Traveling With Kids: 5 Do’s and Don’ts To Change The Game (and take away some of the stress!)

Whether traveling by car or plane, there are bound to be some things that are going to stress you out. Add tiny humans into the mix and you can pretty much guarantee that the stress will be multiplied. But what if I told you it didn’t have to be that bad? Let’s review some ways to take the stress out of family travel!

Don’t: Wait until the last minute to pack

If you’re like me you may push overwhelming tasks as far back as possible. Not only does this drag out the stress but it also opens the window for things to be forgotten. (I hypothetically may have forgotten to pack shorts for my spouse…twice.)

Do: Make packing lists

Packing lists can be made in apps or the old-fashioned way using pen and paper, but either way, they will make sure that everyone’s belongings travel and return home safely! My favorite thing about a packing list is that many of the staples stay the same and you simply update certain sections as the kids get older. I also suggest involving your littles in the packing process! This not only allows them to get a glimpse of how much effort goes into preparing to go on vacation but it also sets a foundation for a transferable skill that will benefit them in multiple aspects of their lives!

Don’t: Take safety for granted

There are simply too many scenarios in which a child can wander off, even in locations that are kid friendly.

Do: Have safety conversations with kids leading up to travel and upon arrival

Discuss stranger danger, water safety, what to do if they get lost, etc. with your kids. Show them what the uniforms of employees of the theme park, resort/hotel, and other locations look like and identify them as people that can help them if they cannot find you. Remind them to stay calm and use their voice so that they can be reunited. For kids that may not be old enough to remember your phone number when in a moment of panic, order temporary tattoos with your phone number(s) and put it on their shoulder or someplace where they can quickly show someone but doesn’t put your child in a dangerous situation. We use Apple AirTag in either a watch style holder or a little case that can be woven into the laces of our kid's shoes. These devices only come out on vacation and we check them regularly to ensure that they don’t fall out.

Don’t: Underestimate the amount of walking you’ll be doing

Even if you don’t utilize a stroller at home you might be surprised at how quickly little legs get tired!

Do: Bring or rent a stroller

A stroller not only helps little ones keep their energy and feet from getting sore but it also provides a shady place to rest and recharge, gives them a place to cool off (hello stroller fan!) and potentially nap, but it also doubles as a way to keep your hands free and back from aching by hanging your backpack or purse on! You don’t have to lug your stroller through the airport or worry about it being damaged when it’s checked if you rent one! There are many mom-owned and operated businesses out there that are willing to bring your rental items to your hotel and pick them back up for you, minimizing the amount of stuff you are responsible for while loading everyone into the car!

Don’t: Skip out on a car seat on the plane

I’ve heard a lot of people say “A car seat isn’t going to do much in a plane crash” which is true, but it’s going to be a massive help in turbulence! Skipping out on using a car seat during air travel is a big no-no.

Do: Travel with your child's car seat on the plane and DO NOT check it!

I know we just talked about not lugging a stroller through the airport but I promise you that if you are going to be keeping up with a bulky item, this is the one you want to prioritize. Check your car seat’s user manual or the seat itself for the phrase “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” and follow the installation instructions. Airlines are required to allow you to use your seat if if contains that phrase but sometimes the flight crew may not be aware of this, so it’s a good idea to have the FAA’s policy pulled up on your phone as well as the specific airline's car seat policy and a copy of your user manual. Booster seats won’t be allowed but a 5-point harness will be. You will (more than likely) be required to install the child restraint device in the window seat so as not to block the way of anyone else in the event of an emergency. You won’t be able to place it in an emergency exit row either, but I can promise you that having your most precious cargo safely restrained is worth the sacrifice in leg room. In the event of turbulence, your child won’t be as likely to bump their head on the overhead compartment or be tossed about the cabin. It’s totally worth it!

Dont: Take on all of the stress of vacation planning alone

You don’t have to be stressed out researching and booking everything! Vacations are supposed to be relaxing and fun, right? So what’s the point in arriving already frazzled and exhausted?!

Do: Book your vacation with a travel advisor!

Travel advisors (also called travel agents) are here to help you! It’s our job to not only stay up to date on changes in policies, procedures, and laws impacting travel, but also to research, handle the booking of, and provide you with our assistance to take the stress out of travel while ensuring that you are able to make quality memories with those that you love the most. We adore our clients and want nothing more than for you to enjoy your vacation the way that it was meant to be enjoyed! Be sure to reach out to someone that has experience in the industry and first-hand knowledge of the location that you are looking to travel to. It makes all the difference in the world when you’re working with someone who isn’t just focused on getting you to spend as much money as possible but genuinely cares about your experience.

Bonus tip: Do not EVER travel internationally without a passport!

Even if you are traveling on a cruise that will begin and end in the US (referred to as a Closed Loop Cruise) you will want to take an extra level of precaution by ensuring that everyone traveling has a valid passport. If you were to miss the ship or have an emergency and have to stay in a foreign country for medical care you WILL have to have a passport to fly home. If you arrive in a foreign country without one you will have to go to the American embassy for assistance and it can take time to get the documents together in order for you to return home. You would be responsible for the expenses that you incur during that time. Passport processing time is at an all-time high so be sure to get those appointments made!

About the Author:

Farrin Gustafson has been serving her clients as a travel advisor since 2018 and is a proud founding member of the Working Moms of San Antonio Business Owners Community. She is a mom, spouse, mother of 2, and former theatre educator. She loves traveling (obviously), coffee, all things Broadway and Disney related, and is fueled by coffee and watching Schitts Creek on a loop. Reach out to Farrin at www.vacationsworthmeltingfor.com, [email protected], 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vacationsworthmeltingfor or Instagram: @vacationsworthmeltingfor