Traveling with Children

Hunger is the number one trigger for meltdowns in transit — and transit takes longer than you expect. Whether you’re at the airport, in the car, or waiting at baggage claim, having the right supplies within easy reach makes an enormous difference in how smoothly things go.

What to always have in your carry-on or day bag:

• Snacks — more than you think you need. Crackers, dried fruit, granola bars, and a favorite treat for motivation all earn their weight.
• A full change of clothes for each child — in your carry-on, not your checked bag. Spills, accidents, and airsickness happen. Having dry clothes on hand is invaluable.
• A change of shirt for yourself — for the same reasons.
• Wipes — for hands, faces, tray tables, and everything else. Bring more than you think you need.
• Each child’s own small backpack — with their snacks, headphones, and a few favorite small toys or books. Children who have ownership over their own bag tend to be more settled and independent during travel.

On the plane, download movies, shows, and games before you board — in-flight Wi-Fi is unreliable and expensive. For toddlers, bring lollipops or gum for descent to help equalize ear pressure.

The biggest mistake families make when traveling with children is overscheduling. An ambitious itinerary that would be perfectly manageable for adults becomes exhausting — and contentious — with children in tow. Young children thrive on routine and tire more quickly than adults expect.

A few ground rules that make family trips go better:

• Plan one main activity per day for younger children, two at most for older kids. Everything else is bonus.
• Build in a mid-afternoon rest period — back at the hotel, at a café, or at a quiet park. Even children who don’t nap benefit from downtime.
• Eat meals early — hungry children waiting for a restaurant table is a recipe for disaster. Aim to eat before the crowd, not with it.
• Leave room for the unexpected — the best moments in family travel are often spontaneous. A street performer, a playground, an ice cream shop — these become the memories.

Keep kids engaged by making travel educational without making it feel like school. The U.S. National Park Service’s free Junior Ranger program is perfect for children ages 5 and up — kids complete activities at each park and earn a badge to take home.