Recently, I embarked on a whirlwind, three-month journey across six continents—a round-the-world adventure with my 2.5-year-old son, Julian, as my intrepid companion. When I share this Family Travel Tips, I’m often met with one of two reactions: a surprised “Wow, that’s daring!” or a skeptical “Are you out of your mind?” My response? “Yes to both, and thank you!” But here’s the truth: I didn’t do it alone.
During our 88-day odyssey—which I’m chronicling through an exclusive family travel newsletter for Condé Nast Traveler—I relied heavily on a network of seasoned parents. These travel-savvy moms and dads generously shared their hard-earned wisdom, helping me navigate the inevitable physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with exploring the globe with a toddler.
Between FaceTime calls with my endlessly patient husband, group chats with supportive friends, and advice from Facebook communities like Families Who Love to Travel and Tiny Globetrotters, I found the strength to persevere through tougher moments. Now, I’m thrilled to pass on these pearls of wisdom to you.
Here, insights from travel journalists, tour operators, and road-tested parents—offering indispensable tips for adventures with kids of all ages.
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Start Young, Travel Often
Before their first daughter arrived, David DiGregorio, managing director at CornerSun Destination Marketing, and his wife were seasoned globetrotters. When Chandra became pregnant, people often remarked, “Well, that’s the end of your traveling days!” Instead of succumbing to this mindset, they resolved that their baby, Samara, would adapt to their lifestyle as much as they would to hers.
At just 10 weeks old, Samara joined them on a cross-Canada train journey. “Starting early got her accustomed to being flexible and embracing change,” says DiGregorio. By the time she turned one, Samara had become a seasoned traveler, effortlessly adjusting to new environments.
Now 11, she’s explored dozens of countries. “She’s grown to be adaptable and culturally aware,” DiGregorio notes, adding that her confidence has soared. Samara fearlessly orders meals in unfamiliar settings, handles foreign currencies, and makes friends on playgrounds worldwide—even with language barriers.
Pack Light, Shop Locally
Kathryn Romeyn, a Bali-based travel journalist, recalls her first trip with her then-10-week-old daughter, Indah. Their SUV was packed to the brim for a three-night getaway to Palm Springs.
While overpacking provided initial reassurance, it soon became clear how unnecessary most of the items were. Now, with two daughters (Indah, 3.5, and Mira, 11 months), Romeyn travels lighter than ever.
“You learn to improvise,” she says, creating toys from everyday objects and packing only essentials like baby food pouches and teething crackers.
DiGregorio, too, champions minimalism, advocating for compact gear like the Pockit Air stroller, inflatable booster seats, and portable bed bumpers.
Rutherford-based mom Cinzia Reale-Castello recommends bringing a duplicate of your child’s favorite stuffed toy in case the original is lost abroad—a lesson she learned the hard way.
Involve Kids in the Process
Keeping children informed and involved can make a world of difference. Romeyn suggests preparing even the youngest travelers by explaining what to expect—from airplane sounds to meal schedules. “The more they understand, the smoother the experience,” she shares.
For older kids, participation is key. Art teacher Marilyn Lobos engages her 8-year-old daughter Luna by studying maps together, brainstorming rainy-day activities, and identifying unique local experiences.
Similarly, Chris Bergaust, a Foreign Service Officer and father of four, emphasizes giving teenagers a voice in planning. “When they’ve had a say, they’re more invested and less likely to complain,” he observes.
Embrace Realities, Find Balance
The romantic idea of traveling with children often collides with parenting realities. Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel agency Black Tomato, embraced this duality by crafting a multi-destination trip for his daughters, Minnie (6) and Coco (3.5).
Combining Iceland’s rugged landscapes with Morocco’s vibrant culture, he struck a balance between adventure and downtime, enriching his daughters’ understanding of diverse environments.
Strategize Travel Logistics
Flying as a family can be chaotic, but strategic seating can help. Romeyn finds it easier to separate when traveling with her husband, each managing one child.
DiGregorio employs another tactic: booking aisle and window seats in the same row and leaving the middle seat vacant, often resulting in extra space.
Make Peace with Screens
While screen time might be limited at home, many parents find it invaluable during travel. Bangkok-based writer Chris Schalkx relied on “Peppa Pig” to calm his son in challenging situations.
Ensure devices are pre-loaded with content for offline use, advises Bergaust, and switch off screens 10 minutes before arriving to help kids reset.
Invest in Comfort and Convenience
Airport lounges, day rooms, and VIP services can transform layovers into restful breaks. DiGregorio highlights the value of family-friendly amenities—often hidden but worth seeking out—and pre-arranged meet-and-greet services to streamline airport processes.
Prioritize Snacks and Rest
Keeping kids well-fed is non-negotiable. Evergreen-based PR founder Campbell Levy recommends arranging for in-room refrigerators stocked with basics like milk. For combating jet lag, Marchant advises allocating extra days to adjust to time zones or sticking to destinations with minimal differences.
Build in Playtime
Remember, travel isn’t just about sightseeing. Tampa-based writer Terry Ward reminds parents to include play opportunities, whether it’s a local playground or a resort pool. “Kids need familiar experiences on the road as much as adults do,” she says. Traveling with friends who have children can also provide shared moments of joy and relief.
Family Travel Tips Lessons Learned
From avoiding late-day car rides to creating moments of social interaction, these Family Travel Tips underline one core truth: traveling with kids requires adaptability, patience, and a dash of creativity. With the right mindset and preparation, family adventures can become some of the most rewarding experiences imaginable.
