Traveling with kids changes the calculus on almost everything, so we’ve put together our best practical advice.
Traveling with kids changes the calculus on almost everything, so we put together our best practical advice from years of hosting families across all three of our destinations.
Start with the home itself. A themed bunk room or a dedicated kids’ space (common in a lot of our Orlando properties) gives younger guests their own territory, which tends to mean better sleep and fewer overtired meltdowns than everyone crammed into one room. If nap schedules matter, look for a home with separate living areas so quieter activities can happen while a little one sleeps.
Build in downtime. It’s tempting to pack every day with activities, especially on a theme park trip, but a pool afternoon at your rental (no lines, no crowds) often ends up being the highlight kids remember most. We’d suggest planning at most one big outing a day with younger children, and leaving the rest open.
Pack familiar comfort items (a favorite stuffed animal, a specific snack, the usual bedtime routine props), since a new environment is easier for kids to settle into with a few anchors from home. Our kitchens are fully stocked for cooking, so bringing a few pantry staples your kids already love can smooth out mealtimes too.
For the Smoky Mountains and Gulf Shores & Orange Beach especially, check whether your home has a private pool or hot tub before you go, it’s often easier (and safer) to let kids burn energy at the property than trying to manage a public beach or pool with a group.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask us directly what a specific property is like for families, we know our homes well and can point you toward the ones best suited to your kids’ ages. Browse our family-friendly homes and start planning a trip that works for everyone, not just the adults.
Traveling with kids: quick answers
How many activities should we plan per day? At most one big outing, especially with younger children, leave the rest of the day open for downtime.
Does it matter which home we book? Yes, a themed bunk room or separate living areas can mean better sleep and fewer meltdowns.
Can you help pick a family-friendly property? Yes, ask us directly and we’ll point you toward homes well suited to your kids’ ages.
More practical tips for traveling with kids
Booking early matters even more with kids in the group, since our most family-friendly homes (the ones with themed bunk rooms, private pools, or extra living space) tend to be requested well ahead of peak season.
Meal planning is worth a few extra minutes of thought too. A fully stocked kitchen means you can recreate a familiar breakfast or dinner rather than relying entirely on restaurants for every meal, which can be a real relief with picky eaters or early bedtimes to manage.
Don’t underestimate a full pool or beach afternoon as a legitimate vacation activity in its own right, for a lot of families, it ends up being the thing kids talk about most once they’re home, more than any single paid attraction.
One more tip: bringing a printed list of nearby urgent care or pharmacy locations for your specific property can offer real peace of mind, even if you never end up needing it during your stay.
Whichever destination you choose, reaching out with your kids’ ages in mind helps us point you to the right home, since what works well for toddlers looks different from what suits a group of teenagers.
If you’re weighing two homes for a family trip and can’t decide based on photos alone, ask us directly which one tends to work better for groups with similar ages to yours.