42 practical family travel tips that really make a difference

Family travel is a whole different adventure.

From your travel strategy and gear to the inevitable 'Are we there yet?' questions, family trips require a unique approach compared to solo or adults-only vacations.

Traveling with kids may feel like a different challenge, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences, whether you're exploring Machu Picchu or enjoying the latest thrill ride at Disney World.

We've gathered 42 of our top family travel hacks to help simplify your journey. These time-tested tips are designed to minimize stress and ensure your family vacation is full of fun and relaxation.

Essential travel tips for parents with infants and toddlers

Having a baby might temporarily slow down your adventures, but it certainly doesn't mean the end of your travel days. In fact, traveling with a baby can still be a rewarding experience.

While your baby may not remember their early vacations, those moments of bonding are priceless, and you'll cherish the memory of their first big trip for years to come.

In some ways, traveling with a small, cuddly baby can be easier than with a more mobile toddler, so don’t hesitate to plan a getaway while your little one is still young and easy to manage.

Choose the perfect travel stroller

When traveling with a stroller, opt for one that's lightweight, easy to fold, and capable of navigating through airports or rough paths once you arrive at your destination.

Many strollers can fold small enough to fit in the overhead compartment on most airlines, but if you plan to gate-check your stroller, foldability becomes less of a concern.

To protect your stroller from dirt and wear, consider using a stroller travel bag. For long layovers, you can request that your gate-checked stroller be delivered to you between flights, giving your baby a safe place to rest while you manage the airport. Just ask the gate agent when checking in your stroller.

Try babywearing for convenience

For hands-free convenience and to keep your baby close, you might want to try babywearing as you navigate the airport or during your flight (though most airlines restrict it during takeoff and landing).

According to Transportation Security Administration rules, you can carry your infant in a sling or carrier while passing through the metal detector, so you won’t need to remove them for security checks.

If the weather is mild, baby carriers and slings can be a great option at theme parks, where many family-friendly attractions allow babywearing. Just be sure to check for any safety guidelines before you ride.

Breastfeeding moms should look for carriers that offer easy access for nursing on the go, like those in sling or wrap styles.

Consider a Doona for convenience

If you're looking to avoid carrying both a car seat and stroller, and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, the Doona could be your solution. It effortlessly converts from a car seat to a stroller and back, all while keeping your baby securely strapped in.

Thanks to their versatility, Doonas are perfect for flights, cab rides, Uber trips, and pretty much any busy moment in your life with a baby.

Think carefully before flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children under 2 years old to fly as lap infants.

The potential cost savings are tempting, and during those first months when your baby is nursing or sleeping most of the time, flying as a lap infant can seem like the easiest choice. If your baby sleeps through anything or you have a travel companion to help with baby duties, it might work well. However, if your baby is fussy or you're flying solo, keeping them in a car seat could make the journey more comfortable.

If you opt for a seat for your baby, there are many lightweight, portable car seats available that are far easier to travel with than the bulky one you use at home.

Invest in a travel car seat

Every child is different, but if your little one is comfortable in a car seat at home, they may feel the same way on a plane. If your child is used to a car seat and has their own seat on the plane, consider bringing it along for added safety and comfort. You may also want to bring your car seat if you plan to rent a car or use ride-hailing services once you land.

The Cosco Onlook is a top choice for travel car seats. Weighing just around 10 pounds, it's an affordable and convenient option for families on the go. It's suitable for rear-facing babies between 5 and 40 pounds and forward-facing children from 22 to 40 pounds.

Another great option is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which comes highly recommended by several TPG readers.

Pack a Boppy pillow if you're traveling with an infant

A Boppy nursing pillow can be a game-changer during long flights with an infant. It's perfect for nursing, and it gives your baby a cozy spot to rest while you give your arms a break. To save space, consider storing it in a vacuum-seal bag when not in use.

Enroll your kids in frequent flyer programs

When you start buying a seat for your child — whether because they turn 2 or because you prefer the option of a separate seat — be sure to sign them up for a frequent flyer account so they can start accumulating miles.

There’s no minimum age to sign up, so it’s smart to register them early to maximize their miles. Many airlines even allow families to pool their miles, so you can manage all your points in one account.

Board last to avoid the chaos

While most airlines offer early boarding for families with young children, if your family has assigned seats, there's no need to rush and board ahead of others.

Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first, while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This helps minimize the time spent in tight quarters, reducing the chances of a meltdown and minimizing disruptions to their schedule.

Pack your carry-on with purpose

Think about everything you'll need quick access to for both you and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you won’t forget essentials or struggle to find them once you're on the plane.

Pack enough food, diapers, and extra outfits for at least double the amount of time you expect to be in transit. Don't forget to include snacks, drinks, and extra clothes for yourself too, so you're well-prepared for the journey.

As a general guideline, it's wise to have enough essentials packed to last for at least 24 hours, as you never know what might happen.

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash bags

When preparing for a trip, never forget to pack a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags, or trash bags. They're perfect for storing wet or dirty clothes. In a pinch, black trash bags can even double as makeshift blackout curtains for your hotel room.

Create a space in your hotel room for the baby to sleep

Ideally, you'll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms, giving your baby a dark, quiet space to sleep while you can unwind without disturbing them. However, sometimes having multiple rooms isn't an option.

If you're stuck with just one bedroom, consider placing the crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to create a peaceful sleep environment.

Travel with sleep gear that helps your baby rest in the hotel

When it's bedtime for the baby, there are plenty of sleep tents, shades, and white-noise machines to make them comfortable. Here are a few of our top recommendations:

• SlumberPod
• SnoozeShade for portable cribs
• BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light
• White Noise Lite app for iOS and Android
• Hatch Rest night-light and sound machine
• Portable Travel Window Blackout Curtain

You don’t always need to buy new gear for a successful trip. One reader shared a clever tip: use painters tape to cover outlets as a quick, affordable way to baby-proof your hotel room.

Have diapers and other essentials delivered to your destination

While you’ll want to have enough supplies for the first day or two, you can easily order what you need from Amazon or use services like Shipt, Target Circle 360, or Instacart to have essentials delivered to your hotel or vacation rental after you arrive.

Pack plenty of snacks

This applies to all ages, but it’s especially important when traveling with infants.

Never assume that baby-friendly items will be readily available while you're traveling. The last thing you want is the stress of rushing to find what you need at the last minute.

To avoid any unnecessary stress, be sure to pack enough formula, snacks, and other essentials so you have everything your child needs to stay comfortable and happy.

Travel tips for preschoolers

The good news is that by the time kids reach preschool age, they require less sleep and fewer transportation essentials.

When traveling with preschoolers, make sure to pack toys and activities that will keep them entertained, along with night-lights to ward off any fear of the dark, plus other essential travel items.

Bring toys that won’t create a mess

When selecting toys for a flight or road trip, avoid anything that could create a mess or be easily lost, like slime or small pieces such as Legos.

For mess-free fun, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and their matching coloring pages. For longer trips, consider suction toys that stick to the windows of your car or plane.

Pack a few surprise toys to reveal throughout your trip

One great way to keep your child entertained for longer stretches is to save a few new toys for the day of travel. This makes them feel exciting and fresh. You can even wrap them up or hand them out one at a time throughout your trip.

If you're on a budget, try visiting a dollar store or the bargain aisle at your local grocery store. You might be surprised by what you find. Trust us, a small $5 investment can make a huge difference.

Consider using an inflatable booster seat

If your child is ready for a booster seat, inflatable, fold-flat options are a breeze to carry when you're on the road. The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a favorite among TPG readers.

Bring a stroller along

If you're planning on covering a lot of ground with your child during your trip, a stroller can be a lifesaver, even if it's not something you typically use at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World, you may find that a stroller is needed until your child is 6, 7, or even 8 years old. It helps you move around quickly, lets them keep pace, and gives them a place to rest if they get tired before you're ready to call it a day. You can rent one at your destination or bring your own.

Get stroller straps

While it's not acceptable to AirTag your kids (though they’re great for tracking lost luggage), we recommend using stroller straps that older kids can hold onto while you push younger children in the stroller. We particularly love the Tagalong Stroller Accessory.

Book your airport car service in advance

If you need car seats or just want peace of mind knowing a ride will be waiting when you arrive, both Uber and Lyft now offer the option to schedule a ride ahead of time. Another premium option is Blacklane. If you're traveling with a lot of gear, you can even arrange for your driver to meet you inside baggage claim.

Pack a night-light

Night-lights are a must for kids who get scared of the dark. This compact, affordable night-light is small, sleek, and easy to pack.

If you're going on a cruise and don't have access to regular power outlets, TPG Managing Editor Erica Silverstein recommends bringing battery-operated tea lights as a portable lighting option.

Choose destinations with kids clubs

A major travel milestone occurs when your child turns 3 and becomes potty trained, as it opens up the opportunity to enjoy kids clubs at resorts and on cruise ships—many of which are free.

Whether you're on a Disney cruise or staying at a resort with a kids club, these areas are perfect for preschoolers. Choosing a destination that caters to younger kids allows you to unwind while they enjoy safe, fun activities.

Schedule rest days and afternoon naps

Even if your preschooler no longer takes daily naps, it's still a good idea to carve out some downtime during your trip. Their sleep schedule will likely be disrupted while traveling, and the vacation activities will likely be more exciting and overwhelming than what they're used to at home, so make sure to allow time for rest.

To help your tired little one adjust, plan a leisurely day by the pool or take a quiet break in your hotel room to prevent meltdowns.

Travel tips for kids in elementary school

As children grow older, they can handle more activities on vacation with less help, but the same old tricks to keep them entertained might not work as well anymore.

As elementary-age kids' brains develop and become more complex, they will need more engaging activities during your trip. Be prepared to adapt your vacation plans to keep them entertained and ensure they enjoy the experience.

Use packing cubes for the whole family

This organizational tip works for all ages, but it’s especially useful when your child starts taking an interest in picking out their own clothes. Packing cubes help you keep everyone’s clothing sorted and organized, saving valuable space.

If you opt for packing cubes, there are a few effective strategies. One option is to assign a cube for each day of the trip, or you can consolidate your family’s clothes into a single cube. This method is especially helpful if you're making multiple stops and want to avoid constantly repacking.

Another option is to pack each family member's clothes in individual packing cubes. This can be especially helpful for encouraging kids to pick out their own outfits and get dressed on their own.

Leave one day open in your itinerary

While we've discussed the value of keeping afternoons flexible, if you're planning a trip longer than a weekend, we strongly suggest leaving one full day unplanned. This gives the kids a chance to recharge, and you’ll have the freedom to say 'yes' to any spontaneous activities they want to try.

Depending on what excites your child, use this unscheduled day for fun activities like playing at a water park, going on a nature hike, indulging in an ice cream tour, or spending extra time at the kids’ club.

The key is to keep this day open-ended, allowing you to tailor the activities to whatever your child enjoys the most.

Make the most of your hotel's club lounge

Club access can be a game-changer when you're traveling with kids.

If you book a club-level room at a hotel, you often gain daily access to breakfast, snacks, and drinks. Plus, the club lounge is a perfect place to unwind with your family and enjoy stunning views.

Consider vacationing with another family

As kids grow, the company of other children becomes increasingly important.

Whenever possible, try to plan your trip so it overlaps with time spent with cousins or friends. This will almost certainly ensure that the kids have a blast, and you'll enjoy the trip more, too.

For these kinds of trips, you might want to consider booking a great vacation home rental.

Travel tips for tweens and teens

Traveling with tweens and teens is a whole different experience compared to traveling with younger kids — you probably know this firsthand if you're living with them right now.

At this stage, kids are transitioning into adulthood, which means they should be given some of the space, privacy, and freedom that come with growing up.

Prepare an activity bag

While it's tempting to rely solely on a phone, packing an activity bag can keep kids (even older ones) entertained during long journeys.

For your activity bag, think about including a mix of snacks, quiet toys, handheld games, and maybe some art supplies — basically anything that will keep them entertained until you reach your destination.

Check your downloaded content

Airplane Wi-Fi can be unpredictable. Even if you pay for it, there's no guarantee it will work throughout the flight. To avoid frustration, make sure you download movies, music, games, and other media ahead of time on your device (or your child's).

When downloading content, try using multiple services like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple, so if one provider has issues, you still have options. And don't forget — messaging is often free on flights, so ensure your teen has the airline's app installed for services like iMessage during the flight.

Sign your child up for TSA PreCheck

Until your child turns 13, they can use the TSA PreCheck expedited security line when traveling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck, even if the child is not enrolled themselves.

Once your child turns 13, they can still use the TSA PreCheck lanes with their parent or guardian if they have the indicator on their boarding pass, and this benefit extends until they turn 17.

If your credit card reimburses TSA PreCheck fees, you can get back the cost of your child's application. Also, Clear continues to offer access for kids until they reach 18.

Think about booking connecting rooms

Once your kids hit their teenage years, cramming two or three children into a single queen-size bed becomes a thing of the past. Sharing one bathroom for the whole family is also a challenge you'll want to avoid.

To maintain harmony, think about booking connecting hotel rooms.

Connecting rooms provide extra beds, bathrooms, and storage space. Plus, your teens and tweens get the privacy they crave while still being close enough for you to keep an eye on them.

Allow your kids to pick a few activities (or even plan an entire day) to give them a sense of ownership in the trip.

At this stage, kids aren’t just along for the ride. Let them have a say in the trip planning, giving them a sense of independence. Chances are, they’ll be more invested in the experience if they have some control over the itinerary.

Invite a friend along

While traveling with other families works well for younger kids, teens may be perfectly content with just one of their friends joining the trip.

To save money, look into using an airline companion certificate to bring a friend along without any additional cost.

Choose a destination with a teen-friendly club

If you're visiting a place where the activities are limited, opt for resorts or destinations that offer dedicated spaces just for teens.

Cruise ships excel in this area, with kid-friendly spaces often split into distinct age groups. For example, Disney Cruise Line offers separate clubs for kids ages 3-12, tweens 11-14, and teens 14-17.

By taking advantage of age-specific clubs, your teen can enjoy their vacation without being bothered by younger kids.

Essential family travel tips

Some travel advice works for families of all ages.

No matter the age of your kids, your destination, or your mode of travel, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth family vacation.

Make the most of airport lounges

Airport lounges are increasingly family-friendly, offering spaces with toys, kid-friendly shows, and food options that even picky eaters will enjoy. If you're facing a long layover or delays, waiting in a lounge is far more comfortable than being stuck at the gate.

Many airport lounges offer day passes for purchase, but certain credit cards or loyalty programs may give you free access. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express provides the cardholder and one guest with complimentary entry to Priority Pass lounges and Centurion lounges, though free guest access depends on your annual spending.

Upgrade to a suite

Upgrading to a suite, like booking connecting rooms, provides extra space and, in some cases, a pullout sofa bed for more sleeping options.

With a suite, you'll have extra space for your family's things, plus dedicated areas for dining and unwinding—ensuring your kids aren’t constantly jumping, eating, or lounging on the beds.

Look for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

If you're a member of a local zoo or museum, you may be able to use your membership for discounted or free entry to other institutions while you're on vacation.

You can typically find this info on your zoo's or museum’s website, but you can also visit the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or the North American Reciprocal Museum Association websites to check their lists of reciprocal admissions.

Pick up a travel tracker that also serves as a keepsake

There are plenty of travel mementos that can also be meaningful souvenirs, capturing your child's travel milestones along the way.

Consider a Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbook to document each flight, while introducing your child to the world of aviation.

If you’re planning a trip to national parks, grab a National Parks Passport, either standard or junior, and collect stamps as you visit each park.

Always remember to pack any essential medications

When traveling, it's crucial to be ready for anything—this includes dealing with sickness or accidents that may arise unexpectedly.

Pack essential medicines for both kids and adults, along with Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, and basic first-aid supplies in your carry-on bag. This way, you'll have them on hand even if your checked luggage gets delayed or lost.

Consider bringing an extra bag

If you're traveling from a cold climate to a warmer one, bring along a compact tote bag that fits easily in your carry-on. This way, you can store everyone's coats once you're on the plane, keeping them out of the way and avoiding the hassle of figuring out where to store bulky outerwear.

Ensure that every family member is enrolled in Global Entry

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows children to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), Global Entry requires everyone to apply individually to expedite reentry into the U.S.

Global Entry can save you valuable time at immigration, but you'll need to apply well in advance to complete the application, attend an in-person interview, and wait for approval.

Just like TSA PreCheck, you can use certain credit cards to get reimbursed for your child's Global Entry application fee. Alternatively, if you apply after October 1, children under 18 will be exempt from the fee.

Check out the games available in many travel spaces

Many resorts, theme parks, and cruise ships offer a hidden layer of excitement, from classic scavenger hunts to tech-driven activities that can be unlocked using an iPhone or similar device—often easy to overlook.

While younger children may not get as much out of these experiences, they’re perfect for older kids, particularly elementary-age children and tweens.

Key takeaway

Family travel comes with its own set of challenges, but the rewards are truly worth it.

With a few smart strategies, the right gear, a solid plan, and a positive mindset, you can enjoy a family vacation that everyone will remember fondly.

You might not tick off every item on your wish list, and there will be moments that feel more like a challenge than a relaxing getaway. But if you're open to adjusting your expectations and rolling with the punches, you'll likely find yourself planning the next family adventure before you've even finished unpacking.