Last winter I was numbing out by scrolling on my phone, and I decided to look through flight prices for our family of six. Everything was SO EXPENSIVE. Out of frustration I typed “Anywhere” into Google Flights, and discovered its hidden Explore tab. Suddenly, I could see flights to places I hadn’t even considered, with live prices on a map. Using Google Flights explore to save has changed the way we plan.

We’ve all been there, you’ve had a long flight and everyone is tired. Instead of getting the keys and leaving the airport, you hit the dreaded line at the rental counter. It’s moving slower than the DMV, yet the drop in your patience level is accelerating. Then you remember that I taught you how to skip the rental car line with your credit card perks, and the the beginning of your trip becomes a breeze instead of a burden.

I still remember the first time I used a travel credit card to get my whole family into a lounge. My kids were munching on free snacks, my husband grabbed a crispy Diet Coke, and I finally got to sit in peace for five minutes. That little pocket of calm made the whole travel day easier all because I knew the best airport lounge access credit cards for families.

*Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.* I’ve never loved paying cash for flights, and that’s a huge reason I dove headfirst into points and miles. But even with a good stash of rewards, […]

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It happens to every traveler at some point: the flight is delayed, the room isn’t ready, the weather ruins the big day you planned—or your kid gets sick the night before you’re supposed to leave.

Or in my case? Starts throwing up on the way to the airport.

Because of course.

There’s nothing like a travel day morning to test your sanity.

One kid’s missing a shoe. Someone’s crying because we didn’t bring that kind of granola bar. You’re running through the mental list of things you swore you wouldn’t forget, and your husband is calmly sipping coffee like boarding time is optional.

I’ve done this enough to know: the chaos is part of the deal. But I’ve also learned how to make travel mornings feel a lot less stressful—with a few routines and one small habit that’s made a surprisingly big difference.