5 Best Tips for Traveling with Kids

As the world returns to normal, more families are booking their travel than ever before. Traveling with kids can be daunting, from over-packing and dealing with cranky kids to keeping them happy with the crazy schedules and unpredictability of the journey. It’s definitely not easy! However, some forethought with a little bit of reading can help minimize parental stress. Here are the five best tips for traveling with your little ones.

Tip #1: Start Preparing far, far ahead!

When traveling with your children, you must be prepared for multiple scenarios, including a mid-flight meltdown, missing a plane or catching a virus. Make a list of everything you’ll need and checkmark the list while packing. With so much to do, it’s better to be regimented. 

Tip #2: Designate a backpack for traveling

This might sound relatively unimportant, but designating a backpack used only for traveling can help your kids anticipate the adventures. They can put all their vacation goodies, which they’ve got maybe from Santa, tooth-fairy, the Easter Bunny or as a birthday present, in that bag. This will keep your little ones excited throughout the trip.

Tip #3: Pack Some Snacks

We all get angry when we’re hungry and don’t behave like the wonderful humans we are. Kids are no different. Packing the favorite snacks of your kids can help a great deal with reducing the fear of flights and their unannounced tantrums. Get yourself a big pill container and fill them with treats or with healthy snack options such as yogurt covered in raisins, boiled eggs and cheese. Munching on snacks will keep them thrilled and stress-free.

Tip #4: Board Early/TSA Pre-Check

Rushing to the airport last minute and then waiting in long lines to get through security is not an option. Boarding early is the way to go, especially when traveling with kids. TSA pre-check allows your family to settle down before the other passengers come. Securing that extra time to make your kids comfortable will make your experience smoother.

Tip #5: Enjoy the Experience

Traveling requires getting to the airport, transferring all the luggage, waiting in the airport after you’ve made it through security, and finally getting on the plane. Sometimes the plane ride is the easiest part. So, making travel part of the journey is the only way you’ll be able to enjoy your trip. 

While traveling with children is overwhelming, the thing to remember is you won’t be able to experience this ever again. This will end, and you will survive. If you need to get your kid a cute set of headphones and a tablet for them to watch a movie or play games, then please, mama, give yourself a break.

Bonus Tip:

Some planes have a limited Wi-Fi capacity, so rent a hotspot from a library to ensure you have internet access throughout your trip.