The Dos and Don’ts of Traveling With Young Children

Traveling with young children doesn’t have to be impossible! I’m a mom to three, 2-year-old twins, and a 6-year-old, so I know traveling with kids is not easy. It is, however, doable if you have the right mindset and plan a vacation that suits the needs of every member of your family. The memories you make with your child will last a lifetime!

Here are my dos and don’ts of traveling with young children.

Plan Ahead

I recently returned from a two-month vacation across Europe with my family, so I often get asked how was I able to do so much with my kids. The answer is a lot of planning! I started about eight months ahead so that I could plan everything properly. First, I looked at destinations that interested me, and from there I researched how kid-friendly each place was. The easiness of transportation, the level of safety, accommodations and general activities of a destination are very important. Also, don’t plan a vacation that is too intensive for small children. Mix it up! Enjoy some beach time that kids will love and then do sightseeing activities other days. The key is to have some down time so that everyone can unwind.

Accommodations

Whenever possible, I suggest staying in an apartment rental with young children. When comparing an apartment to a hotel, it can be economical while providing some of the conveniences of home. For me, having a fridge and washing machine while on vacation is priceless. I have a place to store fresh milk for my babies and some food if we decide to stay in and relax one night. Additionally, I don’t have to pack ten suitcases of clothes because I can do the laundry when needed.

Packing

Don’t bring too much, but bring as much as you will need to make your family vacation a success. Bring an umbrella stroller for young children, but not a whole travel system. Airlines accommodate parents with strollers, allowing you to push your youngster all the way to the airplane, making the process stress-free. Do pack enough clothes because with young children you will always need more than you counted on. Leave toys and other stuff you can buy at your destination at home. If you’re going to a destination that is not always stroller friendly like ancient sites, then it would be smarter to take up packing space with a baby carrier. Pack wipes & diapers, but don’t overload your suitcase with these items. It’s easy to find Pampers at almost any travel destination in the world.

Have Fun

This may sound simple enough, but it’s easy to get overly stressed if you don’t take a laid-back approach when it comes to traveling with young children. The key to a successful vacation is not to sweat the small stuff. Expect things not to go as you planned! Your little one may throw a tantrum at that art museum you’ve always wanted to visit or the cute little restaurant you planned to try. It’s key to remember that tomorrow is another the day! 

If you try to remember these simple tips, your vacation will be stress-free and a whole lot fun.

Want to see more family travel survival tips? Check out the latest video from our vacation from The Go Guy vlog. 

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