Traveling with kids can be one of the most rewarding — and, let’s be honest, challenging — experiences for any family. Whether you’re heading across the country or venturing abroad, the key to a successful trip lies in preparation, patience, and a little creativity.
Here’s a practical guide of dos and don’ts to help make your holiday one to remember.
Do’s: Plan Smart, Pack Smart
1. Do Plan Ahead
Book flights that match your kids’ sleep schedules when possible. Early morning and late-night flights may sound ideal for adults, but overtired toddlers can make boarding stressful. Make the most of kids play areas at the airport and get those little legs moving. There’ll be plenty of downtime on the plane for quieter activities.
2. Do Pack Essentials in Reach
Keep a "family essentials bag" stocked with snacks, wipes, entertainment, and a change of clothes for the kids. Crumbs, spills, and accidents happen more often than you’d think, and a few cute, spare outfits can be a life saver!
3. Do Involve Your Kids in the Planning
Show them photos, maps, or short videos of your destination. It helps build excitement and reduces anxiety about unfamiliar places. Join a ‘travelling with kids’ group on Facebook or Instagram to get ideas for kid-friendly activities at your destination.
If you’re hoping for some kid-free time, we suggest pre-booking Nanny services to avoid disappointment.
4. Do Bring Comfort Items
A favorite stuffed animal or blanket can be a gamechanger when your child feels homesick or restless on the road.
5. Do Relax your Routine
Embrace the early starts, late nights, and contact naps. Those first few days will be an adjustment for all of you. Getting outside and seeing the sun can help kids adjust to their new time zone.
Don’ts: Avoid These Travel Pitfalls
1. Don’t Overpack
Parents often bring everything “just in case.” But lugging bulky suitcases and prams through airports adds unnecessary stress. See if your accommodation can provide cots, prams and highchairs or look in to hire options. Stick to the essentials like kid's clothes and toiletries — most things can be purchased at your destination.
2. Don’t Overschedule Activities
Kids need downtime. Plan mellow afternoons in the hotel pool or playground instead of nonstop sightseeing.
3. Don’t Ignore Time Zones
Jet lag hits kids hard. Be patient, plan light activities after arrival, and let them nap as needed while adjusting to the new time zone.
4. Don’t Forget a First Aid Kit
Bring basic medicines, any required prescriptions, and child-safe sunscreen. Research nearby healthcare facilities at your destination, just in case.
5. Don’t Panic When Things Go Wrong
Flights get delayed, kids throw tantrums, and snacks spill everywhere. Take a deep breath and then laugh it off. Remember that sometimes the best memories are made in the craziest moments.
What to do on the Plane
Even short flights can feel looooong to a child. The key to a good plane activity is something that is open-ended and small enough to fit in your pocket (or even have them carry by themselves!)
Take the pressure off and pack some of these simple toys to help keep you all sane on the plane
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Pack snacks like mini-meals — think fruit, cheese sticks, and crackers to prevent “hangry” outbursts.
If your child has any food sensitivities, we suggest bringing extras in your suitcase, in case allergy-friendly (and kid-friendly) meals are hard to find at your destination.
- Bring kids-size headphones with an AUX cable and adapter so you can plug them in to the plane, iPad or any other device you are planning on using. Some airlines will provide these, but they can be a lifesaver if you’re also planning long train rides or car journeys.
- A Yoto mini or similar is a fantastic way to offer quiet, screen-free entertainment.
- A handful of small vehicles or figurines can be used in a variety of ways for hours of fun on the road. Stick them around your airplane seat to be ‘rescued’, hide them and create a fun treasure hunt, draw roads, carparks and houses on restaurant napkins to help children pass the time while waiting for meals, bring them to the pool or use them at bathtime – the possibilities are endless.
- Colouring books and washable pens. If your child is younger, the Hey Doodle reusable colouring mats are a fantastic option.
- Books you don’t mind reading on repeat or Search and Find books for older children.
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Small puzzles or card games like Uno, Monopoly Deal and Snap.
Simple, homemade games can be a great option for younger kids. Click here to download our free colour matching game for your next trip.
- A notebook, pen and masking tape. Older children will really appreciate creating a travel journal of their trip and having a place to stick brochures, tickets and photos they collect along the way.
Traveling with kids isn’t about perfection; it’s about being together and creating shared memories. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, every bump in the road becomes part of the adventure.
So if travel is on your 2026 bingo card, get planning! The world is waiting — and your little explorers are ready to see it!
