Our Top Ten Tips for Traveling with Kids

1. Don’t postpone, go for it! We know that traveling with kids can be a daunting process. It’s hard to think about the arrangements that need to be made and the packing for an entire family without feeling like a trip may not be the best idea. Not to mention the unknown that can happen on your way to your destination or even after you arrive. Take a deep breath, adjust your expectations for what a vacation might mean with children in tow, and decide to go for that memory making, trip of a lifetime!
2. Plan, pre-book, and include your kids in the process. One of the ways to take a large amount of stress away from traveling with kids is to have a plan for your trip. How will you get there? What will you do when you arrive? Researching local attractions will help to maximize your time at your destination. It will also give you the chance to pre-book any popular activities that may normally book up quickly. Include your kids in the process so they can get excited about all that is to come. Be sure to search for family discounts in the process!
3. Be mindful to not overpack. As you prepare to pack up and make your way to your destination, make a list of the necessities. Overpacking is a huge stressor! Bring only what you really need. You will most likely be coming home with a few souvenirs as well and will need some spare room. See if you can rent strollers at different attractions, get a car seat through your rental car provider and find out what your accommodations offer in the way of cribs, etc.
4. Take it slow and leave plenty of time for travel. There’s no need to rush to your destination. Plan for delays, both traveling and from having your family along. Allowing yourself a good amount of time to get where you are going will reduce any stress that may arise from travel hiccups!
5. If flying, consider the timing. No one wants to step aboard a plan with overtired kids. Take into consideration nap times and bedtimes. We know there is an urge to want to get to your destination as quickly as possible. Including a longer layover (if applicable) is a great option for flying with children. Use this time to grab lunch or get some pent-up energy out.
6. If driving, make it a road trip! Check out any exciting stops that might be along the way to your destination. It will give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and add to the memories you are making.
7. Have plenty on hand to keep kids entertained. A “busy bag” is a great tool for traveling with kids. Include a mix of old toys and new. Something exciting that they are experiencing for the first time on this trip and something they are familiar with and already love. Don’t forget the snacks. When in doubt, snacks always help an impending meltdown!
8. Have your kids help document the memories! Give kids a camera to capture the trip from their perspective. For older kids, try a journal. Both options will make great memories to look back on when you return home.
9. Schedule downtown on your trip. It is such an easy thing to over schedule yourself on vacation, you want to make the most of your time. Be sure to schedule downtime for you and your family while away. Downtime does not have to be nap time either! Any relaxing activity that will give you all a second to recuperate before you hit the ground running again.
10. Above all, enjoy the memories of this uninterrupted time together! It is not something you get to share together often, so soak up all of this wonderful time together.