11 Family Travel Tips Every Parent Needs to Know

If only we had a time machine to share with our past selves the ups and downs of traveling as parents! We’d advise against packing oversized suitcases and Play-Doh for flights, reminisce about the new friendships formed in playgrounds worldwide, and acknowledge that a crying baby isn’t the end of the world. Fortunately, we’ve learned from our experiences and compiled valuable family travel tips, tricks, and loads of encouragement for those setting out with little ones. This list won’t be exhaustive—every child is unique. For families with children who have disabilities, it's also heartening to see the progress being made to enhance travel accessibility—making it ultimately easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Here are 11 crucial family travel tips from experienced parents in the Dinogo community.

Stay adaptable and welcome the unexpected

It's well-known that children flourish with routine, which is why many families create bedtime rituals and daily schedules to instill good habits around eating, sleeping, and behavior (at least in theory!). However, while traveling, sticking to a schedule can be quite challenging, if not impossible—and that’s perfectly fine. Keep in mind that this trip is a vacation for you and your kids, and it’s okay to bend or even break the rules. A common saying is that screen time restrictions don’t apply during travel; pizza and chicken fingers are staple food groups; naps and meals may occur at odd hours; and staying up late or sleeping in are all part of “embracing the jet lag.” Speaking of...

Embrace jet lag during your travels—and allow yourself a ‘jet lag buffer’ upon returning home

While many travelers prioritize adjusting to local time by soaking up sunlight, taking brisk walks, and avoiding naps, we like to see where jet lag leads us. A particularly manageable time zone shift occurs when flying east from the USA to Europe; that six- to seven-hour difference is just right. Opt for an overnight flight and arrive in the early morning local time. Request early check-in a few weeks ahead; if granted, take the opportunity to settle in (shower, unpack, let the kids claim their territory, perhaps even nap!). Even if you don’t step out to explore until the early afternoon, young kids will still be awake for one of those rare dinners out. Everyone goes to bed a bit later, wakes up a tad later, and it can feel downright indulgent.

As expected, readjusting to routine upon returning is a bumpier journey. If possible, give yourself at least one day for each hour of time zone difference to fully recover from jet lag. You might scoff, saying, “I can’t spare a week to recover from a week’s vacation!” Fair point. Just avoid overcommitting to activities during that first week back—sleep may be hard to come by. If you’ve traveled halfway around the globe (with 14- to 16-hour differences), anticipate that everyone might turn into tiny night owls for at least five days post-return.

Focus on the essentials and resist the urge to overpack

Tony Dong, a Delta Air Lines flight attendant since 2011 and a dad to a preschooler (in short: he understands), shares valuable insights in our Dinogo story “A Flight Attendant’s Tips for Flying with Kids,” including: “Despite our best efforts to predict all potential needs, traveling with children teaches parents to quickly adapt and pivot.” Expect to leave something behind and make a trip to a local grocery store; it’s all part of the adventure of discovering a new neighborhood—“living like a local,” as they say. Diapers are universal, after all. The excitement of finding new snacks and gadgets may even bring your kids more joy than the familiar comforts from home.

That doesn’t mean you should pack light, though. Dong emphasizes that parents should “definitely include toys,” whether it’s an iPad (with headphones) or a device filled with your child’s favorite shows; chapter books or cherished picture books for repeated readings; a Polaroid camera and journal for older kids; and something that brings a sense of home, like a familiar blanket, small pillow, or stuffed animal.

Encourage independence by providing kids with their own backpack or suitcase

When the kids are ready, let them pack and carry their own little backpack or suitcase—trust us, they’ll feel excited and proud, leading to minimal fuss. An incredibly fun alternative is a ride-on suitcase, like the JetKids by Stokke. This not only frees parents from carrying their kids’ belongings but also eliminates the need to carry the kids themselves—talk about a win-win! If you’re racing to catch a flight, kids can zip around much faster on a ride-on suitcase than on foot. It’s akin to having a scooter in the airport (just be cautious not to let them collide with unsuspecting passengers). We also recommend investing early in some of this brilliant family travel gear—you’ll get plenty of use out of it.

The one exception to overpacking: emergency snacks

This might seem contrary to the “don’t overpack” mantra, but it can be beneficial if you have a picky eater. During a recent multi-generational trip to Poland and Romania, Michelle packed a suitcase filled with her four-year-old daughter’s favorite foods: Cheerios, Hawaiian rolls, and even some shelf-stable milk. She confesses, “I never thought I’d become that parent. I always envisioned saying, ‘We’ll find things to eat, and you’ll like it.’ But honestly? I just needed peace of mind knowing I had provisions to keep [my picky eater] satisfied for two weeks and avoid meltdowns. It was perfect. We brought an extra suitcase brimming with snacks; munched our way through them; and had a souvenir bag for the return trip.”

Eventually, Michelle’s daughter discovered some snacks while abroad that hit the spot—who knew Eastern Europe had Philadelphia cream cheese? Apparently, you can enjoy it with pretzels for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days on end!

Plan your travel at least three months ahead

We all have a tendency to procrastinate or hold out for last-minute deals. However, delaying can significantly limit your options. When is the best time to book your airline tickets? “I typically find that booking three months in advance still offers great seat assignment choices,” says Brett Snyder, founder and author of the airline industry blog crankyflier.com, in our piece on keeping families together on a flight. This advice applies to accommodations as well: the sooner you book, the more choices you’ll have, such as adjoining hotel rooms or Airbnbs equipped with essential amenities like a pool.

Steer clear of Basic Economy

While Basic Economy fares on major airlines might save you some cash, they come with a drawback: no option to select your seat at the time of booking. “The simplest solution is to pay a little extra,” advises Rainer Jenss, president of the Family Travel Association, an organization dedicated to family-friendly travel. “If you can swing it, spending a bit more will significantly improve your chances of keeping your family seated together.”

Select window and aisle seats

Think of it like a Monopoly game where you gather valuable properties for future trades. If you can't secure a block of seats, aim for as many aisle and window seats as possible, as fellow passengers are more likely to swap, advises Kristin Maxwell from the family travel blog Kids Are A Trip. “Having a preferable seat to exchange is always advantageous,” she noted. “Even the kindest travelers won't want to switch for a middle seat.”

If unsure, opt for a road trip

Sometimes flying is just not feasible—maybe it’s too expensive, or as Dinogo deputy editor Tim Chester points out, when kids outnumber adults, managing them on a flight becomes significantly more challenging. “If given the option, I would much rather drive,” he shared on a recent episode of the Dinogo Travel Tales podcast focused on family travel. “We can load the car with all their favorite things without bothering anyone else. Plus, we can stop whenever we like and take our time. I don’t feel as confined as I do on an airplane.”

Seeking road trip ideas? Explore one of our favorite National Parks to enjoy with kids. Don't miss our list of the 21 best road trips in the U.S.

Don't overlook “kid-friendly” accommodations

Believe us: when kids are happy, parents are happy. We recently put together a list of hotels and resorts globally featuring some of the most amazing kids' clubs that provide everyone in your family a little breather. Additionally, many hotels are welcoming kids with amenities and activities tailored for children of all ages—ranging from all-day dining menus specifically for kids at Pendry hotels to guided tide-pool adventures at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai.

It’s never too early to start traveling with kids

“When my son Luke was three, my wife and I planned a trip to Japan, bringing him along,” recalled former Dinogo executive editor Jeremy Saum in 2019. “Why would you do that?” my friend Lisa questioned. “Why spend all that money to fly across the ocean when he’d be just as happy tossing rocks in your backyard? Plus, he’s so young; he won’t remember anything. And he might spoil your trip.”

Over a decade later, Jeremy admits she had a point. “But I’m still glad we went,” he reflects. “And we haven’t stopped traveling with him... Your previous life as a traveler may be gone, but a new one begins.”

“For my wife and me, our memories of Japan don’t revolve around hidden sake bars. Instead, we remember trailing behind a small, blue garbage truck down the street. We recall the doorman who handed our son an origami frog. We cherish that same little hand ringing the bells at the temples in Kyoto. We even remember discovering the rooftop playground of a Tokyo department store, sharing a peanut butter sandwich we picked up from a 7-Eleven with our child.

“This is the reason to fly across oceans: Life is fleeting, and the world is filled with wonders. None of us can see them all, but there are plenty available if you remain observant. Another aspect of children, particularly little ones, is that they aren’t bound by what you think is ‘appropriate’ to do in a place. Everything is a new experience for them, and they choose what’s exciting.”

For more family travel trip inspiration:

• Our Top Summer Getaways for Families and Kids of All Ages
• 17 Incredible Family Vacation Spots—and Where to Stay