(NC)  - One of the greatest joys in life is spending quality time with family and friends, but it can often be a challenge to get everyone together. Sometimes a planned vacation is the only way to guarantee it, but that can come along with its own set of challenges. To simplify the process, from planning to packing, the travel experts at Choice Hotels Canada offer some helpful guidance for bringing families together:

Safety first: Kids are no strangers to bumps and scratches, so make sure to pack a basic first aid kit with bandages and ointment to take care of any cuts.

Comforts of home: Small children can sometimes become overwhelmed when on the road and at a new destination. Make sure to pack their favourite security blankets or stuffed animals so they can get relief from a comfort from home if needed.

Leave room for down time: Although it's normal to want to see all the sights, make sure to leave time in your schedule without any set plans. Whether you use it for exploring or nap time, you and the kids will appreciate the flex time.

Check out the facilities ahead of time: Plan ahead for the attraction you're visiting so you can determine what facilities are offered on-site. Your list might include the availability of washrooms plus elevators and ramps, particularly if you have a stroller, or a member of your group has mobility difficulties.

Late-night sitter services: If you plan a night out without kids, remember that grandparents aren't babysitters – especially when on vacation! Consider using a babysitting service like Nannies on Call which caters to major cities across Canada, from Edmonton to Halifax.

After a little bit of planning, you'll find travelling with the whole family isn't as complicated as you may think. Plus you can earn free hotel nights and other rewards when you sign up for hotel loyalty programs, like Choice Privileges, which earns points on stays at hotel brands like Comfort, Quality, Econo Lodge and more.

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