Ultimate Travel Tips for Families: Navigating Journeys with Kids like a Pro!

Travelling with children can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, it becomes an empowering adventure for both you and your little ones. As a single parent, you already tackle challenges with confidence and creativity, and crafting memorable journeys with your kids is no different. In this post, I’ll offer some practical travel tips for families, designed to make your trips smoother and more enjoyable. Whether it’s innovative travel hacks for kids or family travel advice on packing for kids, I’ve got you covered. Let’s transform travel days into exciting explorations, where every moment is a chance to bond and create lasting memories.

Stress-Free Packing Strategies

Packing efficiently is crucial for a smooth travel experience with children. It can transform potential chaos into an orderly process, reducing stress for the entire family. By adopting smart packing strategies, you can ensure that everything needed is within reach and easy to find.

Packing

When it comes to packing, organisation is key. Try using packing cubes to separate clothing items by type or day. This makes finding what you need much easier without unpacking the entire suitcase. According to Happily Eva After, color-coded cubes can be particularly helpful.

Create a packing list in advance. Include essentials like clothing, toiletries, and medications. Use apps or digital lists to track what you’ve packed and what remains to be included. This method helps prevent last-minute rushes. Some people use those small, inexpensive travel bottles, but I honestly dislike them. I prefer to buy mini products and purchase a good toiletry bag that better suits the kids and you.

Consider packing a small separate bag for the first day of travel. This bag might contain pyjamas, a change of clothes, and any necessary toiletries. It saves time and prevents you from having to rummage through all your luggage while travelling or upon arrival.

Flying

Flying with children requires more preparation than other modes of travel. Comfort is key to keeping everyone happy during the flight. You can dress your kids in layers to accommodate fluctuating cabin temperatures.

Before you fly, familiarise yourself with the airport’s facilities. Most airports offer family-friendly services, including play areas and priority boarding. Travel to Learn suggests looking into these options to keep children entertained and comfortable.

Arrive at the airport early. This gives you ample time to navigate security checks and find your gate without feeling rushed. During the flight, keep essentials like snacks, toys, and headphones easily accessible in a carry-on bag.

This is my list of things:

Weigh your bags before you leave the house

Check in via the APP the day before

Wear comfortable clothing such as trackies, tees and slippers, maybe (all the way) used

Inflatable footrests and neck pillows for the kids, be sure to check with the airline before you go, as some don’t allow them

Take chewy sweets for the kids during take-off and landing to help their ears (Haribos or Skittles are good — also works as an added incentive)

Keep hydrated both you and the kids

Pack extra snacks in case you (or the kids) don’t like the plane food

Bring some activities for the kids, like pencils, colouring-in books, and travel board games. There will be plenty of movies and games available on the in-flight entertainment, but be sure to download a lot of shows and movies to their iPads as well (more than you think you’ll need — trust me, there’s a lot of waiting around that comes with international flights!).

 Pack a portable charger. This is essential (kids never get tired, and you will need it too)

Essential Items for Kids

Bringing the right essentials can make or break your travel experience. Comfort items are particularly important. These might include a favourite toy or blanket that helps your child feel secure in new environments.

Pack enough snacks to last the journey. Opt for healthy, easy-to-carry options, such as granola bars or dried fruit. Childcraft Baby emphasises the importance of bringing extra food in case of delays.

Don’t forget an emergency kit! Containing band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and headache relief. These items can quickly address minor issues that might arise. Lastly, pack some spare clothes in your carry-on in case of any unexpected accidents.

Engaging Activities for Long Trips

Keeping children entertained during long trips can be challenging. Engaging activities are essential to maintain their interest and prevent boredom. Consider downloading audiobooks or educational games on a tablet. (Sometimes it works, other times they enjoy other iPad games 🙄)

Activity kits are great for young children. Fill a small bag with colouring books, crayons, and puzzles. Reddit’s Travel Hacks recommends swapping out toys every so often to keep things fresh.

For older children, involve them in the planning process for their travel. Let them choose some of the activities or sights to see. This gives them something to look forward to and helps them feel a sense of involvement in the trip.