Tips for travelling with kids

Traveling with kids can be a rewarding but challenging experience, whether you're going on a long road trip, flying across the country, or exploring new destinations. To make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone, here are some helpful tips for traveling with kids!

1. Plan Ahead

• Research Your Destination: Look into kid-friendly activities, attractions, and accommodations at your destination. Knowing where there are parks, museums, or even kid-friendly restaurants can save time and make the trip more enjoyable.

• Pack Wisely: Pack enough clothing, toiletries, and necessities (like diapers, wipes, snacks, and medicines) for the whole trip, and be prepared for spills, accidents, and unexpected weather.

  
  

2. Keep Travel Essentials Within Reach

• Day Pack: Carry a small backpack or bag with essential items like snacks, water bottles, wipes, a change of clothes, and any comfort items (blanket, stuffed animal, etc.) for easy access.

• Entertainment: Bring along books, small toys, coloring materials, or electronic devices loaded with games or movies to keep kids entertained, especially during long journeys.

  
  

3. Stick to Routines When Possible

• Sleep Schedules: Try to maintain your child’s nap or bedtime routine as much as possible. This helps avoid crankiness and ensures they get enough rest.

• Meal Times: While it’s okay to occasionally deviate from normal mealtimes, try to stick to familiar foods and meal times when you can to avoid digestive issues or fussiness.

  
  

4. Snacks are Key

• Healthy, Portable Snacks: Bring a variety of healthy, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, fruit, crackers, and cheese. Snacks will keep hunger at bay and prevent meltdowns.

• Treats for Motivation: Keep a small stash of treats as rewards for good behavior during the trip. This can help keep kids motivated and cooperative throughout long stretches of travel.

  
  

5. Involve Kids in the Planning

• Let Them Choose Some Activities: Give your kids a voice in the trip by letting them choose one or two activities they’d like to do. It can help them feel more excited and engaged.

• Prep Them for Travel: Talk about the trip in advance, explaining what to expect, whether it’s a flight, a long car ride, or a new destination. Knowing what’s coming up helps kids feel more prepared and less anxious.

  
  

6. Take Frequent Breaks

• Stretch and Play: If you’re traveling by car, plan to stop every 2-3 hours for breaks to stretch, grab a snack, and let your kids run around. This helps burn off energy and keeps everyone from getting too restless.

• Exploration and Playgrounds: For long layovers or time between activities, find a playground or a safe open space where kids can play.

  
  

7. Prepare for the Unexpected

• Bring Extra Everything: Pack extra clothes, diapers, wipes, medications, and anything else that could be a lifesaver if things don’t go as planned. Having backups helps prevent stress if something gets spilled, lost, or ruined.

• Health & Safety: Keep a small first-aid kit on hand, and make sure you have any prescription medications or comfort items your kids may need while traveling.

  
  

8. Be Flexible

• Expect the Unexpected: Kids can be unpredictable, so try to remain flexible. Your travel plans may not always go as scheduled, and that's okay. Embrace the moment, and adapt as needed.

• Allow Downtime: Kids need breaks from the excitement, so allow for some downtime during the day to avoid overstimulation and fatigue.

  
  

9. Travel Light

• Simplify Your Gear: While you want to be prepared, try to minimize unnecessary gear. Many destinations offer kid-friendly rental equipment (strollers, car seats, etc.), so consider renting instead of bringing everything with you.

• Keep It Simple: Avoid over-packing by focusing on versatile clothing and essential items. This will make the packing and unpacking process much easier.

  
  

10. Make It Fun

• Turn Travel Into an Adventure: Emphasize the fun aspects of travel, whether it’s spotting animals on a road trip, playing travel games, or looking for unique souvenirs. Creating a sense of adventure will keep kids engaged and excited.

• Capture Memories Together: Involve your kids in documenting the trip, whether it’s with photos or a travel journal. This can be a fun activity and a way to reflect on the experience later.

11. Prepare for Flying

• Seat Selection: If possible, choose seats that are near the front for easier access to the bathrooms and quicker deplaning. Window seats can also provide entertainment.

• Ear Pressure Relief: For younger children, encourage them to suck on a pacifier or bottle during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure. Older children can chew gum or sip water.

• Stay Entertained: Have plenty of small, easily packed toys or apps loaded with games and videos to keep your child entertained during the flight.

  
  

12. Make Travel Comfortable

• Travel Pillows and Blankets: For long journeys, bring along pillows, blankets, or comfort items to help your child sleep comfortably.

• Hydration and Sunscreen: Keep water and sunscreen accessible, especially if you're traveling somewhere hot or sunny. Staying hydrated and protected from the sun will keep everyone in a good mood.

  
  

By preparing ahead and staying flexible, traveling with kids can become an enjoyable experience for the whole family. With the right mindset and a little extra effort, you can make the journey fun, safe, and memorable!

Parker family loves to travel, I hope this was helpful for you.

Our next BIG vacation is JAPAN!!!!!!!!