a wide assortment of snacks and drinks to keep them satisfied. And don’t expect that you can rely on restaurants and stores for a quick fix; if your child is particularly fond of a particular brand or snack, you don’t want to risk running out. Instead, load up on treats or create your own snack packs to keep everyone satisfied and quiet, even if you run into a delayed flight or stuck in a hotel on a rainy day.

What are some do’s and don’ts on your family travel list? Tell us below!