Traveling with kids can be really overwhelming and intimidating!
You may not want to even think of traveling with your kids especially if they’re young.
You have to consider where you’re going, how you’ll get there, what to pack, what necessities your kids need with them, what stops you’ll make, and more!
I’ve traveled a few times with my kids both road trips and plane trips and both presented their own challenges.
But even with the challenges, the trips were well worth it because we had so much fun and made lasting memories as a family.
With careful planning and consideration you too can enjoy a (mostly) stress-free, fun trip with your family!
Here are some tips to make your trip smoother.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Pre-Travel Preparation
Before your trip, thoroughly research your destination, where you want to stay, and local attractions to make informed decisions.
Make a list of family-friendly activities and ask your kids for their input on what they’d like to do. This gets your kids excited about the trip!
Make sure you have space for your luggage, (if you’re traveling by car) or if you’re traveling by plane, that you know how much luggage you can have and what it costs.
Prepare any documents needed for each family member like passports, visas, and medical records.
You can create a detailed itinerary so that you make the most out of your trip. But be sure to leave some unstructured time for relaxing and spontaneous adventures!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Packing Essentials
When it comes to packing for your family vacation, efficiency is key.
I have a tendency to overpack, but with six people in our family, I had to learn to cut down what we brought with us, otherwise we’d never have room in the car and it would be too costly if we were flying.
Start with the essential clothes your family will need and make sure it’s weather appropriate for where you’re going.
Consider packing cubes to help stay organized and maximize space in your luggage.
When I pack for our trips, each bag has a purpose which makes it immensely easier to quickly grab what I need without having to grab and go through multiple bags. For example, one bag is our hygiene bag, one bag has the baby and toddler clothes, one bag has shoes, etc.
Some other items you may want to consider packing:
- First aid kit
- Snacks and water bottles, (perhaps a cooler if you’re driving)
- Diaper bag, (diapers, wipes, rags, extra outfits, changing pad, a plastic grocery bag that can be tied shut to put dirty diapers in)
- Hygiene products
- A portable potty seat if you’re traveling by car with a current potty training, or newly potty trained child
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Travel chargers
- Travel neck pillows
Don’t be afraid to get your kids involved in the packing process either, (if your kids are older). For example, have them choose their outfits and shoes.
Entertainment and Distractions
One of the more challenging parts of traveling with kids is keeping them entertained.
Even when I prep my kids on how long the drive or flight will be, (ex: it’s the same amount of time as when you’re in school, or we’re going to be driving until it’s dark outside, etc.) they still ask me not even an hour into the trip if we’re almost there or how much longer until we’re there.
These questions get aggravating quick!
So to keep those questions to a minimum, make sure you bring their favorite toys, books, and activity books to keep them occupied.
If your child is younger, you can have special “travel bags” with surprise items that they only get once the trip has begun. This special bag can add more excitement and will keep your young one busy for longer since all the items are new!
You may also want to consider allowing your kids to use a tablet for watching movies or playing games.
You can download movies or shows and load age-appropriate apps before leaving home.
You can give them headphones to prevent the car from getting too noisy, or from disturbing other passengers on a plane.
If balancing screen time with other activities is important to you, you can always set screen time rules.
When we travel I tell my kids they have to read for a certain period of time before they can get out their tablets and they have to shut them off at a specific time.
Don’t forget too that when you’re traveling with kids in a car, you have to take breaks so they can get out of their cramped seats, stretch, and run around.
Even when I traveled with babies in tow, I made sure to get them out of their car seat for periods of time so they could get a break from being in the seat.
You can plan out longer breaks where you guys explore tourist stops, or when you stop for food and gas.
Feeding and Hydration
Carry-On Snacks and Drinks
To keep your kids from getting ‘hangry’ make sure you have a variety of non-perishable snacks and drinks on hand. If you’re flying, find out what size drinks you can bring on the plane.
If you’re breastfeeding, think about if you’ll need to bring a pump and whether you’re in a car or on a plane, think about how you’ll store your milk.
If you’re formula feeding, make sure you bring enough to last the entire trip and that you have enough bottles. Remember, you can pack pre-measured powder and add water when needed.
Managing Meals While Traveling
When it comes to mealtime when traveling with children, proper planning can save you time and stress. Here are a few tips to help manage meals on the go:
- Research local restaurants and accommodations: Before you leave, search for family-friendly food places that cater to kids, including menus and high-chair availability. This way, you won’t be scrambling to find an appropriate place to eat.
- Pack non-perishable meal items: In case you can’t find suitable restaurant options, or you’d rather make food at a hotel, you can bring along some easy meals for your kids. Some options could be boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or even canned soups that can be heated up easily.
- Bring a portable high-chair or booster seat: Not every restaurant you stop at will have a high-chair or booster seat, or they may not fit well, (those one size fits all wooden high chairs you see at a lot of diners are awful for babies!). With that in mind, it’s worth investing in a lightweight, collapsible booster seat that can be used while traveling. This ensures you’ll always have an adequate space for your little one to eat comfortably.
- Stay flexible: As you probably know, even when you plan out every last detail, something unexpected usually happens. Make sure you have a couple of plans in case something falls through.
These tips will help keep the hunger rage away, and keeps little ones comfortable while eating out which makes for a much more pleasant trip for all!
Sleep and Comfort
Sleep Accessories
Ensuring your child sleeps well while traveling starts with bringing the right sleep accessories.
Don’t forget their favorite comfort items, like a special blanket or stuffed animal. A travel neck pillow can help your kids sleep more comfortably when they have to sleep sitting up. Also, a portable sound machine can be a lifesaver as it drowns out noise and creates a familiar sleep environment.
You may want to bring a travel stroller, or a car seat stroller combo. It not only helps your little one sleep comfortably on-the-go but also makes transportation more manageable.
Jet Lag Tips
Jet lag is no fun for adults or kids, so here are some tips to help you and your child adjust to new time zones:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water regularly can help ease jet lag symptoms.
- Adjust schedules: A few days before you leave you can slowly adjust bedtime and wake-up times closer to the time zone of your destination.
- Expose to sunlight: Once you reach your destination, spend lots of time outdoors during the day. Sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns.
- Stay active: Encourage physical activity during the day. It’ll help your child feel tired and sleep better at night.
- Be patient: Understand that adjusting to new time zones may take a few days.
Keep in mind each kid is unique in how they will be affected by jet lag. Be prepared to make adjustments to figure out what works best for your family.
Managing Security and Airport Processes
When traveling with kids, going through the airport and security can be rough!
When we went to the airport we made sure to get there early because everything will take longer with kids! So make sure you give yourself extra time before you board, (for bathroom breaks, eating a meal, changing and feeding a baby, etc.)
Here are some other tips to help you navigate through the airport.
Navigating Airport Security
When you get to airport security, make sure to have your identification and boarding passes ready.
One way to do this is if you have multiple kids and more than one adult traveling, you can have each adult responsible for certain kids. So one parent will have the bags and boarding passes for one kid, and the other would have the bags and boarding passes for the other.
This way you can share the responsibility of the kids, which may make it easier for you both.
Another way you can go through the airport is one parent carries most/all carry-on luggage, and the other parent has all the boarding passes for the kids.
Whatever way you choose, be sure to communicate with each other so everyone knows what the plan is.
For children under 18, they usually don’t need an ID, but having some form of identification is never a bad idea.
Remember that the TSA has special procedures for younger travelers.
Ask them what the best way is to screen your child.
If you have a stroller or car seat, you’ll probably have to take your child out and carry them through the metal detector.
When I went through the airport with my baby, I wore her in a baby carrier. This was super helpful because I was able to have my hands free and also because they let us go through the metal detector without needing to take her out.
For your carry on bags, make sure you know the rules for what liquids you can bring and how much you can have.
Some exceptions allow you to bring medically necessary liquids, such as baby formula, breast milk, or medications, so make sure you know what the exceptions are for the airline you’re using.
Remember to keep all your essential items – toys, snacks, diapers, and wipes – in your carry-on bag. This ensures that you have everything you need to keep your child comfortable during the trip.
Related: How to prevent toddler tantrums in public
Precautions and Contingencies
As I discussed earlier, things can pop up that you weren’t planning for so make sure you’ve got extra clothes, diapers, and snacks in case of travel delays.
If you need to bring cooling accessories, such as ice packs or freezer packs, make sure they’re frozen solid when you enter the screening process. If they’re partially melted, TSA may require additional screening.
Look for family restrooms at the airport if you can because they give you a private place to change diapers or clothes. They can help keep everyone at ease since you can stay together. Your kids won’t have to wait outside the stall in a crowded bathroom waiting for you to finish going to the bathroom.
It’s easy to feel anxious when you’re going through the airport with your kids, but plan as best you can, be flexible, and ask questions if you need help!
Traveling with Different Age Groups
Another thing to consider when you’re traveling with kids, is managing the needs of different age groups.
Sometimes this can be a good thing, (like if you have older kids who can help with the younger ones) but it can also present challenges too, (like kids who don’t share the same interests which can make stopping at different destinations difficult).
To make your trip easier and more enjoyable, consider these tips for each age group.
Infants and Toddlers
At this age, your little ones need constant attention and care. Here are some tips to make their trip comfortable:
- Choose a compact and foldable stroller that can fit into overhead luggage compartments on airplanes, such as the Babyzen Yoyo, or wear them in a baby carrier.
- Keep essentials handy in a backpack so you won’t have to constantly go through your luggage.
- For car trips, make sure they’re sitting in the correct car seat and in the right direction, (facing backwards as long as the car seat allows) to keep them safe.
Related: Tips for Handling Toddler Tantrums
Middle Age Children (4-12)
Kids at this stage are excited for trips and love to explore. Engage them in the trip by:
- Involving them in the planning process, even in small ways, so they feel included and excited about the adventure (New York Times).
- Picking a destination with activities that cater to their interests, such as interactive museums, animal parks, or playgrounds.
- Giving them some responsibility, like carrying their own backpack or taking charge of a small task like keeping track of the cooler.
Teens
Traveling with teens can be tricky because they crave independence and can quickly get bored. To keep them interested, try:
- Choosing destinations that interest them, such as cities with a big art scene, music scene, or outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, or surfing.
- Encourage them to write in a travel journal or take pictures of the trip, so they feel inspired and involved throughout the trip.
- Consider giving them free time to explore on their own or with their siblings, (if you’re comfortable with that). For example, you can tell them they have to meet you at a specific location and a specific time. Or you could hang in the background while they’re exploring the destination. This way they still get to be independent, and you can ensure their safety.
Keep in mind the unique interests and needs of the specific age group of your kids to make the trip as memorable and enjoyable for everyone!
Theme Parks, Cruises, and Family Vacations
Planning the Perfect Theme Park Visit
Planning a visit to a theme park can be both exciting and overwhelming.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some tips:
- Research: Look for reviews and recommendations on the best theme parks for families. Make note of the age-appropriate attractions and entertainment options.
- Create a schedule: Map out your days, prioritizing the attractions and shows you guys definitely want to see. Include breaks in your day to avoid anyone getting exhausted, (especially if you have babies or toddlers).
- Pack smart: Bring essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, and comfortable clothes. A backpack is a great option because they can hold a lot, they’re relatively comfortable to wear, and they keep your hands free.
Cruise Lines and Kid-Friendly Activities
Cruises offer a variety of activities and entertainment for all ages.
Keep these tips in mind to ensure a memorable family vacation:
- Choose the right cruise line: Look for cruise lines that are known for their family-friendly amenities and activities, such as dedicated kids and teens clubs, family cabins, and age-appropriate entertainment.
- Plan your shore excursions: Research where you’ll be stopping and arrange appropriate activities for your family, like guided tours or beach days.
- Make reservations early: Popular onboard activities can fill up fast. Reserve your spot for dining, shows, and amenities in advance for the best experience.
Staying Organized on the Go
When traveling with kids, staying organized can be a challenge. But these packing tips should help make your family trips as smooth as possible.
Packing Tips
-
- Use pouches or plastic bags: To keep your luggage organized, sort items into small pouches or plastic bags. This will prevent your belongings from becoming a jumbled mess during the drive or flight. Also, plastic bags can also be used for dirty clothes or diapers.
- Roll your clothes: Rolling outfits instead of folding them not only helps to create more space in your luggage but also helps things stay organized. Using a band to secure rolled outfits can keep them neatly in place.
- Pack a changing pad: When traveling with a toddler, accidents can happen. Have a portable changing pad readily available in your backpack for those on-the-go diaper changes. It’s also essential to have a baby wipes case easily accessible too for quick cleanups.
- Separate items by bag: As I mentioned earlier, packing bags with specific items makes it so much easier to identify what’s in each bag so you can keep the bags you need in reach, and grab only what you need, (like if you’re doing a quick overnight at a hotel and you don’t need all your bags). This may look like one bag is the hygiene bag, one bag is the diaper bag, one is the snack bag, each child gets a bag, etc.
Final thoughts
Traveling with kids can certainly feel overwhelming and perhaps you’ve avoided trips in the past because just the idea of it seemed too stressful.
I totally get it! But I’ve traveled with both babies and middle aged kids and the most important things you can do are research your travel options and destinations, plan, and stay organized!
Write a list for everything you’ll need to bring, plan out where you’ll stay, if you’re stopping along the way, figure out how you’ll navigate the airport if you’re flying, and stay as organized as possible.
These tips will help cut out the overwhelm and instead help you enjoy your trip and make amazing memories with your kids.
