Summer is just around the corner, which means memorable adventures are just around the corner. After all, the greatest gift you can give your children is time: time to create, time to discover, and time to spend together. Whether it’s an international trip, a road trip across the country, or getting out in nature at a nearby forest preserve, there’s a lot to consider when planning a getaway.
As a veteran travel writer and mother of three, I’ve traveled all over the world with my kids, visiting far-flung places like Peru, Japan, and India, as well as outdoor hotspots closer to home like national and state parks. I’d like to share some helpful tips I’ve learned along the way. Additionally, I reached out to other parents and guardians, including pediatricians, for their tips on how to successfully navigate summer travel with kids.
Take a deep breath
Traveling with your child for the first time? Akanksha Shrivastava Khanna, MD, a pediatrician in Park Ridge, Illinois, says you should start by taking a deep breath.
“As parents, we want to plan everyone and everything to make it the best trip possible,” says Hannah. “An important step is to accept that you won’t be able to see and do everything, and that’s ok. Set reasonable goals.” [have] Make a flexible itinerary, prepare as much as you can, and be ready to pivot because travel won’t always go smoothly. Making lists can be helpful, and think about your child’s needs throughout the day, including meals, toiletries, car rides, and safe sleeping equipment.”
Find playgrounds and outdoor spaces
Playing outside is a great way to burn off energy and reset in a healthy way: go on a hike, stop by a local playground, or take the dog to a fenced-in park — your little ones will be sure to thank you.
Janet Thompson is currently taking a gap year traveling with her family through Asia. “When I’m traveling, I usually check out playgrounds, parks and other kid-friendly activities in the surrounding area,” Thompson says.
Lighten your load
If you can, pack everything you need in your carry-on. The last thing you want to do while on vacation is constantly worry about managing and hauling around a big suitcase, which is what everyone does. Packing only what you need in your carry-on will get you through the airport much faster than checking your luggage, waiting at baggage claim on the other side, or having to figure out what to do if something gets lost or left behind. Plus, lighter luggage also makes it easier if you have to change hotels or locations.
“Transporting large pieces of luggage multiple times while traveling can be exhausting and logistically challenging,” Thompson says.
Don’t pack too much into your itinerary
I’ll confess: as an inquisitive traveler, I often suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out). When I travel alone, I prefer an itinerary packed with activities and little time for downtime. Especially when visiting a country I’ve never been to before, I want to make the most of the experience. But the thing is, kids need breaks – lots of breaks. If I overplan and don’t leave enough room for my kids’ needs and interests, they can become moody and cranky.
Producer, TV host, photographer, and author Rachel Radwall travels to somewhere warm with her family at least once a year. “Take, for example, a trip from Portland, Oregon, to Sardinia, Italy. No one would argue that this journey was logistically easy,” says Radwall. “But we would argue that the trip was doable and worth it, even with a then-14-month-old in tow.”
Sardinia was where her young child first walked, creating an unforgettable memory that she won’t soon forget. While the beach time and Italian food were expected highlights, the hours-long flight itinerary from the U.S. to Sardinia left a lot to be desired. Rudwall thought ahead and arranged a two-night layover in Amsterdam to give herself some breathing room to deal with jet lag. “The layover gave us a place to land between flights, plus two beautiful days to snack on pastries and enjoy leisurely strolls in another amazing European destination,” Rudwall says. “If I could give you one piece of advice, it’s to give yourself some extra time wherever you go with your kids. This bonus time gives you room to breathe, restock snacks, and a chance to navigate logistical challenges. Plus, it might just remind you of some of your favorite moments from the trip.”
Bring a travel medical kit
While we all hope that nothing bad will happen while traveling, it’s important to have a plan in place just in case: Pack a travel medical kit with over-the-counter medications and essentials.
“This can include fever reducers, pain relievers, antihistamines, antibacterial ointment, bandages, tweezers, and petroleum jelly,” says Hannah. “Make sure to record your child’s weight so you can administer certain medications, and prepare any prescriptions in advance. If your child has any pre-existing conditions, talk to your healthcare team.”
“In warmer climates, be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen (and reapply), bug repellent, and protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, UV-protected clothing),” says Hanna. “If you’re outdoors, cover most of your skin and check your body and hair daily for ticks. Consider letting your child’s pediatrician know if they can get any additional recommended vaccinations before traveling internationally. I refer parents to CDC.GOV/travel, which breaks down the relevant information for each country you’re traveling to.”
Research your hotel and destination in advance
While it’s wise to leave plenty of time in your itinerary, it’s also important to research your destination and find out what activities and cultural experiences are available. What is the area known for and what are the highlights that everyone should know about? You should also know the hotel amenities so you can plan accordingly. Does the hotel have a pool? Is there on-site laundry? Does the resort have a concierge who can arrange tours? Finding amenities that both parents and children can enjoy is key.
Involve your kids in the planning
Kids will be more enthusiastic about the trip if they are involved in the planning. Let them decide which restaurants the family will eat at and which activities to participate in. Teach them how to get directions and read a map. Bring a journal and encourage them to write about their daily adventures.
“Kids don’t plan exactly what they want to do on vacation, and parents tend to get carried away with what they want to do on vacation, but our priority is for the kids to think of the vacation as their own vacation, too. So if they miss something they’re interested in, we want to make that happen as much as possible,” Thompson said.
Consider the age of your children when planning and packing
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, you’ll need to take their ages into consideration when planning your itinerary and considering safety issues.
“You want to give young children a comfortable and safe environment, so provide them with calming items from home like blankets, pacifiers, toys and stuffed animals,” Hannah says. “Older children can play with music, books, card games and electronic devices.[s]Remember, parents can decide how much time their kids spend on screens. And don’t forget the chargers!”
Of course, safety is always first. Discuss rules based on your child’s age. “In new environments, make sure you have a water safety plan (never leave your child unattended near water) and have a parent’s phone number, even consider keeping it in their pocket,” says Hannah. “Handing over more responsibility to older kids can be a little scary at first, but in a more controlled environment, it’s a great opportunity to show them responsibility by helping them read a map, navigate the airport, order a meal, buy souvenirs, etc. It’s also good practice for them to learn how to spend their pocket money while traveling.”
Bring a fun bag
On every road trip I’ve ever planned, I’ve always brought a “goodie bag” – playing cards, snacks, a new book, a mini Lego set, etc. The idea is to bring little surprises and fun things to brighten up the moment.
Anastasia Gonzalez and her husband, Gilbert, bring their grandchildren to South Padre Island every summer to fish and explore. One year, they rented a camper and drove from Illinois to Texas. “It was the most amazing experience,” Gonzalez says. “Driving, playing board games, camping, showering at the campground, sleeping in the camper, and snuggling with our two boys was amazing and comforting.”
Advice for grandparents? “Let your grandchildren be themselves while you’re traveling,” says Gonzalez. “Have fun. Break the rules. Ask them what they want and make plans. Make meals fun and have one night be a special meal night.”
Attitudes, whether good or bad, are contagious
Most parents who travel with children will tell you that if one person has a bad attitude, that same mood can spread to siblings and adults, so it’s important to keep a positive attitude, especially when you’re on an extended vacation away from the comfort of your home.
“Kids love spending time with their families, but they’re human too, and everyone gets depressed sometimes,” Hannah says. “Kids learn from their parents’ example, so take the lead by taking deep breaths, exercising when you can, being mindful about how you handle stressful situations, taking lots of photos, etc. Your happiness will spill over to your child’s happiness.”
