Travelling with kids: 5 top tips for planning the perfect family trip

As domestic and international travel resumes, you may be considering a family holiday.  Don’t let the idea of travelling with kids stress you out!  We've been through it all with babies, toddlers and school-aged kids, so we're here to share our top tips to help you enjoy your next family getaway. From the essentials of packing to in-flight entertainment, you'll find useful advice whether you're planning an overseas family adventure, a road trip in Australia, or just a weekend getaway.  Keep reading for our helpful tips to make your family holiday unforgettable!

What are the best destinations for travelling with kids?

As avid travellers ourselves, we have a lot of experience when it comes to family-friendly destinations.  Some of our favourites include Cook Islands, Hawaii, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Singapore and, of course, Australia.  We look for places that offer comfortable living conditions, cleanliness and good access to amenities.  Pre-kids we enjoyed visiting far-flung places and big cities, but we’ve since learned that these are not so fun with little humans.  We recommend opting for destinations that are a little more accessible and laidback when travelling with kids.

What to pack for a family trip?

Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially when you have kids.  But there are a few things you can do to make it easier.  First, make a list of everything you’ll need to pack.  This helps you keep track of everything and make sure you don't forget anything important.  Second, pack ahead of time.  This gives you time to organize everything and make sure it all fits in your suitcase.  Lastly, don't overpack!  With many carriers now enforcing strict weight limits for luggage, it makes sense to pack lightly and avoid the hefty fees.  Only pack the essentials and leave some extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs.

How to entertain kids when travelling?

Now that you have your bags packed, it's time to think about entertainment for your kids.  If you’re travelling by car, bring along a tray table and some travel games or reusable colouring mats.  These will keep kids occupied for hours.  Our son’s favourite is the Outer Space colouring mat while our daughter loves her Spellbound set with its dreamy unicorns and fairies.

If you’re flying, it’s worth packing a couple of books.  These compact colouring sets are also perfect to pop in your handbag or carry-on luggage.  And don't forget the snacks!  Kids are always hungry so pack some healthy snacks and drinks to keep the ‘hangry’ outbursts at bay.

5 top tips for travelling with kids:

1. Plan ahead: This is especially important if you're travelling with young children. You'll need to make sure you have all the essentials, like nappies, wipes, food, and spare clothes. Wipes are also handy for cleaning stubborn stains from your kid’s silicone colouring mats!  Personally, I also pack a small jar of Vegemite or Peanut Butter so if the kids don’t like the local food I can always buy some bread and make them something familiar they’ll eat.
2. Take breaks: Travel can be exhausting, especially for little ones. Make sure to take plenty of breaks so everyone can stretch their legs and take a nap if needed. Alternating busy sightseeing days with relaxing days by the beach or some quiet time in the hotel is also a great way to keep everyone happy and refreshed.
3. Be flexible: When travelling with kids, things will inevitably go wrong. Keep in mind that foreign places can be scary for young children so be prepared to go with the flow. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of the adventure.
4. Have patience: Kids can be unpredictable, so have patience when you're travelling with them. Sometimes things will happen that are out of your control and the situation can be stressful. It's a good idea to pack some mindful activities to give you some guilt-free quiet time.
5. Enjoy the journey: Travelling with kids can be challenging at times, but it's also a lot of fun. Remember to slow down, enjoy the ride and make some great memories along the way!
   
   

Happy travelling! 

With a little planning, travel with kids can be fun and enjoyable for everyone.  Just remember to pack light, entertain your children, bring along snacks, relax and have fun.  It’s all about making memories that will last a lifetime.  Bon voyage!