Traveling with kids can be extremely rewarding and challenging. It’s also a great investment in their long-term future and short-term development. So, how can you harness all the promise while minimizing the chaos? Employing these 12 tips and strategies can maximize your family’s cherished memories while minimizing the potential pitfalls and traps of traveling with children.
1. Plan with Kids in Mind
Start by choosing destinations and activities that cater to your children’s ages and interests. The needs and interests of a toddler will obviously be different than those of teenage children. Small children tend to enjoy beaches, pools, zoos, aquariums, and age-appropriate interactive exhibits, while teens will prefer cities and theme parks.
It’s also beneficial to involve them in the planning process to get their buy-in early on, pique their interest, and build excitement. For the same reasons, get their suggestions and feedback on specific daily activities. Plan your trips loosely with lots of flex time. Overpacking your itinerary can lead to frustration for the parents and meltdowns for the kids.
2. Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Packing for kids can be tricky and intricate. Kids often need many more changes of clothes than adults. Young kids also require many more essentials and accessories, like water bottles, snacks, diapers, wipes, their favorite blanket or stuffed animal, toys, and books. Bedtime in a strange environment can be much less stressful with the presence of their favorite blanket and stuffed animal.
For older kids, a similar strategy can be facilitated by using their own personal backpack, where they control access to personal items like a water bottle, favorite snacks, and technology. This also develops and enhances their sense of personal responsibility.
Although I’m not a fan because of the additional space required, some find packing cubes a huge help. Packing cubes can be used to organize outfits by day or family member, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything.
If you’re traveling by plane, a lightweight, compact stroller or a travel car seat can be a lifesaver. There are all-in-ones, where the stroller and car seat are integrated into a single compact, collapsable unit—this has been a game changer. Remember to check with you airline – most allow strollers to be gate-checked for free.
Lastly, don’t feel the need to pack consumables for the entire trip. Everyday items like diapers and formula can be replenished locally during your trip.
3. The Art of Snacks
Never underestimate the power of snacks. Hungry kids get cranky, and travel delays or long sightseeing days can throw off meal schedules. Pack non-perishable, mess-free snacks like granola bars, dried fruit, or crackers. For flights, bring empty reusable water bottles to fill after security—hydration is essential to keeping everyone calm.
Pro tip: Use snacks as a distraction during long waits or flights. A surprise treat, like a lollipop, can work wonders during takeoff or landing to help with ear pressure and keep kids occupied.
4. Prepare for Air Travel
Airports and flights can be overwhelming for kids and adults. Prep the little ones by explaining the process beforehand so they know what to expect. Arrive early to avoid rushing, and let kids burn off energy at airport play areas or by walking the terminal. For flights, pack a “busy bag” with small toys. There are also activity books designed specifically for air travel situations. These are toys in the form of a fabric book, with each page containing different activities and all individual items within the book permanently attached.
Don’t forget your technology, like tablets pre-loaded with kid-friendly apps or movies. Regardless of acceptance or aversion to technology, a busy plane with 300 of your closest neighbors for hours is one circumstance where technology is your friend. And don’t forget a pair of well-fitting headphones.
For long flights, consider booking seats in bulkhead rows for extra legroom and privacy. Night flights can align with sleep schedules, reducing fussiness. Lastly, most airlines allow families to board first – don’t miss it.
5. Make Your Schedule Flexible
Kids function best when they stick to their routines, but travel often disrupts everything. Build flexibility into your itinerary to accommodate naps, meltdowns, or spontaneous fun. Plan one major activity per day, leaving room for downtime or unexpected discoveries, like a park or ice cream shop. If you’re road-tripping, schedule frequent stops for the necessities and to break up the monotony.
For plane travel, account for jet lag. Younger kids adjust faster than adults, but a day of low-key activities upon arrival helps everyone acclimate. Avoid overscheduling—cramming in too many museums or tours can exhaust kids and lead to tantrums.
6. Prioritize Safety
Safety is non-negotiable when traveling with kids. In crowded places like markets or theme parks, use wristbands with your contact info or teach kids to memorize your phone number. For younger children, consider a child locator device or a temporary tattoo with emergency details. Always have a meeting point in case you get separated.
7. Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations
Hotels with family suites, kitchenettes, or pools can make your stay more enjoyable. Vacation rentals like Airbnb or Vrbo often offer more space and home-like amenities, which are ideal for cooking kid-friendly meals or doing laundry. Some resorts offer kids’ clubs or babysitting services, giving parents a break. If you’re on a budget, look for hotels with complimentary breakfast or family discounts.
8. Embrace technology
Technology can be a lifesaver, but balance is key. Download offline games, movies, or educational apps before your trip, especially for areas with spotty Wi-Fi. Portable chargers ensure devices stay powered during long days. For older kids, consider travel journals or apps like Polarsteps to document their adventures, keeping them engaged without constant screen time.
Set boundaries to avoid over-reliance on devices. Encourage kids to look out the window, talk about what they see, or play non-digital games to stay connected to the experience.
9. Health and Hygiene
Travel exposes kids to new germs, so pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and a small first-aid kit. Teach kids to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating. For long trips, bring enough medication for the entire trip.
10. Plan for Downtime
Kids need breaks, so schedule quiet time daily. A picnic in a park, a relaxed café stop, or an afternoon at the hotel pool can recharge everyone. For younger kids, stick to nap schedules as much as possible.
11. Be Ready for Meltdowns
Tantrums happen, especially when kids are tired or overstimulated. Stay calm and have a go-to distraction, like a favorite toy or a quick game. Acknowledge their feelings and offer choices to regain control, like picking between two activities. Pack a small “emergency kit” with comfort items to soothe upset kids.
12. Stay Positive and Patient
Your attitude sets the tone. Kids pick up on stress, so model excitement and flexibility. If plans go awry, turn mishaps into stories—spilled ice cream or a missed train can become a funny memory. Celebrate small wins, like a successful day of sightseeing or a tantrum-free flight.
Conclusion
Traveling with kids requires extra planning and patience, but the rewards are worth it. Pack smart, stay flexible, and keep safe, and your trip will be fun for everyone. After the trip, ask your kids what they loved or didn’t, and adjust future adventures accordingly with confidence. Happy and safe travels!
