The White family in Branson, Mo., from left to right, Shannon, Claire, Noel and Darin White.

Claire, Shannon and Noel White enjoying a traditional merry-go-round at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.

It’s finally time for a life break. The kids have been relieved of school commitments, and you’ve got some vacation days saved up for this time of year.

Putting together a travel plan that satisfies the needs of over-energized children, and your needs as parents to kick back and actually feel like you’re on vacation isn’t as impossible as you might think. In fact, stop overthinking. Let the travel experts and adventurers point your compass in the right direction.

John Novotny, Travellers, Inc., 831 Massachusetts St.

First things first: Know your destination.

Too many people think they know exactly where they want to go without doing any research. John Novotny, travel agent at Travellers, Inc., says he had a few families approach him last year in hopes of traveling to Costa Rica just to lie on the beach all week when they’d miss the rainforests the country has to offer. Many families have preconceived notions about white, sandy beaches in Key West.

“Make sure the destination you have in mind will meet your expectations for the trip,” Novotny says.

Inexpensive travel

Cruises will depart from Galveston, Texas and New Orleans, Novotny says.

“Those two destinations a lot of times are extremely inexpensive to fly to, and if they really want to save money, you can make it a day-and-a-half drive to both destinations and avoid airfare altogether,” he says. Look for areas that have an attractive airfare — he suggests Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers or Tampa — and these places will also offer affordable accommodations.

Beverly Falley, Lawrence Travel Center, 5014 Congressional Way

Pick a smart location

Everyone’s first thought is Disney World, says owner of Lawrence Travel Center, Beverly Falley.

“It’s not good for little kids,” she says. “It’s chaotic.” Hold off until they are more than 5 years old to better put up with the large crowd and when they will actually remember the experience.

Try a beach destination; most have children’s programs included in a package deal, Falley says. These include professional caretakers for when parents need a few moments to themselves, kid-friendly shows and events, and hordes of toys (leave yours at home).

Try a cruise; it’s actually better for younger kids because they are confined within the walls of the ship, and can partake in plenty of activities onboard.

Don’t pack the kitchen sink

The biggest mistake Falley sees families make is bringing everything in the house.

“They try too hard,” she says. “Everything you need will be at a resort or a hotel, wherever you plan on staying.” It makes little sense to plan your “escape” from home and then pack everything that keeps your mentality at home. Don’t bring so much stuff, Falley says. Be with the family. Be in the experience.

Drive vs. fly: time vs. money

It may seem more affordable, but rolling to your destination comes with some pricey factors: car maintenance, gas, and most importantly time. Most people have short vacation allowances, Falley says. The number of places to vacation decreases significantly when families choose to road trip because of our central location.

Don’t let “all-inclusive resort” scare you

You’ve got three kids and a budget (scary combo) so the words “all-inclusive resort” should probably stay as far away from your vocabulary as possible, right? Wrong, Falley says. It’s a hefty sum up front, but that gives the family the freedom to do anything they’d like for the entirety of the trip without paying as you go for additional drinks, meals and activities.

Darin White, Branson adventures

Find balance between relaxation and fun

Lawrence artist Darin White took his wife and two daughters to Branson last October for a quick combined business and pleasure trip. White, a sculptor, had one of his works selected for an outdoor sculpture exhibition in Springfield, Mo., so the family of four ventured to Silver Dollar City for fun-filled day at the theme park after dropping off the work.

There were bumps in the road, as they forgot to check the hours it opened (later winter hours), but they kept their cool and maintained their spot in line while entertaining a 3- and 12-year-old for two unplanned idle hours.

“We did have a blast at the park and dragged ourselves at the end of the day back to our beds as happy campers,” White says.

They spent the next day with their hosts, enjoying a casual day looking at wildlife and the changed scenery, despite White’s usual inclination to tack on a fly-fishing trip.

“I decided not to as it might be pushing the patience of others in our party,” he says. “I am glad I didn’t go fishing because when we got back from our short trip, we didn’t feel like we needed a vacation from our vacation.”

Lauren and David Brown brought their two daughters Addison (left) and Rylee (right) to Clinton Lake for a quick camping trip not too far from home. It

Lauren Brown, driving adventures

No long road trips for little ones

Lawrence resident Lauren Brown went with her husband and two girls — 6 months and 2 years old — to Colorado to visit her husband’s family in 2012. It’s not a commute she’d recommend to anyone with children that young.

“Back then I was still nursing my youngest at the time,” she says. “There were lots of stops so we could use the restrooms, stretch, nurse and let the kids run some energy off. But toward the end it was pure screaming because they were so tired of being stuck in the van.”

Brown thinks having a media player in the vehicle so the kids could watch movies would have helped with the long drive because once they arrived, everything fell into place and everyone had a great time.

Plan a nearby escape

With her kids, now 2 and 3, they recently set up camp at Clinton Lake, bringing a slew of supplies (including a tent, air mattress, breakfast and s’more fixings, and stringed night lighting) to create a perfect nature outing.

“Sometimes we get so consumed with the daily routines in life and all of the technology and the convenient and comfortable lifestyle around us,” Brown says. “It’s nice to change it up and show our girls that there is more… There are so many things they can learn from, by just going out and being a part of nature, getting their hands a little dirty, and exploring their imaginations.”

Ben Leavitt, SpringHill Suites, 1 Riverfront Plaza

Don’t leave your hotel without these items

The trip has come to an end and it’s time to pack up. The most common items that get left behind are basic clothing items like stray shirts and pants, electric toothbrushes, and cell phone chargers, says desk agent Ben Leavitt.

“We have piles and piles of chargers behind our desk,” Leavitt says. It costs about the same to have it shipped as it does to replace a charger, he says, so do a good sweep before checking out.