When you're looking to travel with young kids, it can be overwhelming to think about keeping them occupied on a flight (or two!) during a long day of travel.
Here are a few travel tips and tricks from me (a mom of 3 -- with a 2, 4, and 6-year old!)
1. Make a list: When planning for a trip, make a list of the items you need to bring so that nothing gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of packing. It's easy to think you'll "remember in the morning," but those last-minute items can get lost in the hustle of getting out the door! Include any special items on the list like a special lovey/toy, medications, and a change of clothing for accidents or spills.
2. Plan ahead: Make sure you plan your itinerary and have a rough idea of what you'll be doing each day. Traveling with kids always works better when you at least have a rough outline of a plan, then you can be flexible with your options depending on how the kids are doing!
3. Pack smart: Bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and activities to keep your kids occupied during the trip. Dollar Tree has a great supply of felt and travel games that are perfect for airplanes! Along with games, bring a coloring book with crayons, or other favorite games. For young kids, a roll of painters tape is great for a fun activity making designs on the tray table!
4. Be flexible: Traveling with young kids means being flexible with your plans. Kids may need to take breaks or a nap, so be prepared to adjust your schedule accordingly.
5. Choose kid-friendly accommodations: Look for accommodations that are kid-friendly, such as hotels with kid's clubs, pools, or playgrounds. This will give your kids a chance to burn off some energy and have some fun!
6. Keep safety in mind: When traveling with young kids, safety is a top priority. Make sure your kids always have an adult with them, and keep a close eye on them in crowded areas. Another great thing to have for crowded areas are temporary tattoos you can place on a young child's arm with your phone number. You can order a pack of these on Etsy for around $5!
7. Give yourself plenty of time. Traveling with young kids can take longer than traveling alone, so give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and plan for extra time for unexpected delays. Remember that the journey is the adventure, so don't stress if you don't end up at your exact destination. Enjoy the quality time together with your kids and soak up every minute while traveling!
8. When all else fails...pack a tablet to do some entertaining and give yourself a break! Make sure to pre-download movies or games so that they work in airplane mode while on the plane! Enjoy a few minutes of quiet!
Here is another great website with some games that I've always found most helpful! Best of luck on your next adventure with your kids! https://fullsuitcase.com/kids-pack-plane/
My name is Meredith Strack -- Adventure and Family Travel Advisor Meredith loves the excitement of planning travel adventures! She is married and has three young children, ages 2, 4, and 6. She has traveled coast to coast through the United States, and has slept in 47 different states. She has visited 26 countries on 6 different continents, and can't wait to add more to her list each year. Her bucket list includes seeing each of the 7 New World Wonders, and she is so close to completing the challenge! Meredith specializes in Caribbean/Mexico, European, and Alaskan/Hawaiian experiences.