The Best Tips for Stress-Free Travel with Kids

by Holly Johnson
Last updated:: 8:00 AM ET, Tue May 8, 2018

Fresh sliced bananas. (photo via YelenaYemchuk / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Child wearing blue sweater eating food during flight. (photo via yaoinlove / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Airplane seating. (photo via RXrenesis8 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Boy using digital tablet. (photo via vitapix / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Kid with suitcase on international airport. (photo via Sinenkiy / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

In flight entertainment. (photo via BrianAJackson / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

PHOTO: Happy family with kids at airport. (photo via FamVeid / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Watching TV together. (photo via bernardbodo / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Girl having breakfast at restaurant. (photo via travnikovstudio / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Travel planning concept on map. (photo via seb_ra / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Woman slapping hand on head. (photo via Slphotography / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Stack of traveling luggage. (photo via suriya silsaksom / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Young woman traveling with her little child. (photo via SbytovaMN / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Drawing at a kids table. (photo via shalamov / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Using laptop computer by girl sleeping. (photo via David De Lossy / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Passenger Passing Through Security Check At Airport. (photo via monkeybusinessimages / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Passport with world map. (photo via Diy13 / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Happy father and daughter exploring art. (photo via JackF / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Young girl with parents hailing taxi. (photo via michaeljung / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Family on beach. (photo via LightFieldStudios / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Showing photo album. (photo via KatarzynaBialasiewicz / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Airplane and calculator. (photo via Bet_Noire / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Aerial top view of family in swimming pool. (photo via JaySi / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

(photo via ILIA KALINKIN / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Happy family with children. (photo via Ridofranz / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

It's All About the Snacks

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Kids can get grumpy when they are traveling and forced to eat cuisine that's different from what they get at home. But, crabby kids cheer up quickly when you hand them a bag of their favorite healthy munchies or travel snacks, so bring them along.

Skip the Sugar

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While snacks are important, leave the sugary stuff at home-particularly when you're flying. The last thing you need is an antsy child bouncing off the walls while you're stuck in the confines of an airplane. Bring healthy, filling snacks and your kids won't get the jitters.

When Flying, Pick a Seat Near the Bathroom

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Families with kids tend to gather near the back of any airplane. This is partially to isolate themselves in case of unexpected noises, but it doesn't hurt to be near the bathroom, either. Consider sitting in the back if your kid is a frequent restroom user or if you want some peace and quiet.

Pack Tablets or Games

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Tablets or handheld games are ideal for people traveling with kids. Whether you're on an airplane, riding a train, or just taking a break, a screen can help your kid relax. Even if you have a no-screen policy at home, having some electronics while you travel is always a good idea.

Fly Early in the Morning

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Flying early in the morning is a great way to skip the biggest crowds at the airport and potentially save money. You may also find the flights are less full, and that your kids are more eager to take a nap when they had to get to the airport so early.

Bring Headphones

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Noise cancelling headphones are a good idea for anyone who travels, but they are especially useful if you have kids. If you buy the type that go over the ears, they may help your little one sleep while you fly. You should also bring headphones so kids can listen to their movies or shows.

Board Early

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Boarding the plane early is a good idea if you don't have assigned seats and want to ensure you have a spot next to your little ones. Even if you have assigned seats, boarding early with kids can give you more time to settle in and get comfortable before you take off.

Book a Condo Instead of a Hotel

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If you want a stress-free trip, everyone needs plenty of rest. One of the best ways to do this with kids is by booking a condo or suite instead of a traditional hotel room. When everyone has their own space to sleep, any trip goes a lot smoother.

Score Free Breakfast

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Hauling the kids out to eat for every meal is a lot of work, which is why free breakfast at your hotel is such a big deal. Obviously, scoring free breakfast can also save you money, and those savings can translate into less stress for you over all.

Pre-Plan Your Itinerary

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While a lot of people love to "wing it" when they plan a big trip, this isn't usually the best idea when you have kids. Pre-planning your itinerary around nap times, meal times, and sleep schedules can make travel with kids a lot easier to manage.

Don't Overbook

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While pre-planning is a good idea, make sure you don't overbook or try to cram too many activities into your trip! Plan an itinerary that respects your children's normal schedules and rhythms throughout the day, and you are more likely to avoid a meltdown.

Don't Overpack

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While you'll want to bring enough clothes for everyone for your trip, try not to overpack when you have kids. Remember that you may wind up carrying your luggage and theirs at some point in your trip, and pack accordingly. To cut down on excess luggage, you can also book a condo with a washer and/or dryer.

Plan Flights Around Your Baby’s Naps

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Flying when the baby sleeps is often a smart move when you're traveling with an infant, but it can help with older kids who nap catch some shut-eye, too. By booking airfare that falls when your kids normally nap, you can stick to your regular routine and (hopefully) avoid a major meltdown.

Bring Help

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If the budget affords and you're not visiting a resort with a kid's club, consider bringing a family member or nanny on your trip. They can help with the kids and even babysit while you take part in activities that aren't kid-friendly or go out for a night on the town.

Consider Overnight Flights

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Flying overseas? Consider booking a red-eye that gets you to your destination first thing in the morning. This strategy could help your kids stay on their normal routine or at least set them up to be awake during the day once you get there. Of course, this works best if you know your kids can sleep on planes.

Sign Up for TSA Precheck

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TSA Precheck lets you skip the longest lines and go through airport security without taking off your shoes or taking out your laptop. For this reason, it can be a lifesaver when you have kids along and don't want to spend more time in security than you have to.

Get Global Entry

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If you travel internationally with kids very often, Global Entry can also be worth it. This service, which costs $100, lets you skip the regular customs and immigration lines in certain domestic airports when you arrive from outside the U.S.. Upon arrival, you'll be expedited through the much shorter Global Entry lines instead.

Skip Lengthy Guided Tours

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A tour of the Vatican Museums sounds like such a good idea, but tours that last several hours can be a nightmare if you have kids along. When it comes to museums and historical sites, it's best to figure out what you want to see and map out your own tour.

Splurge for Convenience

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Planning your best trip ever on a budget is possible when you're a parent, but you shouldn't try to save money at the expense of your sanity. As an example, splurging for a quick and convenient taxi from the airport instead of taking public transportation can save you time and headache - even if it costs more.

Plan a Free Day

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While you'll want to plan out a realistic itinerary for your trip, don't discount the value of a "free day." This is especially important when you travel with kids because you might find something unusual and fun to do. You may also decide everyone just needs a day off to do nothing, and that's perfectly okay.

Visit Family or Friends

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Planning your travels around visits to family and friends comes with the advantage of having help when you arrive, but it could also save you money if you can stay for free. Obviously, this works best if you have people to visit in interesting destinations.

Set a Spending Budget Ahead of Time

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Traveling with kids often means saying "no" all day long, which is why you should give each kid their own travel budget before you leave. With their own "fun money," they can shop for what they want instead of asking you for something every five minutes.

Book a Hotel with a Pool

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You can never go wrong when you book a property that has an on-site pool. If your kids aren't feeling the activities you've planned or you need some time where you can sit and read, having a hotel pool can be a lifesaver.

Get Organized Before You Go

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Traveling with kids can make you want to pull your hair out, but it will be a less stressful experience if you get your ducks in a row before you depart. Create a folder with your hotel reservations, travel documents, itinerary, and other important information and bring it with you.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

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Finally, don't let the little things bug you since there will likely be many. Travel with kids is a lot of work, but you'll have more fun if you approach every obstacle or travel-related annoyance with a light-hearted attitude. You can't control every aspect of your trip, but you can control your attitude and temperament.

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