8 Tips for Traveling with Your Kid’s Sports Team

For sports parents, the real athletic test happens off the court or field. Wrangling kids in a new city can be exhausting, but with these tips, every parent can be a winner. Here are a few of our favorite tips for away game travel:

1. Communicate with other parents

Take a tip from your kids and play as a team. Before you embark on your trip, create a group text or share numbers with the other parents. This will make coordination simpler and can even relieve you from having to be present with your child every second of the trip.

2. Plan activities for the other kids

If you are bringing other kids with you, they may need additional entertainment. Make them feel special by planning an activity of their choice, letting them choose the food stops, etc.

3. Save money on food

Food can be one of the biggest expenses on the road. Save money by packing coolers with sandwiches and snacks and by starting each day with a delicious Best Western breakfast.

4. Make an itinerary

“Those who don’t plan, plan only to fail.” Okay, maybe the old adage is a little extreme in this case. But a carefully prepared itinerary has the power to simplify and improve your entire trip. Not only will you be able to better coordinate with the other families, you will be able to squeeze more fun into your time.

5. Create packing lists

Kids come with a lot of accessories. In addition to the standards of toothbrushes and floss, sports trips require a potentially long list of athletic equipment. Make sure you remember the hockey stick, shin guards and football pads by preparing a list for each kid ahead of time. This is also a great way to delegate responsibilities to each kid and alleviate your own effort a bit.

6. Save with group hotel rates

Best Western Hotels & Resorts around the world offer group rates for four or more guest rooms. These special rates are enjoyed by business travel groups, weddings and sports teams too.

7. Bring an extra set of essentials

It never fails, at least one kid will forget their socks. Be a hero to the kid and their parent when you save the day with an extra pair of socks, a toothbrush, deodorant and more.

8. Zipper lock plastic bags for dirty clothes and gear

Even if your kid’s clothes aren’t muddy or wet, they won’t be as fresh after their game(s). Pack without contaminating other articles of clothing by coming prepared with sealable bags to put their clothing in after they get dirty. This can be especially helpful for cleats.

Are you a traveling sports parent? Tell us your tips for easy and fun group traveling in the comments. Find special group rates or book at more than 4,200 locations around the world at bestwestern.com.