10 Game-Changing Tips for Traveling with Kids

This post may contain affiliate links to trusted partners.

Traveling with my four boys has been one of the greatest joys of my life. 🥰

As a mom of four boys ages 3 to 11, planning a trip for a family of six can feel overwhelming, but I’ve been traveling with kids since my oldest was three months old. After eleven years of family adventures, I’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) when traveling with kids.

Whether you’re heading out on your first family trip or looking to make traveling with kids easier, these 10 tips will help you feel confident and prepared for your next adventure!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS THAT I EARN A SMALL COMMISSION FROM AT NO COST TO YOU. I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS THAT I USE OR HAVE USED AND RECOMMEND TO OTHERS.  ALL PRODUCT OPINIONS EXPRESSED HERE ARE MY OWN. 

1. Plan Your Trip in Advance

Planning ahead can make your trip easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s what to consider:

• Choose your destination. I love using travel blogs (like this one!) and Pinterest to find family-friendly activities and attractions.

• Create a bucket list. My boys and I like to list out must-see attractions and restaurants. It’s fun to dream together before the trip!

• Find accommodations. Whether it’s a hotel or vacation rental, I always make sure there’s a comfortable sleeping spot for everyone.

• Plan transportation.
  • If driving: Map out your route, including overnight stops and fun roadside attractions.
  • If flying: Check layovers and plan what you’ll need to keep the kids entertained during the journey.

• Outline your itinerary. Planning an itinerary with kids of varying ages in mind can help keep everyone happy. I try to balance our bucket list activities with some free time for unexpected adventures. Flexibility is key especially with kids!

2. Use a Packing List 

Packing for the entire family can feel overwhelming especially when you have kids of different ages, but a packing list is my lifesaver.

I’ve been using the same typed packing list for years, updating it as our kids’ needs have changed. Before each trip, I simply print it out—it saves me time, reduces stress, and ensures nothing important gets left behind.

🌟 Pro tip: Using a packing list makes the process so much easier—and it can even be a little fun!

➡️ Pack confidently, stay organized, and still have energy afterwards with my Ultimate Packing List Bundle– grab it today!

3. Pack with Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are a game changer, especially with four boys! Here’s how they help us stay organized:

• Assign one or two cubes per child. Each boy has their own cubes, which keeps their things separate and easy to find.
• Organize by category. For example, I’ll pack all of the pajamas in one packing cube and swimwear in another!
• Pack for each destination or overnight stop. This way, you only take what you need into each hotel instead of unpacking everything. You can simply toss the packing cubes for that stop into a bag or smaller suitcase.

🌟 Pro Tip: Be sure to label all the packing cubes—use each child’s name, a category like pajamas or swimwear, or even the destination if you’re visiting multiple places.

➡️ Discover my top 5 must have travel essentials for family trips with kids!

4. Bring Kid-Friendly Travel Entertainment

To minimize hearing “are we there yet” 5,263 times during your road trip or flight make sure you have some activities or things for the kids to do especially if it is going to be a long travel day. 

We’ve had great success with travel binders filled with fun activities. Each of my boys carries their binder in their own backpack. (You can grab my free Road Trip Activities Printable below!)

Other hits include stickers, small toys, window clings, and dry-erase boards. Of course, iPads with pre-downloaded shows and games are a lifesaver.

One tradition we love is printing a Google map of our route. The kids follow along and circle towns as we pass through—it’s a simple but fun way to engage them.

If all else fails? A Disney playlist and a family sing-along always work wonders!

5. Carry Snacks and Water

One major way to alleviate meltdowns and complaining on your trip is to always have a snack and a drink available. This is a must and keeps everyone sane. We do not want anyone to get hangry. 

If we are driving I bring snacks from home which is cheaper than buying things at the gas station. I buy either pre-packaged snacks or load up my own snack baggies to bring.

6. Create a Sleep Environment Like Home

Good sleep is a must to keep the trip going smoothly.

That said, when planning where to stay I make sure there is a good sleeping spot for everyone, and we even discuss BEFOREHAND what the sleeping arrangements will be.

We also bring our sound machines. Everyone sleeps with these at home so we travel with them as well.

If you are driving to your destination and there is a cozy blanket or lovey that kids usually sleep with make sure to bring these as well. 

7. Always Have an Emergency Bag

Whether traveling to our destination or anywhere we go while at our destination, I ALWAYS make sure to have a bag or backpack stocked for a multitude of emergencies that may happen.

Below are some of the items I put in that bag.

• Packing cube to hold extra underwear, socks, shirt, and shorts/pants for every member of the family
• Baby wipes (these can be used to wipe anything and everything)
• Extra plastic bags (have these ready to put anything that may need to be thrown away or to separate out muddy or soiled things)
• Extra diapers or pull ups (for baby or toddler)
• Small first aid kit (with various sized band aids)
• Extra snacks
• Bottle of water
• Small toys (for a baby or toddler)

8. Stay Flexible

Traveling with kids means being ready for the unexpected. From bad weather to cranky moods, I’ve learned to roll with it.

One thing that helps? I remind myself to treat surprises as part of the adventure. It’s all about keeping a positive mindset and moving forward.

9. Find a Moment for Yourself

You know the saying that it is a trip not a vacation when it comes to traveling with kids?

One thing that I have recently been trying to do on my trips is finding some little moments just for me.

Maybe sit and enjoy a cup of coffee on the beach outside of your hotel for five minutes or go on a quick walk during sunset.

Try to find something you enjoy and treat yourself a little too. You deserve it!

10. Be Present

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the planning and what we are doing that I forget to stop and just BE.

Try to be mindful during special moments during your trip.

Just listen to your children laugh and watch their eyes light up when they experience something new. Those moments are truly magical and it is in these moments that I truly love this adventure.

I hope these tips inspire you to enjoy every moment of your travels, even the chaotic ones.

If you have favorite tips or want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear them!

May you LOVE your adventure! KW