The big question is: Can you travel while having kids with you? Many people told me that my travel days were over after I became a parent. There are many ways to travel safely with children. Below, you will find some great options for family vacations, child-friendly family trips and tips on how to travel with children.

This post is for YOU if you feel the same way as I do! Use this guide instead of being stressed, worried that you forgot something, or tired to relax and enjoy the time with your family. If things don’t work out exactly as you planned, remember that it’s not the worst thing in the world. There’s always a way out.

This blog contains tips on

• Packing for travel when you have kids.
• Travelling with children through airports and on planes.
• How to travel with children on a road trip.
• Planning an itinerary for your family vacation.
• My kids will have a great time travelling with these products.

To save money and time while travelling, you can check out some of my favourite apps to use when I plan my trips.

Disclaimer: I’m not a travel agent, but I am sharing my experience. My post may not be suitable for every family, adventure or child. International travel also requires extra planning. You will also find brand suggestions and affiliate links included for free.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best destination to travel with children?

There are many great places in every state to take a family trip with children. It is important to plan and do your research prior to vacation.

When is the best time to travel with children?

Children can travel at any stage of their lives.

At what age is it the most difficult to travel with children?

Every age has its challenges. Any travel that you share with your children enriches their life.

Travelling with children is safe. Is it safe to travel with children?

Absolutely!

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Can You Travel With Kids?

Packing for Family Travels with Children

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE PACKING

Let’s start with packing. It can be difficult to decide what to bring for yourself, but how about your children? It can be a completely different experience to pack for your children. You may think you’re losing your mind. When packing for family vacations, I keep in mind the following:

• Will we travel entirely by car, or will we also fly?
• How long are we staying?
• What is the forecast for the weather?
• Is anyone sick or needing medication?
• How has my child performed during travel?
• What is the level of experience that my child has with travel?
• What should I always have in my bag (carry-on bag) or carry-on bag?
• Do I have access to a laundry service?
• Do we want to bring souvenirs or T-shirts? (If so, you can pack less).

PREPARE TO PACK WITH YOUR KID(S).

Once you’ve answered these questions, you can try some of the following suggestions to help you prepare your child and yourself for an adventure. Below are some options you can consider when travelling with your child.

• Make a list each time you pack.
• Make your child eager to go! We talk, watch videos and read books about the things we do every day. My kids often draw pictures of the places we will visit. I bring along activities and talk to my kids about our adventures when we’re on the road.
• Include your children in the trip planning. Sometimes, I find multiple things to do and let the kids choose which ones they want. They enjoy being involved in the process.
• Allow your child to help you pack. Allow your child to help you choose their clothes, toys and activities.
• Make snacks with your child or take them to the store.
• Set aside some time for yourself so you can pack your items without interruption.
• Avoid packing at the last minute.
• Be sure to know what you need to keep in your car and your carry-on bags.
• Pack items that are multi-purpose or can be folded down. For example, my beach buckets completely fold down, and my headphones also fold flat. We were able to pack lighter because the Airbnb that we reserved for our beach trip provided a lot of beach toys.
• Packing cubes can help you save space and stay organized organized. ).
• If you’re flying, wear bulkier clothing at the airport (we use our hiking boots).

PACKING LIST FOR SAFE TRAVEL WITH KID

Now that you know some basic packing tips, the next step is to decide what to pack for kids. You can use many items on a road trip or even on a plane. To learn more about packing tips for your kids, read my article How to pack light.

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES

• T-shirts or tops (one per day per toddler & infant, two per day per toddler & infant)
• Pants (one per day or two per day for infants and toddlers)
• Dressy outfits
• Swimsuit (if you are going on a beach holiday)
• Winter jacket, gloves, hat and boots (if you are going on a winter holiday)
• Sweatshirts/sweaters (1 per 3 days).
• Underwear (1 per day)
• Diapers/pull-ups
• Bibs
• Pyjamas
• Hat (we always pack sun hats!)
• Sneakers/hiking boots
• Slip-on shoes/water shoes
• sunglasses
• Raincoat or Jacket
• Jewellery or Accessories
• Backpack or Day Pack (can be used as a carry-on bag)
• Leash for toddlers (at the airport)

TOILETRIES

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Mouthwash and floss
• Check if you can get a travel-size body wash and shampoo from your Airbnb.
• Hairbrush
• Hair accessories or hair ties
• Hand sanitizer sanitizer
• Always pack sunblock wherever you go
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Chapstick
• Wet wipes
• A&D cream or diaper cream for infants and toddlers
• If needed, feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses/ glasses (if required)
• Insect repellant (if needed)

FIRST AID/ MEDICAL

• Tylenol
• Cold Medicine
• Mini first aid kit
• Prescription medication
• Liquid IV (Pedialyte)

MISC. TECH TOOLS

• Favourite books or toys
• Colouring or drawing activities
• Disposable camera (my kids love taking pictures!)
• Use this organizer organizer for road trips.
• Beach toys are a must if you’re on a vacation at the beach
• Charger and electronic device (if applicable).
• Headphones
• нумание
• travel pillow
• Infant carrier (hiking as well as a car seat version)
• Stroller
• Car seat or booster?
• Water bottle
• Ziploc bags are great for storing wet clothing, food and treasures that children find.
• Snacks
• View the products below to see a baby or toddler headband for car rides.
• Formula bottles and other containers (if applicable).
• If applicable, pacifiers and teething toys
• Noise reducer/night light (if applicable).
• Bag for dirty clothes. (Check to see if you have a washer/dryer in your hotel or Airbnb)
• Travel documents: important documents

MY CHOICE OF PRODUCTS TO TAKE ON FAMILY VACATIONS WITH TODDLER AND KIDS

GOBE KIDS SNACK SPINER

BABY HEADBAND

FOLDABLE SILICONE BEACH TRAVEL TOYS

CAR ACTIVITY READABLE DOODLE BOOK

FOLDABLE KID HEADPHONES

ORGANIZERORGANIZER CAR BACKSEAT FOR ROAD TRIP

PACKING CUBE

Are you looking for family-friendly destinations? Look at my itinerary for the Black Hills of South Dakota, Grand Marais, Minnesota, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Tips for Family Travel to the Airport

Packing your carry-on bag for kids

When packing for a trip with children, it is important to have all the items within reach. To reduce stress on your flight, here are some items you should pack in your children’s carry-on bag.

• Fill up water bottle after TSA check
• Snacks
• Sweater (aeroplanes can be cold)
• The electronic device (charged with games downloaded).
• Headphones
• Favourite toys and books
• Whiteboard with dry-erase markers
• Clay or silly putty
• Travel Pillow
• Blanket
• Extra clothes
• Diapers and wipes
• Formula (if applicable).
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer sanitizer or sanitizing sanitizing wipes
• Lollipops or gum (for take-off and landing)
• If needed, plans can be used for children.
• If you have nausea, take the appropriate medication.

TIPS TO NAVIGATE THE AIRPORT WITH KIDS

Many parents are anxious about navigating an airport. These tips have helped me a great deal. I still feel the same way when I am getting ready to leave for the airport. Every time we get better!

• Consider the time and the sleep schedule of your passengers (or whether they nap). Early morning departures will delay your flight.
• Consider booking seats away from aisles and bathrooms when booking your flight.
• You can check in online for your flight at home.
• For domestic flights, arrive 90 minutes before your flight. You should try to arrange a ride so that you can arrive at the airport and be dropped off near the gate.
• Remember to check in all your bags, including strollers and car seats. Right away. Our daughter prefers to travel in her baby carrier rather than a bulky stroller.
• Use Clear if you travel frequently to avoid the long TSA lines. You can add three people for $60 each, and it costs $189 per year. You can save up to $70 if you’re a United or Delta frequent flyer.
• Be sure to empty all liquids (don’t overlook baby bottles or sippy cups!) before going through TSA. All electronics and baby formula should be removed from your bags. You will be able to get through the TSA quicker! Kids 12 and under are not required to remove their footwear.
• Note that TSA offers a special family line for children.
• Ensure that all items required for security (boarding passes and licenses) are readily accessible.
• Use the restroom before you board!
• Consider using a leash if you have an energetic toddler (safety comes first! ).
• Remember what your children are wearing. Take a photo of your kids, just in case.
• Plan by checking airport websites for information on nursing rooms and rest areas. Some airports have even playgrounds.
• Include your children in all aspects of travel. Talk to them about the process of boarding the flight, the TSA check and the boarding pass. Also, discuss with them what to expect on the plane.
• While you’re waiting to board your plane, check out the lounges. There are TVs, games, free WiFi, snacks, etc.
• Be sure to have all the necessary documentation ready. If you’re travelling internationally without your other parent, or if you and the other parent are separated, you may also need a document notarized stating that you have sole custody or permission. This is usually done at our local bank or county building.
• IMPORTANT: Dismiss gruff passengers and be proud of your children. We can’t change other people’s bad attitudes, but we can influence our reactions and the way we teach our children.