Traveling with family is never quite as idyllic as the pictures make it look. The reality of family travel can be pretty overwhelming and can convince even the most travel-loving parents to stay at home for the next decade of their lives.
Although kids need a lot of stuff, the more items you bring, the more things you have to lug around. This means the more items you can potentially leave scattered around during your travels. Prepare for your trip by writing down precisely what you need and what items can do double duty so you aren’t packing extraneously.
Make sure that your children have bathrooms and meals wherever you go. Consider bringing easy snacks and kid-friendly food as a backup whether you’re on a road trip or traveling through airports.
Make sure to pack a carry-on bag with absolute necessities, so they don’t get lost with your luggage. Reserve as many things as possible in advance so you are more assured of your travel situation. Prepay for any items and services you can, such as airplane seats together, a car seat for a rental car, etc.
Check-in and security lines are longer than ever, and kids often move slowly and need to make bathroom stops at inopportune times. Arriving early will avoid a stressful airport experience by allowing yourself plenty of time for the unexpected.