One of the first connections my husband, Graeme, and I had was our love of travel. In the eight years we had together before children, we had traveled to various different countries, including Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Australia, the Canary Islands, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, and I’m sure a few other places I have forgotten. We knew that when we had children, we would continue our travels.
My daughter took her first flight at six weeks old, and her younger brother at eight weeks old. We quickly realized that traveling with children can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a family, but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most challenging. We never let this stop us from traveling as a family. I quickly learned that you can turn a potentially chaotic trip into a smooth and memorable adventure with the right planning.
Here are some tips to help you travel confidently and comfortably with kids.
Plan Ahead
Preparation is your best friend. Research your destination thoroughly, book accommodations in advance, and know the logistics of how you’ll get from point A to B. That said, be ready to adapt. Kids can get tired, hungry, or cranky at the drop of a hat. Build in extra time for delays and be open to changing plans if needed.
Pro Tip: Choose child-friendly hotels or rentals with amenities like cribs, high chairs, or kitchenettes to make life easier. If you can’t find accommodation with family-friendly amenities, there will be local companies you can rent strollers, car seats, cribs, etc. from, and they will deliver to your accommodation.
Pack Smart
Overpacking is tempting, after all, you want to be prepared, but lugging heavy bags and paraphernalia through airports or busy streets is not ideal. Stick to essentials, multipurpose items, and clothes that mix and match easily. Each child should have a few toys, snacks, and a change of clothes. I also suggest packing some spare clothes for the adults traveling, as you never know when your little one will become sick or cover you in their snack of choice!
Entertainment
Long flights or road trips can be tough on short attention spans. Load up tablets with movies, audiobooks, and educational games, but also pack non-digital options like coloring books, sticker sets, or travel-size board games to limit screen time and keep them engaged.
Snacks and Hydration
Hungry kids are cranky kids. Bring more snacks than you think you’ll need, think easy-to-carry options like granola bars, crackers, dried fruit, and squeeze pouches. Keep a refillable water bottle handy, and offer sips regularly.
Include Your Children
Including children in the trip gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility. Let them help pack their bag, choose an activity for the day, or carry their boarding pass.
Fun Idea: Give kids their own travel journal or camera to document their experience from their point of view.
Beat the Jet-lag
While you won’t be able to replicate your home routine perfectly, try to keep some consistency, especially around bedtime. Bring familiar items from home, like a favorite bedtime story or nightlight, to help ease the transition.
Jet lag can hit kids hard, so give them time to adjust. On arrival, try to get them outside in natural light to help reset their internal clocks. Be prepared for late-night snacks and watching the moon at 3 a.m.
Be Safety Smart
It’s easy to lose sight of a little one in busy places. Use child safety ID bracelets with your contact information, and teach your child what to do if they get lost e.g., find a security guard, another mom or stay where they are.
Digital Option: Use location-sharing apps or GPS trackers for older kids with devices. For smaller kids, an AirTag hidden in their shoe or sewn into a pocket will help you keep track of them.
Balance Activities and Downtime
It’s tempting to cram your itinerary full of sights and experiences, but kids burn out quickly. Alternate busy days with slower ones, and leave room for naps or chill time at your accommodation. Parks, playgrounds, and open spaces are lifesavers for letting off steam.
Insider Tip: Don’t overlook the joy of trampoline parks, petting zoos, or train rides. Sometimes, the simplest activities are the most fun for kids.
Embrace the Unexpected
No trip is perfect. Missed connections, tantrums, and spilled drinks are part of the package. Take a deep breath and keep your sense of humor.
Remember, travel is as much about the journey as the destination and the moments you’ll all remember often come from the unplanned detours.
In my experience, traveling with children isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The shared experiences, laughs, and family memories make the occasional meltdown fade into the background. With the right mindset and preparation, you’ll not only survive your trip, you’ll love it.
So go ahead, book that trip. Adventure awaits, and your kids are ready for it!
