These Insider Tips Will Make Traveling with Kids So, So Much Easier

Travel can be challenging, even as an adult. And many people may think that all of that has to come to a screeching halt once parenthood is in play. But more parents are opting to bring their little ones along for the journey, getting them hooked on travel at an early age. And the experience doesn’t have to be totally miserable. In fact, it can be endlessly rewarding.

When it comes to choosing the time that’s right to start, as with all things in parenting, there’s no right answer. Kristen Guy, garden and social media editor at Sunset believes the best time is “any age and often. The more they are used to the idea of packing up and trying new things the better travelers they’ll be.”

And it may even make you a better traveler. “Parenthood has been a crash course in accepting that no day (or trip, or parent) is perfect,” says Blake Bakkila, a freelance writer and Sunset contributor. But there can be so many wonderful pros to the process.

“Expanding our son Rhode’s world has been so gratifying for him and for us, and it’s allowed him to get to know our out-of-state family and friends, too,” says Bakkila. “It’s not always easy, but it’s well worth those special moments.” Here are their tips on having your trip go as seamlessly as possible.

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Book Accordingly

“Finding truly kid-friendly accommodations can be a challenge, especially with the rise of adults-only stays. For families with young kids, a rental home can be a game-changer—more space, a kitchen for easy meals, and fewer worries about noise,” says Guy. She suggests sites like Kid & Coe, which curate stylish homes that are family-friendly, so you don’t have to sacrifice design for practicality. If you’re opting for a hotel, look for properties with on-site perks like kitchenettes, kid-friendly pools, or play areas.

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Call Ahead 

“So many places, including short-term rentals, are adults-only these days,” says Bakkila. “I usually call before booking to confirm how it works with a baby in tow. One hotel prepared a crib, changing table (with diaper, wipes, and bathing products), and bottle warmer. In the early days of traveling, most hotels also brought up a microwave so we could use our Medela Quick Clean MicroSteam Bags to clean bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers, too.”

Ren Fuller

Start Early 

“Honestly, traveling when Rhode was 4 months old was easier than it is now. He was more comfortable sleeping for the duration of a five-hour flight, and less aware of all of the changes going on around him,” recalls Bakkila. “That said, it’s so fun exploring now that he’s older, because he’ll remember moments from our trips and get excited about all of our adventures.”

Rachel Simmons, an avid adventurer and LMFT who frequently travels with her 8 month old child, agrees. “Traveling is actually easier when babies are younger, around 16 weeks and up. They sleep more, don’t require solid food, and are less wiggly. Plus, they’re smaller, which makes lap-seating on flights more manageable. That said, their wake windows are shorter, so either plan outings during nap time and bring a stroller with a full recline and cover, or keep excursions brief and return for naps. And avoid destinations that are too hot.”

Don Riddle

Consider Upgrading

It can pay to splurge on hotels, as sometimes the amenities can offset the costs. “Four Seasons San Francisco is fantastic—they provide a crib, diapers, shampoo, conditioner, a Diaper Genie, and more,” says Simmons. “The Hermitage was also amazing. When my baby got sick, they were incredibly accommodating and even provided a complimentary connecting room. Our babysitter was able to stay in our room while he slept undisturbed.”

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Super Size Your Snacks

Avoiding the “hangry zone” makes for a much better little traveler, and having a variety on-hand can prevent mid-adventure meltdowns. (This goes for both adults and kids.) You can check out some our favorite Trader Joe’s travel snacks here.

Thomas J. Story

Bring a Busy Bag 

Guy swears by packing up a “busy bag” filled with simple activities like coloring books, stickers, or small magnetic puzzles—perfect for restaurant waits or long travel days. A compact travel stroller or wagon, spill-proof water bottle, and a lightweight blanket that doubles as a picnic spot or stroller cover can also be lifesavers. “Don’t forget a few surprise toys—pulling out something ‘new’ can work wonders when patience runs low,” she says.

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Outsmart Jet Lag 

Adjusting your circadian rhythm before you travel is just as important for adults as it is for kids. Guy suggests gradually shifting nap and bedtime routines a few days before your trip to ease the transition. 

If you’re driving, planning long stretches during natural sleep windows can minimize fussiness on the road. And if all else fails, fresh air and daylight at your destination work wonders for resetting internal clocks—I’m always looking for parks or kid-friendly outdoor recreational areas to stop and get their wiggles out. 

Thomas J. Story

Boost Immunity

It’s hard for anyone—adult or child—to stay well, especially if you’re flying. The increased exposure to germs means that you need a full arsenal of immunity. “Hydration is key—lots of water helps combat travel fatigue and keeps immune systems strong,” says Guy. “I also swear by a stash of immune-boosting essentials like echinacea drops, vitamin C, and superfood gummies. Frequent hand-washing (or hand wipes when sinks aren’t available) is a must, especially in high-touch areas like airports and rest stops.”

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Packing Hacks

Grab these items recommended by our experts to make your next trip more seamless, from start to finish.

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Water Wipes

“Wipes, wipes, and more wipes! You can never, ever have too many,” says Simmons. Be sure to bring Ziploc bags as well to easily carry out wipes and other disposables.

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Doona

“The Doona was essential for our first year of travel. The car seat/stroller hybrid acts like a transformer, so you can safely transport your baby in a cab or Uber—no car seat base needed—and then its wheels move out to function as a stroller. It made the airport and entire travel experience so much more convenient.”

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Magnetic Me Footie Pajamas

“My husband is Magnetic Me onesies’s biggest fan, and says the easy on and off design (thanks to the sewn-in magnetic clasps) got him through mid-flight diaper changes in cramped airplane bathrooms.”

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Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pad

“These are big enough to cover the entire surface area of an airport or hotel pool changing table, making diaper changes significantly cleaner and mess-free.”

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Boppy Anywhere Travel Nursing Pillow

Travel pillows for nursing are just as important for business travelers as they are for nursing moms. “This travel pillow is a must for flights,” says Simmons.

Medela Quick Clean MicroSteam Bags

“These micro-steam bags require 2 ounces of water and a microwave to quickly and easily sterilize bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers.”

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Theo’s Disposable Splat Mats

“Lay one down under his high chair, and it catches (most) of the mess. In fact, at least a dozen restaurant employees have shared that they’ve never seen parents do this and thank us for making this small effort to keep their floors clean. As a bonus, these ones are biodegradable.”

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Babebay Disposable Stick-on Placemats

“These not only provide a clean space for baby to eat, but an activity, too. We talk about each animal, and now he can point to almost all of them when asked. It doesn’t always keep him entertained, especially when the pool or ocean is just a few steps away, but it’s definitely kept him at the table longer than usual.”

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