Travelling with kids can often feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and mindset, family holidays can become some of the most magical and memorable experiences. Drawing from expert advice and real-life parenting travel hacks, this guide shares 15 essential tips to help you navigate airports, flights, cruises, and your destination with ease—and maybe even enjoy a glass of wine along the way.
Getting Through the Airport Smoothly.
Use Special Assistance Lines
One of the best ways to avoid long queues at the airport is to take advantage of Special Assistance lines. These are available for families travelling with young children and help you breeze through security and check-in much faster, saving precious time and reducing stress.
Opt for a Travel Pram
Instead of lugging around a bulky pram, consider using a lightweight travel pram. You can often take it right to the gate, and the airline will check it in for you in the overhead compartment. This makes boarding and disembarking much easier, and your little one has a comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport.
Let Kids Run Around Before the Flight
If your child has energy to burn, let them run around the airport before boarding. This helps them release pent-up energy, so they’re more likely to sit calmly and relax during the flight. And hopefully, this means you get to relax too—with that well-deserved glass of wine!
Flying with Kids: Comfort and Entertainment
Bring Milk or Formula for Takeoff and Landing
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having milk or formula handy during takeoff and landing is a lifesaver. It helps babies equalize ear pressure, keeps them calm, and often helps them settle down to sleep through the flight.
Invest in Baby or Toddler Headphones
Keep your little ones entertained on the plane by downloading their favourite shows, cartoons, or movies onto a tablet or iPad and pairing them with child-sized headphones. This can buy you a couple of hours of peace while they watch quietly.
Pack Fidget Toys and Creative Activities
Small sensory toys, fidgets, colouring books, and pens are fantastic for keeping kids engaged during the flight. These activities provide a creative outlet and can entertain children for 15-20 minutes at a time, which is invaluable on longer journeys.
Bring Favourite Snacks—but Keep Them Mess-Free
Carrying a lunchbox filled with easy-to-eat, favourite snacks like grapes or small sandwiches is a great idea. However, avoid messy foods like yoghurt that can easily spill and create stress for you and your fellow passengers. Stick to neat, simple snacks to keep everyone happy.
Consider Night Flights
Night flights can be a game-changer, especially for toddlers. On a night flight, children often watch a movie, have dinner, and then sleep through most of the journey, which makes the trip much more relaxing for both kids and parents. If possible, try to book overnight flights to help your little ones rest better during travel.
Cruising with Kids: What to Know Before You Go
Pack a Pool Noodle for Safety and Fun
A pool noodle is a surprisingly versatile item to bring on a cruise. It can be used to create a safe sleep space for your baby by propping it up on the bed with sheets or as a flotation aid during pool or beach time. It’s a simple tool that adds an extra layer of comfort and safety.
Check for Freestyle Dining Options
Look for cruise lines that offer freestyle dining, where food is available at any time. This flexibility is invaluable when travelling with kids who may want to eat at irregular hours or have specific eating schedules.
Explore Kids’ Activities and Clubs
Many cruise ships have a variety of activities for children, from water parks to go-karting. It’s worth checking what amenities are available before booking to ensure your kids have plenty to do. Kids clubs are also a great option, offering age-appropriate activities and giving parents the chance to enjoy some downtime.
Understand Swimming Pool Rules
Be aware of the swimming pool requirements on different cruise lines. Some ships don’t allow babies who aren’t toilet trained or wearing swim nappies to use the pools. Confirm these rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises and ensure your family’s fun isn’t interrupted.
Planning Ahead and Embracing Flexibility
Pre-Book Restaurants, Activities, and Excursions
Booking in advance is key to a smooth holiday. Pre-book any restaurants, activities, or excursions, especially when travelling with kids, to avoid long waits and guarantee availability. This also extends to car seats if you’re hiring a car—reserve them ahead to ensure safety and convenience.
Schedule Downtime
Holidays with kids can be busy and full-on, so it’s important to build in downtime. Allow time for relaxing and enjoying your destination at a slower pace—it benefits both kids and parents and makes the holiday more enjoyable overall.
Accept That Things Will Go Wrong
Perhaps the most important tip of all: accept that things won’t always go perfectly. You might miss a bus, or a show, or need to make an unexpected bathroom stop. These moments are part of travelling with kids, so take a deep breath, stay relaxed, and focus on making the most of your time together.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or chaotic. With smart preparation, flexibility, and a positive attitude, you can create wonderful family memories and even enjoy some moments of peace and relaxation. Remember, the goal is to have fun and embrace the adventure, no matter what surprises come your way.
Happy travels, and don’t forget to celebrate once you arrive—perhaps with that well-earned glass of wine!
