How I Survived (And Loved) Traveling With Kids

Traveling with kids might sound like a juggling act, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be. After years of globetrotting with my little ones, I’ve learned that family vacations can be smooth, fun, and memorable with a bit of creativity and preparation. Whether you’re hopping on a plane to paradise or hitting the open road, I’ve got plenty of tips to make your family adventure enjoyable for everyone.

Here’s my ultimate guide to traveling with kids stress-free, filled with personal insights, practical advice, and even a few lessons learned the hard way.

Before You Go, Plan Like a Travel Ninja

Here’s a fun fact to set the tone—as shown by research from Blueprint RF, a whopping 85% of parents plan to travel with their kids in the upcoming year, and 68% are set to hit the road during summer.

Pretty inspiring, right? If you’re one of those parents aiming to make unforgettable memories, trust me when I say planning is your ultimate superpower. One thing I’ve learned? Winging it doesn’t work when you’ve got kids in tow. Planning ahead is the key to turning potential chaos into smooth travel magic.

Now, here’s how to plan like a pro and make every moment count.

1. Research Family-Friendly Spots

When my family flew to Italy, I made the rookie mistake of choosing a boutique hotel that looked dreamy online but wasn’t kid-friendly. Lesson learned! Now, I always look for accommodations that offer kid perks—like a playground, babysitting services, or family suites. Research your destination for fun, age-appropriate activities, like zoos, amusement parks, or interactive museums. A trip tailored to your kids’ interests? Golden.

2. Book Early to Skip Anxiety

I’ll never forget the time I waited too long to book a rental car and ended up cramming my family into a way-too-small vehicle. Booking early saves stress, guarantees availability, and often scores you great discounts.

3. Get the Kids in on the Action

Whenever we plan a trip, I ask my kids to help choose one or two activities they’re excited about. Trust me, it pays off when they feel like they’ve got a say in the trip. Plus, it turns the planning stages into family bonding time instead of just “parent talk.”

Pack It Up Without Losing Your Mind

Packing for kids often feels like packing the whole house. But with some clever strategizing, you can avoid the suitcase chaos.

1. Make a Packing Game Plan

Start with a solid list. I split it into essentials (like meds and toiletries), clothing, and “keep ’em happy” items (toys, books, snacks). Oh, and don’t forget backups, like extra outfits for spills or diaper explosions.

2. Divide and Conquer Your Bags

This trick was a lifesaver during a flight delay once. Pack a carry-on with all your “must-haves” for the actual travel part. My go-to list? Snacks (so key!), wet wipes, headphones, water bottles, and a change of clothes for everyone.

3. Pro Tip for Toys

Here’s something I tried last year that was a smash hit—I wrapped up a few small, cheap toys like presents and gave them out slowly during our road trip. It kept the kids entertained for hours, and it felt like Christmas on wheels.

Turning Travel Days into Smooth Sails

When it’s time to hit the road (or skies), having a solid “travel day strategy” can turn chaos into calm.

1. Start Early and Stay Chill

When flying with my kids, I’ve made peace with getting to the airport ridiculously early. It not only keeps me calm but leaves room for unexpected delays, like impromptu potty breaks that always come at the worst times. Similarly, in road trips, starting early helps beat traffic and lets the kids nap during part of the drive.

2. Communicate the Itinerary

Kids thrive on knowing what’s coming (don’t we all?). Now, I always explain to my kids how the day will go. “We’ll go through security. Then grab snacks. Then fly!” It’s amazing how much smoother things go when they know what to expect.

3. Plan Stretch Breaks

On road trips, we like to stop every two hours to stretch and explore. It keeps the kids from melting down and helps the grown-ups stay sane. For flights, I encourage my little ones to walk up and down the aisle occasionally, much to their relief.

The Meltdown-Free Entertainment Plan

The secret sauce to happy travel days? Distraction and entertainment. From what I’ve seen, keeping little minds busy prevents most meltdowns.

1. Load Up on Surprises

Before leaving for any trip, I download a handful of their favorite movies or shows onto a tablet. I’ve also brought along sticker books, travel-friendly board games, and magnetic puzzles for variety.

2. Encourage Screen Breaks

While screens are a lifesaver, I like mixing in other options. We play endless rounds of “I Spy” or count the red cars we see. Last time, we even made up a silly story where each person added a sentence. It’s such a fun way to pass the time!

3. Music and Audiobooks

On our 12-hour road trip last summer, audiobooks saved us all. “The Magic Tree House” series kept even our youngest entertained. Create a family playlist with everyone’s favorite songs for extra points.

Snacks, Snacks, Snacks

Hungry kids and smooth travel? Not a combo that works. Snacks are a lifesaver.

1. Pack Smart and Healthy

I usually pack a mix of healthy options like apple slices and trail mix, along with some fun treats (hello, gummy bears!) as rewards for good behavior.

2. Stay Organized with Snack Bags

Rather than dealing with spills or “Who got more?”, I pre-portion snacks into small sealable bags. That way, everyone gets their own stash without the drama.

"Smart snacking is the secret sauce to smooth travels—pack healthy bites, portion with care, and keep everyone happily hydrated on the go!"

3. Hydration 101

Traveling can throw off everyone’s hydration. I bring refillable water bottles so we don’t have to spend a fortune buying them on the road or at the airport.

When Plans Change, Roll With It

Finally, no trip is perfect, despite all those Instagram-worthy family photos.

1. Expect the Unexpected

Flights get delayed. Kids have meltdowns. Snacks run out. I’ve been through it all, and here’s my mantra for those moments: Deep breath. Reset. Laugh about it later. Staying positive goes a long way.

2. Have a Backup Plan

I’ve learned to always have Plan B stashed away. Keep emergency snacks, travel pillowcases for quick naps, or even extra toys in case things go south. My motto? Over-prepare so you can under-stress.

3. Keep Family Morale High

When our trip to Disneyland hit a two-hour flight delay, I turned it into a mini adventure by letting my kids pick out snacks at the airport. It wasn’t an ideal start, but it kept everyone smiling instead of sulking.

Speed Reads!

• Get the Kids on Board: Include them in trip planning so they feel like part of the adventure.
• Divide Travel Essentials: Pack carry-ons with Snag-proof items like snacks, toys, and extra clothes.
• Keep ’em Moving: Plan regular stretch breaks or seat exercises during long journeys.
• Pack Snack Power: Pre-portion snacks for easy cleanup and happy bellies.
• Laugh Through Challenges: Stay calm and adaptable when things go sideways.

Because Family Vacations Should Feel Magical (Not Chaotic!)

After years of traveling with my own little ones, I’ve learned that the key to family travel isn’t perfection, it’s connection. These tips aren’t just about logistics; they’re about ensuring everyone feels involved, comfortable, and excited along the way. Wherever you go, remember you’re building incredible memories together. Here’s to your next great family adventure!