10 Quick Tips for Traveling with Kids
Written on March 16, 2023
It’s spring break season, which means kids are enjoying time off from school and families are heading across or out of the country to visit relatives, sightsee, or relax. Before you embark on your vacation, we have a few tips for traveling with kids.
Let Them Help: Involve kids in planning decisions, have them write their own packing lists, or assign them something to carry during the trip.
Pack It Up: Start your packing list as soon as you book your trip, and add items immediately when they cross your mind. An electronic version or list app make it easy to edit and save for future trips.
Something Old, Something New: Bringing something familiar, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can be comforting. Pack a new toy or game and save it as a surprise for when your child starts to get restless along the way.
Know Their Limits: Be realistic about how much travel time or how many planned activities your kids can handle. Make sure to have a balanced amount of unstructured down time.
Dress for Success: Moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant fabrics that can be easily rinsed and drip-dried are comfortable and great for packing. Items that can be layered help you mix and match, which saves luggage space.
Feet First: Blisters and sore feet are no fun! Comfortable shoes are a must, and it’s better to break in a new pair before wearing them for a long day of travel and touring.
Keep Them Fed: Hunger and thirst can lead to major crankiness (for kids AND adults!) and mealtimes can be unpredictable on the road. Carry healthy snacks, refillable water bottles, and a few special treats with you at all times.
Get in Shape: If your family isn’t used to doing a lot of walking, spending the day at an amusement park or touring a city will be exhausting. Build your endurance by taking family walks before the trip.
Be Flexible: Sticking to a plan is great, but if you sense it’s just not working for your family, don’t be afraid to improvise.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: Even the most carefully planned trip can hit some snags. Find a way to have fun and enjoy your time together, no matter what happens along the way!
Traveling with kids can be stressful, but with advance planning and a few simple considerations, your vacation will be more enjoyable for everyone!
