Family Travel Tips: How to Travel Well with Kids of Any Age
Traveling with family in tow—like so many things with kids—is different. There’s extra gear, a slower pace, another person’s interests and needs…
Traveling with family in tow—like so many things with kids—is different. There’s extra gear, a slower pace, another person’s interests and needs to consider. But it also means experiencing the world with and appreciating your family in a new way. (And remember, today’s heel-dragger is tomorrow’s route-planner.)
We asked the Going Travel Community on Facebook for ideas on how new (and not-so-new) parents can add more travel into their family’s lives. Take heart from parents who’ve flown those long-haul flights before you. Their experiences—and savvy advice—could make all the difference on your next trip. Here are their tips for smooth family travel, whether you have a baby, young child, or teen.
Tips for traveling with babies and toddlers
1. Make use of every inch of space
If you have to lug a big car seat along, put it in a travel bag and take advantage of the extra room it creates for stuffing things like extra diapers and blankets inside.
“The last domestic trip I did with my daughter, I put her car seat in a bag and gate-checked it; it was awesome to shove extra stuff in it, like our winter coats.” – Crystal R.
“We just traveled with an infant (2 months) for the first time. The stroller and car seat travel bags were awesome. They were large enough to even throw in an extra blanket and clothes, and strollers and car seats are generally not charged baggage fees.” – Jose A.
2. Rethink your accommodations
If staying in a hotel isn’t giving you the space your teen needs, consider Airbnb or VRBO. More rooms and a kitchen come in handy after a jam-packed day of exploring.
“It is more relaxing to rent a house than to stay in a hotel, because everyone can spread out and do their own thing.” – Mindy G.
“Having Airbnbs were perfect for family living. Then could have a place to relax and we could all stay together.” – Melissa A.
3. Plan on some time apart
You’re on vacation as a family for a reason, but there’ll likely be a point when you want to do your own thing. That’s okay. Separating for a bit—whether minutes or hours—can give everyone the breather they need to keep traveling on.
“Keeping them separated at some point is also essential! They can easily get on each other’s nerves. So In places where there’s self guided tours…. they can split. Sometimes it’s just for the walk back to the hotel … one group goes one way and the other goes another.” – Jill Z.
“It’s important to let them know they don’t have to stick with us the whole time…they need a bit of time to explore on their own.” – Ailsa T.
No matter what their ages, remember why you’re doing it
“They say your kids won’t remember anything, but even if they don’t remember the specifics of what they did, they’re being raised with a global mindset and an awareness that there’s a whole world of people of different shapes, sizes, colors, cultures, incomes, and living styles. And even if they don’t remember it, the parents do. You’re forming memories with your family that you’ll talk about for years.” – Keren R.
Want more travel in your family’s life? Join Going and get cheap flights delivered right to your inbox.
