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There’s nothing I love more than traveling with my kids. It’s such a thrill and a privilege to be able to take them around the world and introduce them to new experiences of all kinds. But … it’s not always easy. Traveling with kids can be stressful but a little preparation can go a very long way.
Here’s what I’ve learned after countless flights, car rides and hotel stays with little ones in tow: What works, what doesn’t and the small details that make all the difference.
1. Save the iPad for the Plane
I think this is probably my number one tip for traveling with kids. Our secret to peaceful flights? iPads are only allowed when we travel. By making them a special travel-only privilege, my kids look forward to sitting quietly for hours on the plane. Before we travel, we sit down together to download movies, TV shows and games they’re excited about. I can’t count the number of times, upon landing, a fellow passenger has complimented me and my husband about our extremely well-behaved children. Well, now you know the secret!
2. The MVP of Public Bathroom Stops: Potty Shields
Public restrooms are one of the worst parts of travel. When you add kids to the equation, the stress triples. Potty Shields have been a total game-changer and now I don’t go anywhere without them. They are a disposable toilet seat cover but they are extra large so they cover not only the seat but the rest of the bowl too so your little one’s legs aren’t rubbing up against that dirty bowl. These have an adhesive sticker for better placement and they’re sturdy, nothing like those flimsy seat covers in public bathrooms that rip into pieces before you can even use it. Trust me when I say that Potty Shields are worth packing.
3. The Crossbody Survival Kit
Never underestimate the power of a well-packed crossbody bag. Mine always includes Kleenex, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and Band-Aids for the inevitable scraped knee or paper cut. When you’re juggling kids, snacks and boarding passes, having these essentials at your fingertips is essential.
4. For Babies: The Doona is a Game-Changer
If you’re traveling with a baby, the Doona stroller-car seat combo is worth every penny. It transitions seamlessly from car to stroller in seconds, no lugging gear through terminals and no wrestling with complicated attachments. Whenever anyone saw me convert the stroller into a car seat or vice versa, they would stop and ask about it. It quite literally changed everything about the way we traveled when our kids were infants and make travel so much less daunting.
5. Choose Toys That Don’t Hit the Floor
Airplanes and airport floors are basically toy graveyards. That’s why I swear by magnetic toys: magnetic tiles, puzzles or building blocks that stay together. They keep little hands busy without the endless “Can you get that for me?” requests mid-flight.
6. Layers, Always. And Pack Backups, Too
Airplanes have a knack for being either freezing cold or uncomfortably warm. Dress your kids in layers so you can easily adjust. And always pack a spare outfit (or two) in your carry-on. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a flight in damp clothes after a spill or accident. Trust me—future you will be grateful. My toddler once vomited on me mid-flight and I didn’t have a change of clothes. I learned that lesson very quickly (the hard way, of course) and now always travel with a change of clothes for everyone in the family.
7. Let Them Burn Off Energy Before Boarding
If you can let the kids run around before heading to the airport. My husband will sometimes take the kids to the park while I finish up the last-minute packing. Or let them run around at the airport if you can find a play zone. Even ten minutes of jumping, running and exploring can make a huge difference once they’re strapped in for hours.
8. Balloons: The Ultimate Portable Toy
Balloons are one of my secret weapons when I travel. They take up no space in your bag and once you’re at your destination, you’ve got instant entertainment. My kids love playing Keepy Uppy with them around the hotel room. It’s so simple but brings them so much joy.
9. The “Just in Case” Medical Kit
Always pack your child’s medical essentials in your carry-on, never in your checked luggage. Mine includes medications, a thermometer, Band-Aids, allergy meds, an EpiPen and even a small pulse oximeter. You may never need most of it but having it on hand brings enormous peace of mind.
10. Don’t Pack Everything, Rent Instead
If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, BabyQuip is a total sanity saver. You can rent cribs, strollers, high chairs, toys and more and have it delivered straight to your destination. No more lugging gear through airports or cramming strollers into the trunk. It’s the easiest way to travel lighter while still having everything your kids need.
Traveling with kids may never be effortless, but it can be easier. A little preparation, the right gear and of course, a sense of humor go a long way. You might not get to read a novel or sip champagne in peace but you’ll make memories your kids will talk about for years. And that’s truly priceless.