If you have ever traveled with young children, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s important to think a lot about what you plan to do on your travels before going to make sure you have what you need for the trip. When possible, you should also try to decrease the amount of stuff you bring. Pack clothes that easily layer to cover warm and cold weather, but find somewhere to do laundry instead of having a new outfit every day. Plan activities for small kids to keep them occupied, and make sure you bring extra clothes and activities on outings during the trip. Doing research on your travel locale beforehand can help you plan the best places to stay and side trips with your kids in mind so you don’t have to do it on the fly.

Read more: Traveling with kids – the good, the bad and the choices in between