Not in a dramatic, all-or-nothing way, but in quieter, more intentional shifts that are starting to show up in how moms plan, book, and experience trips.

There’s less focus on doing everything. Less pressure to pack every day with activities. Less interest in coming home from a vacation feeling like you need another one.

Instead, there’s a growing preference for something simpler.

Trips that feel easier. Schedules that feel lighter. Plans that leave room to actually enjoy where you are.

Call it low-effort travel, no-stress travel, or just being realistic about what a break should actually feel like.

Either way, more moms are leaning into it.

The idea isn’t to lower expectations. It’s to shift them.

Because somewhere along the way, travel started to feel like something that needed to be optimized. The best itinerary, the most efficient schedule, the most packed experience possible.

And for a lot of families, that approach just doesn’t work anymore.

Especially when you’re traveling with kids, or even just trying to carve out a few days to reset, the goal starts to change. It’s less about seeing everything and more about enjoying something.

That’s where this newer travel mindset is coming in.

What “no-stress travel” actually looks like is surprisingly simple.

It’s choosing one or two things to do in a day instead of five. It’s leaving space in your schedule instead of filling it. It’s staying somewhere that allows you to settle in instead of constantly being on the move.

Accommodations are a big part of that shift. More moms are looking for places that offer space, flexibility, and a sense of ease. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easier to find homes, condos, and family-friendly spaces that naturally support a slower pace.

Having a kitchen, separate rooms, and room to spread out can change how a trip feels entirely.

The destinations themselves are starting to reflect this mindset as well.

Instead of fast-paced, crowded cities, many families are gravitating toward places that encourage you to slow down without trying too hard. Beach towns remain a favorite, not just for the scenery but for the rhythm they naturally create. Mountain destinations and cabin stays offer something similar, a quiet, grounded experience that doesn’t require much planning to enjoy.

There’s also a noticeable shift toward closer-to-home travel. Shorter drives, fewer logistics, and less time spent navigating airports are becoming more appealing than long, complicated itineraries.

For families who still want convenience without planning every detail, all-inclusive options are being viewed in a new light. Sites like Expedia and Booking.com make it easy to compare these types of stays where meals, activities, and accommodations are handled in one place.

Across all of these choices, the common thread is ease.

And part of what’s making this style of travel more appealing is how much smoother the experience can feel with a few thoughtful upgrades.

Not big, expensive changes. Just small things that remove friction.

A reliable portable charger, like the Anker PowerCore, is one of those items you don’t think about until your phone is about to die halfway through a travel day. It’s a small detail, but it makes everything feel more manageable.

Keeping things organized also plays a bigger role than most people expect. Using packing cubes from BAGSMART helps eliminate the constant digging through suitcases, especially when traveling with kids.

Even your bag matters more than you realize. A well-designed weekender from Béis can make transitions between home, car, airport, and hotel feel smoother and less chaotic.

And for longer travel days, comfort becomes part of the equation. Something as simple as a supportive neck pillow from Trtl can make the difference between arriving exhausted or feeling relatively rested.

None of these are major changes, but together they reduce the small stress points that tend to add up.

That’s really what this shift in travel is about.

It’s not about lowering standards or doing less just for the sake of it. It’s about recognizing that the best trips aren’t the ones where everything gets done.

They’re the ones where you actually feel present.

For a lot of moms, that means redefining what a successful trip looks like.

It’s having moments where no one is rushing. It’s enjoying where you are instead of thinking about what’s next. It’s coming home feeling like you had a break, not like you need one.

That’s why this trend is sticking.

Because once you experience travel that actually feels easier, it becomes the new standard.

The post The No-Stress Travel Trend Moms Are Embracing (and Where They’re Going in 2026) appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

But sharing your life with a beautiful new baby doesn’t mean that you need to remain housebound until the toddler years arrive – or that you have to say good-bye to your adventuresome spirit. With the official arrival of summer, the baby care experts at WaterWipes have put together some tips on how new parents can celebrate both their new addition – and the summer season.

• Embark on the Great Grandparent Tour: No one on the planet wants to see the new baby and you – in that order – more than the new grandparents. So planning a trip home, or to see other close relatives, can be a great way to spend a long summer weekend, while ensuring that you’ll have plenty of people willing to lend a hand. Plus, as most grandparents prove to be more than willing babysitters, you may even be able to sneak out for a grown-up dinner or two.

• Keep it Manageable: If you do decide to venture out to a vacation destination – beyond the family visit – try to keep it easy on yourself and your baby. Even for experienced travelers, this may not be the time for an overnight international flight or “roughing it” for two weeks in a rustic cabin. Instead, try for a destination not too far from home and search for accommodations that offer up some flexibility – for example, cooking facilities if you don’t want to eat out at a restaurant every night.

• Stay Cool in the Summer Sun: As much as we enjoy warm weather, it can be tough on everyone’s skin – but especially for a new baby. WaterWipes, the world’s only chemical-free baby wipes, can be comforting on a new baby’s skin during the hot summer months, as they contain only two ingredients: 99.9% water and a tiny droplet of fruit extract. They also can help avoid diaper rash and won’t irritate other sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Before venturing out on a warm day, toss your pack of WaterWipes in the refrigerator so you can soothe and refresh your baby with a cool wipe during your outing.

• Talk to Other Moms: Experienced Moms can be a great resource when contemplating a vacation with a new baby, so get the scoop from your Mom friends about what works and what doesn’t for your first vacation as a family. From diaper bag essentials to what to bring along on a car trip, Moms-in-the-know can be the difference between a successful trip and one that leaves you longing for the comforts of home.

• Streamline Travel Gear: Between shower gifts and baby presents, new parents now have more baby gear than they ever thought possible. But the thought of bringing it all along on vacation can be enough to deter the most eager traveler. Instead, start streamlining by focusing on the products you use daily. Moreover, cutting down the quantity of what you bring can be another way to lighten the load, as many baby products, such as WaterWipes, come in travel sizes, which can easily be tossed into a travel bag.

The post 5 Tips for Making the Most of Summertime Family Travel appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

There are days when it seems you spend all day driving; groceries, endless picks ups and drop offs, the post office, drycleaning that has piled up, you name it.  Running errands with a toddler in tow can be a challenge so I’ve come up with a few ways to ensure a smooth ride for both mom or dad and your child.

Bag of tricks.  Always carry a special bag of goodies with you containing easy on-the-go ways to keep your toddler busy (picture books, small toys, coloring materials, etc.)  So any time there’s waiting time, you will have some fun activities for your toddler.  Make sure to mix it up a bit so there are always some new items in the bag and only bring out the bag of tricks when you’re out and about so that it’s fun and special for your toddler.

Music.  Music is a great way to engage your toddler.  Bring along your iPod with a special playlist for your toddler (and headphones, unless you want to sing along:).  Make sure to check the volume setting.

Books on tape.  A great tool in situations where a lot of sitting and waiting is required (appointments, driving, etc.)

Snacks.  Bring along healthy snacks that aren’t messy (cut up fruits and veggies, cheerios, crackers)  

The classics.  These blasts from the past are still engaging and fun for your toddler and easy to carry with you.  Games like I Spy and Etch-a-Sketch and activities such as felt boards and paper dolls have been entertaining tots for many decades

Take photos.  A fun way for your toddler to stay busy is by asking him or her to take pictures.  This works well when traveling, on walks, or running even errands).  Then, when you get home, you can make a little online scrapbook together of the trip or the day’s events.

Apps. If you want to go the electronic route there are many toddler appropriate apps that are as easy to bring along as your phone.  One of our favorites is the BubbleBum travel app which is FREE.  It offers tic tac toe, including a version where you play with a photo of yourself as the game piece, car bingo, traffic jam and treasure hunt.  

And just remember to keep a sense of humor whenever possible, it will go a long way to keeping your sanity.  Plus our kids often take their cues from us, so it will also help to keep your tot happy too!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Entertaining Your Toddler When On-The-Go appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As a seasoned traveler, Daddy Nickell knows how stressful it can be to voyage with small children. Don’t get caught up in the stress this year, follow these tried and true tips for ensuring easy travel with your kids for Spring Break, summer and beyond.

Whether you’re flying or driving to your vacation destination, here are a few reminders to help you and your children get where you’re going smoothly and happily – so your vacation can be a little more relaxing.

Preparations Are Key: Make sure your family knows of this year’s travel and vacation plans well in advance so they are able to collect their favorite movies, download their favorite music and pack up their favorite stuffed animals. Your itinerary should be solidly planned out with a little extra room for hiccups and delays. If you’re driving, purchase a road atlas for your car, print out directions from Google Maps, or program and update your GPS system. Be as prepared as possible, and your travel time may just be a little more enjoyable.

Packing: When it comes to packing it’s all about being organized. And, as it turns out, one of the more difficult activities when traveling is packing in an organized fashion. You will need to decide how many suitcases you’ll be packing and who will be responsible for what bags or belongings. Don’t wait until the last minute to pack, start early. Remember to pack up a bag full of snacks and goodies to have on-hand during your travels. Whether on a plane or in a car, getting into baggage once the journey’s begun might not be a viable option. We also stick a pair of pajamas in our on-hand bag. Most of the time, our traveling stretches into the night; changing from day clothes into pajamas while traveling at night helps kids feel more comfortable.

Entertainment: Chances are your child is going to get bored and burnt-out while traveling, so, as the parent, it’s your responsibility to have a handful of tricks up your sleeve. Toys, puzzles, games and books are great sources of entertainment on the go. Stick a few surprises in your on-hand travel bag so that you can head-off your fidgety child before boredom turns into a meltdown. When you’re driving during daylight, you and your child can watch license plates, keep track of the different colors of cars you pass or listen to a book on tape. When in the airplane, booklets of mazes and coloring books can be extremely helpful when it comes to keeping kids entertained. It doesn’t hurt to have a favorite movie on your iPod or portable DVD player to pop on when your child gets sleepy.

Keep in Mind: Your kids are going to be exhausted from traveling, so allow them ample time to rest. More than likely, you will be having more activity than a typical day at home would consist of, so keep a close eye on your children to see when they’ve had enough. Traveling can put stress on our bodies and immune systems, so make sure you all drink lots of water and try to eat healthy. Remember you’re on vacation with your children. Plan out some special, kid-friendly activities you know they’ll love and enjoy!

Make sure you explain everything to your children in advance so there are no surprises upon stepping onto an airplane for the first time or visiting someplace new. Your child will feel more comfortable, safe and secure if they know what to expect in advance. Remember to be flexible and have a little fun – nothing ever goes quite according to plan, so be prepared for a few minor hiccups and roll with the punches.

Safe travels!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Traveling with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

*Make a time and place to meet if you split up-or get separated. Make sure the kids know to seek out someone in a uniform who is working should they get lost. Make sure they have the name, phone number and address of where you are staying as well as your cell phone numbers.

*Never force a child to ride an attraction if they are frightened-even if you’ve waited in line. Never tease a child about their fear. You can always return later-or next year. LEGOLAND Florida has developed tips for parents of first-time Coaster riders.

*Don’t fudge the height rules for young children. They’re in place for your child’s safety. Nor should a child ride an attraction he’s outgrown.

*Seat a younger child on the inside and make sure they keep their hands and feet inside at all times.

*Carry reusable water bottles and snacks so that you don’t have to wait in long lines when the kids are hungry. It will be cheaper, healthier and greener.

*Slather on sunscreen! Be prepared for changes in weather with jackets, rain gear and hats.  

*Leave when the kids-and you-have had enough, even if you haven’t seen everything or ridden every ride. There will always be another visit.

*Allow lots of down time at the hotel and in the pool. Remember, this is vacation!

Check out other great family travel tips from Eileen Ogintz at www.takingthekids.com

The post Theme Park Smarts: Tips for Safety and Fun appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

• Involve your children: Make sure your kids know when and where you’re going. There’s nothing worse than feeling like a trip or a family visit was sprung on you. Children tend to react better when they have time to process what’s going on. Even a toddler understands the excitement and bustle that a trip creates. If they get too excited give them a paper chain to tear or calendar days to mark off leading up to the big day.

• Use time to your advantage: If at all possible, pick a departure time that will coincide with your children’s nap schedules, or if they’re older, a time of day that is optimal “rest time.” We all know the monotony of a plane ride or car trip and sleep makes it easier. Allow plenty of time at airports to get through security calmly and perhaps have time to explore a little. Keep in mind high traffic times on the road and do your best to avoid them.

• Label Everything: Write your name on anything you may drop or forget during your trip. Toys, books, sippy cups, blankets, movies, etc. You may also want to color code between children if there’s a chance for a mix-up. A simple label may prevent a disagreement about what toy belongs to what child. They may also like the idea of getting to pick a color or certain sticker for all their things.

• Attitude is everything: Keeping a positive attitude can really help your children do the same. Travel is stressful under the best of circumstances but if you’re able to laugh or make a game out of a tough situation, your trip can be saved! If everyone is getting tired or irritable you may want to enforce “quiet time.” Allow each child and adult some time where no one talks and can do the activity of his or her choice. Down time is key for everyone.

• Create Traditions: Holidaytravel tends to be an annual thing, and is therefore the perfect opportunity to create traditions, which lead to memories. See if your kids can come up with a game, song, story, etc. you only bring out on these trips. It adds to the excitement and overall enjoyment for everyone. You may be surprised what they like doing and what becomes special to them. Sometimes it’s the little things that mean more than the presents under the tree.

• “Travel Only” toys: Most children love new toys and games. Nothing is a better distraction than a “new” item, and what better time to get one than before a long, grueling day of travel? Having something new or something that is only brought when you travel can add excitement while also creating routine. Your child always traveling with a certain item can add to their sense of security in the midst of chaos and may give you added peace and quiet.

Here are some general tips and ideas that should make travel easier and fun!

• Create a playlist or CD especially for the trip
• Grab the baby wipes and hand sanitizer
• Have appropriate travel documents for each child
• Make a list and check it twice!
• Choose toys & games wisely (fun but ok if somehow lost or broken)
• Charge DVD players and iPods (grab headphones and movies!)
• Have bags for trash, especially in automobiles
• Bring children’s medicine

Games:

• Look for landmarks
• How many “red” cars can you spot?
• Follow route on the map
• Guess how many “buses” you’ll pass in 20 minutes & see who’s closest
• Pick a co-captain after each pit stop
• Find license plates from each of the 50 states
• Sing as many carols as possible from memory, or write your own!
• I spy
• Make your seats or car a “no shoe zone” or “whisper only zone”

Check out tsa.gov for helpful hints and videos on airport travel. Safety tattoos safetytat.com

By: Raschelle Schottmuller

The post Winter Travel Tips appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.