Traveling with your kids can be overwhelming, but with these tips you'll be prepared no matter where you're going or how you're getting there!
Packing Tips
1. Don't overpack. I know, I know... this is easier said than done, especially when you're traveling with a baby or toddler. Kids require a lot of gear! The most helpful advice I received was to lay out everything you plan to pack, and then go back through it all and remove items you don't really need. Making a packing list ahead of time, checking your destination's weather in advance, and asking about laundry services at your destination can also help minimize how much stuff you bring along.
2. Let the kids pack their own activity bags. This gives your child ownership over their activity bag and teaches them to be responsible for their own belongings. This is a more difficult task for young children who will likely need some help, so depending on your child's age and experience you may want to throw in a few extra items for safety or offer suggestions on activities they might enjoy. Be sure to set any ground rules ahead of time (i.e. only 2-3 books).
3. Bring a comfort item from home for each child. Most of us feel at least a little bit out of place when we travel to a new location or experience something new. Having a comfort item, such as a lovey or a favorite book, can help battle nerves and make your child feel more calm.
4. Use packing cubes to keep your family organized. Packing cubes are soft-sided containers that allow you to group items together by family member, day of the trip, outfit, type of clothing... or any other way you would prefer to stay organized. I find they're especially helpful on the first night we arrive, when everyone is either too tired or excited to go searching for supplies. Compression packing cubes can also help you fit more into your bag!
5. Pack whatever you can 1-2 days ahead of time. To avoid the last-minute scramble of throwing everything into your bag (including items you may not need), pack whatever you can in advance. Not everything is going to make it into the suitcase the night before (toothbrushes, loveys, etc.), but if you keep a list of what's left then the morning of packing will be easy as pie!
Travel Prep Tips
6. Make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. I'm referring specifically to things like vaccines, visas, passports, and any other paperwork you may need. Be sure to do your research ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time for things like vaccination appointments and passport/visa processing.
7. Give your kids a say in your travel plans. The more say your child has in travel plans - road trip stops, food to try, attractions to visit - the more excited they will be for your trip. This also gives them a sense of control over the trip.
8. Schedule breaks and down time into your travel plans. Try not to squeeze in too many activities each day or everyone will burn out quickly. Go ahead and plan some excited adventures, but be sure to include slower-paced activities as well such as visiting a local playground, relaxing by the pool, or exploring a new neighborhood to give everyone a much-needed break.
9. Prep your children ahead of time. There are lots of ways to prepare your children for travel. Start by letting them know what to expect. Walk them through what each day will look like, explain any cultural differences including language and food, and cover any ground rules they need to be aware of. I find role play, reading stories, and/or watching movies that take place in your travel destination are all helpful ways to prepare for a trip!
10. Stretch before travel day. If you are traveling with kids, chances are you will be carrying a lot of weight, spending a lot of time on your feet, and/or sitting in small, cramped quarters for extended periods of time. Do yourself a favor and limber up before you start the day! Your body will thank you later.
Travel Day Tips
11. Pack a TON of snacks. Kids love snacks and this is a great way to pacify them if they're getting fussy. Be sure to bring more than you think they'll need. I also like to include 1-2 surprise treats that they don't usually get at home and save them for emergency moments.
12. Give yourself extra time on travel days. Traveling with kids is already hectic enough without adding the stress of running behind. So many things can go wrong on travel day - unexpected illnesses, diaper blowouts, toddler meltdowns, traffic, crowds - just do yourself a favor and allow your family some extra time to navigate any surprises.
13. Bring a spare change of clothes for everyone. Yes, the adults too. This is especially true if your children are younger, but diaper blowouts and pee leaks aren't the only possible concerns. Someone may get motion sick, food could spill, or maybe there's some messy fun along the way. I also recommend bringing a trash bag to store any soiled clothes.
14. Bring a variety of mess-free activities to entertain your kids. Bringing a variety of different types of activities will help keep them from getting bored, and no matter how you're traveling you'll want to keep the mess to a minimum. Think books, fidget toys, coloring books, etc. Many people also like to include a cheap toy or two to surprise their kids along the way.
15. Charge all of your electronic devices ahead of time. You never know when you'll suddenly be without access to a charger! I also recommend bringing fully-charged power banks with you on travel day.
16. Let them carry their own backpack or suitcase. This is a great way to give your child some more responsibility once you feel they are ready. It also gives them a sense of pride and confidence!
17. Make sure your children have your full name and contact info in case they get lost. Chances are nothing will happen, but it's always best to be prepared. With younger children who don't have your contact info memorized yet, this could be a note in their pocket or you could write it on their arm.
18. Remain flexible. While it's always helpful to have an idea of how the travel day will go, things will not always go according to plan. Be ready for surprises and do your best to be adaptable.
Tips for Your Destination
19. Stick to your usual routines as much as possible. It may not be perfect, but any sort of predictability you can give your kids will be appreciated. Children feel more comfortable and secure when they know what to expect.
20. Consider renting your baby gear locally. In many cities you can rent baby gear and toys upon your arrival from companies such as BabyQuip and Rents-4-Baby. Take a look in advance to see if rented baby equipment is available at your destination to save yourself some packing space! Another idea is to order things such as diapers and snacks in advance to be delivered to your destination, if the hotel / homeowner will allow it.
21. Give your child their own camera and/or a travel journal. Let them document the trip through their own unique viewpoint. It's so fun looking back at their photos and memories later to see what interested them the most!
22. Find out if breastfeeding in public is okay at your destination. This is something that should be looked up in advance to avoid any uncomfortable situations upon your arrival. In some countries it may be frowned upon, or they may have specific rules in place.
Traveling by air? Check out our 33 Tips for Flying with Kids.