As a working mum of two energetic kiddos, I totally get how challenging family travel can be. Whether it’s a road trip to the beach or a flight to visit relatives, it can feel like a juggling act! So, I thought I’d share some of my top tips for making family travel a bit smoother and maybe even a little more fun after many painful holiday experiences so that you can avoid them and just have the best time!
- Plan Ahead (But Keep It Flexible!)
I always start planning our trips well in advance. I make a checklist of everything we need from snacks to entertainment. But, let’s be real, with kids, things can change in a heartbeat! So, I keep our plans flexible. If they want to stop for ice cream instead of hitting the next landmark, I say, “Why not?” and try to live more in the moment, making memories rather than getting annoyed that my perfect plan is out of the window. - Pack Smart
I swear by packing cubes! They help keep everyone’s clothes organised, and it saves so much time when we’re trying to find that one specific item that your 4 year old is screaming for. Plus, I always pack a small bag of toys and games for the kids to keep them entertained during travel. Colouring books, travel-sized games, and a tablet loaded with their favorite shows can be lifesavers but I could write an entire post on things to take to entertain kids. - Snacks, Snacks, Snacks!
You can never have enough snacks! I like to bring a variety of healthy snacks and some treats. It keeps the kids happy and prevents the dreaded “I’m hungry!” meltdown. Bonus tip: try to pick snacks that aren’t too messy as there’s nothing worse than being the family who leave a huge mess behind them everywhere. - Create a Travel Routine
Kids thrive on routine, even when we’re on the go! We stick to meal and nap times as closely as possible. It helps everyone stay on a somewhat predictable schedule, and trust me, a well-rested child is a happy child. The same goes for bedtime, as annoying as it might be it’s easier for everyone. - Child GPS Tracker – Safety First!
Now, here’s a biggie that’s made a world of difference for us, a child GPS tracker! With two little ones running around, I can’t help but feel a bit panicked in crowded places. Having a GPS tracker gives me peace of mind. I can easily keep track of where they are where I can’t immediately see them. I know they’re always mostly right in front of me but I can’t help but panic! Just knowing they’re safe makes all the difference! And if anything was to happen, I’d be able to find them straight away. Just be sure to pop it into a pocket they don’t usually go in so it doesn’t get lost. I see lots of people stitch something inside their clothes which is such a good idea! - Capture the Moments
And don’t forget to take lots of photos! These trips create wonderful memories, and I love to look back at the photos with the kids. Sometimes I even let them take pictures of what they find interesting. It’s fun to see the world through their eyes! - Enjoy the Journey
Lastly, remember to enjoy the journey! Travel can be chaotic but it’s also a chance to bond and create lasting memories. Embrace the little moments and even the hiccups along the way.
What are your travel tips? Let’s swap ideas!