Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, but with these family travel tips, your next adventure will be smooth, stress-free, and memorable. Keeping that adventure filled with unpredictable moments, giggles, and, hopefully, a few less meltdowns. While it’s not always easy, family travel is one of the most rewarding ways to create lifelong memories. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to make traveling with little ones as stress-free (and fun) as possible. Whether you’re embarking on a long-haul flight or a weekend road trip, these tips will help you keep your sanity intact.
Packing for kids can feel overwhelming, and I tend to be an over packer, especially for little ones who have more accidents and are naturally messier. Instead of bringing multiple changes of clothes for every day, I pack a small bottle of laundry detergent to wash things as needed. Packing items that can be layered your kids also helps you pack less. A zip-up sweatshirt can easily be taken off during mealtimes to avoid stains. Before packing, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” and if you “might,” consider if it’s something you can purchase at your destination if absolutely necessary.
Kids thrive on routine, and disrupting their sleep schedule can quickly lead to crankiness. Our first long flight with kids was a red-eye, and it was so much better than our “afternoon nap time” flight. While the excitement of being at the airport and staying up past bedtime kept them awake, they easily fell asleep once we boarded and stayed asleep for majority of the flight. By contrast, our afternoon flight was filled with meltdowns. If possible, book overnight trips for long hauls—they’re a win-win for everyone.
The right gear can make or break a trip. I did an insane amount of research and tested all kinds of strollers before settling on the ones we bought. For plane travel, we chose two individual Nuna TRVL LX strollers. Want to know why we went with this stroller? Read my post about it here where I break it all down. Lightweight strollers, portable car seats, and ergonomic carriers are lifesavers when navigating airports or busy streets. Make sure to test any gear before your trip to ensure it’s easy to use and suits your needs.
Before I had kids, I loved shopping and art museums on all my trips. I still do…but toddlers don’t. Their desire to touch (and potentially break) everything can make those experiences stressful. Now, I’ve realized that if my kids are having fun on vacation, I’m having fun too. Finding unique activities for them to enjoy has become half the excitement for me. Parks, aquariums, and interactive museums are great options that balance fun for kids and adults alike. In the not so distant future shopping and art museums can become something we all love together.
I love scheduling a full day of activities and reservations, but with kids, that’s just unrealistic. You won’t enjoy yourself if you’re constantly rushing. It’s important to have downtime between planned activities so you can enjoy unexpected moments, like stumbling upon an incredible park or indulging in an unplanned ice cream stop. Flexibility makes the experience far more enjoyable.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that snacks are the ultimate peacekeepers. I typically pack an ice chest full of snacks for road trips and fill my personal item with snacks when flying. Bring a variety of options to keep little tummies happy during travel delays or long stretches without food. Bonus: snacks are a great distraction during tantrums.
Familiarity can help kids adjust to new places. In our house, brushing our teeth is always the indicator that it’s time for bed. But to make bedtime more fun, we’ve started a little game of airplane (running in circles with our hands out and spinning around). It’s silly, but it works, and it’s something we can do no matter where we are. Don’t forget to bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or bedtime book to create a sense of home wherever you go. Little rituals like this can work wonders.
If you have a toddler, especially boys, sitting still for more than a couple of minutes can be a challenge. No matter how many toys I pack, they don’t keep them entertained long enough for a long flight or car ride. Movies are a big hit for us during these times. While limiting screen time is great in everyday life, travel days are the perfect exception. Load up tablets with kid-friendly movies, shows, or games to keep them occupied and happy.
This is probably the most important tip of them all. No matter how well you plan, things won’t always go as expected. Flights get delayed, naps don’t happen, and meltdowns occur. Pack extra patience (and maybe an emergency sweet treat for yourself). Flexibility is your best friend.
I often remind myself that there’s nothing I can do about what just happened, so why let it ruin the rest of my time? Find a way to laugh, even during the worst moments. Traveling with kids comes with its challenges, but it also leads to hilarious and heartwarming memories. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mishaps, and remember—these are the stories you’ll treasure later.
Traveling with kids might take more planning and patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Watching their eyes light up at new experiences, hearing their laughter, and creating memories together make every challenge worth it. Whether it’s their first flight or their tenth road trip, these moments are the building blocks of a lifetime of adventure.
What are your favorite family travel tips? Share your advice or experiences in the comments below—I’m always looking for new ideas to make our adventures even better!
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