Traveling with kids feels like riding a rollercoaster—and not the smoothly thrilling kind. One moment, your little ones are bursting with excitement, jabbering about the adventure ahead, and five minutes later, you’re negotiating a ceasefire after a mid-air tantrum over who gets the window seat. I’ve been there—multiple times, if we’re counting.
But here’s the thing about traveling with kids that I’ve learned firsthand after years of trips with my two children in tow—it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of prep, a lot of flexibility, and a sense of humor, family travel can be one of the most rewarding ways to bond, explore, and create memories together.
The beauty of traveling with your kids is that it forces you to slow down, see the world through their eyes, and savor every little moment—even the ones that weren’t in the plan (especially those).
I’ll admit it—I’m a planner. I love a good deep-dive into kid-friendly activities, parks, and restaurants before I book anything. But these days, I’ve got some little helpers.
According to a report by Hilton, 70% of parents consult their Gen Alpha children (born 2010–2025) for family travel decisions. Trust me, it makes a difference. When my son was 5, he insisted we find the “best-ever slide” during a trip to Berlin. I was skeptical, but we tracked down a hidden playground, and it ended up being the highlight of the trip. Watching his face light up reminded me that travel isn’t just about landmarks, but about making moments together.
Including kids isn’t just practical—it’s fun. They’re more engaged, and their excitement makes planning a lot more magical. Sometimes, their “must-see” spot becomes the best part of the trip.
Something as simple as letting them pick an activity or highlight a spot on the map can drum up excitement before the trip even begins. It gets them invested in the adventure, which means fewer complaints (not zero, but less).
Trip Trick: Download destination maps, guides, or child-friendly apps that offer offline features. This way, you won’t have to rely on Wi-Fi to navigate your way around, especially when you’re exploring new places with kids in tow.
I remember my first family vacation like it was yesterday—and mostly because I made the colossal mistake of overpacking. Toys, extra outfits, gadgets—you name it. My kids? They spent most of the time playing with a set of souvenir pencils they picked up at a local market.
What I’ve learned over the years (after countless games of suitcase Tetris) is to pack smart and light. The essentials? Comfortable, versatile clothes, a small comfort item (hello, stuffed monkey), and just enough snacks to get you through airport security without a meltdown. Trust me, you don’t need to bring their entire toy collection—kids will interact with their surroundings more when they’re not glued to screens or overwhelmed by choices.
Trip Tales: "I once overpacked on a family vacation, thinking we’d need every toy and game to survive a week-long road trip. Turns out, my kids were happiest with a couple of coloring books and the tablet for movie time in the backseat. Lesson learned—sometimes less really is more."
There was this one time I booked us into this gorgeous boutique hotel that had rave reviews—it was tiny, chic, and totally ill-equipped for my two tornadoes disguised as toddlers. Lesson learned! Now I prioritize family-first features over lavish decor.
Think kitchens for prepping quick meals, laundry facilities for inevitable spills, and plenty of room for the kids to stretch out. Oh, and if there’s a pool or game room? Pure gold.
On a trip last summer, the apartment rental was five minutes from a park, and it saved my sanity more than once. Nothing like a safe place for kids to burn off that endless energy.
Trip Trick: Always check the accommodation’s cancellation policy. Flexibility is key when traveling with kids—you never know when a plan might change, and it’s always good to have the option to cancel or change your booking without penalty.
Traveling tends to stir up that “must-see-everything” energy, but pause to ask yourself a simple question: Will everyone have fun on this marathon itinerary? Spoiler alert—probably not. Pace yourselves.
Whether it’s stopping at a quirky roadside diner during a road trip, finding a shady park to relax while the kids go wild, or spending an afternoon people-watching at a café, breaks can save the day.
I learned this lesson hard during a London trip when pushing too hard to “see it all” ended in tears—mine and the kids’. Now, I build in recharge time, and the unexpected laughter and silly moments during those breaks easily become my favorite memories.
Triptuitions: "You’ll discover that some of the best travel moments happen when you slow down. Have you ever noticed how taking a break can change the entire mood of the trip? The laughter, the silly selfies—sometimes all it takes is a pause to remind everyone why you’re traveling in the first place."
Have you tried letting your kids help decide the itinerary? If not, you’re missing out on their sheer delight. When my kids feel like their opinion matters—even if it’s just choosing the gelato flavor—we all win.
On one memorable trip, my daughter asked to visit a seashell museum; I wasn’t sold, but it turned into one of the funniest, quirkiest stops.
Ask simple questions like what they’d like to see or where they’d prefer to eat. Even a vague, “Should we hit the market or go by the lake first?” makes them feel included.
If traveling with kids has taught me anything, it’s that things rarely go as planned. And believe me, that’s okay.
Take the time we ended up stranded in a little Italian town when the train system was on strike. What could have been a disaster turned into a hidden gem as my kids hunted for geckos while we picnicked in an empty square.
Instead of rigidly sticking to plans, I’ve learned to roll with the punches. If kids need naps or if an attraction isn’t the hit you expected, shift gears—it’s all part of the story.
We hear a lot these days about limiting screen time, but you know what? Travel warrants a little leeway. Whether it’s tablets loaded with games and movies or audiobooks for winding down, technology can be your unsung hero.
A wise mom I met on a plane taught me the magic of headphone splitters—perfect for siblings who “can’t agree” but want to share a movie. Genius, right?
Whether it’s a long car ride or an international flight, a tablet or smartphone loaded with your kids’ favorite games, movies, and TV shows can be a lifesaver. You don’t have to rely entirely on screens, but having this option in your travel toolkit can help keep kids calm and entertained when they start to get restless.
Trip Trick: Use headphones splitters if you have multiple kids sharing a tablet or device. That way, they can watch the same show or play the same game without fighting over who gets to use the headphones.
From a skinned knee on cobblestones in Paris to an inexplicable rash on a Caribbean cruise, little mishaps happen. Now my kit’s stocked with the essentials—band-aids, anti-itch cream, motion sickness meds, and more. Don’t leave home without it.
Your first aid kit doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy meds, and motion sickness remedies. Toss in a few extra essentials like tweezers and a thermometer for good measure.
If your child has specific medical needs, make sure to bring any prescription medications (and extras) in your carry-on. And remember—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Having a bedtime routine helps, even in a new time zone or hotel. And regular meals? A sanity saver. But don’t forget it’s vacation—skip the veggies once in a while and go for gelato for dinner. Balance is key.
Try to stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible, even while on vacation. Keeping to a bedtime routine—whether it’s reading a book or winding down with a bath—can help ease your kids into sleep, even in a new environment.
That said, don’t be afraid to loosen the rules a little. Vacations are the perfect time to let the kids stay up a bit later or enjoy a treat they wouldn’t normally have at home. It’s all about balance.
Traveling with kids is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes outright exhausting—but it’s also magical. There’s this indescribable delight in seeing things through their eyes—like watching my son’s awe the first time he saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle.
When things inevitably go awry, laugh it off. Ask yourself this—what’s going to matter in five years? Probably not the tantrum in the check-in line, but definitely the memories.
Triptuitions: "There’s something magical about traveling with kids. It’s a reminder to see the world through their eyes—full of wonder, excitement, and curiosity. Have you noticed how much more vibrant travel feels when you stop to appreciate the little things with them?"
Traveler’s Checkpoint! 🚦
Traveling with kids might have its ups and downs, but that’s all part of the adventure. Yes, there will be tantrums and unexpected detours, but there will also be laughter, hugs, and unforgettable moments you wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s not about perfection—it’s about creating memories together, one trip at a time.
So pack your patience, your sense of humor, and an open mind, and get ready to see the world through their eyes. Because in the end, the chaos is what makes the magic—and those memories will last a lifetime. You’ve got this!
