10 Tips for Traveling with Young Kids

By Suzi Barrett | Posted: Jan. 31, 2025

Whether flying, driving, cruising, or staying at a hotel, traveling with kids is no joke. It sounds romantic and dreamy, but the reality can often be like eating a PB and J sandwich with no jelly — it’s just not what you thought it would be. 

Don’t let that stop you! Exploring the world with kids makes for lasting memories and helps them understand the world around them on a deeper, more well-rounded level. It’s worth it!

Here are 10 tried and true tips to help you travel with your kids AND enjoy it at the same time.

1. The multi-attraction pass

For places with several attractions, a multi-attraction pass will save you time, money, and sanity!

Ditch the “must-see-everything” marathon and enjoy the best parts. Ride the fun rides, and skip the boring ones. When the giggles fade, and the meltdowns loom, move on to the next adventure. 

With a multi-attraction pass, you can relax while on vacation. And the best part? No FOMO or guilt trips about “getting your money's worth.” You're already covered, often at a super-discounted price. 

My favorite passes are the GoCity Pass for five days or fewer, or the GetOutPass for longer trips or frequented destinations (one-year access!).

2. Embrace novelty

Think back to the first time you rode an escalator — little kids are so easily entertained, all you need to do is make regular things fun again. 

Make boring airport things fun. Instead of rushing, pretend the moving walkway is a magic carpet. A little imagination goes a long way.

Turn tech into a travel treasure! We have three tablets that are only for trips. It makes screen time feel special, and it keeps the kids entertained during those inevitable travel lulls. 

Make snacks a mini-adventure! Dedicate certain treats only for travel. Think “airplane pistachios” or “road-trip licorice.” It sounds silly, but it makes ordinary snacks feel special. Plus, packing is a breeze — fewer decisions and less stress!

3. Strollers and ride-on suitcases

Ride-on suitcases and strollers are magic! Let your luggage do the work for you. Ride-on suitcases hold stuff and involve two kids, a rider, and a puller. Fun and functional.

Strollers are a must for toddlers and offer short breaks for big kids, too. They also provide places to store snacks and other must-haves. 

4. Always ask for an upgrade

This is a tip for all trips, but especially for parents. Do yourself a favor and either email the hotel a week or two before your trip or ask at check-in if an upgraded room is available (I did this on my San Diego trip. See how it went here).

At luxury hotels, upgrades usually aren’t free but can be significantly discounted.

5. Travel in the off-season

Another tip for all trips, but especially with young kids. Travel between holidays, during off or shoulder seasons, and not during the summer when possible. You’ll find lower prices, more upgrade availability, less traffic, and shorter wait times. 

Elementary schools are typically easier to work with for missing a few days of school than junior and senior high schools, so this might be easier with younger kids.

6. Let kids plan (some things)

Let them choose something from the multi-pass or select the seats on the plane. When they’re involved in the planning, it’s more meaningful for them and teaches them the skill of planning.

I’m not saying let your kids pay the bills, but give them a few options and let them experience being in charge.

7. Downtime

Kids need more downtime than adults. Plan a beach day between park days, or plan a midday nap. More rest means fewer meltdowns and more fun for everyone.

8. Enjoy your stays

Spend half a day exploring the resort and take advantage of what you have right where you are. This ties in nicely with #2 and #6 — enjoy the novelty and customer experience of this hotel, and take a break and stay put for a bit.

9. Nonstop home

Layovers on the way to a fun place are usually fine and can save you some money. Your kids’ excitement about the trip will fuel them through the boredom and monotony. On the way home, though? Nonstop all the way. Get those tired kids home as smoothly as you can! 

10. Relive the memories

Remembering the trip is almost as fun as the trip itself. Look back at photos and videos together of previous trips. This creates memories in the present while reliving memories from the past. 

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