Travelling with Kids: 10 Family Travel Tips
Share
Travelling with children can be a rewarding but challenging experience. From keeping them entertained to ensuring they stay safe, comfortable and organised, a little planning goes a long way.
Whether you’re heading out on a short road trip, flying interstate or embarking on an international family adventure, these practical tips for travelling with kids will help make the 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 can help reduce anxiety about the trip.
For younger children, talk them through what will happen at the airport, including checking in, going through security, waiting at the gate and boarding the plane. Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel less overwhelming.
Pro Tip: Pack your bags early and do a final check the night before to avoid last-minute stress. Keep a short list for items you still need to use, such as chargers, medicines and comfort toys.
2. Pack Smart and Light
Less is more when travelling with kids. Stick to the essentials and focus on multi-functional items, such as a backpack that doubles as a nappy bag, or a lightweight travel stroller that is easy to fold and carry.
Pack a change of clothes for each family member in your carry-on, just in case of spills, accidents or checked baggage delays. A spare top for the accompanying adult can also be surprisingly useful.
Pro Tip: Use packing cubes to keep each family member’s clothing organised and easy to find. An empty cube or waterproof bag can then hold wet or dirty clothes.
You may also like: 7-Day Carry-On Packing List
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, road trips or flights.
Before you leave, pre-download movies, shows, audiobooks and kid-friendly apps so they can be used without Wi-Fi. Don’t forget comfortable headphones so children can enjoy their favourite content without disturbing the people around them.
Rotate activities throughout the journey instead of bringing everything out at once. A combination of one familiar toy, one new activity and some pre-downloaded entertainment can go a surprisingly long way.
Pro Tip: Wrap up one or two small new toys or activities as surprises. Unwrapping them during a long wait or restless moment can provide a welcome distraction. Colouring and activity books, reusable sticker books, magnetic travel games and small puzzles are all great options.
4. Snacks, Snacks and More Snacks
Hunger can quickly turn a happy child into a cranky one. Pack a variety of familiar, easy-to-eat snacks such as fruit, crackers and snack bars.
Individually portioned snacks are easier to hand out and help prevent the entire supply disappearing during the first hour. Choose options that are not too messy and do not require refrigeration.
Don’t forget refillable kids’ water bottles to keep everyone hydrated. Bottles may need to be empty when passing through international airport security, but they can usually be refilled after screening.
Pro Tip: Keep snacks, wipes and a sealable rubbish bag together in one easy-to-reach pouch. Save one favourite snack for the final part of the journey or an unexpected delay.
5. Be Prepared for Messes
When travelling with kids, expect the unexpected. Pack a small clean-up kit with wipes, hand sanitiser, tissues, sealable bags and a change of clothes.
Keep these essentials close at hand rather than at the bottom of your carry-on or inside the overhead locker. This will help you deal with spills and messes quickly without unpacking your entire bag.
Pro Tip: Pack a spare shirt for yourself as well as the kids. Spills do not always land on the person holding the snack!
6. Create a Familiar Travel Routine
Kids thrive on routine, so try to keep meals, naps and bedtime reasonably close to their usual schedule where practical. Familiar routines can help reduce meltdowns and make children feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
The ZAZU Rest Nest Privacy Sleep Pod can help create a darker, cosier sleep space when you’re away from home.
For babies and toddlers, the UPPAbaby Remi Portacot in Jake Black provides a portable space for sleep and play. It includes a mesh bassinet, mattress cover and storage bag, making it a practical option for family holidays and overnight stays.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and normal safe sleep guidance when using a travel cot or sleep accessory.
Pro Tip: Bring along familiar pyjamas, a bedtime story or an age-appropriate comfort item. If using new travel sleep equipment, let your child try it at home before the holiday.
Explore more UPPAbaby travel prams, portacots and accessories.
7. Use Child-Friendly Travel Gear
Invest in family-friendly travel gear that solves a genuine problem and makes the journey easier.
Look for compact, easy-to-carry travel strollers, portable travel cots, kid-friendly luggage, luggage with a built-in seat, lightweight kids backpacks and other gear suited to your child’s age.
For babies, the CoziGo Sleep Easy Cover is a lightweight, compact option designed for use with strollers, prams and aircraft bassinets. It helps reduce light and visual distractions at nap time while travelling. Always follow the product instructions, maintain airflow and check with your airline before using it onboard.
The UPPAbaby MINU V3 Travel Pram and Stroller in Jake Black has a quick one-handed fold, built-in carry strap and compact folded design, making it practical for airports, public transport and busy streets.
Always check with your airline before travelling, as stroller cabin and gate-check rules can differ.
For younger travellers, the Trunki Glide Ride-On Luggage features smooth 360-degree front wheels, helping children manoeuvre their luggage more easily through the terminal.
You may also like: Trunki Ride-On Luggage Guide 2026
The Plane Pal Self-Inflating Kids Travel Pillow can help create a more comfortable leg-rest space on airlines that permit it. Airline policies vary considerably:
- Virgin Australia permits certain devices, including Plane Pal, under specific conditions.
- Qantas prohibits inflatable cubes and similar seat-gap devices.
- Jetstar prohibits inflatable cushions placed between a seat and the seat in front.
Always check with the operating airline before packing or purchasing an inflatable plane cushion.
Pro Tip: Let older kids carry their own backpack with a few toys or snacks to help them feel responsible. Keep it light enough that they can comfortably carry it themselves.
8. Break Up the Journey
For long trips, break up the journey with stops or activities that allow kids to stretch and burn off some energy.
If you’re flying, let children move around the airport before boarding or between flights. On road trips, plan regular stops at playgrounds or rest areas to keep everyone refreshed.
During a flight, children should remain seated whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated. A short supervised walk can help break up a long journey when movement is permitted.
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 is essential to be prepared for surprises. Pack a small, well-stocked first aid kit with essentials such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes and any children’s medication you might need.
Depending on your destination, you might also include a thermometer, suitable motion sickness medication and the Bite Away Two Insect Bite Healer.
Ask a pharmacist or doctor which pain relief or motion sickness products are suitable for your child’s age, weight and health. Keep essential medication in your carry-on and, when travelling internationally, leave it in its original labelled packaging.
Don’t forget sunscreen, especially as it can be expensive in some countries. It is also worth packing a good kids’ water bottle and children’s sun hat to keep little travellers hydrated and protected while you’re out exploring.
Pro Tip: Teach your kids basic safety tips, such as a family password or designated meeting spot, and how to approach security personnel for help if they become separated from you. Younger children can also carry a card with your mobile number inside a pocket or bag.
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.
Try not to fill every hour of your holiday. Allowing extra time between activities gives children a chance to rest and makes unexpected changes easier to manage.
Pro Tip: Remember, sometimes the best family travel memories come from the unexpected moments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling with Kids
What should I pack in a child’s carry-on bag?
Pack a change of clothes, wipes, essential medication, familiar snacks, a refillable kids’ drink bottle, entertainment and an age-appropriate comfort item. Keep the most important items together and within easy reach.
What is the best travel gear for families?
Useful family travel gear can include a compact travel stroller, travel cot or portacot, nappy bag or diaper bag, packing cubes, kids’ luggage, backpacks and refillable water bottles.
The best gear depends on your child’s age and the type of trip.
Can the UPPAbaby MINU V3 go in the aircraft cabin?
The UPPAbaby MINU V3 has a compact folded design, but cabin acceptance depends on the airline, aircraft and available overhead storage. Always confirm your operating airline’s current policy before travelling.
Are inflatable plane cushions allowed?
Airline policies vary. Some airlines permit particular devices such as Plane Pal under set conditions, while others prohibit inflatable cushions that fill the space between seats. Check with your operating airline before travelling.
How can I keep children entertained while travelling?
Pack a combination of familiar toys, one or two new activities and pre-downloaded entertainment. Bring activities out one at a time rather than giving children everything at the beginning of the journey.
Travelling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation, realistic expectations and the right gear, you can make the journey smoother for everyone.
Explore our complete Travelling With Kids collection, including kids’ luggage, travel prams and strollers, portacots, backpacks, nappy bags and practical family travel essentials.
Happy travels from Travel Universe, The Travel Goods Destination.
Orders containing multiple parcels can become separated during transit and therefore arrive on different days.