Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel

by Jessica Lieb

Traveling with children can feel overwhelming, but it shouldn't discourage you from taking a family vacation. Planning a trip that accommodates your child's needs may seem stressful, but with a few helpful tips, you’ll find that traveling with kids can be wonderful.

Preparation is key because it can help you manage expectations, save time and money, and lessen stress.

Follow these tips to plan a fantastic family vacation and make traveling with kids easy.

Don’t Wait to Travel

You might think you should wait until your child is older to travel, but traveling with young children has many benefits. While they may not remember the trip, you'll treasure the memories.

Babies and toddlers often travel for less, as many destinations offer free admission. Your baby can sit on your lap for short flights, saving you money. Plus, traveling frequently helps your children gain experiences and become better travelers, allowing them to explore different cultures and opportunities they might not have at home.

Adjust Your Expectations When Traveling With Kids

Before planning a trip with kids, adjust your expectations to accommodate their needs. Small children require assistance and may not enjoy lengthy activities. Choose destinations that interest them, like theme parks, interactive museums, or family-friendly historic sites. Instead of long tours, opt for shorter visits or kid-friendly experiences, such as a quick stop at a farm or winery. You can still enjoy your interests by adapting your plans to fit your family's needs.

Don’t Rush

Adjust your timeline and expectations for your trip, as children move more slowly and activities take longer. Allow extra time on travel days for delays, bathroom breaks, and emotional moments. Incorporate breaks into your schedule, knowing that kids may need naps or early bedtimes. Embrace a slower pace and enjoy the leisurely moments; you might discover that this relaxed approach to vacationing is your new favorite way to travel.

Prepare Kids

Inform your child about the trip in advance to help them feel relaxed and prepared. Discussing changes in their routine gives them time to adjust and reduces stress. You can buy or create a countdown calendar to help build excitement and visually represent the time passed - but also understand that sickness or life circumstances occasionally throw a kink in plans and building up anticipation can backfire if the best laid plans don’t work out. For older kids, involve them in planning by letting them choose an attraction or destination. This allows them to get excited and feel included in the experience.

Plan Ahead

Plan and book early enough to secure your ideal accommodations, flights, and ticket attractions at the best price. Waiting until the last minute at popular destinations may mean missing out on special offers. Creating a rough outline of activities can help make your trip more relaxing. Allow for some free time to be spontaneous, but remember that popular restaurants and attractions may not have last-minute availability. If there's something specific you want to do, make sure to plan accordingly.

Pack Smart

Don’t overpack. While bringing everything is tempting, you’ll likely not use most of it. Limit your packing to the essentials, especially with kids in tow. You may have laundry access if you stay in a vacation rental or hotel. Pack layers for unexpected weather changes and include a few comfort items for your child, like their lovey, pacifier, or favorite toy, to help them feel at ease.

Bring Snacks

Always bring food when you travel. Kids (and adults) get cranky when hungry, so pack snacks for your travel day and any excursions. Keep extra snacks in your bag just in case you find yourself in a place without food, especially for picky eaters. If you don’t have space to pack snacks, place a grocery order to be delivered to your destination.

Pack Entertainment

Bring a tablet for travel days, as long flights or layovers can be boring. It allows them to watch their favorite shows or play games. Pack a few screen-free activities, like coloring books or small toys, to keep them entertained during travel and downtime at the hotel. Consider including a new toy or activity book for travel days; the novelty may keep them engaged longer than their usual toys.

Give Kids A Camera

Let your child bring a child-friendly camera on your next vacation. This will help them engage with the new location and encourage them to slow down and appreciate their surroundings. It’s always fun to see their perspective of your family vacation.

Plan for the Unexpected

Your trip may not go as planned, so be prepared for the unexpected. If you planned outdoor activities, have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Pack any necessary medicine (these pre-measured Children’s Tylenol vials are great), and know how to contact a doctor while traveling. Ensure older children know your phone number, or give them a phone or smartwatch for easy communication. Consider an identification bracelet for younger children to help reconnect if you get separated. This way, a responsible adult can assist in contacting you.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

While planning is important, going with the flow is equally important. Sometimes, kids aren’t in the mood for your planned activity, and you must shift gears. You may find that being flexible and doing something spontaneous is your favorite part of your trip. Maybe the shortcut you take through the park leads you into a family-friendly festival that features your child’s favorite character. Unless you have a nonrefundable reservation, changing your plans and enjoying the unplanned activity might be best.