Traveling with children It can be a challenging experience, but with the right strategy, it can also be incredibly rewarding.
That's why we tapped a few industry experts to help you navigate the travel process and recommend products they've had success with in the past.
“Traveling as a family is about having a plan, but also expecting the unexpected. Unexpected things can happen when traveling, but the more prepared you are, the better you can handle them. The earlier you start traveling with your kids, the more it becomes a part of their lifestyle, and it won’t be an insurmountable task every time,” Jen Campbell Boles told “Good Morning America.”
Boles is the founder of Discover more family tripsa travel agency specializing in creating luxury family vacations.
Below, read the Explore More team's tips and tricks to ensure any upcoming family trip goes smoothly.
What are your best tips for getting from home to your travel destination?
“My family finds it easier to drive and park in the lot closest to the terminal. We often drop off our pet when we leave town or need to pick up a meal on the way home, so we find it easier to have a car since there are four of us,” Boles told “GMA.”
“When we arrive at a new destination, we always book private transfers to ensure they are well taken care of from the moment they arrive. It’s such a relief to see the driver standing there with your name on a sign once you exit baggage claim instead of worrying about what’s next with a tired family in tow.”
How to keep children busy during the trip?
Travel expert and Explore More team member Kelli Ellis recommended having “a small backpack for each child with things they can do at the airport” to keep them occupied.
“I find that if they help pack their bag, they’re more likely to carry it and want to use what’s in it,” Ellis said. “I usually have a second bag with more stuff so it doesn’t all get used in the first hour. Surprising kids with a new book or activity when they start to get excited is key. And always have extra snacks.”
Tips to Keep Your Kids Organized While Packing
“My kids started being responsible for their own suitcases during trips around age 5,” Boles said. “We bought sizes that were easy for them to manage.”
Below are some of Boles and Ellis' favorite products that they've found helpful when traveling with kids. Scroll down to shop.
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Check out more picks from the Family Travel Team
Magnetic Men
“You can keep kids busy for hours and they take up very little space.”
LOVIMAG Magnetic Fidget Toys
Pencil case with stickers
DoDoMagxanadu Pencil Pouch with Zipper Pulls
Lego binder
“I take a binder and attach a square Lego tray to the inside with Velcro, then put the Legos in a three-hole pencil case and put it all in the binder. This makes it possible to build Legos on the go! It’s better for car trips because it can take up more space.”
Set of 8 classic base plates for building bricks
Avery View Heavy Duty 3-Ring Binder
LEGO Classic Building Set Large Creative Brick Box
Snack boxes
“These products have become very popular recently! You get a box with many compartments and you put your favorite snacks in it for the kids to eat on the plane. Dried fruits, nuts, M&M's, cheese cubes, crackers, cold cuts, whatever you like. They're also great for picnics or parks!
Divided Snack Box with Lid and Handle Divided Snack Box for Portable Snack Box Perfect Serving Tray for Candy, Fruit and Treats
Hanging toiletry bag for more activities
“This bag can be hung up once you arrive at the hotel so kids can easily access it… coloring books, Water Wow! paints, foil art, stickers, small toys can all fit in it.”
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag Travel Bag with Hanging Hook
Packing cubes
Packing cubes are essential for keeping your kids organized.
“These BAGSMART cubes even include a bag for shoes or dirty items,” Boles said.
BAGSMART 6/4/2 Pack Compression Cubes for Travel
This Stow-n-go product offers great convenience in packing your child's clothes right into the shelves and they fold into your suitcase. So when you arrive at your destination you can simply take it out and hang it up and you're ready to go.
