Family vacations are some of the most cherished experiences in life, and whether you're hitting the road for a weekend getaway or you're flying across the world for an international adventure, travelling with kids can create the best, most lifelong memories you ever have. But we all know that family travel can be chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting if not planned well.

That's why travel savvy families turn to travel blogs, Pinterest boards and social.Media tips to prepare smarter and make the journey smoother. The goal here is to maximize the fun, minimize the stress, and make every trip memorable for all the right reasons. Let's take a look at some top family trips to help you to create those unforgettable memories that you all deserve.

1. Have a plan, but be flexible with it. A solid plan keeps things organized, but over planning can leave your family feeling overwhelmed. Having a rough itinerary with a mix of structured activities and free time is important. One to two main things planned per day allows for spontaneity, naps and snack breaks, which are inevitable with kids. Also, it will help to leave wiggle room for unexpected moments, such as discovering a hidden beach, attending a local festival, or simply relaxing longer at a scenic spot.

2. Involve everyone in the planning process.If you want to make memories, you have to go beyond your own ones. Make the trip more exciting before it even begins by including everyone in the planning phase. The kids can help to choose destinations or activities with you, and they'll be more engaged if they feel like it's their trip to. You could also create a family travel mood board by checking out family friendly travel blogs for inspiration or letting the older kids get some research done on their time.

3. Pack smart, not heavily. The fewer bags you bring, the less you'll have to carry, track or unpack. Aim for versatile outfits, essential gear and compact entertainment. You could also use packing cubes to stay organised and bring a lightweight daypack for excursions. Create a checklist for each family member and if your kids are old enough, allow them to pack their own bags with supervision. Checklists will help them ensure that they bring everything they need.

4. Be smart about your accommodation choice. Where you stay will make or break your trip. Make sure that you put family friendly lodging that offers space, convenience and comfort first, like vacation rentals or family suites that often offer more room than traditional hotel rooms. Pick a property that's near a key attraction or transit options to cut down on travel time while you're there, too. A pool or a kids club or a games room can also work wonders for winding down after a long day.

5. Keep the kids engaged during transit. Whether you're flying, driving or training it across Europe, long travel times can challenge even the most patient of children. Pack a small arsenal of entertainment like books, drawing pads, audio books, games and surprise treats.

6. Embrace local experiences. You're all about making memories, and the best family travel memories will often come from simple, authentic experiences instead of just hitting the tourist spot. You can look for ways to connect with the local culture like attending community events, visiting farmers markets, or attending cooking classes. Children will always remember the day they made pasta in Italy or danced in a street festival far more than standing in line for a famous monument.

7. Put health and safety at the top of your priority list. Travelling with a family means being prepared for anything, so carry the basics of first aid kits, stay updated on vaccination requirements and research nearby clinics just in case you need them. You can consider ID bracelets for children who like to run, or cards for younger kids with contact information on them, just in case you get lost in a crowd. When you want to go internationally, check your health insurance coverage or invest in temporary travel insurance for the added peace of mind that you need.

8. Stick to the somewhat familiar. Kids thrive on routine, and while it's OK to let loose during vacation, keeping a few habits intact prevents meltdowns. Regular mealtimes, reasonable bedtimes, and bringing familiar snacks and toys can help.

You could use these tips and the wealth of insights from trusted travel blogs to craft experiences that your family will talk about for years. When all is said and done, it's not just about the destination, but about the moments you create together along the way.

Top Family Travel Tips to Make the Best Memories