"Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Tips for Traveling with Kids - Make Your Family Trips Stress-Free and Memorable
Traveling with kids does not have to be scary. Anyone can do it, even you! So, what does it take to travel with kids? Well, patience, planning, and a positive attitude.
I started traveling with my kids ever since they were little, and yes, of course, the first time we went, I was a bit scared of how it would end. Since then, we have become expert travelers and compiled a list of what is needed for a successful trip. Be it by train, plane, or automobile, you can have a stress-free and enjoyable trip with the kids.
Here are some things that we consider when traveling with kids. I want to share my top 10 tips and tricks to get you to your destination.
1. Do it
I know that one is obvious, but you are just going to have to do it. Don’t overthink or stress even before you go. Children are adaptable and curious, so this will be an adventure for them. The earlier you start, the better you and the kids get at traveling. So don’t just imagine it or wait until they are older. Pick a destination and go.
It looks like you made it to step two. Yay, so proud of you. Now that you have picked your destination, you will have to do a bit of research. This will help you decide the mode of transportation, what to pack, what activities to plan, and what to prepare for. For example, is this a place that will require a stroller, or is it easier to have a carrier? Once you know what you are dealing with when traveling with kids to this destination, it is time to move on to the next step. Packing!
Tip: Make sure to check if you need parental consent to take children out of the country if traveling solo. I found out the hard way while taking a road trip to Canada and had to call my husband at the border to have him fill out paperwork to send over to border control.
3. Do not overpack
Oh, this is probably one of the most stressful things a parent will think about before heading out anywhere, let alone on a long trip with kids. One piece of advice that I will give from my own experience is: DO NOT OVERPACK! I know you have the urge, but do not do it. I once took the kids to Costa Rica only to use a couple of staples of clothing and bathing suits. One bag never even got opened. That is when it dawned on me that I should not overpack. Essentials! Most places have accessible laundry options, so no worries if you run out of clothes.
Tip: If traveling abroad with an infant or child in diapers/pullups, check how easy it is to get them at your destination. We had to bring our own on one trip where we were staying in a more reclusive setting.
So, stick to the basics when traveling with the kids:
· Clothes
· Medication
· Hygiene products
· Diapers/wipes if needed
· Weather-appropriate gear (i.e., sunscreen, winter coat, raincoat)
4. Hotel or Home Rental
This is where the fun begins: deciding if you want to book a hotel or rent a home. There are many affordable options for both, but consider your family’s needs when picking. Are you a large family that would be better suited in a home? Do you like to stick to a schedule and nap times but still want to sit by a pool? Do you want more space, or would you prefer hotel amenities? Do some research and see what is best for your situation when traveling with your kids.
I tend to lean toward home rentals as we are a big family with children of all ages and stages, but there are plenty of times we prefer the hotel. Sometimes the hotel has perks that you need, and is more central, and convenient. At other times, you might want the space, peace, and luxury of your own space.
Tip: If you chose a rental property, make sure the host gives you a few references that you can call to confirm that you are indeed getting what you are paying for.
5. Car seat or not
This one is for train and plane travel, as you will be faced with the dilemma of taking or not taking a car seat when traveling with kids. One thing to consider is whether you will be renting a car at your destination. If you are renting a car, you can check in your car seat at most airlines for free (make sure you check with your airline); this will save you the cost of renting one from the car rental agency.
If your destination is a city where you can use public transportation, or you are staying at one resort, I would opt out of bringing a car seat as it is just one more thing to carry.
6. Diaper/Childcare Bag
This step is super important, as you want to make sure everything you need for the kids while traveling is within reach. If you are traveling with a baby/toddler, you will need:
· Diapers
· Wipes
· Extra set of clothing
· Pacifiers if needed
· Formula if needed
· Bottle if needed
· A favorite stuffy/lovey
· Extra blanket for comfort
Toddler: all of the above plus snacks (LOTS of snacks), a few new toys and activities, and if allowed, an iPad/tablet to keep them occupied when needed.
Older children might want to prep their own bags with things they will enjoy while traveling. Do, however, go through it to make sure that they didn’t overpack or forget anything.
7. Tag and Track them
We all worry that our children will wander off while traveling. You can always tag and track them. Either you can write your name and phone number on them, or you can purchase an air tag and put it in a pocket or shoe. This is super helpful if you have a rowdy one in the group and/or a prankster that likes to “hide.”
Do, however, have an age-appropriate chat with your child about safety, staying close, and what to do just in case you get separated.
8. Stroller, carrier or both
Hmmmmmm, good question, right? I highly suggest doing your research on this one, as I mentioned above. I ended up on one trip with a stroller I couldn’t use due to the road’s makeup and without a carrier to carry my little one with. I will not make this mistake again. So, check out what you will be doing, what the area is like, and then decide from there
9. Build in extra time for everything
A lot of extra time!!! There will be that blowout diaper that needs attention. Your toddler will indeed need to use the potty a lot more often for some reason. There will be a tantrum to take care of. So, leave yourself a lot of extra time
If you want to skip the lines at the airport and save yourself the hassle of taking off everyone's shoes, I suggest getting TSA PreCheck. Most credit card companies will pay for you to get this, and trust me, this makes a world of difference! I don’t think I could travel without it!
10. Take a deep breath and enjoy!
Yes, traveling with children is not an easy task, and it is not for the faint of heart. Prep by having some self-care time before the trip so you can have that extra needed patience. Lower your expectations, and remember that this is a trip for you and a vacation for your kids. Yeh, be sure to book that solo vaca before you leave too! You will need it!!!!
Most importantly, stay calm, let them be messy, expect things to go wrong, and give yourself a break when things don’t go as planned. Remember that you are building memories, teaching your kids about different cultures, exposing them to a world of knowledge, and spending much-needed bonding time. So go ahead and enjoy!!!!! Take that TRIP!!!!! You will thank me for it.
