Here are my top tips for travelling with kids to make travelling go a bit more smoothly. From air travel, cruises, and road trips with the kids, here are my top tips from personal experience!
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Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience for the whole family.
Stay Flexible with Your Itinerary
It’s tempting to plan every detail when traveling with kids, but flexibility is key. Children need more downtime than adults, and unexpected delays are inevitable. Instead of overloading your schedule, plan one or two main activities each day, like a museum visit (like when we visited a cathedral during on one week in Barcelona), and leave plenty of room for spontaneous fun and relaxation.
- Pro tip: Highlight must-do activities and have backup options ready for rainy days or when energy levels dip. Keep backups simple, like visiting a local park or browsing a souvenir shop.
Travel Smarter, Not Harder
Getting from one place to another can be the trickiest part of family travel. Here’s how to make it easier:
Air Travel Tips with the Kids:
- Book direct flights when possible to avoid layover stress. For long-haul flights, a layover can sometimes be helpful for stretching and burning off energy.
- Schedule flights around nap times so kids can sleep on board.
- Arrive early for check-ins and security to avoid unnecessary stress.
- Bring plenty of snacks to prevent hunger-related meltdowns.
Road Trips Tips and Tricks:
During our recent trip on the road, searching for the best fall foliage in the United States, here is what we learned with two rowdy kids in the back seat:
- Time your departure around naps to maximize rest during the drive.
- Plan regular stops to stretch, eat, and recharge.
- Pack entertainment like coloring books, sticker packs, and audiobooks to keep kids engaged.
Check out Fall Mountain Getaways in the Southern United States for more tips!
Public Transport with the Kids:
Kids often love buses, trains, and ferries. Use the opportunity to teach them about local culture and transit etiquette.
Pack Strategically
Packing efficiently can reduce stress and make travel smoother. Create a checklist for each family member, adding essentials as you think of them in the days before departure.
Must-have items for your carry-on:
- Snacks
- A change of clothes
- Small travel-friendly games
- A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
- Wipes and sanitizers
- A reusable water bottle
- A small first-aid kit (bandages, fever reducers, antiseptic cream)
- Pro tip: Use packing cubes to organize clothes and accessories. Assign each family member a color for easy access to their belongings.
Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations
Where you stay can make a big difference. Look for accommodations with:
- Play areas, pools, or game rooms
- Kitchenettes for easy snack prep
- Babysitting services or kids' clubs for some adult downtime
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- Pro tip: Read reviews from other parents to find accommodations that suit your child’s age and interests.
Keep Kids Entertained
Keeping kids engaged during travel is essential. As much as you might enjoy educational walking tours during your one day in Marseille, the kids might not be the biggest fans... Balance screen time with interactive activities:
- Travel journals for older kids
- Sticker books or magnetic puzzles for younger ones
- Destination-themed games like trivia or "I Spy"
- A curated music playlist for road trips
- Pro tip: Introduce the destination before the trip. Learning about new places in advance builds excitement and appreciation.
Prioritize Safety
Safety is a top concern when traveling with children. Teach kids to memorize a parent’s phone number and consider GPS trackers or ID bracelets for younger ones. A small portable lock can help secure hotel doors if needed.
- Pro tip: Keep a recent photo of your child on hand in case you get separated. If they are too young to memorize phone numbers, write yours inside their shoes.
Pack Plenty of Snacks
Hunger can quickly derail a trip. Pack a variety of portable, non-messy snacks like:
- Granola bars
- Dried fruit
- String cheese
- Crackers
- Pro tip: Use small reusable containers to keep portions manageable and reduce waste. Pre-cut fruits and pack high-protein options to maintain energy levels.
Embrace Local Culture
Travel is an excellent way to introduce children to new cultures. Look for family-friendly activities such as:
- Trying local foods
- Attending cultural festivals
- Joining interactive workshops or guided tours
- Pro tip: Encourage kids to learn a few basic phrases in the local language—it’s a fun challenge and can lead to meaningful connections with locals.
Document Your Adventure
Capturing your travels helps preserve special moments. Let older kids take photos or videos, while younger ones can draw their favorite experiences.
- Pro tip: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting as a family on the best moments. This simple ritual helps everyone appreciate the experience and creates lasting memories.
Final Thoughts
No trip will go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Kids will have cranky moments, plans may shift, and unexpected challenges will arise. What matters most isn’t how perfectly the trip goes, but the shared experiences along the way. Whether it’s watching your child’s excitement over a new discovery, sharing a meal in an unfamiliar place, or simply navigating travel hiccups together, these moments build the stories you’ll remember for years to come.
The key is to stay patient, flexible, and open to the unexpected joys of family travel. With the right approach, every trip can be an opportunity to bond, explore, and create a sense of wonder that will stick with your children long after the journey ends. Embrace the adventure with a sense of humor and stay present—you’ll make great memories, even in the chaos.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
