Today, I have an awesome post from Daniel about how parents can make vacations with little one’s easier. Daniel is a single dad raising two children. At DadSolo.com, he aims to provide other parents with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.

There are so many reasons to travel with your children. Even if they are younger, the experiences can help expand their worldview and make them more well-rounded. It teaches them to be flexible and not to overreact to life’s little setbacks. Furthermore, travel is a great experience that teaches them about history, languages, and anthropology.

In short, travel is an experience all kids should have. However, it’s not always easy. To make it easier, use these tips when traveling with kids.

1. Check it Out

Forgetting an essential item can cause panic when you get to your destination. A checklist is your best friend when it comes to packing. If your kids are old enough, let them help when you make yours. Ask them about what outfits they want to wear, toys they want to bring, and games they want to play when you are driving or flying. Also, keep your itinerary in mind. For instance, if you are going to an all-inclusive resort with a formal restaurant, your children will need clothes that are suitable for the occasion. Use this checklist as a template and add on as needed.

2. A.L.E.: Always Leave Early

The days of leaving for the airport at the last minute and rushing to the gate are over. When you have kids, you need extra time to deal with getting strollers through security and taking potty breaks. Always leave earlier than you think you need to — 10 to 20 minutes is typically a good buffer. When making your travel itinerary, work commute time into it, especially if you are flying. Airlines don’t always give people enough time to make it to connecting flights, so double check.

3. Sleep Tight

Parents often try to save a buck or two when traveling by making siblings double up when it comes to bed. However, if your children aren’t well-rested, you are going to regret it when the day breaks. Make sure sleeping accommodations are appropriate and don’t change up their sleep hygiene habits just because you are on the road. If you are on vacation with an infant, a small travel crib is a great way to make the most of a small space while providing a safe and comfortable environment for little ones.

If your children are nervous or anxious while traveling, look for ways to help settle their nerves so they can relax and enjoy the vacation. For example, may parents have discovered that supplements like CBD oil can help calm little ones, though it’s always important to discuss this matter with your doctor beforehand. Also, since some kids may not like the taste of CBD oil, look into getting a good CBD gummy, which they might find more palatable.

4. Save Money Without Pinching Pennies

Traveling doesn’t have to be a huge financial burden. There are tons of discount websites available that don’t just save you money, they can also help when it comes to planning your trip. For instance, deal sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial contain plenty of great ideas when it comes to family-friendly activities and local places to eat, shop and be entertained. You can buy deals ahead of time so you can work activities into your budget without a worry in sight.

Another tip for saving money when traveling with kids: Spring for the suite with a kitchen. Making your own meals is a great way to save money. Kids don’t need a buffet breakfast every morning. Instead of hauling the whole family to the hotel restaurant, a simple morning meal of yogurt and cereal fills children up without breaking the bank. Make your own kid-friendly meals and spend that money on cool experiences like tours and other family activities.

Another way to help cut back on the price of souvenirs and the like is to get your child an inexpensive camera. That way, instead of springing for tons of postcards or mini posters (which can quickly add up), they can take all the photographs they wish and print them out after they return home. The folks at Watchdog Reviews have a great list of digital cameras for kids that can help you find the perfect one for your children.

Traveling with children expands their worldview and teaches them how to be empathetic and patient. Of course, hitting the road with little ones isn’t always easy. You can make the process run smoother by planning ahead with a well thought out checklist that guides your packing. When traveling with kids, remember to work extra time for travel and always leave early. While you may think doubling up on beds is a great way to save money, you’ll regret it if you wake up to grumpy and sleepy kids.

Keep their sleep regimens as close to possible as home and provide optimal conditions for little ones. Finally, you can save money without feeling cheap. Just look for deals for activities and use them to plan your itinerary. Another great idea is reserving a suite with a kitchen to make your own meals. Stock up with kid-friendly options and skip the buffet.