Here are my tips and tricks for traveling with kids, sectioned by the age of the kid(s):
For All Kids (and adults too..)
1. Have snacks on hand at all times
When you're traveling, things can often get thrown off. You might get lost or stuck in a line somewhere and being hangry only makes things more stressful! We always try to have snacks on hand. Here's our list of snacks to have (both plane-friendly ones and ones to buy once you arrive).
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| For example, we still try to keep naptime (even if it's in a stroller) and go to church as a family on Sundays when we travel. |
2. Still try to keep (somewhat of) a regular schedule
That being said about snacks, we still try to have somewhat of a regular schedule. It's helpful to have regular mealtimes, regular waking and going to bed times, etc. Of course, it's not going to be exactly the same as when you're at home — you're on vacation! But it does help to keep somewhat of a routine/schedule to reduce resistance and make things smoother for yourselves :)
3. Mix sightseeing with downtime
It's really tempting for me to try to go 100% all day, every day when I'm traveling! But it's as important to rest and take downtime as it is to do things. Not only will you have more energy for sightseeing, but you'll also be able to enjoy the atmosphere more. Stopping to smell the roses does matter when you're experiencing another culture. Before I had kids, I tried to do as much as I could when I was traveling without much thought about resting. But I definitely paid the price whenever I bit off more than I could chew.
4. Get an early start to the day
Building off number 3, starting days early is a big way to have a great trip. Personally, I like to do things that require most energy earlier in the day! Here are a few reasons: 1) Most tourists sleep in so you get to miss the crowd peaks 2) You end up having more time enjoying your trip and less time waiting in lines and 3) Working with your energy levels helps everyone stay happy!
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5. Be intentional about phone usage
I adore the photo above ever since it was published in 2015. Isn't it crazy how our phones can help us experience so much but in reality experience so little? Phones are just tools — the same phone that can raise awareness about an injustice in a different country is the same phone that can spread child pornography. (The irony that the moment in the photo was captured by someone with a camera is not lost on me.) What we do with the tools we have is what really matters.
That being said, both when I travel on my own and with my kids, I try to be really intentional about phone usage. I try to use my phone when I actually need to and I try to keep most of the vacation screen-free. I do take photos to look back on, but I try to balance that with also living in the moment and enjoying the little things. I try to see moments, even while doing something mundane such as waiting in line or sitting on public transportation, as experiences. We have a list of games we play to entertain ourselves during these moments that you can check out here: Games to Play While Waiting (Screen-Free).
6. New things on the plane
Whether it's a new coloring book and markers, or a really good book, having something new and fun to do on the plane makes a difference! It doesn't matter your age. Of course, a lot of planes have screens and the movies/games on them does help pass the time. But it is also nice to give your eyes a break from the screen sometimes. Here's what we pack in our kids carry on backpacks for the plane rides.
For Babies & Toddlers (Under 2)
Trust me, trust me, trust me. It is so so helpful to have something to lug your kids and other things in. I've traveled with them and without them. When I didn't have them, it was not so fun. Life was a billion times easier with a carrier and/or stroller. So which one do you bring — a carrier or a stroller? It all depends on how many kids you have and where you're traveling. I recommend testing it out on a small scale (for example, go somewhere nearby or even within your own city) and then you can get a feel for what suits your family.
Here are the pros and cons of both:
2. Maintain naps!
Whether you decide to bring a stroller or carrier, put them in it at nap-time and keep living your best life. When your little one naps, you get a break and they will make it to the end of the day with less meltdowns.
3. Make the flights as smooth as possible
Preschool Age (2-4 years old)
1. BRING A CARRIER AND/OR STROLLER (see above)
2. Maintain naps (see above) if they are still a thing.
3. Find nearby parks
This is so, so incredibly helpful! Kids need time to run around, play, and just be kids — even on vacation. Even a short break for 20-30 minutes at a playground for your kids to run and climb things (while you take a rest!) will do wonders for the rest of your day. It's also a fun way to feel what the country is actually like as opposed to the surface that a tourist scratches. We often stopped at nearby parks between sight-seeing and it was a great way to balance things.
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| Shortly before this picture was taken, we used the bathroom at the far end of La Boqueria Marketplace in Barcelona. It was a couple euros and definitely worth the stop. |
4. Potty training
If your child isn't fully potty trained within a few weeks before a big trip, postpone postpone postpone. There is going to be a lot of novelty and potty training is most easily tackled with routines and at home. Also, if your trip is in Europe, public restrooms are not a thing like they are in the US! Luckily many people were merciful for us on our last trip (I think when they saw 3 young kids plus a 7-month pregnant lady, it helped a lot) so we were able to use bathrooms where we normally didn't.
All of that being said, you still have to live your life. So if your little one is somewhat new-ish to potty training, just be prepared. Have them go always before you leave and take advantage of nice, clean bathrooms at museums. If you're going to Europe, keep a few euro coins on hand at all times if you do need to use a restroom and you need to pay to enter.
5. Libraries are your friend
No trip is perfect and sometimes you end up with a long layover or an early checkout before an afternoon flight. Wherever you end up, remember that libraries are your friend! They're free, fun, and a great way to pass time. They are also hopefully a nice way to cool off (or warm up) depending on what kind of weather you are traveling in as well. We once had a crazy long layover in NYC in the Brooklyn area and a looong day to kill before our evening flight back home. We took the latest checkout we could and then had fun at parks, the library, and a restaurant. Most libraries have toys, crafts, and other things to keep your kiddos entertained. (Not to mention books galore and free bathrooms!)
Kindergarten-Elementary Age (5-7)
Most of the above applies to them as well with a few additions:
1. Learn, learn, learn!
It was really fun to learn before, during, and after our trip about the places we went to. My oldest child really enjoyed reading about places before we got there. We also watched some videos and talked about the history of places we went to. One of the simplest and most fun things was looking at a map and talking about where we were flying and where we would go. However your little one loves learning can be a great way to enhance the trip. Plus, you never know what you might learn along the way as well!
2. Take an interdisciplinary approach
I loved being able to share more and more with our older kids about our travel. For example, it was fun to read about the Spanish steps before we got there, then actually be there. Then afterwards we listened to the Bob Dylan song "When I Paint my Masterpiece" and it added a whole layer of meaning and memory to our time there. As a college student, it was fascinating to learn more about Galileo (both from a scientific perspective and also from a historical one) and then actually be in the places that he was! I think it's really fun to mix art, science, music, movies, and whatever else you can to your experience.
3. Take Photos & Videos
As much fun as I have preparing and planning for a trip, the actual trip is so much fun. And taking photos and videos of the trip is the gift that keeps on giving! Sometimes if I'm having a hard day (aka finding reasons to be happy in the cold dark depths of winter), looking at our trip pictures and videos makes me so happy. Plus it's a fun way for your kids to remember and look at too! (And then you also have proof when the complain that you never do anything fun or cool with them...) If you can't tell how obsessed I am with travel by this point, that should tell you.
Well that's a wrap! Did I miss something? Where are you going on your next trip? Let me know in the comments!