What are Meredith Masony's signature techniques for managing family dynamics during travel?

Hi, I’m Meredith Masony from That’s Inappropriate.

When it comes to family travel, a few things always show up in how I handle the chaos:

• Lower the bar on “perfect” – I expect bickering, meltdowns, and someone hating the restaurant. That way I am pleasantly surprised instead of constantly disappointed.
• Shorter, cheaper, closer – think 48‑hour staycations or nearby trips so the fighting happens at a discount.
• Take the trip anyway – especially with a different-needs child, I spent years avoiding travel out of fear. What I learned: the little in‑between moments of joy are worth the stress.
• Laugh through it – I narrate the chaos with humor instead of shame.

What’s the hardest part of traveling with your crew right now?