Travel has always been a top priority in my life. From childhood vacations, to newlywed getaways and now adventures with my own children, the experiences and memories I’ve made while globetrotting are irreplaceable. It is truly such a gift! Since I share our trips so frequently, I’m often asked for tips on everything from packing essentials and comfortable airport outfits to the best tropical islands and my carry-on must-haves. That’s why today, I’m diving into one of my most-requested travel topics: traveling with kids!
My Personal Travel Experiences
As a child, I had the joy of traveling often with my family. Beyond memorable vacations, I even lived abroad for a time—attending first grade in Milan, Italy—while my dad played baseball! Even at a young age, I remember wanting to soak up that special feeling of exploring a new place with the people I loved.
Fast-forward to my newlywed days with JB, (amazingly, this was 15 years ago!), we also lived abroad during this time. Like my dad, JB was playing baseball overseas, so we settled in Switzerland. His schedule was wonderful and allowed plenty of time off, which meant we could hop between countries and enjoy carefree adventures. In fact, these experiences were the catalyst behind starting this blog!
Our Experiences Traveling with Kids
It was no surprise that when JB and I started our own family, we knew traveling with our kids would be a priority. Even during the baby and toddler years—arguably some of the most challenging times to travel—we made it a point to keep exploring the world together.
When Our Kids Were Babies/Toddlers
When John was just 9 days old, I took him on a trip to The Gasparilla Inn, where I was working as a wedding planner. Thankfully, my mom and sister came along to help, allowing me to juggle nursing, checking in on him, and working! At two months old, he and I joined JB on a work trip to Mexico. By six months, we had already traveled to Switzerland and Sicily.
One of our most challenging trips came when John was almost two years old—we went to Rome while I was six months pregnant. The time change was tough on all of us, and I was exhausted the entire trip. While it was a harder travel experience, it still had some amazing moments!
When our second son, Wesley, was born, our adventures continued. As a family of four, we explored breathtaking tropical destinations including Nevis, Turks & Caicos, St. Lucia, Costa Rica, and Panama. We even embarked on multiple Disney Cruises, which are so easy to do with kids, creating some of our most cherished family memories.
Traveling Abroad with Kids
Our first big adventure traveling abroad with two kids was in the summer of 2019, when Wes was four and John was six. We spent an entire month in San Sebastián, Spain, while the boys attended a Spanish immersion school—and we’ve been hooked on this city ever since. This summer will mark our fifth time returning!
Later that same year, during Christmas break, we took the boys on a snowy trip to Switzerland, where they skied for the first time in the Swiss Alps. Watching them experience the thrill of skiing in such an iconic setting was unforgettable!
Ever since these adventures, traveling abroad as a family has become a regular (and much-loved) part of our lives.
My Overall Thoughts on Traveling with Kids
While traveling with kids isn’t as carefree as an adults-only trip, it is always worth it. Watching our sons experience new destinations, cultures, and activities for the first time is truly incredible. These moments—filled with wonder, excitement, and discovery—are priceless.
So if you’re on the fence about taking a family vacation, my answer is always the same: go for it!
15 Tips for Traveling with Kids
While we’ve had some truly incredible experiences, we’ve also had our fair share of stressful travel days. From flight delays and overtired little ones to unexpected tantrums and plans gone awry, it’s impossible not to feel overwhelmed at times.
If you have an upcoming getaway planned, I want to share some of my go-to tips and tricks for traveling with kids. These are strategies that have helped us navigate even the most stressful journeys. And while these can apply to any trip, they’re especially useful for long-haul travel!
1. Travel with Grandparents
I know this isn’t an option for everyone, but my number one tip for traveling with kids is to bring along grandparents! Both my in-laws and my parents have joined us on many trips, especially in the early years. Not only did it create some truly special memories, but having extra hands allowed JB and me to sneak away for a fun afternoon or a quiet dinner, just the two of us.
If traveling with family isn’t in the cards for you, consider booking a babysitter or nanny for a day. Many hotels offer vetted babysitting services and can provide great recommendations!
2. Book Direct Flights
Whether you’re flying with a baby for the first time or traveling with older kids, another top tip is to look for direct flights whenever possible. This helps minimize the risk of missed connections, delays, and extra travel stress. Save layovers for when you’re a more seasoned traveling family!
Even now, I always prioritize direct flights. If a layover is unavoidable, I try to keep it as short and seamless as possible. A quick stopover is manageable, but fewer transitions almost always mean a smoother trip!
3. Keep Realistic Expectations
Keep your expectations low. Wait a minute…even lower! When traveling with kids, things rarely go exactly as planned—but that doesn’t mean the trip won’t be wonderful! It just might not happen right that minute. Have some perspective, try to stay calm and adaptable, and hopefully your family will follow your lead!
4. Be Flexible
This brings me to my next tip—be flexible! I try to “stay nimble” in all areas of life, but this mindset is especially important when traveling. It’s inevitable that things will go off course at times. Being able to roll with the punches (with a positive attitude!) will help with any trip.
5. Pack All the Snacks
Pack snacks—then pack some more! My friends won’t be surprised to see this tip—I always have snacks on hand. You never know when you’ll be stuck on a tarmac or when hunger will hit at the worst possible moment.
Similarly, be sure to pack empty water bottles and fill them up before your flight, or grab an (outrageously priced) water bottle at the airport. Staying hydrated is just as important as staying fed!
And don’t forget to bring something chewy, like gum or gummy bears. If your kids struggle with ear pressure during takeoff or landing, you’ll be so glad you have them.
6. Bring a Busy Bag
Twelve years into traveling with kids, and I still pack them a busy bag for every trip—with a few new surprises inside. They always look forward to this! Here are some of my go-to busy bag items for different age groups:
- For Babies: A new teether, pouches, puffs, or a familiar lovey (stuffed animal, blankie, etc.) for comfort.
- For Toddlers: You really have to pull out all the stops at this age! A sensory cube, surprise balls, or small new toys from the Dollar Store work wonders.
- For Preschoolers: Army men, Uno, mini Magna-Tiles, and Sticker Wow Books were big hits with our boys.
- For Tweens & Elementary-Aged Kids: Kanoodle, a small Lego set, Uno (always!), Mini Simon Says, Boggle, and a special treat or two they don’t normally get.
7. Follow Your Family’s Lead for a Time Change
One of the most common questions I get is: How do you handle a time change when traveling with kids? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. But here are a few strategies that have worked for us—or for families we know!
- Book an early check-in. If you’re flying to Europe, you’ll likely arrive in the morning, so I try to book something that allows for early check-in. We’ve found that Amex bookings often offer this. Being able to go straight to your accommodation, take a quick shower, and get settled can make a huge difference.
- Be flexible. I think the best way to adjust depends on kids’ ages and your family’s preferences. Lately, we’ve been taking a little cat nap, and then going out and about. But many say not to do that! My advice? Follow your family’s lead. Sometimes you really need a little nap, and other times powering through makes more sense.
- Get outside. I firmly believe in the power of fresh air. Walking around, getting some sunlight, and staying active can really help reset your body clock. One time we booked a Tuk Tuk ride when we arrived in Lisbon super early. We knew our room wouldn’t be ready, so we had the tuk tuk meet us at our hotel. We got fresh air and a quick tour of a beautiful city. Not to mention, the boys thought it was so fun!
- Try melatonin. While my kids don’t take melatonin at home, I always give them a low-dose supplement for the first couple of nights in Europe. I also take some myself!
- Shift your schedule before you go. I’ve heard of people adjusting their sleep schedules a few days before a big trip. We haven’t tried this, but I know others who swear by it!
8. Pack a First Aid Kit
I might sound like a broken record, but I always recommend packing a first aid kit. On the chance you need it, you’ll be incredibly grateful that you have it! While European pharmacists are typically very helpful in troubleshooting what you need, I personally feel better having essentials on hand, just in case someone gets sick.
9. Don’t Stress About Screen Time
When traveling with kids, I believe in guilt-free screen time during flights. While I monitor what they watch or play, I don’t set time limits—long travel days call for survival mode!
Biggest tip: Download their favorite movies, shows, and apps before the trip. You don’t want to rely on in-flight WiFi or streaming services that might not work midair!
10. Use SeatGuru
SeatGuru is a wonderful resource that provides aircraft seat maps and reviews. I always check it out before booking flights. Simply enter the airline and the aircraft information to see your plane’s layout. Plus, there are often tips on where to sit and where NOT to sit!
11. Comfort is Key
When traveling with kids, cozy layers are the way to go! Dress them in outfits they can easily peel off if they get too hot. A neck pillow can also be a game-changer for extra comfort—both for them and for you. And don’t underestimate the power of a well-loved stuffed animal doubling as an in-flight pillow!
12. Pack These Two Essentials
Two absolute must-haves in my travel bag? Baby wipes and hand sanitizer. I wipe down everything, and trust me, baby wipes will come in handy more times than you’d expect!
13. Pack Your Carry-On Wisely
Even when we check luggage, I always bring at least one carry-on with a change of clothes for everyone. When traveling with kids, spills happen, accidents happen—you name it! In those moments, having fresh clothes is a lifesaver.
Pro tip: Even if everything goes smoothly, I love changing into a fresh shirt in the airport restroom upon arrival. It makes me feel a little more human after a long-haul flight!
Check out this post for my full list of carry-on essentials!
14. Request a Bassinet for Babies
If you’re flying with a baby, request a bassinet! Most airlines allow you to reserve these in advance, but you’ll usually need to call to do so. This was a game-changer for us on long-haul flights, giving the baby extra space and allowing me to rest a bit, too.
15. Apply for Global Entry & Mobile Passport
Global Entry has been incredibly helpful throughout our years of traveling as a family. I went into more details about the benefits in this post, if you’d like further information.
And Mobile Passport is another app that has been great, as it has helped us get through customs much quicker. I highly recommend looking into both of these before international travel!
Is Traveling with Kids Worth It?
If you landed here looking for an easy answer to whether traveling with kids is worth it, my answer is a resounding YES! While it definitely comes with its challenges, the experiences, memories, and growth it brings make it 100% worth it.
I hope these tips, gathered from years of family travel, help make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable! If you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out via email or DM—I love chatting about all things travel!
Additional Travel Posts
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