Guest Blog Post by Melissa Singletary, Owner of The Singing Suitcase

In today’s always-on world, family life can feel like survival mode: school drop-offs, endless laundry, constant mental checklists, and very little time to actually be together. That’s exactly why travel isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

When everything else in life is demanding more of us, travel gives families the one thing they’re missing most: time to reconnect.

It’s not about the fancy resort or the perfect Instagram moment. It’s about undistracted dinners, belly laughs in the pool, and space to actually be with each other outside the chaos of daily life.

Experts say travel builds cognitive flexibility, empathy, curiosity and resilience in kids. Whether they’re exploring a tidepool, trying new foods, or learning to adapt when flights get cancelled, travel teaches skills that stick far beyond the trip.

And for parents? Travel allows us to breathe again. It gives us the margin to be present—with our kids, with our partners, and with ourselves. Even a short getaway can create memories and connection that help us reclaim our best selves.

At its best, family travel reminds us why we like each other. Outside of chore charts, carpool schedules, and meal plans that somehow always need a missing ingredient.

It’s easy to dismiss travel as too expensive or something we’ll do someday. But families don’t need five-star hotels or first-class flights to experience the impact. What they need is intention, time, and a little help making it happen.

Travel Agency
Travel Agency

3 Easy Ways to Start Planning a Family Trip

1. Choose an “anchor date”
Start with something meaningful: a milestone birthday, school break, or long weekend. Picking a date makes the trip feel real and gives the whole family something to count down to.

2. Get the kids involved
Give them a role, whether it’s helping pick the destination or choosing one activity. When kids feel ownership, they engage differently and the memories stick longer.

3. Start small (or go big!)
A weekend road trip can be just as powerful as an overseas adventure. What matters most isn’t the location—it’s the uninterrupted time together.

Need help making it happen? That’s where I come in.

Travel Agency

The average parent spends 30 to 40 hours planning a one-week vacation. That’s like adding a part-time job to your already full schedule.

As a professional family travel advisor, I take that entire load off your shoulders. I help you find the right destination, resort, and activities for your family—often matching or even beating Costco prices—and then build a custom plan around what matters most to you.

Because I’m paid by the hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies you already book with, my services don’t cost you extra. But they can save you hours of stress and earn you upgrades, perks, and insider info you wouldn’t find on your own.

Plus, I’ve traveled with my own kids (and grandparents too), so I bring real-life experience into every trip I plan. I know what actually works—and what sounds good online but totally flops when someone’s tired, hungry, or melting down.

Whether it’s a Disney Cruise, a national park road trip, or a dream European vacation, I’d love to help your family make it happen.

Travel Agency

ABOUT THE AUTHOR— MELISSA SINGLETARY 

Hi, I’m Melissa—a mom of two, a lifelong traveler, and the voice behind The Singing Suitcase.

My love for travel began in 8th grade on a class trip to Paris and has only grown since. Now, as a mom, I believe travel is one of the most powerful tools we have to raise confident, curious, connected kids.

We’ve taken our girls to Hawaii, New York, Italy, Argentina, and the Caribbean. Not because it’s always easy—but because the memories are always worth it. I believe any family can travel with the right support and a little bit of planning.

When I’m not helping others plan their adventures, you’ll find me playing card games with my family, walking our dog, or sneaking in a tap class for fun.

Based in Newberg
www.thesingingsuitcase.com
melissa@thesingingsuitcase.com