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Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
42 real-world family travel tips that actually work
Summer Hull has been covering (and using) travel tips, rewards credit cards and loyalty programs for over a decade. She has flown close to a million miles, often on points and miles and with her family in tow.
As a senior writer for TPG, Tarah Chieffi helps readers travel better, more often and within their budget.
also contributed to this story
June 25, 2024 • 26 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article compiles 42 practical tips for smoother family travel, covering infants through teens.
Advice spans gear recommendations, packing strategies and ways to keep children entertained and comfortable across different age groups.
Suggestions include using lightweight strollers, bringing sleep aids, enrolling kids in frequent flyer programs and leveraging hotel amenities like club lounges.
General tips address airport lounge access, reciprocal memberships at attractions, and preparing for unexpected events.
What to consider
Some offers and products mentioned may no longer be available, so check for current details before making plans or purchases.
Families should plan for age-specific needs, such as car seats for infants, activity bags for teens and flexible schedules for all ages.
Certain travel benefits, like expedited security or lounge access, may require advance enrollment or eligibility verification.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of age-appropriate gear, entertainment ideas and logistical strategies to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment on family trips.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Family travel is a whole other ballgame.
The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer “Are we there yet?” make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.
While traveling with kids is quite different from traveling without a child, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World.
We’ve compiled our 42 favorite family travel tips to make the journey a little easier. These tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.
Travel tips for infants and toddlers
MARC ROMANELLI/GETTY IMAGES
Having a baby may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.
While it’s true that your baby may not remember vacations that happened during their first few years, quality time together is invaluable, and you will always remember their first big vacation.
Some kinds of travel are often easier with a small, snuggly baby than a growing, active toddler, so don’t be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.
Use the right travel stroller
If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight, easily foldable and can smoothly maneuver through the airport or on rough terrain once you reach your destination.
Several strollers fold up small enough to fit in the overhead bin on most major airlines, but foldability isn't as important if you choose to gate-check your stroller.
Instead, prioritize protecting it from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.
Practice babywearing
To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to practice babywearing through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don’t allow it during takeoff and landing).
Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn’t have to remove them for security.
If it’s not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow babywearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.
Consider a Doona
If you don’t want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you’re in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It easily transforms from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.
Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.
Think twice about flying with a lap infant
Most airlines allow children younger than 2 years of age to fly as lap infants.
The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have success flying with a lap infant. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat.
If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.
Get a car seat just for travel
Every kid is different, but if your child sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience. You may also want to bring your own car seat if you plan to rent a car or use a ride-hailing service once you reach your destination.
The Cosco Onlook is a perennial favorite for travel car seats. Weighing around 10 pounds, this car seat is a winner for situations where you need something easy and affordable. It’s rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.
Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.
Bring a Boppy pillow if you’re holding an infant
A Boppy nursing pillow can be a lifesaver on long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest while giving your arms a break. To save space, you can stash your Boppy in a vacuum-seal bag when you're not using it.
SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY
Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs
Once you transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.
No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they’re young to maximize their earnings. Several airlines allow families to pool their miles if you want to manage your family's points in one account.
Board last
Most airlines let families with young children board early, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don’t need to worry about rushing to board before 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 will help minimize the time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.
Pack your carry-on strategically
Think about everything you need easy access to for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you won’t forget your must-have items or struggle to find them on board.
Pack food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you’ll need them for your little one while in transit. Don’t forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have enough essentials on board to survive for at least 24 hours, as you never know what will happen.
Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks
When you're packing for a trip, never travel without a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to store wet or dirty clothing. In a pinch, black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades for your hotel room.
In the best-case scenario, you’ll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn’t possible.
If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.
Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel
When it’s time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white-noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:
You don’t always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painters tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.
Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination
While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon or use a service like Shipt, Target Circle 360 or Instacart to deliver essentials to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.
Pack the snacks
This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.
Never assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.
To avoid any potential headaches, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your child may need to stay happy and content.
Travel tips for preschoolers
D3SIGN/GETTY IMAGES
The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don’t need quite as much sleep and transportation gear.
With preschoolers, you’ll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night-lights that will help keep the “scaries” away and a few other important travel essentials.
Bring mess-free toys
When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don’t want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as slime or Legos.
For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you’re taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.
A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to wait to give them some new toys until your travel day arrives, so they feel fresh and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip.
If you don't want to splash out too much cash, visit a dollar store or the bargain aisle in a grocery store — you may be surprised at what you find. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.
Consider an inflatable booster seat
If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), inflatable and fold-flat booster seats are much easier to haul around when traveling by car. While several options are currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.
Use a stroller
If you plan to cover many miles with your kid during your vacation, having a stroller can be handy, even if you don’t always use one at home.
For example, at a large theme park like Disney World, you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old — it helps you move quickly, allows them to keep up easily and gives them a place to sleep if they get drowsy before you are ready to call it a night. You could rent one once you reach your destination, or you may prefer to have your own.
If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one. Blacklane is another high-end option. If you’re traveling with a lot of gear, consider having your driver meet you inside baggage claim.
Pack a night-light
Night-lights are useful for kids who are afraid of the dark. This affordable night-light is small, sleek and easy to pack.
If you are going on a cruise and don’t have access to traditional power outlets, TPG Managing Editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing battery-operated tea lights instead.
Travel somewhere with a kids club
A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to various kids clubs at resorts and on cruise ships (some of which are free to use).
Outdoor water area at the Hilton Maldives kids club. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Whether you're on a Disney cruise or at a resort with a kids club, these areas are great for preschoolers. By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you can get a well-deserved break while the kids are taken care of.
Plan down days and afternoon rest
Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, building some downtime into your vacation schedule is still smart. Their sleep schedule will likely be a little off while traveling and the vacation will be more action-packed than what they’re used to at home, so it's important to set aside time for rest.
To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.
Travel tips for elementary-age kids
NIKKI A RAE/DENVER ZOO
As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.
Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need access to more activities while away from home. As a result, you’ll need to adjust your trip strategy so they continue to have a good time.
Use packing cubes for the family
This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes, you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.
If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from. You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family’s clothing in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don’t want to pack and unpack everything.
KOSTIKOVA/GETTY IMAGES
You could also pack each family member’s clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when encouraging kids to choose their own outfits and get dressed independently.
Leave 1 day free in the schedule
We’ve already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can rest, and you will have the ability to say yes to a spontaneous activity that they'd like to do.
Joshua Tree National Park. STEPHEN SIMPSON INC/GETTY IMAGES
Depending on your child’s interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, exploring the great outdoors, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.
The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid enjoys most.
Take advantage of your hotel’s club lounge
Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.
If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel, you’ll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.
At a certain age, having other kids around really starts to matter.
If possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
