Traveling with kids is an absolute blast. Parents of younger kids can delight watching their little ones experience the world in a brand new way while those with older kids can bond over shared interests and new activities. But ensuring your next family vacation is low-stress and kid-focused takes a bit of planning.
Whether you’re taking a road trip, long weekend, Disney vacation or trip abroad, these tips for traveling with kids can help you prepare for all the essentials: from packing to booking to fun activities. For a truly unforgettable family trip, contact a travel advisor for help building the perfect, stress-free itinerary.
Packing Tips
These tips can simplify and upgrade your kids’ travel wardrobe. Depending on your kids’ age(s), they may even want to help you pack!
Pack in individual bags. It’s tempting to consolidate. Less to carry, less to keep track of. But separate bags make it easier for both you and your kids to find the items they want and need. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them putting anyone else’s stuff in disarray.
Find kid versions of your favorite outfits. Or, try matching your outfits with theirs. Kids love looking all grown up! For example, if you’re headed to an all-inclusive resort, try matching (or similar) resort wear. Beach-themed resort wear can be worn almost anywhere on resort grounds and it protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Try to mix and match outfits. Simplify your child’s wardrobe and add versatile garments for any occasion. Pack pants that match any shirt or a long sleeve top that works for both casual and more dressed-up settings.
Don’t overpack. As a parent, you always want to be prepared, especially if it’s your child’s first big trip. But sometimes less is more when packing. Low-volume packing can help avoid outfit-picking chaos and help keep your hotel room more organized, especially over longer trips.
Entertainment Tips
Planning ahead to keep kids occupied on long flights or car rides can go a long way to lower stress and keep vacation enthusiasm high!
Consider purchasing WiFi access on longer flights. It’s well worth the price if it keeps kids occupied and happy. You might even sneak in a little shut eye or feel more comfortable sliding on those new noise-reducing headphones if they are engrossed in the latest animated movie!
Load their favorite device with games and movies. A lot of parents attempt to limit kids’ screen time. But it can be hard to keep those well-meaning restrictions in place over the entire vacation, especially when getting to and from the destination. Download their favorite flicks, songs and outrageous games and consider giving them some control over when they enjoy them.
Pack snacks. Be prepared for any snack needs to avoid hurt feelings and bad behavior while away from home. While kids have their favorites (and you’ll want to pack those) the change in routine could contribute to them being pickier than usual. So make snacks varied and keep them coming.
Pack non-electronic things to do. Always (always!) plan for airport delays, lost chargers or broken devices with classic, non-electronic toys. Coloring books, crossword puzzles, picture books and even a child’s favorite nighttime story make for more fun and less screen time.
Activities Tips
These can help ensure your activities are stress-free affairs and your kids can focus on the fun!
Prebook as many activities as you can. Prebooking is a great way to take advantage of discounts and avoid long lines. Plus, you’ll worry less about losing your spot if the kids (or your partner) are dragging their feet getting to the next activity!
Use apps to plan your trip. Download the latest apps to help plan your trip. Destination-specific apps can provide access to discounts and allow you to pre-book activities. Plus, places like zoos and museums often have kid-friendly media to enjoy while you participate in the activity.
Use the family credit card. Many credit cards have bonus points for travel and travel-related expenditures like restaurants. Rack up points faster by including everyone’s expenses on one card. Using just one card is also a great way to track your travel budget.
Plan escape routes. Planning can help get your vacation on the right track but how you respond to the unexpected is how you keep things that way. While out in public at your destination, have escape plans ready in case someone gets sick or has just had enough for one day!