It’s no secret travel can be as stressful as it is rewarding — from planning and packing to navigating and adapting, you learn to expect the unexpected.
However, traveling with kids can involve a lot more moving parts to the process of getting to your destination. When traveling, making sure your kids stay safe and healthy during your trip is a top priority. Gathered from fellow parents, get a head start on your next adventure with this list of the top 10 best tips for traveling with kids.
1. Pack extra clothing in your carry-on
Accidents can happen with kids of all ages. Parent Nubia Duvall Wilson recalls how she wishes she remembered this packing tip, “Our potty-trained toddler son had an accident right before boarding a plane. We had to clean him up in the bathroom, and he ended up without underwear. He was a good sport, but I felt terrible for not having a spare pair.”
Always keep an extra outfit and underwear in your carry-on for an easy change that will keep your child clean and comfortable.
2. Protect against germs on public transport
Airplanes, trains, buses and boats, whatever the mode of public transport — it probably has a lot of germs, especially on tray tables, arm rests and windows. Wilson also recommends wiping down these surfaces thoroughly, as your child is likely to touch and press against them often. A quick but thorough cleaning can help prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your child healthy for the remainder of the vacation. Frequent hand-washing or hand sanitizer is a good idea as well.
3. Remember hydration, snacks and sleep items
Ensuring your kids stay hydrated, well-fed and well-rested is crucial during travel. Always have reusable water bottles handy to refill and grab a bunch of healthy, packable snacks to avoid overly sugary options on the go. Comfort is key for better sleep — bring familiar items such as their car seat for the plane, an extended seat cushion or travel pillow for head support. Noise-canceling headphones or a soft eye mask can block out ambient noise and light. Additionally, a favorite blanket, stuffed animal or even a cozy set of pajamas can provide a sense of security, making it easier for your child to settle down and rest.
4. Opt for grocery delivery
Vacation rentals often offer the convenience of grocery delivery. This can be a lifesaver, especially when traveling with toddlers. Wilson shares, “We chose vacation rentals over hotels to have groceries delivered in advance. It saved us from the hassle of shopping with cranky kids who just wanted to get to the pool or beach.” This also allows you the ability to customize your order, so you’ll have your kids favorite foods easily available and will be able to feed them balanced meals throughout the trip, rather than relying solely on limited restaurant kids menu options. You’ll likely save money too!
5. Use digital devices for safety
When visiting crowded places like Disney, consider equipping your kids with digital devices to maximize travel safety. These allow for convenient tracking and communication in case you get separated. Wilson told us, “Our kids, aged 7 and 8, had their Gabb watches on during our Disney trip, giving us peace of mind knowing we could contact them if necessary.” If your kids are too young to use devices, parent Daniel Clarke suggests waterproof silicone bracelets or clothing tags with your contact information and any medical details to help you feel more assured.
6. Be consistent with sun protection
Traveling, especially during summer, means constant sun exposure — and nothing ruins the fun on vacation like a bad sunburn. You can protect your kids by frequently applying sunscreen, using sun shades in the car and encouraging them to wear hats and sunglasses. Parent Amy Johnson mentioned, “Our car has sun shades, which help our kids nap and stay cool during long drives. I always keep sunscreen sticks handy to avoid getting my hands dirty.” Of course, sunburns do happen, so adding aloe or cooling lotion to your bag is a smart choice too.
7. Prioritize time management and regular breaks
Traveling can require a lot of waiting in lines and sitting still in a seat. With kids, it’s best to give yourself an extra time buffer whenever possible in case of unexpected challenges or delays. Plus, not rushing will protect your peace of mind and mood. On long trips, Johnson also recommends frequent stops to prevent your kids from getting too hot, overstimulated or uncomfortable. Whenever possible, encourage them to get up and move around to burn some energy.
8. Try out portable potty solutions
For those potty training or dealing with unfamiliar public restrooms, Johnson says that portable potty training chairs and folding travel potty seats have been super helpful for her family. These items not only make bathroom breaks more manageable but also help keep your kids safe from bacteria in public restrooms.
Frequently asking your children if they need to go to the restroom can prevent urgent situations and can also help them get used to the idea of going in new and unfamiliar settings.
9. Bring travel a first-aid kit and important documents
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a travel essential. Beyond the basics like Tylenol, Advil and bandages, consider including motion sickness medication, antihistamines, anti-itch cream, and stool softeners. “These items have saved us from emergency visits,” says parent Richard Campbell. You might also want to bring copies of any important medical documents or consider investing in travel health insurance for your kids, as it provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses and emergencies. Dr. Preeti Parikh, executive medical director at GoodRx, said it’s important to “make sure your children’s vaccines are up to date to prevent infections from diseases like measles, mumps and polio. Keep an eye on how your kids are feeling during travel and consult a medical provider if something feels off.”
10. Ask for help and split the work evenly
Traveling with kids can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask for help and split the work evenly among adults in your travel group. Discuss contingency plans, assign different responsibilities and share the load to reduce the mental burden. Above all, be patient with yourself — no travel experience will be perfect and that’s OK. If you’re traveling alone, check in with yourself often and remind yourself that you’re doing great. Be sure to set reasonable expectations and lean on others around you — you’ll often find kindness and support close by no matter where you are.
