How to Plan a Stress-Free Family Trip Using AI
Traveling with kids can be one of the most rewarding — and simultaneously overwhelming — experiences for any family. We love tom travel but long lines, delays and other circumstances that are out of our control, happen. The absolute best way to not be stressed is to be prepared. Whether that is with a game to play while you are waiting in line or having a backup plan on a day it rains.
Between packing lists, activity planning, and keeping little ones engaged on long journeys, it’s easy to feel like you need a second set of hands. That’s exactly why we created this Family Travel AI Prompt Guide: to give you ready-to-use prompts that help you plan smarter, spark excitement, and create unforgettable memories without the stress. Whether you’re prepping for your next big trip or trying to make the most of every moment on the road, these prompts will be your secret weapon for smoother, more joyful family travel.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Copy any prompt below, paste it into ChatGPT or Claude, and fill in the [brackets] with your details. That's it! These prompts work best when you're as specific as possible about your kids' ages and your destination.
📖 BEFORE YOU GO — PREP & EXCITEMENT
1. Find the perfect books before you leave
"My child is [age] years old and we are traveling to [destination]. Suggest 5 children's books about this place or culture that would be perfect to read before we go."
Grab them from your library for free. By the time you land, your kids already feel connected to where they're going.
2. Build pre-trip excitement with a family prep night
"We are taking a family trip to [destination] with kids aged [ages]. Create a fun family 'trip prep night' plan — include things to watch on YouTube, questions to discuss, local foods to look up and fun facts to share. Make it feel exciting, not like homework."
Do this 1-2 weeks before you leave. Kids who feel involved arrive excited instead of overwhelmed.
3. Create a trip countdown activity plan
"Create a fun countdown activity plan for the 2 weeks before our trip to [destination] with a [age] year old. One small, simple activity per day to build excitement — include crafts, food tastings, movie nights and learning activities."
Print it out and let your kids check off each day. Makes the wait feel like part of the adventure.
4. Explain the culture in a way kids will love
"Explain the history and culture of [destination] to a [age] year old in a fun, engaging way. Include 3 surprising facts that will make them excited to visit and one funny or quirky local custom they'll find interesting."
Read it together the night before you fly. Instant excitement — and they'll be pointing things out when you arrive.
5. Build the perfect packing list in 30 seconds
"Create a packing list for a family of [number] traveling to [destination] in [month]. We have kids aged [ages]. Include carry-on essentials, kid entertainment items and anything destination-specific we might forget."
No more standing at the airport wondering if you packed the sunscreen.
✈️ IN TRANSIT — PLANES, TRAINS & LONG RIDES
6. The ultimate line survival prompt
"Give me 10 fun trivia questions about [destination] that are appropriate for a [age] year old. Make them surprising, fun and a little educational — the kind that make kids say 'whoa, really?'"
Screenshot it before you leave the house. Pull it out in any airport line, boarding queue or car ride. Free entertainment — and they'll actually learn something.
7. A minute-by-minute flight plan
"We are flying for [duration] with kids aged [ages]. Create a minute-by-minute entertainment and activity plan for the flight broken into blocks. Include snack timing, screen time, non-screen activities, movement breaks and a sleep strategy."
This one is a game changer for long haul flights. Plan it in advance and pack accordingly.
8. Games that need zero equipment
"Give me 15 fun games and activities our family can play with no equipment at all — perfect for long flights, car rides, restaurants or any wait. We have kids aged [ages]. Include a mix of silly, competitive and creative options."
Save this one to your phone. You'll use it more than you think.
🇮🇹 ON THE GROUND — MAKING THE MOST OF IT
9. Build an itinerary that works for everyone
"Create a [number]-day itinerary for [destination] for a family with kids aged [ages]. Balance genuinely kid-friendly activities with things adults will enjoy too. Include approximate travel times between stops and at least one 'hidden gem' locals love."
The itinerary that doesn't end in a meltdown by day 2.
10. Find restaurants kids will actually eat at
"We are visiting [destination] with kids aged [ages]. Suggest 5 local, non-touristy restaurants that are relaxed, kid-friendly and serve food kids will actually try — not just pizza. Include one dish to order at each and why kids tend to like it."
Stop defaulting to McDonald's in Europe. You're welcome.
11. Find free and cheap activities
"Suggest 10 free or low-cost activities for families with kids aged [ages] in [destination]. Include a mix of outdoor, cultural and indoor 'rainy day' options. Note which ones need advance booking."
Some of the best travel memories cost nothing.
12. Teach kids a few words of the local language
"Give me 8 simple, fun phrases in [language] that kids aged [ages] could learn before visiting [destination]. Include pronunciation guides written phonetically and a fun fact about why locals appreciate when visitors try to speak their language."
Kids LOVE this. And locals love it even more.
🍽️ CONNECTION & MEMORIES
13. Dinner conversation starters
"Give me 10 fun conversation starter questions to ask my kids aged [ages] at dinner while we're traveling in [destination]. Make them thoughtful, trip-specific and a mix of funny and meaningful — the kind that lead to real conversations."
Some of the best family conversations happen at a tiny restaurant table far from home.
14. A travel journal your kids will actually use
"Create a simple travel journal template for a [age] year old visiting [destination]. Include daily reflection prompts, drawing sections, 'best moment of the day' spots and questions that will help them remember the trip in 10 years."
Print before you go. Their future self will thank you.
15. A kids' photo challenge
"Create a fun photography scavenger hunt for a [age] year old visiting [destination]. Include 15 specific things to photograph — a mix of easy, funny, cultural and challenging. Make it feel like a game, not a chore."
Hand them your old phone. They'll be more engaged — and you'll end up with photos you'd never have taken yourself.
🚕 HANDLING THE HARD STUFF
16. Preparing an anxious child
"We have a [age] year old who gets anxious about new situations. We are about to [specific experience — eg. fly for the first time / stay in a hotel / try unfamiliar food]. How do I prepare them in an age-appropriate way that builds excitement rather than fear?"
This prompt alone is worth saving this guide for. Share it with any parent you know who has an anxious traveler.
17. Give every kid a job
"Create simple, age-appropriate 'travel jobs' for each of my kids aged [ages] for our trip to [destination]. I want each child to feel responsible and involved. Include why having a job helps kids feel more confident and less anxious when traveling."
Kids who feel needed behave better. Simple as that.
18. When things go wrong
"Our plans changed unexpectedly while traveling in [destination] with kids aged [ages] — [describe what happened]. Give me 5 alternative activities or ways to salvage the day that will feel like an adventure rather than a disappointment."
Save this one for when you need it most.
💵 PLANNING SMARTER
19. Find the best area to stay
"What are the best neighborhoods or areas to stay in [destination] for a family with kids aged [ages]? For each suggestion explain why it works well for families, what's walkable, and any safety or convenience considerations."
Where you stay changes everything. Don't leave this to chance.
20. Build a simple family trip budget
"Create a realistic budget breakdown for a family of [number] visiting [destination] for [number of days]. Include categories for flights, accommodation, food, activities, transport and souvenirs. Give low, mid and high range estimates for each."
Take the guesswork out of the money conversation before it becomes a stress point.
