For many parents, travelling with kids brings mixed feelings. On one hand, you crave new adventures and unforgettable experiences. On the other, you might dread the endless “Are we there yet?”, “When are we going home?”, “I need the toilet!” or “I’m hungry!”

We travel with kids quite often, and believe me when I say that with a little planning and imagination, there’s nothing to fear. Here are our 13 essential tips for travelling with children that will help you not only survive the journey but actually enjoy it.

1. Involve your kids in the planning

Family holidays go much smoother when you involve your children in the planning. The best way to avoid boredom and eye rolls is to let them help choose the destination and activities. That way, you’ll also avoid meltdowns later when your little one discovers that the nearby water park isn’t part of the itinerary.

Parents often assume what might entertain their kids, but reality tends to differ. So why not simply ask them? Tell them where you’re going, what the place is known for, and let them find something that sparks their curiosity. You might be surprised at how much they’ll learn — and how invested they’ll become.

I usually create a shortlist of destinations I’d love to visit and then go through it with my daughter. Even though she’s only five, once she sees photos and videos, she quickly forms an opinion about where she’d like to go. That gives us a starting point. Then we read books, watch travel clips, and talk about what we could do once we get there. This process builds excitement and helps her mentally prepare, making the actual trip easier and more enjoyable. Older children can even help plan a day or two of activities — and present their ideas to the family.

2. Choose the right destination

Not every place is suitable for family travel. Focus on family-friendly destinations that offer a mix of attractions, outdoor fun, and cultural experiences for all ages — including you. The best trips are those where both kids and parents get what they need: adventure, rest, and quality time together.

If you’re travelling abroad with young children, safety and healthcare access are key. Avoid destinations that require vaccinations against tropical diseases or preventive malaria medication. Instead, choose countries with solid infrastructure, reliable transport, and accessible medical care — it will make your holiday far less stressful.

Also consider basic conveniences such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and restaurants that serve child-friendly meals. These small details make a big difference and allow you to focus on what truly matters — creating happy family memories together.

Tip: Kids love adventure! Try camping together — here are 3 amazing family-friendly campsites in Austria you’ll fall in love with.

3. Don’t be scared of public transport

Public transport can be a fantastic part of the adventure when travelling with kids. Many children love trains, trams, or even underground rides. Whenever possible, skip the car for a while and take a train instead — it’s less stressful and gives kids room to move around.

When planning your journey, aim for the shortest and most comfortable routes. If driving, stick to moderate distances and schedule breaks. Travelling overnight can also work wonders — kids sleep, time passes faster, and you arrive more relaxed. Always ensure car seats are properly fitted and plan regular breaks for fresh air.

If flying, book seats together in advance and request a bassinet for babies on long-haul flights. Direct flights are usually pricier, but with children, they’re absolutely worth it — fewer transfers mean fewer tears.

4. Avoid shoes with laces

This might sound trivial, but it can save your sanity. Avoid lace-up shoes when travelling with kids — they slow you down during airport security checks and can cause unnecessary stress. Choose easy slip-ons, sandals, or Velcro trainers instead. They’re faster to take off and put back on, perfect for airports, temples, or play areas.

Simple, comfortable footwear will make your journey smoother and help everyone stay calm during those rush moments that inevitably happen on family trips.

5. Book transfers in advance

When travelling abroad with children, the last thing you want is to haggle over taxis after a long flight. Pre-booking airport transfers saves both money and nerves. It ensures that when you arrive tired with sleepy kids, you can simply hop into your ride and start your holiday peacefully.

Even if pre-booked transfers cost slightly more, they’re worth every penny for a stress-free family arrival. No need to negotiate with drivers or navigate foreign apps — just a smooth start to your trip.

6. Play means peace

Long journeys with children can be challenging, but word and observation games can turn travel time into fun time. Games like the Travel Alphabet, “Now!”, or “I spy” work brilliantly in cars and trains. Creating a shared story is another favourite – each person adds a word or sentence, and the result is often hilarious. Such games boost creativity, cooperation and language skills, making time pass faster and the atmosphere lighter.

Besides games, bring small, lightweight toys and creative materials. Colouring books, stickers and drawing pads take little space and keep kids busy for hours. My daughter loves sticker books and preschool activity booklets that we leave behind once finished. Older kids can read or take photos – a small balloon, magnifying glass or children’s camera can become great travel companions, encouraging curiosity and daily photo projects the whole family can enjoy together.

7. Check your passports

efore every international trip, check the validity of your children’s passports. Passports for children under 15 usually last only 5 years, which passes quickly. Many countries also require that passports remain valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Overlooking this simple rule can cause huge complications at the airport. Taking five minutes to check avoids a world of stress later.

8. Find a routine but stay flexible

Keeping a loose routine helps children adjust to new environments. Regular mealtimes and rest periods bring stability, while flexibility keeps everyone calm when plans change. Travel always brings surprises, and how you respond makes the difference. On a trip through Taiwan, my daughter – not yet one year old – suddenly developed a fever. Instead of panicking, I extended our stay, saw a local doctor and switched to rest mode until she recovered.

Morning is usually the best time for outings when kids have energy. Afternoons are better for quiet breaks or naps. Remember, travelling with children naturally slows the pace – allow extra time for every transfer. When we stay longer somewhere, like a month in Thailand, we build a rhythm: morning pool play, breakfast, work for me and playtime for her, lunch, nap and afternoon exploring. That sense of rhythm keeps both of us happy and balanced.

9. Take advantage of family discounts

Family offers and special deals are brilliant ways to save without sacrificing fun. Many destinations provide discounted transport and attraction tickets for families. Some resorts even have “kids stay and eat free” promotions. In Japan, family rail passes can save hundreds, and in Australia, resorts like Kingfisher Bay offer packages where kids travel, stay and eat free when accompanied by paying adults.

If you’ll stay in one place longer, look for multi-visit passes or local memberships. When my daughter and I spent several months in Asia, I bought bundles like 10-visit passes to a kids’ club or children’s yoga classes. It saved money, created familiar routines, helped her make friends and built her confidence – plus, it was a fun way to practise English.

10. Choose family-friendly accommodation

Luxury hotels may appeal to adults, but they often bore children. Look for places with space, a pool, a playground or a kids’ corner. Such features make a big difference, letting children release energy while parents relax.

If possible, choose accommodation with a kitchenette and fridge. Even if you don’t plan to cook, having space for drinks and snacks is invaluable. When booking, request extras like cots, highchairs or bed guards – many hotels provide them for free. Family-oriented stays also help kids meet new friends, giving you more time to unwind and plan your adventures.

11. Don’t underestimate health and safety

Long journeys, new food, climate shifts and time zones can all affect children. Even if they seem healthy, be prepared. Pack a small first-aid kit with antiseptic, plasters, bandages, thermometer, diarrhoea relief and fever medicine. This simple preparation lets you act quickly if needed.
In busy places such as airports, stations or festivals, keep an eye on your kids and prepare for the possibility of separation. Give them your phone number and hotel name on a wristband or note in a secure pocket, and teach them to approach someone in uniform or behind a counter if they need help. Small precautions make a big difference.

12. Plan a relaxed itinerary with activities for everyone

Family travel isn’t only about lounging on the beach. Plan activities that engage both adults and children. Visits to animal farms, zoos, aquariums, local markets, cultural shows, boat rides or cooking classes can entertain everyone. My daughter loves local markets – she samples new fruits and learns about ingredients while having fun.

Still, avoid overscheduling. Children tire easily, and overloaded itineraries quickly lead to stress. Balance active days with quiet ones, and always include downtime. A midday rest, a peaceful coffee stop or a sunset stroll can recharge everyone and turn travel from exhausting to enjoyable.

13. Pack smart and light

Packing for kids can be tricky. The temptation to take “just in case” items leads to heavy, stressful travel. Instead, focus on essentials. Make a list and stick to it: wipes, hand sanitiser, reusable bottle, snacks, entertainment and a change of clothes. Dress for layers and varying temperatures. Baby supplies like nappies and purees can be bought locally, so bring only what you need for the start of your trip.

If your kids can walk, give them their own small suitcase or backpack. It builds independence and makes logistics easier. Travelling light is liberating – fewer bags, fewer worries, more freedom. For detailed advice, check out our guide to travelling light with only carry-on luggage.

Travelling with kids hassle free

Travelling abroad with children may seem daunting, but with a bit of planning it becomes one of the most rewarding experiences. Involve your kids, pick the right destination, keep routines gentle, stay flexible and don’t let delays shake you. With these family travel tips you’ll move like pros, create wonderful shared memories and truly enjoy your adventures together. Happy travels! ✈️