Traveling with Kids: How to Make Your Trip Fun and Stress-Free

Traveling with children is an opportunity to experience new places, meet new people, try different foods, and enjoy fun activities together. While it may feel overwhelming at first, you can help your children enjoy the trip as much as possible by following these tips:

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Discuss

Before planning a long trip with your baby, start with interesting places close to where you live. Take short trips to explore your community. Ask your child to help you plan what you need to do to get there. Taking the car, bus, subway, or train is a great way for your child to learn how to use a ticket or pay tolls.

Prepare in advance

Talk to your child about what to expect before the trip. Share pictures, videos, or books about your destination. Simulate different parts of the journey, such as stopping at a rest area, eating at a new restaurant, boarding a plane, or checking into a hotel. If your child is nervous about the unknown, these conversations can build excitement for the adventure ahead and ease anxiety.

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Pack sensory-friendly items

If your child is sensitive to light or sound, pack comfort items. Noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, or a favorite toy can make a big difference in how your child experiences the journey. Have snacks and familiar items on hand to avoid sensory overload. A nightlight or white noise machine can also help your child feel more comfortable in a new place.

Involve your child in the planning process

Let your child help choose activities or destinations that interest them. Whether it's choosing a park to visit or picking out snacks for a trip, involving your child in the planning process gives them a sense of control and anticipation. They'll look forward to activities that they've planned.

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Make travel a habit

Even though you are away from home, try to maintain some of your child's daily routine. Plan activities around your child's usual nap and meal times if possible. If you are traveling to a different time zone, gradually adjust nap and bedtime a few days before your trip. Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy, and keep mealtimes and bedtimes as consistent as possible. Maintaining these routines can also provide comfort and stability.

Take time to rest

Travel can be tiring for everyone, especially children. Plan regular breaks so your child can relax, play, or enjoy some quiet time. Stopping by the park or finding a quiet corner in the airport can help your child recharge and de-stress.

Practice patience and flexibility

Travel can be unpredictable and things don't always go according to plan. It's important to be flexible and patient, both with your child and with whatever happens. If something unexpected happens, such as a delayed flight or a crowded attraction, take a deep breath and adjust. Teaching your child how to handle the unexpected calmly is a valuable lesson in resilience.

Create a collection of travel treasures

Take a tip from Carl and his friends from "Carl the Collector" — create your own collection! Help your child search for small mementos along the way, such as maps, flyers, boarding passes, tickets, or seashells. Use resealable plastic bags to collect these items and relive the memories together after the trip.

By planning ahead, maintaining a routine, and being flexible, travel can be a wonderful experience for your whole family. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, and with the right support, you can create lasting memories along the way.

Micah Soto

Update 20 December 2024