Traveling with Children
As a travel agent I noticed many of my clients stress when it comes to traveling with their children. There are so many questions asked about traveling with children. Where should we go? What should we do? What documents are needed to travel? What budget should I set when traveling with children? What should I take? And, the list goes on. I often travel with my two year old son. Below I have tips for traveling with children that can ease your mind when planning your next family vacation.
1. Parents CALM DOWN\
Moms, you literally carried a baby for 9 whole months, planning a vacation should be a breeze, LOL. We often stress ourselves out trying to plan the perfect vacation for our families. Understand nothing is perfect. I can almost guarantee your kids will be happy to go somewhere other than their home. So MOMS STOP STRESSING, WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS!
2. Set a Budget
Setting a budget is the first step to planning any vacation. This is the step that’s most often skipped. Most people see an advertisement for a destination they like and set their mind on going there. Once the research is done on that particular destination they find it’s not as affordable as they thought. Set your budget before you research.
Budget not only for lodging and transportation, but also for food and activities.
3. Planning is the most important step.
If you are a busy mom and don’t have time to plan a vacation seek a travel agent. Travel agents can plan everything from the beginning to the end of your trip. Don’t want to use a travel agent, it’s okay. Have a family planning session. Below are some tips on how to make a fun family centered planning activity.
Have everyone in your family put a vacation destination they would like to visit in a hat. Then have the youngest child pick one. This way it’s fair. Whatever is picked is where you are going. *Parents set some rules with this. If you can only afford to drive, have your kids pick somewhere within driving distance. Let your kids know this is the budget and we will not go over it. If the child’s pick exceeds the budget you will have to go with another option.
Once a destination is picked, make it a game where each child gets to pick an activity they would like to do within the budget set for the family vacation. Then have your kids do the research for the activity they chose. *Make this a teachable moment. The kids will learn how to plan and budget for what they would like to do. Each child is different and likely has different interests. You might have one child that loves museums and another who loves sports. Cover everyone’s interest.
4. Prepare your documents
When traveling in the country always take a copy of your child’s birth certificate and social security card. Getting ID cards for your children is also a great idea. You never know when you will need these documents.
When traveling outside the S. always take your passport. In case a passport is lost or stolen it is a great idea to make copies of your passport and keep them in your suitcase. You can take your passport copy to the US embassy, if needed.
Have a folder that stores all your travel documents. Yes, this is the age where everything is electronic, I get it, but nothing is more annoying than standing behind the person who is looking through their phone for their travel confirmations.
5. Pack
I always pack my son’s clothes first, this way I will not forget anything. I’ve found if I pack his clothes last I always forget something.
Purchase a travel bag for kids. One that can be carried on your back and has wheels so your children can pull it. This is will make life much easier. You also can get a carry on size bag that you don’t have to check in, and because it’s a carry on you will always have all of the comfort items, snacks, toys, and goodies on hand.
Then pack your clothes last. I use travel bag organizers to keep all my stuff in order. And I put certain things in each pouches. If I do not see a pouch full I know I have missed something.
6. Prepare for road trips or airplane rides
Occupying children while traveling.
On road trips, make sure you have enough food, snacks and drinks to reduce the number of stops. If you have a portable DVD player, bring Download your kid’s favorite TV shows or educational games. Allow your kids to bring one of their favorite toys. If your child has a comfort item (this would be my son’s blanket) make sure you bring it.
For airplanes, pack enough unopened snacks (remember no liquid over 3 oz).
Moms who are breastfeeding freeze you milk. That way TSA does not have to open one of your milk bags to test it. I learned the hard way when I was nursing my son. Make sure you have bottles ready for take-off and landing, or a pacifier. The sucking eases the pressure on a baby’s ears.
Car seat/Stroller bag (Best item to own with kids who require a car seat). Car seats and strollers are typically free to check. In the past we have loaded some of our souvenirs into this bag so we don’t have to stuff our suitcases with all the extra purchases.
7. Check in and get settled
Once you have reached your destination, make sure everything is as it was described. If not contact the front desk or office immediately
If the accommodations are satisfactory, get unpack and make yourself and family familiar with your surroundings (house/ hotel, where are things located in case they’re needed, where are the exits in case of emergency).
Now that you have followed these steps, and you are settled in, ENJOY! Take time to enjoy your family. Unwind and have fun!!
Meals and Miles 
Planning is a must for me! You know I have never traveled with my kids other than a road trip but these tips can be applied for them too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although I do not have children I do have a nephew and these tips are great I never thought about what documents to pack… it feels like a big undertaking to travel with kids but this blog made it seem easier than expected.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing these tips on traveling with children. I want to travel but haven’t because I don’t know how to calm down…. So thank you for making that the number one tip. I also like the suggestion that the child/children’s packing is done first.
LikeLike
It’s okay, calm down gather your inner peace and just do it. First time may seem scary but once you develop your system and routine it will be a breeze.
LikeLike
I plan out our travel for the entire year based on our school calendar. I am in the process of planning our first plane ride ever. It will be a short one because I am terrified of flying but I don’t want to hold my kids or myself back any longer.
LikeLike
Great tips for vets or rookies alike.Kids and travel are great as long as proper planning takes place
LikeLiked by 1 person
Parents should do something just like this for their children as a birthday gift .
LikeLiked by 1 person
We traveled with our friends’ babies before and it wasn’t bad at all. As a former travel consultant, some people find it easier to set a realistic budget after researching.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice. I agree parents need to calm down.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m lucky with my kids:) They want just museums, sea, fishing and wildlife. No matter what i always start to panicking:) On the way to holiday, i just keep thinking if we closed the house, we packed everything? i will read this blog post again before i start to prepare for the next big journey:)
LikeLike
Oh I definitely think the same thoughts. I’m always like did I forget something? Lol
LikeLike
This a great article that I’m sure will help alot of parents. Keep up the good work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some great tips! We travel with our toddler too quite often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My kids have told me that they want to travel more. I’m all for it, now if blogging would give me some discounted trips we could be on our way.
LikeLike
Right! I need the discounted trips as well, lol
LikeLike
These are great tips. Traveling with children can be easy if you properly prepare. We’ve been traveling with our daughter since she was 6 monhts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are some great tips for traveling with children! I’m sure that planning/preparing in advance is so key!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When my son was a baby and I traveled with him preparing my documents in advance saved my life.
LikeLike
Oh yes especially with infants. Making sure the documents are in order is a must.
LikeLike
Thank you for the tips! To be very honest, this is one reason why I don’t plan to get married and have kids soon. I love traveling very much and you really need this much discipline and patience to travel with a child, especially if it’s still young!
LikeLike
Lol, thank you for your honesty. I had the same thoughts for a long time. Then I had my son and I really had to be disciplined because I refuse to give up traveling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I think when the time comes, I’ll find a way too, like you did! After all, though we love traveling, I’m sure we love our children just as much, if not more! ☺️
LikeLike
My daughter will be 9 months when we travel for her first trip. I am terrified. Thank for the tips!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This article would be so helpful for many parents who travel with children. The more apparent can prepare in advance the better the vacation will be
LikeLike
I found some real gems in this article, never taken our child abroad so thanks for sharing these.
LikeLike
You’re welcome
LikeLike
I don’t have children 👶 yet but these tips would certainly come in handy if I did! Many people believe that traveling stops once you have 👶 children. I plan to bring my children along for the ride.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No traveling does not stop when you have kids. Some people feel like their whole lives stopped after kids. You have to be determined to keep traveling. You just have to prepare more with kids that’s all.
LikeLike
Great tips! If I can add one of my own… if you let them have a phone or tablet, many people are not aware that Netflix lets “sync” some shows offline. That means they can watch their favorite shows without having to be online. Make this part of the packing routine and airplane and car rides just got a whole lot easier.
LikeLike
I know traveling with children is a lot sometimes. Keep the occupied and yes pack accordingly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Planning is a must!! And I’m like you, I always pack both of my boys first. I don’t want to forget any of their stuff.
LikeLike
Yes, it really helps to pack your kids first.
LikeLike