Top 10 Planning Tips When Traveling With Kids

Traveling with kids can be an exhilarating adventure, but creating lasting memories for the entire family is the true adventure for us. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, careful planning is essential. Here are our top 10 planning tips to make your family travel experience unforgettable.

1. Early Planning is Key:

   • Start planning your trip well in advance. Research family-friendly destinations, accommodations and activities. Booking flights and accommodations early, not only ensures availability but also allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts.

2. Pack Strategically:

   • Create a comprehensive packing list for each family member, considering the destination's climate and activities. Don't forget essentials like medications, baby supplies, and comfort items. When packing your bag for the journey, make sure that your snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes is easily accessible during your trip.

     Refer to our “Essential Packing Guide, Snacktime in the skies, High-Flying Fun” for more on this.

3. Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations:

   • Choose accommodations that cater to families with children. Look for hotels or vacation rentals with kid-friendly amenities like play areas, pools and entertainment options. Ensure the accommodation is centrally located for easy access to attractions and if you are doing a city trip, close to public transport.

4. Plan Age-Appropriate Activities:

   • Plan your itinerary to suit the ages and interests of your children. Include a mix of interactive and educational activities, as well as some downtime. We find that giving our toddler time to play at a playground keeps her happy during the day, which makes for a good day for us all. Look for family-friendly attractions, parks and museums at your destination.

5. Plan for Rest and Downtime:

   • Children need time to rest and recharge. Schedule breaks during the day for naps or quiet activities. Plan activities in the morning when kids are typically more energetic and leave afternoons for relaxation. When your little one is taking a nap, make sure to utilise this time wisely. For us this would sometimes be sitting at a restaurant and having a nice lunch, other times we would take this time to explore an attraction that we know might be a bit boring for her. 

6. Entertainment on the Go:

   • Keep kids entertained during travel with a variety of activities. We love using a toiletry bag to keep everything together and organised. Pack coloring books, games and electronic devices loaded with kid-friendly content. Consider bringing headphones to keep the noise level down for fellow travelers.

     Refer to our “High-Flying Fun” for more on this.

7. Be Mindful of Meal Times:

   • Stick to your child's regular meal schedule as much as possible. Familiar foods can be comforting, so explore local cuisine while also having some backup snacks on hand. Research child-friendly restaurants at your destination up front.

     Refer to our “Snacktime in the Skies” for more on this.

8. Safety First:

   • Prioritize the safety of your children by having identification on them at all times. A useful tip is to dress your child in a color that you will easily recognize in crowds. Familiarize yourself with local emergency services and healthcare facilities before your travel.

9. Involve Kids in Planning:

   • Engage your children in the trip planning process from a young age. Discuss potential activities and destinations, allowing them to have a say in the itinerary. This not only builds excitement but also ensures that the trip caters to their interests.

10. Flexible Itinerary:

    • Be prepared to be flexible. Kids can be unpredictable and it's essential to adapt your plans if needed. Allow for some spontaneous moments and go with the flow to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

    Our hope is that some of these tips can help you plan great trips with your family while having fun and creating lasting memories.