Summer travel tips for families

(FOX Providence) - A family vacation is easier said than done, as traveling with children can be a challenge.

A recent report says, nearly nine out of 10 moms actually purchase products to make traveling easier. For the little ones, packing an umbrella stroller is helpful, because it's lightweight and saves room in the car for other necessities.

"So, when you travel with children, stay organized, have a plan. Label some of your items that you might be traveling with in plastic baggies. And organize the back of your vehicle," said Heather Grocott of The Children's Workshop .

Organizing your vehicle is a great starting point. Put the suitcases in first because you won't need them right away. Next, put the things that you will need at hand at the edge of your trunk or the back of your minivan to stay organized.

"Using bins that are open, and that you don't have to shuffle through a bag that zips, is really a great way to stay organized when traveling with kids. You can have a bin for snacks, a bin with toys, and a bin with books or other items for the kids."

You can save money and eat healthy by limiting your times eating out on the road. If stopping for a meal is in your schedule, try and limit it to one, quick stop. That way you get to your destination faster.

"If you have to stop for breakfast, pack some healthy snacks. Maybe having a snack every two hours in the car might be better for your trip than having to stop for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a car ride. So, really try to be strategic."

Remember to make the car ride a part of the vacation for your family. Doing that helps keep small children's minds active and thinking.

"Maybe give them a few milestones to look out for during the trip. You can play different road games. You know, the first person to see every letter of the alphabet on the road signs, wins a prize. And maybe you have some prizes in your car," explained Heather.

No matter how far away the vacation destination is, there are ways to travel without straining the budget. But, the best way to achieve that is to plan ahead.

"Set aside a little fund where it's just your vacation fund. Where it's just your summertime fund, because we only have summer once a year. And it's so short. And it's really important to try and cherish the memories over the summer. You don't want to be stressed and scrounging for money to go on vacation."

Heather also said that it's okay to teach your kids to rest or take a snooze during the car ride. That way when you arrive at your destination the child is fresh and ready to go. And everyone is set to have a good time.