For some, the thought of traveling with kids automatically induces vivid images of meltdowns, chaos, and overall stress. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way! Traveling with your kids can be a fun and exciting adventure for all involved! Throughout our travels both in the States and abroad, we’ve learned valuable lessons that we’ve compiled into a list of tips for traveling with kids in order to make it easier for other parents that are looking to embark on their own family adventures.

Traveling with kids can be fun and rewarding if you take the time to plan and bring the right stuff. This doesn’t mean packing your entire playroom or your pantry. Nor does it mean giving in to every whim and “I want” that your child throws your way during your travels. It does mean being prepared with entertainment at the ready, snacks to keep the hunger monsters at bay, and accessories to help clean up the messes that are bound to happen.  

Tips for Traveling with Kids: Planning is Key

There is no easier way to say it, planning is key! In order to make your trip fun for everyone, you need to put some time into planning the logistics of your trip in order to ensure schedules are maintained and there are no nasty surprises along the way. This doesn’t mean scheduling your vacation out minute by minute (because honestly that sounds stressful and isn’t realistic with kids). If you are taking a road trip, it means scheduling in extra time for bathroom breaks, snack breaks, breaks to stretch legs and let the kids run, etc. If you are flying, it means giving yourself extra time to check-in, get to the gate, stop at the bathroom, grab a snack, etc. No matter how you are traveling, make sure to give yourself plenty of time and keep the following advice in mind.

Planning Your Trip

Start your road trip or schedule your flight very early in the morning or late at night while it is still dark. Your child is more likely to go to sleep if you are road tripping or flying in the dark. This will give you a couple of sweet hours of silence and will shorten the duration of time that entertainment is required. If you are flying, morning flights are less likely to be delayed. Additionally, if you fly while it is dark, often times the flight attendants will turn the cabin lights off for those that need rest.

Schedules

If your child is on a structured eating or sleep schedule, try to stay as close to that schedule as possible during your travel and vacation. Make sure to plan out your trip accordingly and plan extra stops or pack snacks/food as needed.

Don’t Overbook Yourself!

While traveling and throughout your vacation, schedule in downtime each day for naps or for the kids to run and play! Make sure to not overbook or over schedule your family. Booking yourself for every minute of your vacation will only lead to stress and disappointment. 

Kids Club

For overseas flights, check your carrier to see if they offer a kids club. Lufthansa has a wonderful kids club called Jet Friends.  If you sign up (it’s free), your child will receive kid-friendly meals and access to quite a few kid movies and games.  Additionally, a Lufthansa staff member will bring around a tray of games, toys, and activities that your child can choose from (for free) during the flight. Other airlines have similar programs, so make sure to check into them. Often times all you have to do is sign-up!

Parks and Play Areas

Whether flying or driving, check into parks or play areas along your route. Some airports now have play areas for kids, you just have to know where to find them! If you are driving, make sure to plan time during your drive to stop and let your kids get out and run. Using Google maps, you can search for “parks near me” to locate a park on/near your route. A 15-20 minute break to run and play will make the biggest difference for your child and it will give you an opportunity to get out and stretch your legs as well.

Tips for Traveling with Kids: Important Items to Pack

Bringing the right stuff with you is a key part of planning ahead. Some of the stuff you bring may vary depending on your child’s age and interest. In general, remember that you need items to entertain your child, snacks for the hunger monsters, supplies to clean-up messy events, and if you have young children it always makes things easier if you provide transportation for when their little legs get tired.

Pack A Back Pack or Small Carry-On/Bag for Each Child

Unless you are traveling with an infant, most kids get excited about having their own carry-on or bag for the plane or in the car. Not only does it make them feel like a big kid, but it gives them their own place to store important things (lovey, special toys, etc). Additionally, giving each kid their own bag can prevent fights between siblings. Yay for small wins!

When packing a small bag for your child, the key is to NOT make the bag so heavy that your child can’t or won’t carry it. If you are traveling with young kids, you may look into getting a small backpack/bag on wheels. Also, make sure you play a heavy role in packing the bag. You should definitely let your child have input (i.e. pick one lovey to bring), but make sure that you supervise the packing of the bag; otherwise, you could end up with your child’s entire rock or car collection. For a list of activities and things to bring to entertain your youngsters, check out my post Travel Activities for Kids for Long Flights and Road Trips.

Pack New Toys or Surprises

Hit up the Dollar Store or the Target dollar section to find a few small new toys or surprises that you can give your child if they start getting restless. To make things even more fun for your child, wrap the new toys or surprise in wrapping paper or tissue paper. Do make sure to cut off any plastic ties, remove hard to open packaging and install any necessary batteries prior to wrapping the toys.

Comforts of Home

Make sure to let your child bring a stuffed animal, blanket and/or pacifier (if needed) for nap time. If they have a few comforts from home, nap time will go smoother and often will happen more naturally. If nothing else, having a trusted lovey to cling to when they are upset or unsure of where they are or what’s happening, will make the experience less stressful for all.

Snack, Snacks, Snacks!

You can purchase snacks throughout the trip, but they can be expensive and you may not be able to find your child’s favorite snack at the drop of a dime when the hunger monster strikes. It’s best to keep small bags of your child’s favorite snacks with you.

• Snack Ideas:
  • 100 calorie snack packs of nuts or pretzels
  • Trailmix
  • Small packs of goldfish or crackers (for a healthier/organic version of these check out the brand Annie’s)
  • Chewy Quaker oats bars
  • Halo oranges, bananas, or grapes (washed and cut in half prior to departing)
  • Snack/Food pouches
  • Raisins
  • Dried Fruit

***If you are flying and depending on the age of your child, think about packing gum, hard candy, mints, or small packs of gummy worms/bears to suck/munch on during take-off and landing to help your child pop their ears.***

Extra Supplies for Messy Events

No matter if you are flying or driving, make sure to pack extra diapers, wipes, and at least one change of clothes in an accessible location (especially if your child is still in diapers or working through the potty training stage). If your child is going to have an epic blow-out or accident, this is when it will happen. If you are taking a road trip, make sure to pack supplies in case any of your kids get car sick or spill their juice over the entire back seat. Items such as paper towels, Clorox wipes, baby wipes, a bottle of water, hand sanitizer and a couple of plastic grocery bags (to use for trash or to throw up in), will all be invaluable when things get messy.

Bring A Stroller

If you have young kids, consider bringing a stroller with you on your trip. If you are flying, you can typically take your stroller all the way to the gate where your airline will gate check it for you. Having a stroller to transport your child through the airport will help you get all the way from check-in to your gate with less whining regarding the endless walk, tired legs, etc. Plus once you reach your destination, having a stroller can oftentimes make any sightseeing you have planned easier and it can give your child a place to sneak in a nap or two. 

For more information on travel activities for kids, make sure to check out my post Travel Activities for Kids for Long Flights and Road Trips. For information on trips we’ve personally taken with our daughter both within the United States, as well as, abroad check-out the various travel blogs located under on our Family Travel page.