10 Essential Tips for Traveling With Kids

1. Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Traveling with kids can be a fun and enriching experience, but it requires a bit more planning. Make sure to book your flights and hotel stays well in advance to ensure you get family-friendly accommodations and seating arrangements. ALWAYS pay more for a non-stop flight, when it comes to kid-friendly travel. It is almost never worth the risk of delay, lost baggage or running through the airport with a baby/toddler strapped to your chest. TRUST ME ON THIS, pay the extra $100 for the direct flight. Check with your accommodations for amenities like cribs, high chairs, and kid-friendly menus at your hotel or resort. Some popular family destinations have small businesses that allow you to rent baby/toddler gear and will deliver it to your hotel.

2. Pack Smartly

UNPOPULAR OPINION: I don't believe in packing light when I'm travelling with my whole family. There are no awards at baggage claim for the smallest/lightest suitcase. Is it harder to lug it all to the rental car? Yes, but that's what the carts are for. Travelling out of the country? Bring medicine your kids might need such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, tums and anything else you use frequently (better yet, make sure all this is in your carry on). Each of my children bring a backpack on the plan with a change of clothes and their entertainment. If you have a baby, bring a change of clothes for yourself too. Don't learn the hard way on that one!

I don't like my kids to be on screens when we retire to the hotel. So, I packs games, cards, books, and easy to pack toys. A couple Barbie's with some Barbie clothes in a freezer bag and/or some hot wheels and mini dinosaur figures. It's surprising how much those will get played with if they are the only options in the room. Packing cubes can help you stay organized. Also, don't forget to pack a small first-aid kit for any minor mishaps.

This is a link for my FAVORITE packing product. It makes un-packing and packing back up so easy! Who wants to waste their last vacation day unpacking drawers? https://amzn.to/4dXSuiE

These are my favorite packing cubes. I like to get them in different colors. Makes it easy to know which cube belongs to which kid. https://amzn.to/46YSFYC

3. Keep Your Kids Entertained

A bored child can make a flight feel much longer. Pack a variety of entertainment options such as coloring books, playdoh, sticker books, window clings and tablets loaded with kid-friendly apps. A some new toys or books that they can unwrap mid-flight to keep them excited. Below are some links to my favorite small and inexpensive flight entertainment. These also work great for keeping your kids busy at restaurants!

Travel sticker set: https://amzn.to/4cARM9L

LCD Art Tablet: https://amzn.to/4cKW7qV

Mini Magnets: https://amzn.to/3Z3WtGh

No Mess Foam Art Set: https://amzn.to/3Z0k1vG

4. Snacks Are a Lifesaver

Bring plenty of snacks. Kids can get fussy when they're hungry, and airplane food doesn't always cater to young taste buds. Healthy snacks like fruit snacks, granola bars, and cheese sticks can go a long way to keeping them satisfied. I also pack plenty of sugar-free lollipops and hand them out whenever needed during the flight. It's important to note that they are sugar-free! Do not hand your toddler a bunch of sugar and then expect them to sit nicely for the next 4 hours. My favorite snack container for flights is linked here: https://amzn.to/4cDpjQU

5. Bring Comfort Items

Your little ones may feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar place if they have their favorite blanket or stuffed animal with them. Having a piece of home can help soothe them during flights and at bedtime in the hotel. I travel with our sound machines, stuffed animals and even a travel diffuser with some lavender. Look at this cute on-the-go diffuser, it can be used in your car when your not travelling. https://amzn.to/3WXhoYF

6. Manage Expectations

Prepare for the worst but expect the best. Kids are unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned. If your child throws a tantrum, take a deep breath and handle it calmly. Remember, it's an adventure, and hiccups along the way are part of the journey. Travelling is full of a lot of unknowns for kids. You know how some adults get a travelers stomach or get nervous on the morning of travel. Kids feel that way too! Help them out and explain what happens every step of the way.

7. Choose Kid-Friendly Hotels and Resorts

When choosing a hotel or resort, make sure it caters to families. Look for amenities like kids' clubs, swimming pools, and proximity to attractions. Some resorts have special kids' programs and activities that can keep them engaged and entertained during your stay. If possible, I always try to book a condo-style accommodation when travelling as a family. Mini kitchen is a must, a living room area is SO helpful and the BEST is 2 bathrooms. Unfortunately, I have experienced being sick on a trip, having a bathroom for myself and another for my family was a lifesaver! I can't even imagine if we had been in a standard 2 queen bed hotel room. I hope that never happens to you, but if it does, you will be glad to have some more space. Contact me to get my suggestions on the best kid-friendly accommodations: https://www.thehillstravelco.com/contact.

8. Stick to Routine When Possible

Kids thrive on routine, so try to stick to their normal schedule as much as possible, even when you're traveling. Keeping regular meal times, nap times, and bedtime can help them adjust to new surroundings more easily. When we had napping kids, we took turns going back to the room for nap time. One of us did nap-time and read on the patio while the other got to enjoy some alone time at the adult pool. Win Win!!!!

9. Be Flexible

While having a plan is great, be ready to be flexible. Unexpected delays, weather events or changes can happen. Go with the flow and adapt as needed. Flexibility can turn what seems like a disaster into a fun and memorable part of your adventure. My friend recently had a rental car break down in the desert, DURING SUMMER! Thankfully, they got to a gas station where they had to wait for hours, but If you ask the kids, it was a fun adventure! Apparently, a place full of snacks, sodas and candy is not a bad place for kids to have to wait. This type of trip upset also is what makes numbers 1, 2 and 4 soooooo important. ALWAYS have water, snacks and a change of clothes nearby.

10. Capture the Moments

Don't forget to take lots of pictures! Traveling with kids can create some of the best memories. Capture those smiles, the joy of discovering new places, and the special family moments that you'll cherish forever. A really fun idea is to let your kids capture some memories too! Maybe then, Mom will end up in some of the pictures. My kids love these little cameras and the price point means I don't stress too much if they break it. https://amzn.to/3MhxEiv