Okay so family travel tips—yeah I’m just gonna dive in because if I wait to make this perfect I’ll never post it lol. I’m typing this from my couch in the suburbs somewhere in the Midwest, kids are finally asleep upstairs after fighting over who gets the last blue marker, and I’m surrounded by half-unpacked bags from our last trip. Seriously, traveling with kids is like 60% magic and 40% “why did we think this was a good idea again?”
Here’s my messy list of family travel tips that I’ve actually used (and sometimes ignored, oops).
Packing for Family Trips – Where I Always Mess Up First
I swear I start with good intentions every time. Like “this trip I’ll pack light and smart.” Then 2 hours later the suitcase looks like a explosion at Target.
- Do the per-day outfits in ziplock bags thing – it actually saves my sanity when we’re rushing out the hotel door.
- But also pack way more underwear than you think you need. Kids have accidents, I have spills, it happens.
- Snacks. Like stupid amounts. I once ran out of Goldfish on a 4-hour drive and the whining… never again.
- One backpack just for “emergencies” – bandaids, tylenol, extra socks, wet wipes, charger cords. I call it my “oh crap” bag and it’s saved us more than once.
Mom Abroad – How to Pack Like a Pro for Your Family Vacation —
Last summer we drove to see family in Ohio and I forgot the kids’ water bottles. Had to buy overpriced ones at a gas station. Rookie move.
That’s basically what my packing looks like every single time—total disaster zone but somehow it all fits.
Flying with Kids – My Survival Family Travel Tips (Barely)
Airports are the worst sometimes. TSA line with a toddler who suddenly decides he hates shoes? Brutal.
What’s worked for me (mostly):
- Get to the airport stupid early. Like embarrassingly early. Gives time for bathroom breaks, snacks, meltdowns.
- Download shows/movies on the iPad BEFORE you leave home. Airplane wifi is a joke half the time.
- Bring empty water bottles through security then fill them up. Saves like $10 per kid.
- Pack extra plastic bags for dirty clothes or surprise puke situations (yes it’s happened to us mid-flight).
We flew to see my in-laws in Florida last year and my 3-year-old spilled an entire apple juice on me right after takeoff. I smelled like fruit for the next 3 days. Glamorous.
Flying With Kids: Tips for Traveling With Babies and Toddlers
Airport life with little ones—strollers, backpacks, tired parents, chaos everywhere.
Road Trip Family Travel Tips (Because Driving Is Our Default)
We do a ton of driving because flying with car seats is a pain and gas is cheaper than 4 tickets sometimes.
- Stop every 2 hours minimum. Find a playground or just a big parking lot to run around.
- Car bingo or “spot the color” games – keeps them from asking “are we there yet” every 5 minutes.
- Cooler with real food. Sandwiches, yogurt tubes, cut-up fruit. Way better than stopping at every McDonald’s.
- Rotate who sits where so nobody gets stuck in the middle seat for 8 hours.
Our last big drive to a lake up north – kids fought over the tablet charger the whole way until we pulled over for slushies. Instant peace. For like 20 minutes.
Road Trip-Keeping the Kids Happy – Postcards & Passports
Classic backseat scene—snacks, toys, sibling negotiations in progress.
The Stuff Nobody Tells You About Family Travel
- Kids will lose things. Accept it. We’ve left stuffed animals, jackets, one shoe (yes one) at hotels.
- You will forget something important. Just roll with it.
- Take photos of the chaos too – the meltdowns make the good moments funnier later.
- And always check the car seat installation twice. I once drove 2 hours with it loose because I was in a hurry. Never again.
For more official stuff I actually trust, check the TSA family travel tips page or this AAA road trip checklist. They’re way more organized than me.
Final Thoughts (If You Can Call This Organized)
Look, these family travel tips aren’t rocket science and half the time I still forget them. Traveling with kids is messy, expensive, exhausting… and also kinda the best thing ever when they see something new and their eyes light up. Like when my oldest saw Lake Michigan for the first time and just stood there staring. Worth every fight in the car.
