Traveling with kids has been called a business trip, and for good reason. While a change of scenery is always nice, you’re still parenting—breaking up fights, encouraging picky eaters and dealing with rough bedtimes included. But trust us—staying home for spring break and through summer vacation isn’t a walk in the park, either. Choose your hard, and if you can do it, book the trip. Then, follow the tips below to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Work with Their Schedule
When we asked Cee and Madison Elizabeth Cornelis, the parents behind Our Vie Adventures, how they traveled around the world with a toddler, they said respecting his nap schedules and finding inclusive activities was important. “We are going at a more mellow pace, working with naps and constantly hungry little bellies, and finding activities in which the whole family can participate,” says Madison.
Pack a Well-Stocked Carry-On or Go-Bag
Whether you’re taking a flight or road-tripping it, a well-stocked bag for the travel leg of your trip is crucial. Start with snacks and then add entertainment. If you have little kids who may get sick or make a mess, add some medicines and an extra change of clothes. Bonus tip: pack a change of shirt for yourself if you’re still in the spit up stage. Of course, if this bag is also your diaper bag, stock the essentials plus a few extra in case of delays or blowouts. Learn more about packing the perfect travel bag with kids here.
Snag an Airport Window Seat
Once you’ve gotten to the airport, save the screens and any new travel toys for the plain ride, and let them look outside. “Giving toddlers and small children a chance to see what’s happening on the tarmac is built-in entertainment,” says mom of three Stefanie Horn of Stamford Moms.
Invest in Some New Gear
When you go hiking, you get hiking boots, and when you go to the beach, you bring a bathing suit, goggles and sunscreen. Not because you need to, but because it makes the whole trip easier and just better. The same goes for all the travel gear, from inflatable booster seats to kid-friendly luggage. Read Our Favorite Gear for Traveling with Kids for our shortlist of actually useful, mom-approved travel items.
Travel Light & Hands-Free
Don’t pack everything—weighing yourself down through airport and then unpacking more than you need just creates more work for yourself. But our moms recommend you do pack anything that can help you be hands free. With younger kids, that means a baby carrier or stroller and with older kids, that could mean a rolling backpack they can manage themselves.
Travel for the Right Reasons
If you’re traveling for some Instagram-worthy experience, or if you want your kids to form a core memory, you might be disappointed. But there are so many reasons to travel even if your child won’t remember. Travel because you enjoy it, to teach resilience, to build a family culture and to just, well have fun (even if it’s chaos). Read more here about reasons why our moms love traveling even with babies.
