Travelling with Kids: 10 Tips to Make Your Next Trip Easier

Travelling with children can be a rewarding but challenging experience. From keeping them entertained to ensuring they stay safe and comfortable, a little planning goes a long way. Whether you're heading out on a short road trip or embarking on an international adventure, these tips will help make your journey smoother for everyone.

1. Plan Ahead and Involve the Kids

Planning is key when travelling with children. Involve your kids in the process by letting them help choose destinations or activities. This gives them something to look forward to and helps reduce anxiety about the trip.

Pro Tip: Pack your bags early and do a final check the night before to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Pack Smart and Light

Less is more when travelling with kids. Stick to the essentials, and focus on multi-functional items like a backpack that doubles as a nappy bag or a lightweight stroller that’s easy to fold and carry. Pack a change of clothes for each family member in your carry-on, just in case of spills or delays.

Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to keep items organised and easy to find.

3. Keep Them Entertained with Travel-Friendly Games and Toys

Bring along a small selection of travel-sized games, toys, or colouring books to keep kids occupied during long waits or flights. Before you leave, make sure to pre-download movies, shows, and kid-friendly apps that can keep your little ones entertained. Don’t forget to bring comfortable headphones so they can enjoy their favourite content without disturbing others around you. Rotate activities to prevent boredom and keep things fresh.

Pro Tip: Wrap up a couple of small new toys as surprises. Unwrapping them mid-trip can help distract restless kids!

4. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

Hunger can quickly turn a happy child into a cranky one. Pack a variety of easy-to-eat snacks like fruit, crackers, and snack bars. Don’t forget to bring refillable water bottles to keep everyone hydrated throughout the journey.

Pro Tip: Avoid sugary snacks that might cause energy spikes (and crashes!) during the trip.

5. Be Prepared for Messes

When travelling with kids, expect the unexpected. Pack a small bag with wipes, hand sanitiser, plastic bags for rubbish, and a change of clothes for your kids. Having these essentials at hand can help you deal with spills and messes quickly, keeping stress levels low.

Pro Tip: A roll of toilet paper can also come in handy for unexpected cleanups!

6. Create a Travel Routine

Kids thrive on routine, so try to create a travel schedule that mirrors their normal daily routine as much as possible. Plan meals, naps, and bedtime at similar times to home. This helps reduce meltdowns and keeps them feeling comfortable in a new environment.

Pro Tip: Bring along a favourite blanket or stuffed toy to provide comfort during sleep in unfamiliar places.

7. Use Child-Friendly Travel Gear

Invest in family-friendly travel gear that makes your life easier. Look for compact, easy-to-carry strollers, kid-friendly luggage, slumberpods and inflatable plane cushions. 

Pro Tip: Let older kids carry their own backpacks with a few toys or snacks to help them feel responsible.

8. Break Up the Journey

For long trips, break up the journey with stops or activities to let kids stretch and burn off energy. If you're flying, walk around the airport between flights. On road trips, plan regular stops at playgrounds or rest areas to keep everyone refreshed.

Pro Tip: Use these breaks as mini-adventures, letting kids explore safely and have some fun!

9. Be Ready for the Unexpected

When travelling with kids, it’s essential to be prepared for any surprises. Pack a small, well-stocked first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and children’s pain relief medication. Include extras like motion sickness tablets, a thermometer, and insect bite cream for those unexpected moments.

Pro Tip: Teach your kids basic safety tips, like a family password or a designated meeting spot, and how to approach security personnel for help if they get separated from you.

10. Stay Flexible and Keep Your Sense of Humour

Despite all the planning, things may not always go as expected. Flights get delayed, kids have meltdowns, and sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. The best tip for travelling with kids? Stay flexible and be ready to adapt. Keeping a positive attitude and sense of humour will help everyone stay calm and enjoy the trip.

Pro Tip: Remember, sometimes the best family travel memories come from the unexpected moments!

Travelling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right gear, you can make the journey smoother for everyone. At Travel Universe, we offer a range of family-friendly products designed to make travel easier for parents and more enjoyable for kids. Happy travels!