Family Travel Hacks: How to Fly, Pack, and Stay Sane with Kids
If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a toddler in an airport security line while someone’s shoe is missing, the baby’s crying, and your carry-on just exploded Goldfish crackers… you’re not alone.
As a mom and a travel advisor, I’ve been there. I’ve also helped dozens of families navigate the chaos of traveling with kids—and I promise: it can be done without losing your mind (or your favorite sippy cup).
Whether it’s your first flight with a baby or you’re gearing up for an international trip with older kids, these are the real-life, sanity-saving travel hacks I swear by.
1. Choose Flights Wisely (Even If It Costs a Bit More)
If there’s one place not to bargain hunt, it’s your flight schedule. Kids don’t care that the 5 a.m. flight saved you $100—you’ll pay it back in fruit snacks and meltdowns.
Sanity tip:
Avoid red-eyes unless your kids are seasoned travelers or very good sleepers.
Mid-morning flights (9–11 a.m.) are golden: everyone’s fed, rested, and still in a good mood.
If you have multiple legs, aim for longer layovers (at least 90 minutes) to allow potty breaks, diaper changes, and snacks without sprinting.
Pro tip: Always select your seats in advance. I help my clients secure the best layouts for families—like window/middle combos or whole rows toward the back.
2. Pack a “Parent Survival Bag” (and Keep It Handy)
Your personal item should be your go-to kit for the entire travel day. Think of it like a mobile command center. Here's what I always include:
Extra clothes for everyone (yes, even you)
Wipes, pacifier clips, sippy cups, comfort item
iPad or tablet with downloaded movies and apps
Pack a gallon ziplock just for trash and wrappers. It’s the unsung hero of any travel day.
3. Toy Rotation = Travel Magic
Before your trip, set aside 5–6 toys or books your child hasn’t seen in a while—or grab a few new dollar-bin surprises.
Wrap them (in tissue paper or foil) and bring one out every hour or after each major milestone: boarding, takeoff, snack time, etc.
This feels like Christmas in coach. It gives kids something to look forward to—and keeps boredom at bay without relying solely on screens.
Check out this set of mini travel toys perfect for ages 2–6.
4. Sleep Tricks That Actually Work in Hotels
Sleeping in a new space is hard enough—add unfamiliar beds, street noise, and jet lag, and you’ve got a recipe for meltdown.
Here’s how to make bedtime smoother:
Bring your own sound machine. This compact white noise machine is a game-changer.
Pack a foldable travel crib or toddler cot if your hotel can’t guarantee one. I recommend the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
Use blackout curtains or travel blackout shades with suction cups.
Stick to bedtime routines as much as possible: same story, same stuffed animal, same lullaby.
I also pack a small nightlight to avoid those 2 a.m. stubbed-toe disasters.
5. Flying with Toddlers? Prep Like a Pro
Flying with toddlers is its own category of chaos. But with a few tweaks, you can actually enjoy the experience:
Don’t board early. If you don’t need overhead bin space, wait until the final boarding call to keep little ones moving as long as possible.
Use a lightweight, gate-checkable stroller like the Summer 3Dlite+—easy to fold and comfy for naps.
Bring a tethered cup or bottle. Nothing is worse than a juice box rocketing under Row 15.
Offer ear pressure relief during takeoff and landing: pacifiers, nursing, or snacks for babies; lollipops or sippy cups for toddlers.
Client tip: I once had a mom tell me she packed glow sticks for a night flight—they entertained her kids and doubled as a gentle nightlight.
6. Hotel Room Organization = Instant Calm
The second you walk into your hotel room, don’t dump everything. Take 10 minutes to set up:
Create a “kid zone” with toys, books, and snacks
Hang up clothes and stash shoes in one spot
Set up a diaper or toiletry station on the bathroom counter
Use drawer dividers or packing cubes to keep outfits grouped by day or activity
I recommend packing one cube per child per day—makes grabbing outfits on the go a breeze.
7. Snack Hack: Pack Twice as Much as You Think You Need
Snacks fix everything. From boredom to ear pressure to tantrums, snacks are the Swiss Army knife of travel parenting.
Try:
Shelf-stable fruit pouches
Dry cereal in spill-proof snack containers
Protein bars for grown-ups
Lollipops (bonus: great for pressure changes on planes)
And don’t forget an empty water bottle you can fill post-security. I love this collapsible kids’ water bottle to save space in your bag.
You Can Travel with Kids and Enjoy It
Traveling with kids is more work—but it’s also more wonder. Watching them see a new place, try a new food, or fall asleep on your shoulder mid-flight? That’s the good stuff.
With a little planning (and a lot of snacks), you can have a smoother, more joyful trip—and actually enjoy it too.
Ready to Plan a Family-Friendly Getaway?
Whether you need flights with perfect layovers, resorts with true kid-friendly amenities, or tips for flying internationally with littles—I’ve got you. Let’s make your next family adventure the kind you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
Reach out today to start planning—and don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more real-life travel hacks and mom-approved tips.
