This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your continued support!

Traveling with young kids doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world together. Whether you're planning a long-haul flight, a cross-country road trip, or a multi-destination family vacation, I’ve got you covered with the very best travel tips for families.

As a travel advisor and mom of two who has flown solo internationally with a newborn, dealt with meltdowns mid-flight, and managed countless chaotic travel moments, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t!) when traveling with little ones. If you're planning a family vacation, this guide is full of real-life, parent-approved travel hacks to help you stay sane and make unforgettable memories.

Why Travel With Kids?

If you're hesitating to plan a family trip, you're not alone. Travel with children can be intimidating. But here’s the truth: kids don’t ruin travel, they transform it… in all the ways! We’re part of a generation rewriting the parenting playbook, and travel is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

Do we get tantrums and delays and spilled snacks? Absolutely. But we also get first-time ski runs, magical sunsets, and giggles under foreign skies. That’s where the 80/20 rule comes in: expect 80% chaos, 20% magic, and know the 20% is always worth it and makes the chaos easy to forget.

Airplane Travel Tips for Families

Flying with babies, toddlers, or young kids? Here’s how to survive, and even enjoy the journey.

Pack Smart: Travel Essentials for Flights with Kids

Snacks & Drinks: Always pack more than you think you’ll need. Meltdowns are often hunger or thirst-related. Bring reusable water bottles and familiar snacks from home that you can ration throughout your trip to provide comfort for your kiddos at any moment!
Pro tip: always request a kids meal on flights that offer meal service.
Entertainment: Load tablets with movies, games, and apps (and double-check that downloads are current!). We limit screen time at home, but on travel days, we lean in and it helps. And don’t forget the headphones!
Quiet Toys & Activity Kits: Small, mess-free, and fun. Think coloring books, sticker books, or magnetic play sets. Our constant is surprising our kids with a new activity or sticker book at the airport. Some of our girl’s favorite toys include this & this.
Comfort Items: A small blanket, travel pillow, and their favorite stuffed animal go a long way. Instead of a pricey airplane footrest, tuck one end of a blanket under your child and the other into the tray table for a DIY leg rest.
Extra Clothes: For you and the kids. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when someone has an accident or a snack explosion. This came in clutch on a recent flight when Ellie lost it (physically lost it…) as we were deboarding recently!
Diapers, Training Pants & Wipes: Bring more than you think you need and keep them in an easy-to-reach pouch for tiny airplane bathrooms.
Melatonin: Consult your pediatrician first, but this has been a game-changer for our kids on red-eyes and long-haul flights.
Hand Sanitizer & Wipes: Airplanes = germs. Wipe down tray tables, armrests, and hands regularly.
Gate-Check Stroller: Take advantage of this freebie! I recommend our favorite travel stroller that fits bags and toddlers alike. It’s truly a lifesaver in busy airports.

Road Trip Tips with Kids

Whether you’re taking a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, these family road trip essentials will help you stay organized and (mostly) meltdown-free.

Road Trip Must-Haves for Families

WAYB Pico Car Seat: Lightweight, compact, and easy to install. Perfect for travel families.
TonieBox: Our girls' favorite non-screen entertainment for car rides.
Car Snacks & Mini Cooler: We always keep a stocked cooler in our trunk with drinks and grab-and-go snacks.
Comfort Items: Each child gets a blanket and a favorite plush. Key for napping on long rides.
Music & Audiobooks: Create a playlist with your kids’ favorite songs. Our girls haven’t gotten into audiobooks yet, but they will constantly request songs from their daddy chauffeur, so we have a Spotify playlist loaded with all of their favs.
Travel Potty: If you're potty training, this is non-negotiable. Keep it in the car for emergencies.
First Aid Kit & Bandaids: For any unexpected bumps or bruises plus it’s not just for boo-boos. Our kids love them for play!
Trash Bags: My husband's #1 travel hack. Keep the car tidy and morale high with a trash bag or trashcan.

General Family Travel Tips (Plane, Car, Train, or Beyond)

No matter how you're getting there, these tips are crucial for smooth, enjoyable family travel.

Essentials for Any Family Trip

Comfy Layers: Think cozy jammies or well-loved outfits. Avoid anything itchy or stiff, especially on long travel days.
Medications & Personal Essentials: Don’t forget your own needs too. Your well-being sets the tone for the whole trip.
Documents: Keep passports, tickets, insurance info, and emergency contacts organized and easy to access.
Portable Charger: Fully charge all electronics and bring a power bank for in-transit use.

Bonus Tips from a Travel Agent & Mom

Plan Breaks

On road trips, map out rest stops with playgrounds or open spaces. On planes, it’s okay to let kids walk the aisle (respectfully) to release energy. New playgrounds or trampoline parks abroad are great resets for our kiddos!

Stay Calm

Children mirror our energy. If you're anxious or flustered, they will be too. Breathe through the chaos, smile at the side-eyes, and remember, you have every right to be there.

Expect the Unexpected

Tantrums, delays, rude passengers… it’s part of the journey. What matters is how you bounce back. After a rough night during our Europe trip, we had a family meeting, hit reset, and moved forward.

Pack Lighter

Don’t overdo it. We learned the hard way, hauling two kids and too many bags through Swiss train stations. Laundry services exist. You don’t need six extra sweatshirts.

Embrace the 80/20 Rule

Traveling with kids is challenging, but the good moments make it all worthwhile. You’ll never forget your child’s joy at their first passport stamp, a lazy sunset in a treehouse, or family laughs over street food.

Travel Is Worth It (Even with Kids!)

The memories you create through family travel are worth every bit of the mess. You’re not just surviving the trip, you’re building your kids’ worldviews, strengthening your family bond, and creating stories you’ll tell for decades.

With a little planning and the right tools, travel with kids can be not only possible but magical.

Need help planning your next family adventure? Whether it's Disney, an international vacation, or a road trip worth remembering, I’d love to help. Reach out and let’s create a trip you’ll never forget.

Lifesaving Tips for Traveling with Kids: Must-Know Advice from a Family Travel Pro