Traveling with kids can seem scary, but with the proper preparation and mindset, it can become a memorable experience for the entire family. As you step into 2025, family travel trends are all about seamless journeys, meaningful experiences and embracing the adventures the world has to offer. Here are nine tips to master traveling with kids and make it a memorable experience.
Don’t overplan
It can be tempting to plan a detailed itinerary when traveling with children. However, leave room for flexibility. Kids need more downtime than adults; unexpected delays or distractions are inevitable. Focus on planning the main activities for the day — such as visiting a museum or going on a hike — and leave plenty of room for spontaneous fun and time for eating and napping.
Pro tip: Highlight must dos and keep backup options for rainy days or when energy levels dip. Keep backup options simple and relaxing, such as a park day or stopping by a local souvenir shop.
Travel smarter, not harder
Getting from point A to point B can be the trickiest part of family travel. Here are some tips to ease the journey.
Air travel
Book direct flights when possible. Layovers can be stressful for kids, so booking direct flights is a great option. However, for long-haul flights, a few-hour layover may be helpful for the kids to get some energy out. If you’re flying, try booking early morning flights or during naps when they can sleep on the airplane. Always leave extra time for check-ins and security to reduce stress.
Family boarding is usually offered by most airlines. Look at your airline’s family boarding policies to settle in early. Keep snacks ready to go. Hunger can quickly lead to meltdowns, so pack plenty of options. Quick, mess-free snacks are helpful when flying.
Road trips
Timing your trips according to your children’s schedules will help your road trip go smoothly. Plan your road trip during naptimes so your kids can sleep most of the way. Allow enough time to take breaks during road travel. Plan frequent stops to stretch your legs, eat and burn energy.
Keep activities and entertainment on hand for long car drives. Portable movie players or car seat activity trays can keep boredom at bay. Sticker packs, coloring books and reading activities are also a hit for children during long road trips.
Public transport
Many kids find buses, trains and ferries exciting. Use this opportunity to teach them about local culture and public transport etiquette.
Pack strategically
Packing for a family trip can quickly become a stressful experience. To simplify the process, create a checklist for each family member. Plan this checklist and add any items you may think of in the days before your trip.
Some things to include in your carry-on are snacks, a change of clothes, travel-friendly games, your favorite stuffed animal or blanket, sanitizers, wipes and a reusable water bottle. Charge electronics and download kid-friendly shows, audiobooks and educational games on tablets before your journey. It is helpful to have a small first-aid kit on hand. Some essentials include mosquito-repellent adhesive bandages, fever reducers and antiseptic creams.
Pro tip: Try using packing cubes to organize clothing and accessories. Assign each family member a color to make finding items quick and easy.
Choose kid-friendly accommodations
Look for places with kid-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, family pools or educational attractions. Beach resorts, theme parks and national parks are great options. Destinations with short travel times are also a bonus for younger kids.
Where you stay can make your family trip a seamless experience. Look for accommodations that cater to families by offering amenities such as kid-friendly pools, play areas or game rooms, kitchenettes for easy prep for snacks or warm foods, babysitting services or kids’ clubs for adult downtime. Opt for places that are family-friendly rentals or larger hotel chains that provide extra perks for young travelers.
Pro tip: Read reviews from other parents about the location you’re staying at to see if it matches your needs. Children’s needs vary with different ages, so find what you are looking for based on your child’s interests.
Keep kids entertained
Keeping kids entertained during travel is a must for everyone’s sanity. Balance screen time with interactive activities. Some ideas for activities include travel journals for older kids and sticker books and magnetic puzzles for younger ones.
For families, games like I Spy or trivia about your destination are perfect for entertaining kids. Plan for some quiet downtime with reading. Create a favorite music playlist for road trips.
Pro tip: Introduce the destination and plan your trip with the kids before you arrive. Learning about the destination will help them build excitement and appreciation for the journey.
Prioritize safety
Traveling to new places comes with unique safety considerations. Teach your kids to memorize a parent’s phone number and address and use GPS trackers or ID bracelets for younger children. Pack a small, portable lock for securing hotel room doors if needed.
Pro tip: Always have a recent photo of your child if you get separated. If your children aren’t old enough to remember your phone number, write it inside their shoes and let them know.
Master snacks
Hungry kids can quickly turn a smooth journey into a nightmare. Snacks can be the ultimate peacekeeper on long travel days. Opt for portable, non-messy options like granola or oat bars, dried fruit, string cheese or crackers.
Pro tip: Pack snacks in small, reusable containers. Containers minimize waste and keep portions manageable. Try precutting fruits, prepping a few high-protein items or creating a snack pack to keep various energy-boosting snacks on hand.
Embrace local culture
Travel is an excellent way to introduce children to new cultures. Look for opportunities to try local foods, attend cultural festivals or participate in family-friendly workshops or tours.
Pro tip: Encourage your kids to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. It’s a fun challenge and often delights locals.
Document your adventure
Documenting your trip can create lasting memories. Let older kids take photos or videos, and encourage younger ones to draw pictures of their favorite moments. Plan to create memorabilia for when you return from your vacation to keep the kids engaged throughout the trip.
Pro tip: At the end of each day, spend a few minutes as a family reflecting on the day’s highlights. Reflecting can become a cherished ritual for everyone to stop and express their feelings.
Create lasting memories
No matter how much you plan, not every moment of your trip will be picture perfect, and that’s okay. Kids will get cranky, plans may go awry and there will be moments of chaos. Try your best to keep a sense of humor and stay present — you’ll create lasting memories even in the chaos.
Shweta Gadhia is the creator behind Share the Spice, a food blog that shares flavorful vegetarian and vegan recipes with cultural influences from around the world. Drawing from her nutrition and public health background, she empowers you to create wholesome recipes the family will confidently enjoy.