Summer is in full swing, and whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or hopping on a plane abroad, a family vacation is meant to be a time of fun, connection, and relaxation. But before you pack your bags and set the out-of-office reply, there's one more checklist you should complete—your legal one.



While it may not be the most exciting part of trip planning, having key legal documents in place before a family vacation can give you invaluable peace of mind. Life is unpredictable, and being prepared means you can focus on the memories, not the “what-ifs.”

Here are the essential legal documents every family should consider having in place before heading out on vacation:

1. Healthcare Directives and Medical Powers of Attorney

Accidents and medical emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere—even on vacation. A healthcare directive (sometimes called a living will) and a medical power of attorney allow you to name someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you're unable to.

If you’re traveling without your children, it’s especially important to leave these documents for any caregivers. And if you're traveling internationally or with older children, consider having these documents available for all adults in the family.

Tip: Include a HIPAA release so your healthcare agent can access your medical information in an emergency.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney gives a trusted person the authority to handle your financial or legal matters if you're out of reach or incapacitated. This can be particularly useful if you own a business, have bills due while you’re away, or are managing ongoing legal or financial affairs.

3. Authorized Caregiver for Minor Children

If you're leaving your kids behind with grandparents or friends—or if you’re traveling and something happens to both parents—you’ll want a power of attorney authorization in place. This allows the chosen adult to make medical, educational, or emergency decisions on behalf of your children during your absence.

4. Last Will and Testament / Revocable Trust

While no one wants to think about worst-case scenarios before a relaxing vacation, having a valid, updated will in place is a key part of protecting your family. A will outlines who would care for your children and how your assets should be distributed.

Important: Make sure your will includes clear guardianship designations for minor children—especially if you're traveling as a couple or with extended family.

If you have a revocable living trust, this is also a good time to review and ensure it's properly funded and up to date. Trusts can help your family avoid probate and ensure smoother management of your assets if something happens while you're away.

5. Travel Consent Letters

If one parent is traveling alone with the children, or if minors are traveling with grandparents or other relatives, travel consent letters are essential. These documents demonstrate that the child has permission to travel, and they may be required by airlines, border agents, or immigration authorities.

Include:

• The non-traveling parent’s contact information
• Details of the trip
• Copies of ID or custody agreements, if applicable

6. Emergency Contact and Document Packet

Create a simple packet to take with you (or leave with a trusted person) that includes:

• Copies of the above legal documents
• Emergency contacts
• Health insurance cards
• Copies of passports and travel itineraries

You can keep this in a secure cloud folder and/or a physical envelope marked “In Case of Emergency.”

Final Thoughts

Vacations are meant to be carefree—but being legally prepared is the foundation that lets you truly relax. Taking just a few hours to put these key documents in place can make a world of difference in an emergency and ensure your family is protected, no matter where your travels take you.

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider speaking with an estate planning attorney. They can help you create or update these documents quickly, so you can head off on your trip with confidence—and without last-minute stress.

Safe travels—and don’t forget your sunscreen and your legal plan!