Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Littles

1. Gate checking a stroller and a car seat is almost always free.

Do this every time. I'm serious. You will regret leaving the stroller behind when you're halfway into your visit to The Museum of Science and Industry and your three-year-old decides that is the ideal time to refuse to walk any further. Your arms will thank you. The stroller can also act as your sherpa, carrying all your souvenirs and the multitude of items your children may or may not need while you're out. You don't travel light anymore. If you are going somewhere that it is feasible to bring the wagon, I highly recommend bringing it, especially if you are traveling with more than one kiddo under five.

If your little one is old enough to need their own seat (typically two), you'll need to bring the car seat on the plane anyway. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for the ability to strap them in when you're three hours into your six-hour flight. Nothing gets that people-pleasing anxiety-pumping quite like a meltdown from trying to prevent your stir-crazy toddler from running up and down the aisle (honestly, though, same). They already know what is expected when they are in the car seat. Think smarter, not harder, and save plane etiquette for after they learn how to feed themselves without wearing half of it.

2. Packing cubes

These things are magical. When I discovered them for the first time, I was flabbergasted by how much more I could fit in my suitcase. As previously stated, you don't pack lightly anymore, and you need every square inch.

Pro tip: Color coordinate them so each family member can easily find their own belongings. Or when they inevitably still can't find the pink socks that they have to wear, you can easily find them.

3. Screen-free boredom busters.

Go to the dollar store or Target and put together a surprise bag. Depending on ages and interests, you can make one large bag or individual bags for each kiddo. When you’re six hours into your road trip and the, “are we there yet?” questions start, whip out the surprise bag(s) and let them blindly pull one thing out. Repeat until you're there, but make sure you save enough for the trip back!

I like to stock these with items from the dollar section at Target, like the small activity books and little toys, but anything your kids like will work! If you're feeling extra generous, maybe throw in some mini pieces of candy, but remember to proceed with caution. Nothing like simultaneous sugar rushes in small, confined spaces!

4. Stay as close to main attractions and downtown spaces as possible.

Nap time. A necessary reset for them, and midday break for you. It is so much easier and less stressful to plan your days when you're only a short distance from where you're staying around nap time. You won't run into the crunch time between tired and overtired when you're only halfway back to the hotel if it only takes less than 15 minutes to get there. I know this sounds obvious, but with all the other factors to consider when choosing a hotel, this is one factor that may slip through the cracks. Especially if you are a newer parent.

Non-nap takers in the family can continue to enjoy their day with little to no interruption, and your little ones will get to their much-needed rest in a reasonable amount of time. You'll miss less because you'll spend less time going to and from the nap to meet back up with everyone else.

5. Red light, green light

If your kids are anything like my toddler, they are runners. She has made me reconsider my stance on leash kids on more than one occasion (absolutely zero judgment. We are all just doing our best trying to survive and keep our kids alive). Nothing is more stressful than trying to wrangle your family and your luggage, and your little angel takes off because you are in a new, fun place with escalators.

Teach these kids how to play red light, green light. They are far more likely to listen to your pleas for them to “stop running,” and “get back here,” when it is presented to them as a game. Soothe your nerves knowing that when you yell, “red light,” they will freeze in place, allowing you to catch up before they continue on. Make it fun to listen to you! Kids learn with play, and you'll feel more in control in a place you have mostly no control.

So fear not! Modifying our approaches and managing expectations will increase the overall enjoyability of your trip. It will be more of a family vacation and less taking care of your kids in a different location.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on family travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Amber Usmani’s trip report, Costa Rica Travel with Toddlers.