15: Travel with Kids

In this episode, we’re talking about traveling with kids. We figure this is the perfect time to talk about this since it is summertime! We’re going to break down the different kinds of travel like road trips, air travel, and sight-seeing / amusement parks.

One question I see asked all the time in my mom groups is: I’m traveling with my kids, what are all your tips and tricks?! I love that we are doing this episode! I have asked a couple of friends who I know travel with kids regularly for some tips so we will share those too!

Air Travel

Here are some of the most recommended tips:

• Allow some screen time before lights out on the plane. Then shut everything down and act like bedtime. 

• This is where screentime can be your friend. (We don’t allow much screentime at home but always allow it on planes. Just remember to be respectful and always use headphones!) 

• It is important for parents to remain calm. 

• Snacks are key. (Our whole bag is basically snacks these days) - pack things that may take a long time to eat or assemble! Like crackers, cheese, and salami.

• Bring things to do for yourself and for them that don't involve your phone. (You’re going to want to save your battery for when you land). Some ideas (these are affiliate links, we may receive a commission at no cost to you!)

• Blue tape

• Reusable Sticker books

• Invisible Ink books 

• Activity Books:

  • For kids ages 3-5

  • For kids ages 6-8

  • For kids ages 9-13

• Travel Games:

  • Travel Magnatiles / Crayola Version

  • Board Games

  • Fashion Plates / Fashion Magnets / Fashion Design Books

  • Memory Match Game

  • Travel Organizer Case

Things that offer a variety of options without having to bring lots of things with you.

Pro tip: ice is a solid and can be taken through TSA. Fill your water bottle with ice and take it through security; that way, at least the tap water will be cold!

Road Trips

TIPS: 

• Plan with flexibility in mind. Build in extra time for traffic, stops, meltdowns, and car sickness. 

• Pack strategically. Make sure there are things within arm’s reach that you could need. Napkins, wipes, snacks, toys, chargers, etc. You probably want a small bag on top with 1 extra outfit for everyone, just in case.

• Involve the kids in the plan. Like anyone, kids want to feel like they are part of something, and will be more excited if they are included in the planning. Empowered moms, empower kids. 

• Pack: snacks, entertainment, comfort items like blankets and stuffies, and a first aid kit. 

• Play games: (cow/white horse/graveyard/church game). Could be road trip bingo, license plate state game, would you rather, etc.

• Make sure tablets are pre-loaded with movies so you don’t have to depend on data/wifi. You can download shows and movies from Disney+ and Netflix.

• Manage expectations! Not everything is going to go perfectly smoothly. And that’s OK! Reward behavior and stay calm.

All rules go out the window in a long-haul trip!

Day Trips & Sightseeing

TIPS:

• Plan your days (and meals) and map it out in advance. 

• Not everything you do has to be for the kids. Do things you love to do too! 

• It’s important for kids to know how to act and react when doing something that isn’t for them. 

• It broadens their horizons. They may find they actually like to do those things like go for a hike or go to a museum. 

• Date nights or babysitters while traveling. 

• Pack strategically. Backpacks are usually a good idea and make sure you have the essentials: spare clothes (always an extra shirt for mom!), wipes, SNACKS, and a first aid kit. I used to bring water bottles but they get heavy and I’ve found that grabbing water while out is better for us. 

• Make the day fun. 

• Maybe bring a disposable camera or if your kid has a camera bring that and let them take pictures! 

• Teach them about things you might see while out and then try to find those things. 

• Some cities have really unique things about them like painted cows or carousels around the town and trying to find those are fun too!

Amusement Parks

TIPS:

• Establish a “Home Base” or a rule if someone gets lost. 

• Carly tells the Disneyland story of the lost little girl. 

• Also, Carly got lost ALL THE TIME as a child. 

• We bought a “leash” for a trip once, but Carly’s son learned how to take it off right away and passed his end back to her with a “that was fun!” and a little smirk. 

• Similar to the home base rule, one rule could be: just sit down and stay where you are - I will find you! If both parties are walking around looking, they could miss each other. If the kid realizes they are lost, just stay there. The parent will go back the way they came and find them. 

• Measure heights before going to the park, so you know right away if the kids can ride the ride. If they can’t, you don’t want to waste your time in line. 

• Souvenirs: Establish the rules early to avoid meltdowns. (You get 1 thing or whatever it is)

• We used to wait til the end of the day cause I didn’t want to carry them but we have found it is better to grab it at the beginning of the day so the kids can enjoy them all day and the conversation ends. They don’t have to wonder when or if we are going to get something. And they typically don’t ask for anything else. When we waited, they were asking for things all day.

Train / Boats / Cruises

TIPS:

• On train trips, spend as much time in the dining car with as you can. The views are usually better, and you’ll likely meet some very interesting people. 

• On a long haul, try to get a roomette if you can afford it. It’s worth it.

• Choose a cruise with kid-friendly activities. And then plan a loose schedule for each day. 

• Plan for motion sickness with Dramamine or those pressure point bracelets. 

• Think about their safety: Review ship safety rules with kids, bring a waterproof name tag or bracelet with your cabin number, and always keep an eye on railings or pools. For younger kids, a small GPS tracker or walkie-talkie can offer peace of mind.

• As always, think about the food situation. Are there 24-hour dining options? What are the snack options? Etc.

Perfectly Good Advice

This episode’s Perfectly Good Advice comes from Priti, an avid traveler with two kids, 7 & under.

1. Kids sense your anxiety, especially when traveling, so set expectations low and try to go with the flow.

2. Anything that happens between you and your partner in the airport and airplane, no, it didn’t. 

3. All rules go out the window on a long-haul trip. iPad all day, snacks all day, whatever it takes to keep everyone calm and happy.

4. The amazing moments by far outweigh the hard ones.

5. Don’t overplan and overdo your days while traveling. Take a day break in the middle of your trip to just hang out and reset. You’ll never regret it. 

6. Leaning into jet lag is a lot easier than trying to battle it. 

7. Painter’s tape might just be your best friend and best entertainment 

8. The Crayola Create and Play app is one of the best apps you’ll download. It works offline and has a ton of different activities for a wide range of ages. 

9. Pack light and try to do laundry somewhere. Lugging around a bunch of stuff and kids is too hard. 

10. Find activities on the plane that your kid will do for a long time. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a backpack full of things they only play with for five minutes each. 

11.  They make travel-size Magnatiles! So amazing!

12. Don’t forget an extra pair of clothes for yourself. You’ll likely have an extra pair for the kids, but don’t forget about yourself! 

13. TAKE THE TRIP. Even if you’re worried it’s going to be hard, more than likely you’re going to regret not going. Everything will become easier the more you travel.

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