Make Family Travel with Kids Stress-free

You guys know how much we love to travel and explore new places with our son Nemit. We have been traveling with Nemit since he was a baby. His first long trip was a road trip to Amritsar when he was just 2 months old. Since then we have been doing all kind of travels with him. Be it international or domestic, by train or by road, relaxed vacation or adventure trip, we have done it all. But there’s no limit to traveling and there’s still so much that we need to experience. But the question is, “is it really possible to travel stress-free with kids?”

Every time I share about our travels, there’s always someone who’s surprised to know how seamlessly we manage our trips with a child. They often wonder how we handle the logistics, keep Nemit entertained, and ensure he is safe and comfortable throughout our journeys. It’s always a pleasure to share our tips and stories, showing that traveling with kids can be as enriching and enjoyable as traveling solo or as a couple.

And as I always say, traveling with kids is not easy at all. However, with right mindset and proper planning you can make it happen.

Earlier I used to think that parents have this doubt only when it comes to traveling with little kids. To address this fear, I even wrote a post where I shared tips for traveling with babies and toddlers. These tips were based on our own experiences and learnings.

But if you still have similar doubts even though your kids are much older now then worry not. As today, I am here to help you take that dream trip with your kids which you have been postponing for long.

10 Tips to Travel Stress-free with Kids

Planning a family vacation with kids can seem like a daunting task, but with a little preparation and some insider tips, it can turn into a memorable adventure for everyone. Here’s how we turned our potentially chaotic trips into fun, stress-free family vacations.

Packing

Ah, packing for a family vacation and that too when you have big kids with their own preferences. I miss those days when Nemit was a little baby and packing meant putting those cute little outfits in a suitcase and calling it a day. Those days are long gone. Now, it’s a strategic operation involving checklists, negotiations, and a bit of magic.

1. Make a list and check it twice

I can’t emphasize this enough—make a packing list. Include everything from clothes to toothbrushes to that one stuffed animal/superhero figurine/book your child can’t sleep without. It’s easy to forget the little things in the hustle and bustle, and trust me, you don’t want to realize you’ve forgotten your child’s favorite toy when you’re halfway to your destination.

Pro Tip- Ask your child to make a packing list for their stuff. Sit with them and go through the list again cutting short whatever that’s not necessary. Now, give them the responsibility to pack their own bags. It makes them feel involved!

Here are 5 Simple Packing Hacks for Traveling with Kids!

2. Pack Smart, Pack Light

Easier said than done, right? I used to pack for every possible scenario, but I’ve learned that less is more. Pack versatile clothing that can be layered, and don’t overdo the toys. A few favorites and some travel-friendly games or books are all you need. And always keep a change of clothes, essential toiletries and first-aid kit in your carry-on. You never know when you might need them.

Pro Tip- Decide on the number of bags you want to carry beforehand and then pack accordingly. We usually pack 1 suitcase and 1 backpack for small trips (1-3 days long); 2 suitcases and 2 backpacks for for 4-6 days long trips and 1 suitcase and 1 backpack for each person for longer trips.

The Journey

Once you are packed, the next challenge is the journey itself. Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a train, keeping kids entertained and comfortable is key.

3. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

Hungry kids are cranky kids. Bring a variety of healthy snacks to keep them satisfied. Think fruit, roasted foxnuts, chakli, bhakarwadi, banana/tapioca/jackfruit chips and some treats for when you need a little bribery. And don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle for everyone.

Pro Tip- If you want to travel stress-free with kids then sometimes ditching the healthy food rule works the best.

You may also read: Tips to choose the best kid-friendly Hotel!

4. Entertainment On-the-Go

Kids can go from bored to cranky in a matter of minutes. So, you need tools to keep them entertained during long travels. I would suggest to pack some hands-on activities like coloring books, puzzles books and story books. For road trips, music, story books and children’s podcasts work the best. And don’t forget the headphones—trust me, you’ll appreciate the quiet time.

Pro Tip- Tablet/phone loaded with some educational and fun games, movies, and shows can be a lifesaver on those odd days.

5. Breaks Are Your Friend

If you’re on a road trip, plan for regular breaks. Let the kids stretch their legs, run around, and burn off some energy. It makes a world of difference. On flights, encourage little walks up and down the aisle when it’s safe to do so.

Pro Tip- Look for pit stops with open spaces. They are perfect for a quick, energy-burning break.

Destination

You’ve arrived! The fun really begins once you have reached your destination. Here’s how to keep things smooth and enjoyable.

6. Stick to a Routine (Sort Of)

Try to keep some semblance of your child’s daily routine. Bedtimes might be a bit later and meal times more flexible, but familiar patterns help kids adjust to new environments. A well-rested child is a happy child.

Pro Tip- Don’t expect your child to adjust to the new setting immediately. Let them take their own time, and provide the comfort and support they need.

You may also read: How to make Traveling with Kids a fun family affair?

7. Plan Kid-Friendly Activities

Involve your kids in planning the itinerary. Let them pick a few activities they’re excited about. This gives them something to look forward to and helps avoid meltdowns. Research kid-friendly attractions, parks, and family-friendly restaurants in advance.

Pro Tip- Have a mix of planned activities and free time. This keep the schedule flexible and fun.

8- Be Flexible and Go with the Flow

Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Sometimes the most memorable moments are the unexpected ones, like meeting locals or making new friends.

Pro Tip- Don’t depend completely on fixed and planned activities. Embrace the new experiences!

You may also read: Weekend Getaway from Delhi? Where to go, Himachal or Uttarakhand?

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Do you have any tried and tested tips to make family travel with kids stress-free? Share them with others in the comments below.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.