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We love to travel, and we do often. We have not stopped traveling simply because we have kids. While we of course take special care to accommodate our kids when traveling, we also believe that traveling with them has allowed them to gain better perspectives and more experiences even at their young ages.
Spring Break is fast approaching, and travel can be a tough time for all involved. Trying to get everything done, shopping, and packing- it’s easy to become overwhelmed. While many of us travel with small kids at some point this season, there are some ideas I’d like to share with you.
Plan ahead. Try to plan as much as you can- but be prepared to be flexible and make changes along the way.
Attempt to arrive ahead of schedule- this way, if things go amiss, you will have some “wiggle room”.
Bring laundry detergent, stain stick (for those “fun” accidents), and a laundry bag. If you are gone more then a few days, chances are good you will need them.
Take lots of photos- there is no such thing as too many. You won’t think it is enough later.
Make a packing list before you pack, this way you won’t forget things. Update it while you pack with things you decide to add. Then, check it before going home to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.
Take messy things like toothpaste, shampoo, sunblock and place them in ziplock baggies. If you are planning on going to a water park, beach, or lake- bring a ziplock bag for your cell phone or wallet as well, to keep them dry.
Does anyone in your travel party take any medication? Check to make sure you have enough for the whole trip. If you don’t- give the pharmacy at least 3 days to fill your script. If you need to, you can call your insurance to get a “vacation override”.
Are you a “Road Warrior”? Get your car checked before your trip- if your car can’t get there, neither can you!
Never forget your car snacks and your sippy cups/juice boxes. Hungry, cranky kids? No thanks. Once you arrive, eat like a local- find out what the local cuisine is, or what they are famous for. Don’t look to the front desk for tips, they want to to make tourists happy. You want to find the good, local food that the locals love.
Remember that while kids don’t have to hold you back, you need to keep their ages in mind. Don’t put your 6 year old on a zipline, or try to get your 4 year old to take a 5 mile hike. No one will be happy at the end of those days. You have your whole life for adventure- keep your children’s ages in mind while planning, and make sure you can all enjoy the planned activities.
I pack everything in ziploc bags. Easier to pack a suitcase that way. Clean clothes sty in the bags and dirty ones go in the suitcase when you are done. When you get home you just empty the suitcase into the wash.
Those are some great tips, especially the stain stick!
Great tips and reminders!
These are great tips. We always plan the trips around the kiddos…always makes sense and it’s better having happy campers along for the ride, even if you reach the final destination a little later than expected 😉
Agree so much with finding out where the locals eat! I’ve found some great restaurants by asking random people where they eat!
Great tips. It is so important that the kids are happy because it can set the mood for everything.
Love reading new kiddie travel tips. I posted about infant travel tips a few months ago after my family travelled to Italy for a couple of months with my 5 month-old. We’re soon to fly home (Costa Rica) from visiting my folks in the midwest, so I have ample opportunity to try out your new ideas. One more tip I’d add is to place a scented dryer sheet in the mesh zipper section of your suitcase to keep clothes smelling fresh.