Traveling with kids can be both the best and the most exhausting experience all at once. Whether you’re heading on a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight, the logistics of keeping little ones entertained, comfortable, and safe can definitely be a challenge. But with a bit of planning and a few handy tips, family travel doesn’t have to be stressful.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that have made family trips a whole lot smoother. In this post, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite tips to make traveling with kids a little less stressful and a lot more fun. Trust me, you’ve got this!
1. Plan Ahead
One of the most effective ways to reduce stress while traveling with kids is to plan ahead. I usually start making my checklist the day we book our flight or hotel. I include everything we might need during the trip. Then, I just keep adding more items to the list whenever I remember something new that might be useful when we travel. I usually keep the list where we can all see it and add to it when needed. I am not the only person responsible for it but definitely the one who puts the most items on it!
Even though some items seem to be obvious, I still add them to my list. It makes me feel way less stressed that I may forget some essentials. I think that the more you can anticipate and prepare for, the easier the journey will be.
I also create an itinerary or schedule of our trip. I like having a general outline of travel times, destinations, and activities. This helps us stay organized and minimize stress. If you’re heading to a destination with a lot of activities, like a theme park or a museum, it can be helpful to make reservations or buy tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
Another important part of planning ahead is thinking about logistics. If you’re driving, plan your route, including rest stops, meal breaks, and places where your child can get out and stretch. Long road trips can be tiring for kids (and parents!), so breaking the trip into manageable segments will help reduce restlessness. If you’re flying, make a list of games or activities your kids will be able to do on a plane.
The goal of planning ahead is to minimize the number of surprises that might lead to frustration, both for you and your kids, so that you can focus on enjoying the adventure together!
2. Pack Smart
Packing smart can save you time and stress. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there is a number of items you’ll need to have regardless of the length of your travel. Packing a few extra snacks, familiar food items, or comfort items like a favorite pillow or toy can make all the difference when your child is adjusting to new environment!
- Snacks
Pack snacks that are easy to eat on the go, like granola bars, crackers, fruit, or small packs of nuts. Keep these snacks in a separate, easy-to-reach bag so you can quickly access them when hunger strikes—this can be a lifesaver during long waits or when your child is feeling fussy.
- Comfort items
Don’t forget to include any comfort items, like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, to help your child feel more at ease during unfamiliar travel situations. Let your child choose what they want to take on a trip but don’t forget to remind them it needs to be small enough to fit in your suitcase.
- Extra clothes
Extra clothes are also a must, especially if you’re traveling with younger kids who tend to spill or get messy. It always puts my mind at ease knowing I have some extras just in case!
- Hygiene and health essentials
In addition to snacks, comfort items, and clothes, make sure you have the essentials for hygiene and health. Wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues are always good to have on hand for quick clean-ups, especially if you’re traveling through crowded airports or public spaces.
If you’re flying, it’s always a good idea to bring a small, lightweight bag with travel-sized versions of your toiletries.
Ultimately, packing smart isn’t just about fitting everything into a suitcase—it’s about creating a travel experience that’s smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful for everyone involved. By thinking ahead and focusing on the essentials, you can avoid the overwhelm of last-minute packing and ensure that you have what you need to handle whatever comes your way.
So next time you’re preparing for a trip, take a moment to plan carefully, pack strategically, and leave room for the things that will truly make your journey easier. Happy packing!
3. Use Kid-Friendly Entertainment
Keeping your kids entertained during long trips is crucial to avoiding boredom and restlessness. Pack a variety of entertainment options to cater to different moods or situations. Depending on your kids age and interests, you can bring a mix of books, coloring materials, puzzles, or interactive games.
For younger kids, activity books with stickers, drawing pads, small puzzles or simple games can keep them busy for a good amount of time. Games like “I Spy” or word games can be fun and interactive without needing any extra supplies. When my daughter was little, all we needed for a long flight was a sticker book! Now my son’s favorite game is “Guess in 10” so we take it almost everywhere. It’s a great game to keep kids engaged for a longer period of time.
For older children, tablets with pre-loaded movies and games can be a lifesaver. When choosing electronic entertainment, try to bring headphones to keep the noise down and maintain peace during the journey. However, packing a good book is always a good idea to take a break from screen time and not get instantly bored.
This mix of quiet, creative activities and digital entertainment will help ensure that your kids remain occupied and happy throughout the trip.
I think it’s always a good idea to let your kids have some input into what they want to do or play during the trip. Allowing them to pick out a few activities or choose some music to listen to can make them feel more involved and excited. The key is to have a mix of activities available so you can switch things up before everyone starts to complain!
4. Be Flexible with Time
Traveling with kids often means adjusting your expectations and being flexible with your schedule. Kids are naturally slower to get ready, especially when there are new surroundings or distractions. So instead of rushing them, allow extra time for everything – from bathroom breaks to getting settled at your destination.
Being flexible with time also means being prepared for changes in plans. If you’re flying, give yourself more time to navigate the airport and deal with any delays or long lines. Allow for time to move around before boarding and be prepared to walk around the airport to give your kids a chance to burn off some energy.
If a situation arises, like a flight delay or an unexpected detour during a road trip, try to stay calm and flexible. Children are very sensitive to your emotions, so when you remain composed and positive, they’ll be more likely to mirror that attitude!
Flexibility also means taking breaks when needed. Kids need time to stretch their legs, especially after long periods of sitting. Plan for regular stops during car trips, and take advantage of rest areas to let your child run around or play.
Making room for spontaneous activities, like a quick game or extra time at a play area, can go a long way in keeping kids happy and reducing the chances of meltdowns. Flexibility with your schedule will help reduce stress and make the entire trip more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Involve Them in the Planning
Involving your kids in the planning process is a great way to get them excited about the trip. When kids feel like they have a say in what’s happening, they’re more likely to be engaged and enthusiastic.
Depending on their age, let them choose a few activities to do or help with selecting places to eat. If you’re going on a road trip, let them pick out a few stops along the way or help you plan fun detours. If you’re flying or traveling by train, talk to them about what to expect during the journey and let them pack their own small bag with a few of their favorite toys, books, or snacks.
Giving them a sense of control and responsibility will make them feel more invested in the trip and lower the chances of complaints.
If you’re traveling internationally, you can also involve them in learning about the culture or destination. Research fun facts about the place you’re visiting and ask them to help you gather information or watch videos about it before the trip. This can turn the experience into an educational adventure and build excitement for what’s to come.
For younger children, you might let them choose their own outfits or pick which stuffed animal to bring along, giving them small choices that help them feel involved.
The more you involve them, the more they’ll feel like active participants in the adventure, making the whole trip a shared experience.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience. By planning ahead, packing smart, and finding ways to keep your little ones entertained, you can make the journey feel a lot more manageable. The key is being prepared, not just for the obvious, but for the unexpected moments too. Flexibility is your best friend when traveling with kids—plans might shift, timelines might stretch, and that’s okay! Embrace the flexibility to go with the flow, and involve your kids in the process whenever possible. The more they feel part of the adventure, the more they’ll enjoy the journey, even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
At the end of the day, family travel is about making memories, not just surviving the trip. If you take these simple tips to heart and approach each travel moment with a little bit of patience and a lot of positivity, you’ll be surprised at how much smoother things can go. So go ahead, start planning your next family getaway with confidence. Less stress, more fun, and plenty of special moments along the way!
Safe travels!