Plan a weekend getaway the whole family will love

It sounds pretty simple, but it all starts with a map. What’s somewhere you’ve wanted to check out that’s within driving distance? What about a quick flight away? You’ll want to keep the travel time short for a quick trip, so try to choose a destination you can either drive or fly to in under two hours. Here are some great categories to start your search.

Culture, amazing food, and towering skylines — what’s not to like? Stay in the heart of the action and check out the best foodie spots and cities like Nashville, Tennessee and Las Vegas, Nevada to get inspired.

Stay a short drive away from a national or state park and you’ll have plenty of things to do during the day. Pick a cabin that’s near some kid-friendly hikes and look for homes offering helpful rentals like kayaks, paddleboards, or a hot tub.

Choose a home near the sand and lounge around all day together. To keep things convenient for a quick trip, make a list of easy recipes and hit the grocery store on the way in so you don’t have to leave your slice of paradise. It doesn't have to be on the coast, either. Check out these “alternative” beach destinations for some fun ideas.

Sometimes, exploring a quaint town in the mountains or near the beach (think: Solvang, California or Leavenworth, Washington) can feel a world away. Choose a vacation home near the cute downtown area and you’ll feel like a local as you sip your morning coffee (or cocoa).

When you’re taking the whole family on any kind of trip, spills happen, everybody gets exhausted, and yes, sometimes meltdowns ensue. Try to stay patient and go with the flow to set the right tone for your time away — and use these tips to make it as smooth as possible.

Even if you’re the spontaneous type, you’ll want to have some knowledge of family-friendly activities to do at your destination. Choose a few can’t-skip attractions and plan them around naps and meals. Hold off on purchasing any non-refundable tickets until the last minute if possible, because even the best plans can fall apart.

When traveling, what happens while your little one takes a nap? Or if they think showers are scary and will only take baths? If you choose a vacation rental you can make sure it fits with your family’s particular needs so you can be as comfortable as you are at home (and not have to tiptoe around in a dark room). Everything is also a little easier when you can pick a stay close to the attractions you want to visit.

What do you really need to bring for your family’s getaway — and what can you buy when you arrive? Make a list of essentials to have like feeding supplies, medications, and sleeping essentials. You can find even more helpful packing tips right here.

Traveling for a weekend-long family getaway is totally feasible, but it’s much more enjoyable if you can tack on an extra day. Federal holidays tend to be busier for travel (and prices go up), so to keep things budget-friendly and choose a Friday or Monday that’s off-peak for your destination.