Top Tricks and Tips for Traveling with Kids: The Best Family Travel Tips
Thinking of traveling with kids or looking for some family travel tips that will help you have an unforgettable experience? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you are flying to see family or simply heading off on an island escape, here are some top tips for traveling with kids. You’ll find general family travel tips to help you have less stress and more fun on your family holiday.
Traveling with kids can be overwhelming and stressful. Once we started a family, our traveling experience changed significantly. Flying isn’t the most pleasant experience at the best of times. Everything from the moment you leave home, checking in, going through customs, getting on board, arriving, collecting your bags, and getting to your destination can all be stressful and exhausting. And when you add kids to that equation, the frustration increases significantly. Kids don’t have the patience to walk through airports and sit through long flights. To add to this, babies and toddlers can get affected significantly by ear-popping which can be incredibly painful for them.
With proper planning and foresight, you can attempt to reduce stress and make the journey as pleasant as possible. A baby has very different needs from a toddler or an older kid. No matter how old your child is, be sure to take some kid-friendly activities for the journey and carry plenty of snacks. A little planning will go a long way.
I believe it’s important you and your children enjoy seeing the world together and create beautiful memories that last a lifetime. So, I have put together this guide that provides you with some of the greatest family travel tips including tips for traveling with babies, toddlers, and young kids.
How to Survive Family Travel: Traveling with Infants, Toddlers, and Young Kids
We’ve had our share of traveling without kids. But for the last eight years, we have been traveling with kids. And while it can be daunting to travel with kids, I love traveling and can’t imagine a life without it. It was a huge adjustment at first, but now that we’ve done a number of trips around the world, we know exactly what to expect.
Ever since our oldest son was a baby, we have been traveling far and in between. When he was 3, we took him halfway across the world to Europe from New Zealand and traveled through 7 countries in just under six months.
We often get questions about how we travel with young kids. So, in this guide, we are sharing some of our best family travel tips. We hope in some way this helps you when planning your family holiday.
Tips For Traveling with Kids
After years of traveling with young kids, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that will help make your journey as pleasant as possible. I’m now the parent of two reasonably well-traveled young boys and it’s safe to say that this is the only guide to traveling with kids that you’ll need.
Planning And Booking
Allow for extra time
My first tip for traveling with kids, whether infants, toddlers, or school-aged kids, is to allow for extra time. Don’t arrive at the airport just minutes before your flight, you’ll want to do the exact opposite. Everything and anything to do with kids takes ten times longer. So make sure you get to the airport early enough to allow ample time for checking in, getting through security, and boarding the plane.
You definitely don’t want to miss your flight because things all went wrong while going through security. The same goes for when you are on holiday, allow extra time for everything you do. When traveling with kids you don’t always have the luxury of squeezing in as much as possible. It’s best to take it slow and plan to do two or three things in a day. Keep your schedule flexible because things invariably go wrong. Being flexible means you can switch things around and it leads to a calmer, more stress-free holiday. Remember if you are calm, your kids remain calm.
Plan and book your trip well in advance
Book well in advance to take advantage of good deals, especially if you are traveling during peak times. You’ll also be able to plan your holiday once you know exactly where and when you are going away. This sets the tone for a calmer journey ahead.
Book direct flights where possible, they will save you from having to rush to get to your next connection with young kids.
Make sure all your sightseeing and activities are booked well in advance of your holiday. This way when you arrive at your destination, you can go straight to your accommodation and have a chance to rest. Then when you are ready to kick off holiday mode, you’ve got everything booked and in place for your fun to begin.
Pre-booking gives you more time to take things easy, relax and enjoy your holiday.
Align travel to nap times
Consider a night flight if you have to. If the flight takes place when your child would normally be sleeping it’s likely they will sleep for a large part of the flight.
However, if your child isn’t a good travel napper, then consider flying during the day or when they don’t nap. That way when you get to your destination, they’ll hopefully go down for a nap quite easily and adjust to the local time zone a bit sooner.
Check-in online
It’s not something you should think about twice. Checking in online is one of the easiest things to do. That way when you turn up at the airport you won’t have to stand in line waiting to check in. All you have to do is drop your bags off and head to security.
Packing
Carry disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer
If you are anything like me, the first thing I do is wipe down the seats and plane tables. Basically, wipe down anything you will touch around you during your time on the flight. This is particularly important if you are traveling with infants or toddlers who tend to put things in their mouths.
The wipes also come in handy for cleaning high chairs at your holiday destination or any other surfaces your infants or toddlers may come in contact with.
Don’t overpack
Pack as light as you can. As a general rule of thumb, never bring more bags than hands. If possible, when traveling with kids try to make one of those bags’ a backpack. You’ll need a spare hand for the kids 😊. Remember that almost everything can be bought in a foreign country. So, if you’ve forgotten something, don’t panic, you can always purchase it when you get to your destination.
Things you may need during your flight
- Medication
- Entertainment
- Spare Clothes (for you and the kids)
- Toys
- Snacks
- Water bottle
Pack essential medication
Getting sick on holiday is sometimes inevitable, but being prepared can make it as bearable as possible for everyone. Take a few over-the-counter medications for headaches, allergies, upset tummies, and motion sickness. It is a good idea to have plenty of paracetamol and ibuprofen on hand as well as any other prescribed medication you and your kids take.
Before your trip, check the regulations for your destination and confirm if you’re allowed to enter the country with your medications without filling out additional paperwork or getting special permission.
Bring entertainment
Charge devices and download essentials and have them ready to go for your journey. While most flights these days are equipped with entertainment options and wi-fi, your kids may have that one particular program they want to watch which is not available on the flight. It’s best to be prepared than to have a situation on your hands.
Even though you may usually limit electronics, traveling is a time when you may want to let those rules slide. This comes in handy for long flights or car rides, waiting at airports, etc. Just don’t forget to carry headphones for each child. You don’t want the person sitting next to you to have to listen to ‘Wheels on the bus’ about 100 times during the flight. We learned the hard way!
If you are traveling with school-aged kids, you can give them a small cheap camera to use. This will keep them occupied for ages. You can talk to them about printing the photos once you get back from your holiday and make a scrapbook of their own to show their friends. It gets the kids very excited every time. Binoculars are another good one.
Carry spare clothes
Always carry spare clothes, socks, and underwear for you and the kids. In the event, you’re checked in the bag doesn’t arrive or is lost, you’ll at least have some form of backup. Also, let’s face it, when traveling with younger kids you are bound to run into issues with spills, vomits, or some other form of catastrophe.
Take along your own snacks
Let’s face it, airplane food isn’t the healthiest nor the tastiest at times. And when it comes to kids you want to be well prepared. You don’t want to have a screaming kid because they haven’t had enough to eat. Pack some fruit, nuts, biscuits, cheese, and any other snacks your kids enjoy. Keep all the snacks in one bag. Just make sure you consume them before you land or dispose of them before your get to customs at your destination. Every country has different laws, so make sure you don’t get into trouble for that piece of banana that was left back in your toddler’s bag.
Pro Tip: Always carry extra snacks whenever you travel with kids. This includes day trips to your holiday destination too.
Bring your own bottle
Help reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle for you and the kids. Just make sure they’re empty when you go through security.
You can fill these up near your gate at one of the water fountains or have the flight attendant do it for you on the plane. This way you will always have water on hand. A huge saving cost when you are out and about and have your own drink bottle. Plus staying hydrated on the plane is an absolute must.
Getting Excited
Get your child excited about flying
Talk to your kids well before your trip and get them excited about flying, especially if it’s their first time on a plane. Discuss the fun stuff (movies, going on holiday, eating on a plane) as well as the limitations (what they can and can’t do, how they need to listen to the flight attendants). This way your kids will know exactly what to expect. This tip applies to older toddlers and young kids.
Onboarding
Sip during take-off and landing
Change in air pressure is the worse for kids, especially during take-off and landing. It is imperative you have your child sip on some water during these times. The swallowing helps with equalizing their years and can provide relief.
If you are traveling with an infant or young toddler, make sure you give them a milk bottle during take-off and landing. Feeding will help keep them calm and distract them from the discomfort they may experience.
Further to this if your child has recently had a cold or ear infection, get your doctor’s approval before flying. The change in air pressure could cause immense pain. This actually also applies to adults. A few years ago my husband thought he had fully recovered from his cold, took a long plane ride home after a work trip, and since then has suffered immensely with his sinuses and allergies.
Fill in arrival forms before you get off the plane
After a long flight, you will all be tired and, in a haste, to get out of the airport. Have your forms completed on the plane so it’s one less thing to worry about at the airport. You don’t want to keep the kids waiting while you fill in those forms on arrival.
On Holiday
Choose apartments or self-contained hotels
While the luxury of staying at a hotel is unbeatable, when traveling with kids it’s far better to find apartment-style accommodation. Having a kitchen and washing machine can be a lifesaver when traveling with young kids. It gives you so much flexibility and you probably don’t have to pack as much if you can wash your clothes every few days.
If you want to have a lazy morning, just whip up some breakfast in the luxury of your own kitchen. These days you may even find a few hotels that have some rooms with small kitchens.
Adjust to the local time zone
Traveling between time zones can be tricky. But I find the sooner you adjust to the new time zone the better. The rule of thumb for us has always been to stay awake until the evening. i.e. If we arrive during the day or afternoon, we keep ourselves busy and head to bed a bit earlier in the evening. This way you will get accustomed to the new time zone within a day or two.
It’s can be a bit tricker with kids, but the aim is to keep everyone entertained. It’s easier to do this with toddlers and older kids. Babies may need a little more adjusting depending on their routines. Just keep their daytime naps short so they don’t have any issues sleeping during the night. You still want them to know night from day.
Call ahead to check about child-friendly amenities
Ask about porta cots, babysitting services, and kid-friendly centers that your accommodation may provide. You don’t want to be carrying unnecessary items if you don’t need to.
Stick to your children’s normal routine as best as you can
This can be tricky as it’s all dependent on your destination and the time zone difference. If there is no time-zone difference or only an hour or two, try to stick with your normal routine. So, if you normally run a 7 am-7 pm day at home, that might become a 5 am-5 pm or 9 am-9 pm day at the local time. While it doesn’t sound overly ideal and can seem like too early or too late of a start to your day, look at it as an opportunity to do things that you wouldn’t normally do at home (go for an early morning walk have a late dinner out as a family)
If there is a larger time-zone difference, it may take a few days for the kids to adjust. Just aim to get into their normal routine. So, if you normally run a 7 am – 7 pm day at home, try a similar routine at the local time. The kids will adjust in a few days’ time.
Take it slow
We had to adjust a lot when we went on our very first trip as a family of 3. We realized we couldn’t pack in as much sightseeing as we did when it was just the two of us. It took a while to get used to but honestly, when you travel with kids it’s best to take it slow and go with the flow. Mix up your sightseeing with some kids’ activities so they don’t get too bored or agitated. Take them to a beach or find local parks close to you.
Allow for downtime
While you might be able to power through a long day, keep in mind that young kids won’t be able to do the same. Infants and young toddlers will need their naps. Consider picking a couple of activities and allowing some downtime for naps or relaxation.
If you are traveling with kids of mixed-aged groups, while the younger one’s nap, you could spend time with the older kids playing board games, relaxing by the pool, watching a movie, or reading.
Consider planning a recovery day once you arrive at your destination, especially if you are traveling far away from home. Give yourself and your kids a chance to relax and recover from the travel.
Tips for Traveling and Flying with Babies and Infants
Children under the age of one tend to be easier to travel with in many respects. I know that may seem strange but kids at this age are easy to move around. You can literally take them anywhere as long as they are comfortable and well-fed. If you stick to their routine, that’s a bonus. Carry their favorite books and toys to keep them entertained on a flight or on a car journey. Here are a few more tips for traveling with infants.
Book a bassinet row seat
Call ahead and book a bassinet row seat. You don’t want to be holding your infant for the entire duration of the flight, especially if you can put them down during nap times. The bassinet attaches securely to the wall in the front row giving your baby a place to lie down and freeing up your arms for some time. Depending on the airline you fly with, there may be small extra costs associated with booking a bassinet seat. There is also a weight limit for the bassinet seat which you will need to confirm with the airline on booking.
There are limited bassinet seats on planes so if for some reason the airline doesn’t have one available you can still try and book the bassinet row for extra legroom. Your bags will need to be stored in the overhead compartments but you can stretch or stand when required. If you have a blackout cover for the bassinet carry one with you so your baby can sleep better.
Give your baby a bottle on take-off and landing
During take-off and landing, the pressure changes are huge. It’s always recommended to breastfeed or give your baby a bottle. The swallowing helps with equalizing their ears.
Nappy Bag
Ensure all the essentials are packed in your nappy bag for your baby. Things you may want to have in your nappy bag
- Nappies
- Baby wipes and plastic bags (for dirty nappies)
- Milk Bottles/Formula
- Pacifiers
- Snacks / Baby food
- A few changes of clothes
- Baby toys
- Blanket
Note: Many airports will allow baby milk and baby food to be carried through security. Food and milk may be screened but this will only take a few extra minutes. Check with the airports beforehand just to be sure.
Carry an insulated bottle
If you require warm water to make up a bottle for your baby carry an insulated bottle. Ask the flight attendant to fill the bottle with hot water as soon as you get on the flight. Remember the water will be really hot so you’ll need to wait a while for it to cool down. So, make sure your baby isn’t dependent on a bottle as soon as you jump on a plane.
Carry a few extra sets of clothes
You’ll notice we say to carry a “few” extra sets of clothes. This is because babies spew, nappies can leak, and all sorts of disasters can take place on a flight. So, make sure you are well prepared with at least 4 – 5 outfits, for your baby and also a couple for you.
Baby Carrier and Stroller
This one comes down to your personal preference. You really want to try and limit the number of items you carry with you. So, if you are taking a pram, then question whether you really need a carrier and vice versa.
If you are traveling with a newborn, then you may want to consider a carrier. If your baby is slightly older, around 6 or so months, then a pram could come in handy, especially if you plan to move around a lot. There is always the option to rent a stroller at some major attractions depending on where you go. I always prefer to take my own, it’s clean, the kids love it and it’s super nice and compact for travel.
Personally, for me I found the stroller to be the better option through all stages of travel after my kids were 6 months old. It also depends on where you are headed too, whether the streets will be smooth, etc but the pros of carrying a pram far outweigh the cons.
You can take a stroller with you almost anywhere and whether you are traveling with a baby or toddler there’s a chance they may even take a nap in the pram while you sightsee or enjoy a nice meal.
Another point to take into consideration if you are traveling somewhere warm, you probably don’t want a baby on you all day long. Don’t think your baby would find that ideal either. This could cause them to overheat and upset them a lot.
If you can find a light travel stroller, that’s the way to go. They’re easy to travel with and can be taken right up to the gate at the airport. Consider the GB Pocket Pro. It will change how you travel with kids going forward.
Car Seat
Car seats can be so bulky to carry along. But I can certainly see why a lot of parents like to travel with their own car seats. Personally, I’ve always just hired one if I’ve rented a vehicle. It’s a lot easier and saves you the hassle of carting it around everywhere you go.
Tips for Traveling and Flying with Toddlers
Toddlers are fun because they are far more interactive that babies. They are curious about everything which can make your whole traveling experience a lot more exciting. But toddlers are also famous for having tantrums. They want to constantly move and explore and aren’t afraid to tell you what they want, or sometimes even scream at the top of their voice.
So how exactly do you survive a flight with a toddler? Flying with a toddler takes patience and setting the right expectations. Make sure you have a plan and plenty of things to keep them busy. Carry new books, toys, and plenty of snacks for when you are traveling. At your destination, do things your toddler would enjoy, such as a pool or beach day, a visit to the park. Be prepared for the worst-case scenario because things inevitably go wrong.
Here are a few tips to help you when flying with toddlers.
Bring toys and activities to keep toddlers entertained for hours
This is probably one of our best tips when traveling with toddlers, especially when flying with toddlers. Have a good mix of digital and non-digital options for your kids. Have some new puzzles or coloring books that will keep them entertained for a while.
Re-stickable stickers are great for entertaining toddlers. Melissa & Doug’s Water Wow! Reusable Activity Pads. These booklets are perfect for travel because you don’t need markers or even extra paper. Simply fill the “paintbrush” with water and let your child color away on the pages. It’s been a huge hit with my kids.
Have an assortment of snacks
Snacks are how you keep a toddler busy and happy during travel. Fruit, biscuits, and any other snacks that are your toddler’s favorites. Don’t pack unfamiliar things, this is not the time to experiment.
Book a night flight
If you try to keep with their routine as much as possible, you’ll hopefully have some success with getting them to fall asleep at night. Carry a blanket to block out any light.
Pack items to help with pressure
Whether it’s water, milk, snacks, or a pacifier, make sure you get those jaws moving for take-off and landing to avoid discomfort in their ears.
Carry Binoculars
This one has come in handy a few times. It’s not something you think of all the time, but carrying a pair of binoculars can keep kids occupied for a while. When you are out and about sightseeing, your kids will love using binoculars. Pop them into their stroller and leave them to explore everything around them. It will keep them busy and much more interested in all that’s happening around them.
Pro Tip: Make sure your toddler burns off some energy in the airport itself. You want them slightly tired for sleep, but not overtired.
Tips for Traveling with School-Aged Kids
This is such an incredible age for kids to travel. They are old enough to understand the idea of a holiday and not have major tantrums. This is where all the fun begins.
Get the kids involved
The best way to get school-going kids involved is to get them engaged with the whole process. Get them excited as soon as you have decided to go on holiday. Talk to them about the destination, the journey, and the things you will do as a family when you get there.
Discuss the flight and the flying experience. Get them involved with packing their own bags including what they want to put in their carry-on. Any books, games, or toys they love and want to take along?
Let kids choose activities they’d like to do at your holiday destination. Do they want to spend a day at the beach or visit a museum? Give them a few options and help them feel involved in the whole process.
Let them pack their own backpack
Yes, it will count as a carry on but this can be their carry on plus if you have any space left you can always fill it up with other stuff.
Let them fill their bag with toys, earphones, books, games spare clothes, and their favorite cuddly or blanket. I don’t suggest keeping food in individual backpacks as when you want to dispose it before you get to customs, you may struggle to remember where you’ve placed all the food. Keep all snacks in one bag, preferably yours.
Summary
A holiday with kids is always going to be a bit more stressful than if you were going on your own. But it can still be a lot of fun if you plan ahead and are well-prepared. Kids shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world. Travel can be an enlightening experience for children. Nothing opens a child’s mind like new experiences.
Accept that things will go wrong because they generally do when you travel at the best of times, let alone with kids. There’s nothing you can do to avoid these instances, just accept them and try to go with the flow as much as possible. Easier said than done but it’s the key to a calm and relaxing holiday. Just remember flexibility is key when traveling with kids. Everything else will work itself out!
Most importantly have a great time. Make the planning and travel all part of your journey and create some precious memories with your loved ones.
I hope these family travel tips come in handy when you plan your next family holiday. Let me know in the comments below how you go.
Happy Family Travels!
