Stress-Free Travel with Kids: The Ultimate Guide

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Traveling with kids can be exhausting. There are so many things to pack, and so many tantrums and meltdowns to deal with along the way. Trying to find ways to entertain them on long road trips or plane rides can be difficult. Plus, kids get so whiny and out of sorts on vacation. Is it even worth it?

Well, yes it is, and it can also be enjoyable if you have the right tools to help! In my 15 years of parenting, we have taken annual 16-hour road trips to the beach and although it isn't always pretty, we have our plans down to a science.

In this article, I will share some helpful tips and tricks to make your next family trip one to remember, and not because of all the whining!!

Why is it important to travel with kids?

Traveling gives us so many experiences. Seeing new destinations is exciting and can be life-changing. Learning about different cultures and the way people live all over the world gives us insight and compassion. We learn how to communicate differently when traveling, how to spend our time and money, and what things we enjoy. 

New experiences can also guide us in different directions. Going on a trip can spike an interest in something we never have seen before, causing us to choose different hobbies or career paths. I never really liked hiking or fishing until we took a trip to Tennessee and spent a week fishing in the local rivers and hiking at Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Now, those are my favorite hobbies with my husband and kids. 

Kids are little sponges that soak up everything they experience. While traveling, they can learn so much. From how different people live to the best way to spend time and money, traveling teaches kids so much about the world. Our favorite summer trip is to a theme park in Ohio where I spent vacations in my childhood. I now take my kids every year. Even though these trips are mainly just to have fun, my son has found a new love for roller coasters and how they work, and would like to design them one day!  

Now that we know why it is important to travel with our kids, let's look at some practical ways to control the chaos!

Planning Your Trip

When traveling with kids, it is essential to pick locations and activities that kids will enjoy. If you pick a 5-star hotel that has breakable objects and a quiet atmosphere, no one is going to be happy. You are going to spend your time worrying about how your kids are behaving and they will be bored, causing them to act up. 

Choose a hotel that is child-friendly and has fun things for the kids to do. A hotel with an indoor pool can be a lifesaver on a rainy day. There are many hotels around that have waterparks, arcades, and play areas inside. Kids need plenty of space to run and play, even on vacation. Plus, you will be happy when they are so worn out that they fall asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow!

If you would rather sleep outside on the concrete than in a hotel room with the kids, consider renting a house or condo to give you more freedom and space. Most rentals also have full kitchens, so you can save money by bringing your food and preparing meals. 

Look for areas with a lot of attractions geared toward the ages of your kids. Theme parks, museums, and national parks are great spots to let your kids have fun and explore. Pick outings that everyone enjoys, and don't be afraid to adventure or try something new. 

Let your kids help in the planning whenever possible. Let them choose where they want to sleep (within reason) and have them choose a restaurant during your stay.  Let them learn about the area you are visiting before the trip so they can choose a couple of landmarks or attractions to visit. You can also let them help pack their suitcase, depending on their age. If they are young, give them a few choices on what to pack. 

Now that our destination is set, let's get to packing. 

Packing Tips

Packing is one of the hardest parts of travel planning, especially when taking kids. There are so many things they need that it is hard to remember them all! On top of that, you need to find a way to fit it all in a suitcase or the trunk of a car. And don't forget your favorite blanket or stuffed animal! That could make or break a trip. 

The first packing tip would be to make a list (or multiple lists!). I like to make a separate list for everyone in the family, and then break them down into different categories to help me remember everything. These categories can include: 

clothes

toiletries

any documents or paperwork (passports, vaccine records, custody papers)

toys

bedding

shoes and accessories

electronics and chargers

schoolwork (if they will be missing school or are homeschooled)

Snacks and drinks

medications

books and entertainment items

There are many different ways to pack depending on your location and transportation. If you are flying on an airplane, I suggest investing in a child-size suitcase for your kids, or using a couple of larger suitcases and combining a couple of kids in one suitcase. Using packing cubes is a good way to condense clothes and organize smaller items such as toiletries and accessories. There are even packing cubes that will vacuum seal to save room!

When packing for a road trip, we did away with suitcases and used plastic totes. We have 2 large totes that have wheels, and we fit all of the kids' clothes in one bin and all of our clothes in the other. We use a smaller bin for toiletries and another large bin for any non-perishable food items. We also take two laundry baskets and fill one with beach towels and toys, or with winter gear depending on where we are going. Our second laundry basket holds everyone's shoes so we don't have to pack them in with clean clothes. 

Don't forget to pack snacks and water. When traveling on a plane, check airline regulations to see what you can and cannot take with you. When taking a road trip, make sure you have a variety of snacks and drinks available, because they will be hungry every 5 minutes! You can have the kids help by picking out a few snacks that they each like. You can even organize snacks in these fun tackle boxes for a fresh and fun idea! Don't forget to bring a few trash bags, and we always bring along our portable vacuum to clean up any crumbs and spills. 

If you are staying in a rental or a space that has access to a washer and dryer, I suggest packing as minimally as possible. Clothes tend to get dirty and smelly on vacation anyway, so doing a load of wash (or 6, depending on our family size!) is helpful. I also like to wash everything before heading home to make unpacking a breeze!

So now that you are all packed and ready to head out, let's set some expectations for these kids to let them know how they are supposed to behave on the trip.

Set Expectations

As adults, we know how we are supposed to behave in different places, but kids need reminders (my kids need many!). Sitting the kids down before a flight or long car ride and telling them exactly what to expect is key to a smooth trip. Make sure the expectations are age-appropriate. We cannot expect a toddler to sit perfectly quiet on a 5-hour flight, or for a preschooler to wait to go potty until we finish a 12-hour road trip! 

Give them clear boundaries and let them know what the consequences will be if they cross that boundary. For example, you can tell them that they are allowed to eat in the car as long as they throw away their garbage and clean up any mess when they are done. If they do not listen, then at the next stop, they will be responsible for picking up all of the garbage that is in the car. On a flight, let them know that they are allowed to talk, but they need to keep it quiet to not disturb any other passengers. Failure to listen could result in losing a treat or entertainment item. 

When we are out somewhere on vacation or at home, we also set expectations and boundaries. When we visit a theme park, my kids are always told that they need to wait in line nicely and need to be kind to each other (i.e. no sibling brawls). If they don't listen, they have to sit off on a ride.

Remember to praise and reward good behavior, especially when traveling. Although we all look forward to vacations, it can be unsettling for kids to be in an unfamiliar place. Let them know that if they are good during the flight or car ride, then they can have a reward when they reach your destination. The more praise you give them, the more inclined they are to do what they are supposed to do. 

Once expectations are set, we are ready to start planning some in flight (or in car) entertainment.

Entertaining Kids While Traveling

Long flights and car rides with kids can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to keeping them entertained during the journey. But fear not; I've got some creative tips and tricks up my sleeve to make those long car rides or flights a breeze!

1. Embrace technology: Let's face it, tablets and smartphones have become lifesavers for parents everywhere. Load up on educational games, movies, or interactive apps that will keep your little ones engaged for hours.

2. Mini activity kits: Pack a small bag filled with coloring books, crayons, stickers, and puzzles—anything that sparks their creativity. Not only will this keep them occupied but also allow you to enjoy some well-deserved quiet time.

3. Storytelling marathon: Encourage your children's imagination by engaging in a storytelling competition! Take turns creating stories while incorporating different locations you're traveling through—a fantastic way to bond as a family.

4. Snack attack: Bring along an assortment of healthy snacks like fruit slices or finger foods that are easy to eat on the go. This not only keeps hunger at bay but also offers entertainment through taste-testing new flavors.

5. Classic travel games: Don't overlook timeless travel games such as "I Spy" or the license plate game—they may seem simple, but they're effective boredom busters!

6. Be a DJ: Create a playlist of family favorites and when the kids start getting antsy, turn up the volume and have an in-seat dance party!

7. Surprises: Head to the dollar store before your trip and find some cheap toys, games and snacks. Every so often, and when the kids are behaving, whip out a surprise that will keep them entertained, at least for a few minutes. 

Remember, every child is unique in their preferences and attention spans vary; be sure to adapt these suggestions based on age group and interests.

Now let’s throw the suitcases in the car and head off on an adventure!



Surviving on Vacation

Well, you made it to your destination and everyone survived. Now what? 

Now the real fun begins! You’ve made it this far, and now it’s time to relax and have fun. Is it even possible to relax while having to watch kids in a new environment?

Yes, it is possible! It takes some strategic planning and practice, but if you use these helpful tips, you can have a peace of mind knowing that you are doing the very best to keep your kids safe and having fun. 

If your travel plans include a visit to a theme park, museum, or other busy place, sit the kids down beforehand and tell them exactly what you expect of them during the visit. Make sure they know if they need to hold your hand, or if they can run ahead a bit. When my kids were smaller, we told them that they either needed to hold a hand or stay right by us. As they got bigger, we would tell them that they could walk in front of us, but when we told them to stop, they needed to listen right away, or they would be holding our hand. We would make a game out of it until they knew exactly what was expected. 

f you are going to be in a busy place, you can also use a GPS tag or tracker that links to your phone in case your child is separated from the group. You can hook these tags to belt loops, or put them in pockets. You could even stick them in their shoe if it’s small enough, or put it on a chain or bracelet. 

Even though you are on vacation, sticking to some kind of familiar routine is going to be a big help. Make sure the kids get to bed at a decent time. Keep the bedtime routine as similar to being home as you can. Kids find security in structure, so keeping a routine even while on vacation will help them settle in, feel secure, and avoid tantrums. Keep meal times in place, ensuring the kids know when they are going to eat and to avoid any “hangry” kids. 

Plans do change, and we cannot always stay on routine when we want to fit in different adventures while on vacation, so help your kids deal with any change by talking with them and letting them know what they can expect. Spontaneous adventures are fun, but can be unsettling, especially with kids that do not handle change well. By telling them what they can expect and reassuring them they are safe and their needs will be met, you can all have a good time. 

Make sure that kids get some down time to decompress and recharge. A busy vacation can lead to kids getting over stimulated, worn out, and cranky. Avoid this by planning plenty of time to relax, whether it be hanging out by the beach, pool or watching a movie together.

Traveling with kids can be a daunting and stressful experience, but with the tips and advice provided in this ultimate guide, it doesn't have to be. From planning and packing to keeping your children entertained during the journey, these strategies will help you create a stress-free travel experience for the whole family. By following these steps, you can ensure that your next trip with kids is enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons. So before you jet off on your next adventure, remember to refer back to this guide and make traveling with kids a breeze!