For many, the stereotype of the boring, stress-filled family vacation isn't just something they've seen in a movie. Instead, it's a tradition passed down from generation to generation-and seemingly impossible to avoid. For parents looking to break the cycle, these tips were chosen to get kids on board with the big trip and to keep the whole family having fun.

Yeah, this is going to be that type of list...

I'm not against bringing screens on your trip, but don't rely on them to placate your kid every single moment there is a break in the action. If you do, don't be surprised when that's all they want to do and make life miserable for you when they can't. The point of your vacation is to have fun with your family, not just keep them quiet.

Bring your kids into the process from the very beginning. As you plan your trip, let your kids be an integral part. If you're using a travel agent (and you really should use a travel agent), make sure your kids are in those meetings. Give them options you can live with and then abide by their decisions! When children take ownership in the day, they have more reasons to make sure everyone has a good time.

Even if your kids have never taken naps or quit them long ago, vacations are busy, tiring times for everyone involved. Lots of walking, early mornings, late nights and constant activity will wear little bodies out. When energy gets to critically low levels, children never react well. Save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by planning (and enforcing) quiet times rather than dragging the family to yet another activity no one is going to enjoy.

Day at the beach? Forgetting something like your son's favorite shovel is a minor hiccup, but forgetting things like proper hydration, sunscreen or flotation aids can mean a trip to the emergency room or a completely ruined vacation. Go over the locations and itinerary with a fine-tooth comb and make sure you have the right first-aid supplies, batteries, footwear or anything else you need.

What if I told you, you could spend a little extra money and guarantee a family vacation where you and your partner will feel less stress than ever before? Bringing an extra responsible set of eyes on a trip that includes young children is a lifehack every parent needs to know. Whether its a grandparent or just the teen from up the block that normally watches them, loop them into the planning and the fun but make it clear they're also there to work. Your relationship will thank me later.

Whether you bring a babysitter or not, there needs to be moments where you are an adult and not just a lifeform that exists for the enjoyment of your kids. Sandwich an art museum or a historical stop in-between kid-friendly activities. Pick the restaurant YOU want. Just take some quiet moments to enjoy a vista. Here's the thing: Children react to the emotions of those around them. If you're stressed (on vacation no less!), it's going to create an endless loop of drama that we're trying to avoid.

If your family vacation is an endless string of museums where you expect your children to look through the glass at things you find interesting, they will find ways to make you pay for your mistake. As you plan your itinerary, find activities that allow your children to interact, play, get messy and do the things they normally want to do. Guess what, they're still learning!

You might think it's really important for your children to try new foods (right there with you!), but some meals at the end of a long day might call for chicken strips at a familiar chain restaurant. You might love taking photos, but the 45th posing session is going to be the breaking point. Remember, this vacation is about your family, not just about you. There will be moments you set your expectations aside because the rest of the family needs you to. Then, put your foot down when it really matters.

Humans, by nature, are creatures of habit-and children more than most! If your kids are used to eating at certain times, make sure they have a snack for those times, even if it's in the middle of a tour or you're on a plane. If you do a certain routine at bedtime, don't stop that routine at the resort. You want to "get away from it all" to relax, I get it. But, for your kids to truly relax, they might need some of "it all" to come along.

Start each day with, "here's what we're going to do." End each day with, "here's what we did." Unexpected usually means extra stress for your child that can manifest itself in a lot of unhealthy ways for your whole family. Also, don't let the vacation get away from you on the first day. Say no (to your kids and to yourself) when it comes to extra purchases and snacks so you don't have to say yes for the entire trip.