Have you heard the saying going on vacation with kids isn’t really a vacation but the same
chaos in a different location? I love traveling with my kids, but man I feel that comment. I think
bringing them along on the adventures helps many things. It teaches them about different
cultures, different ways of life, promotes family bonding and togetherness, teaches them life
skills, and stirs up a sense of adventure and creativity. However, if you’ve done it a time or two,
you know it’s no easy feat. The endless “are we there yet” questions, getting thrown off sleep
schedules and daily routines, the extra bags to keep up with and carry, and the constant stress
of hoping you can get through one meal with a complete melt down due to late hours and a lot
of waiting can have you hanging up the idea of any type of travel until they are in their teenage
years (maybe).
I refuse to zip up my suitcases for any long period of time, so I have found many helpful hacks
to make the trip easier for you and them… and let’s be real, anyone traveling with you,
especially if they do not have kids in tow.
A few things to have handy
A Go Bag for Car Rides:
In my go bag, we have a variety of activities to keep the kids occupied. I try to
think of things that would be easy for them to keep in the car, so things coloring
books (the magic markers on those little sets at Walmart are genius), handheld
games, flash cards (this is great to encourage big brother/sister to help play with
little, or for mom and dad to join in if your kiddos are close in age like mine), of
course the ipad for some tv time, and little toys that they can use in their seats to
entertain themselves. My boys are big on the little toy cars and they love the little
play tubes from amazon. They promise at least 30-45 minutes of entertainment.
A great go bag for easy travel packing
The little play tubes from Amazon
My top recommendation for an iPad holder in the car
the arm extends for all seats to view comfortably
Snacks!!
The key to a kiddo’s heart in the car, at least mine, are plenty of snacks and
drinks. We always pack a cooler that is specifically for the road. Most of the time I try to
keep the kids eating “better for you snacks” and we aim for everything to be dye free
(because behavior) but I also mix a little exciting treat in the snack travel bag. It is
exciting for them, usually works to encourage good behavior, and we all like a little treat
sometimes!
Buc-ees has a great snack tray in store that makes lap eating super easy! S nacks and to go meals are a perfect fit. It is under $10. I recommend it for older kiddos but it works with my two now. Be sure to look for it in store!!
This car seat tray is genius!! Clips right into the cup holder on the car seat for less mess
Comfy seats
To encourage nap times and rest in the car, we always allow the kiddos to bring a
small road blanket, a pillow rest, and a stuffy or two. They get super cozy after
some brain activity and a little tv time and it’s off to count sheep.
Car seat pillow to prevent that little head from haning over
Portable Potty
This little potty is a great idea to take along for your road trips. It never fails that my
oldest needs to use the potty when we are stuck in traffic or on a stretch of road
with no potty stops. These are easy, fairly clean to use (at least as clean as you
can be), and save stress for you and your little. It folds up and fits into a bag for easy travel
Flying on a plane?
I still recommend the go bag, just condense it a little so it can be used as your carry on. If you have a little old enough to carry their own bag, you can use their bag, but if not- you will want to make sure you can fit your stuff and theirs into one bag. You are allowed two carry ons, but one has to fit under the seat. The airlines have been cracking down on this lately. I have seen people have to check bags unwillingly and throw things away, so be sure you can fit it all in two per person. The kiddo has to be old enough to carry and move their own or it’s counted as yours. Keke Go Bag is great!
Snacks
Buy your snacks after security to make the security clearance so much easier.
Bring empty cups!
You can bring milk and formula for babies. They just require an extra check. You
can also bring baby food. Breast milk is allowed to travel as well so don’t be
chunking that milk!
Getting around the airport
The easiest way to get the kiddos through the airport, especially with layovers and plane
trains, is to push or pull them. It’s great if they can roll their own bag. I encourage that
to some degree, but for the little ones or to reduce stress, attached a roller board to your
luggage (or theirs) and pull them along for the ride
Ride on suitcase for easy pulling/pushing
Another ride on suitcase option that's great for the bigger kiddos
if you need to attach any car seats- simply hook them to your suitcase
Tips on the Lo: Sit your kiddo in the carseat and pull them
Be sure to take headphones, as you will not be able to play the tablets or phones out loud
I also recommend taking your stroller. If you have smaller kids, you can load them and
all your carry on bags in your stroller. Easily push them through the airport and then
gate check your stroller before you board! It will be right there waiting for you when you
land.
Tips on the Lo: Leave the car seat at home if you do not have a car or are renting a car.
You can rent Ubers that have car seats in them, especially in the major cities. You can also rent
the car seats with the rental car companies as well. This will be a major stress reducer.
When to fly
Fly during nap time or bedtime for the little ones, but fly before or after for your bigger kiddos. If
your baby is a lap baby, give it a bottle at take off and then rock them to sleep. The bigger kids are harder to get to sleep, especially in the seats as they don’t fit well into them. They will also be distracted and it can be noisy-to avoid over tiredness and meltdowns, I always suggest going before or after for the bigger kiddos if you can! Give them a snack at take off too! If you can't, just mentally prepare for the day and that has helped
me handle the craziness a bit better.
Headed to the Beach?
Beach travel can be simpler than most think. I think a lot of times we overdo it and cause a lot of stress on ourselves just to find out we don’t use that entire kitchen sink we brought. The beach is a place to rest and a place to let the kiddos run free. You definitely need snacks and a cooler of some sort. They need some beach toys and a chair, but that’s about it. If they like the sand and water, they are going to be entertained endlessly with
just a few sand or water toys. If they don’t, you will be at the pool anyway. For little babies, there
are a few things that might make it easier to be on the beach so you don’t have to leave during
nap time.
Or use a little tent that holds water for those that can sit up
This will keep them cool. We used it in lieu of a blow up pool. We brought a pool once, but it ended up being a hassle. By the time you blew it up and filled it with water, you wasted almost an hour.
Tips on the Lo: Put baby powder around the legs in their diaper to prevent sand from sticking
Always bring an umbrella or some sort of tent to keep shade as much as possible
Clip on fan for baby/kiddos for when they are hot or napping
Bring a wagon - it makes transport so much easier
But if there are a lot of stairs, make sure you have someone who can help you get it down or get one with wheels that will roll down the stairs
A tackle box can double as a great snack organizer
If you have a Bogg Bag there are several accessories to make your travel more organized and hands free
Dividers to help organize but can also double as a tray to eat
Clips for keys, room keys, or bands to show occupancy
A wet bag to sack up wet clothes
Just be sure to take it out to dry within a day or so or it will mold
Other helpful tips
I always take 2 cups, one for milk, one for juice or water. Usually the back packs, diaper
bags, or other travel bags you take have a spot for two cups. I wash them after use and
just reuse for the length of the trip.
Be sure to grab a travel bottle of dish soap! You can use the hotel rag, but you
know I won’t do that so I bring my own!
One bag for snacks that is easily accessible and can be passed from kiddo to kiddo
without much mess
Also you can’t miss the little snack spinners
Take restaurant entertainment. This can be an iPad (no judgement you gotta do what you
gotta do to enjoy vacation), crayons and coloring books, or table toys
We live by this drawing tablet. Easy for car rides and meal times.
Traveling is a great way to experience unique things with your family. It can be highly
educational and encourages you to spend quality time, completely focused on them. It’s a great
excuse to have some learning opportunities while on the go and teaches them to be flexible in
their life. Schedules and routines are important, but you have to know how to flex too. Don’t be
afraid to go with the kiddos. Just be sure to find all the ways you can to reduce as much stress
as possible. Remember to give them and yourself some grace. It’s a handful, but it’s worth it.
You only have 18 summers!
My favorite trick is to build the trip up beforehand. Get them excited about the travel. Explain
things they will see. Explain how the travel day will be and let them know what to expect. It
helps if they are familiar with or have some sort of understanding before going. I have found that
this helps with the transition. Encourage them to be on their best behavior because fun treats
are involved. Talk with them before you leave and let them know it can be a little stressful but if
you all work together, it will be so much fun! I have found explanation into an ask is better
received than just demanding it—and that works even outside of travel.
Stay connected
Be sure to follow Hey Lo, Let’s Go on Instagram at @heyloletsgo and TikTok at @heyloletsgolauren.
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