Family travel is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also become one of its greatest challenges. Between juggling suitcases, spills, and meltdowns, even the most seasoned parent can feel overwhelmed. But with a bit of preparation (and a lot of flexibility), traveling with children can become a source of incredible memories. Here are seven practical, parent-approved tips to help make your next getaway smoother for everyone involved.

1. Talk About the Trip Ahead of Time

Prepping your child for the trip helps manage expectations. Show them pictures of where you’re going, talk through the airport process, and share what they can look forward to. A small symbolic gift, like a charm or keepsake, can give them something tangible to connect to the experience. If you’re traveling this summer, the June birth stone—a pearl—is known to symbolize wisdom, protection, and calm, making it a beautiful and meaningful option for an older child.

2. Plan Around Their Routine

The quickest way to derail a family trip is to ignore your child’s natural rhythm. If your toddler usually naps in the early afternoon, try to schedule flights or activities around that time. The more your plans reflect what they’re used to, the less likely you’ll encounter major pushback. But remember, you don’t have to be too rigid, either!

3. Pack With Purpose

You don’t need to bring everything, simply the right things. Create a master list of essentials like wipes, medications, a change of clothes, and comfort items. Instead of packing “just in case”, focus on what’s proven helpful in the past, including a few familiar snacks and toys.

And don’t forget to pack for yourself, too! Packing your favorite outfits and trending jewelry is a surprisingly effective way to make you feel confident and put together, no matter what your trip holds.

4. Create a Travel Activity Kit

When you’re on the go, “busy bags” are a lifesaver. Fill a small pouch with age-appropriate activities like coloring books, stickers, puzzles, or even wrapped surprises to hand out during long waits. Audiobooks and playlists tailored for kids can be game-changers on planes and road trips.

5. Choose Family-Friendly Stays

Your accommodation matters, and you can make your life easier by opting for family-friendly destinations. Look for hotels or rentals with kitchenettes, laundry access, and child-safe spaces. Booking directly can often help you request cribs or late checkouts more easily.

6. Keep Snacks Simple (and Close)

As parents, you know that it’s crucial to always have a few reliable snacks on hand, and vacation is no different! Trail mix, crackers, fruit pouches, and refillable water bottles can go a long way in keeping moods steady. When a meltdown is brewing, snacks solve more problems than you might think!

7. Stay Flexible

You can plan every detail, but travel rarely goes 100% to plan. Leave space for naps that run long or spontaneous adventures you didn’t expect. Keeping your kids happy and safe while traveling is the goal, and the rest is all part of the journey!

With the right tools, realistic expectations, and a sense of humor, family travel can shift from stressful to special. Those in-between moments, like the giggles during airport layovers, the shared snacks in the backseat, the new sights seen through your child’s eyes, are the ones that turn into treasured memories. So take a breath, pack the essentials, and enjoy the adventure ahead.