The Ultimate All-Inclusive Guide to Surviving (and Loving) a 28-Day Family Trip Across Asia
Welcome to Post #2 of my Tell-All Series: Tips, Tricks, and Travel Magic from Our 28-Day Asia Adventure.
Last week, I shared the behind-the-scenes planning: how I mapped our route, built in backup drivers, and stacked our itinerary with a mix of adventure and downtime. This week, it’s all about the how—how we traveled across six countries in 28 days with kids, stayed (mostly) sane, and actually had fun doing it.
If you’ve ever wondered how a family of four pulled off a month-long trip across Asia without losing our minds—or a suitcase—this one’s for you.
1. Start with the Kids—and Make It a Game
This wasn’t just about checking off destinations—it was about showing our kids the world in a way that was fun and educational. We turned learning into a game with mini challenges:
- Share three new facts you learned today
- Try at least one new food
- Ask the tour guide a thoughtful question
Prizes? Picking dessert (ice cream was the runaway favorite), choosing an activity, or earning extra spending money. Hunter cashed his rewards into—you guessed it—a mountain of Pokémon cards.
2. Keep the Itinerary Balanced (Even If It Looks Crazy on Paper)
Yes, we visited 14+ cities—but it wasn’t constant sightseeing. I built in:
- Down days for rest
- Play breaks for the kids
- Split days so Brett and I could explore while the kids recharged
Some days were about ancient temples. Some were about sleeping in and devouring 7-Eleven packaged pancakes (a new family obsession). Balance kept everyone happy.
3. Plan Like a Pro, Pivot Like a Parent
I planned flights, transfers, and hotels like a logistics wizard. But travel with kids means curveballs:
- Visa delays in Vietnam? Rebooked on my phone while sipping bubble tea.
- Someone sick? Scale back, rest, regroup.
Flexibility wasn’t optional—it was survival.
đź“Ś Want the full behind-the-scenes of how I mapped it all out (plus the hiccups that came with it)? Read my Facebook post here: Behind the Scenes of Planning Our 28-Day Asia Adventure
4. Packing Smart (Not Light)
For a trip like this, I don’t pack light. I pack smart. Each of us had:
- 1 checked bag + 1 backpack
- Packing cubes (lifesavers)
- Laundry days built into the plan
- A mini first-aid kit (used more than once)
- An expandable carry-on packed with familiar snacks that doubled as souvenir space later
5. Tech Tools That Saved My Sanity
Here’s what kept us moving (and sane):
- Tern → my travel agent itinerary platform (my clients get free access!)
- Google Maps → offline navigation in a pinch
- Grab app → rideshares across Southeast Asia
- Google Translate → menus, medicine, conversations—you name it
- WhatsApp → easy communication with guides and vendors
- Suica app → seamless subway, train, and convenience store payments in Japan
6. Don’t Try to Be a Superhero
It’s tempting to do it all, but downtime and comfort matter:
- Pizza in Osaka when sushi fatigue hit
- Skipping temples when the kids were done
- Unlimited screen time on transit days
- Massages for me (no regrets)
This wasn’t just travel—it was sustainable, joyful travel.
7. Capture the Memories, But Don’t Miss the Moment
I journaled daily and snapped photos, but I also made space to just be there. Sometimes the best memory is one you don’t stage or post—it’s just yours.
8. Gadgets That Saved Our Sanity
When it comes to family travel, the right gadgets can mean the difference between chaos and calm. On our 28-day adventure, these items were absolute lifesavers (and helped create space in our bags):
Final Thoughts
This trip wasn’t a fluke—it was the product of planning, flexibility, and knowing when to say yes (and when to say no). It’s also the way I plan for my clients: with intention, care, and an eye for making the impossible possible.
✨ Ready to plan your own epic adventure (or just a fabulous weekend getaway)?
👉 Schedule your complimentary consultation now
đź“Ś Curious what the final bill for a month-long family adventure across Asia really looks like? Check out my Facebook post where I spill the numbers, favorites, and not-so-favorites here: The Grand Finale: Was Our Asia Adventure Worth It?
And don’t forget—anyone who books and places a deposit by July 31 is entered to win a luxe First Class airline amenity kit (plus a few surprise goodies I brought back from Asia).
📸 And for your viewing pleasure… here are a few more snapshots that didn’t make it into the journals.
