Traveling with kids can be daunting. Long car rides, flight delays, slow-moving lines, messed-up sleep routines. It can all add up to a tough time for kiddos and stress for their grown-ups. I often say a vacation with kids is just parenting in a less convenient location. But with a little extra planning, we aim to stress less while traveling with kids and bring back a little more joy to family vacations.
Check, Check, and Recheck
I find relief in knowing that most things can be purchased if forgotten. A few things though, if left behind, can really derail your trip before you even get going. Before walking out the door, check one last time that everyone has their IDs, tickets, and prescription medicines.
Also, confirm your departure date and time. Check this against your airline tickets. Confirm your rental car reservations. Does the check-in time of your accommodations work for your arrival? Do you need early or late check-in?
The Morning of Travel
Is there a Target near your destination? Consider placing a drive-up order for a few essentials that can make the first night go smoothly. When we travel to Florida for a week, we do a big grocery shop the day after we arrive. But that first night, we are all exhausted and a few basics go a long way. A case of water, some snacks that are known favorites for your kids, something you can offer for breakfast in the morning. Place the order in the morning and it will be ready to be brought out to you later that day. I map out our path from the airport to our hotel and find a stop that allows us to do this before we even check in!
Accidents Happen
I love to pack a spare outfit for everyone in these bags. When I say everyone, I mean that I even pack extra clothes for grown-ups. Because oftentimes, little kid accidents end up on Mom or Dad too. Alongside the clothes, I also pack a plastic bag to contain whatever caused the need for an outfit change in the first place.
If you tend to have motion-sick-prone kiddos like I do, stuff a few of these in your purse. They may very well prevent the need for a spare outfit! And no more doing the classic, instantly regretted panic mom move of cupping your hands and hoping for the best. Admit it, we’ve all done it.
A Piece of Home
While I love traveling light, I also enjoy bringing a bit of comfort from home too, when possible. For my kiddos, having their own pillows makes all the difference come bedtime. If you don’t have room for that, perhaps even just their familiar pillowcase put on the hotel pillow could help with sleeping in an unfamiliar place.
A favorite stuffy or lovey can be an option as well if you feel comfortable with such special treasures leaving home. I’m always hesitant on this one given the many stories of lost loveys I’ve heard through the years.
Research Restaurants Ahead of Time
Eating out at unfamiliar restaurants can be fun but also overwhelming for kids. In our family, we have the added concern of significant food allergies. This can make dining out overwhelming and stressful. Once we know our destination, I look up a handful of restaurants and check for kid-friendly and allergy-friendly options.
A quick scan of reviews can also give you a good idea about noise levels. Is there often overpowering live music? Is it so quiet that bringing a giggly little one will just lead to more nerves for you? I also look into their general accommodations for kids. For example, can I request a booth instead of a high-top table? One time, before I thought to plan ahead, my husband and I took our 1-year-old to a slightly nicer restaurant. They didn’t have a single high chair. It made for a long dinner as we tried to take turns holding a wiggle worm on our laps while eating our meals.
Back at Home
Ask a close neighbor or local friend to keep an eye on things while you’re away. No need to stress if you left the garage door up for the entire trip! Equip them with a spare key or garage code and your cell phone number so they can help out if anything comes up!
If it will be a long trip, consider holding your mail at the post office or having a neighbor collect it for you. I love asking younger kids in the neighborhood (with their parent’s permission) if they would collect our mail for a small payment. I remember being given small jobs like this as a kid, and the responsibility felt amazing (not to mention the little bit of extra money).
Emergencies
I leave a detailed itinerary with a family member who will not be traveling. Knowing that they can quickly find us in the event of an emergency at home is reassuring.
Speaking of emergencies, take a minute to save the address of the closest urgent care and emergency room in your phone. To me, this is like bringing an umbrella and having it not rain. I would rather have it and not need it – than need it and not have it!
While parenting struggles don’t pause for vacation, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to lessen your stress while traveling with kids. With some extra planning, you can have a trip that is enjoyable for the entire family.
Are you traveling with kids for a trip this February break? Share what you do to stress less and enjoy more of your family vacation.
