5 Hacks for Traveling With Kids

Family travel is gaining momentum once again. A recent report from Blueprint RF reveals that 85% of parents plan to travel with their children this year. While these trips often lead to unforgettable memories, they can also come with moments of stress, especially when routines are disrupted and patience starts to run thin.

A thoughtful plan helps avoid the chaos without cramming the schedule. If you're looking for ways to make your next trip easier, here are five hacks for traveling with kids to keep your journey smooth, practical, and enjoyable for everyone, parents and kids alike.

Hack 1: Build a “First 24-Hour” Survival Kit

The first day of travel often decides how the rest of the trip feels. If your child is tired, hungry, or feeling overwhelmed, things can quickly get out of control. That's why a compact survival kit can be your best friend. 

Research suggest that 66% of parents head out with a detailed game plan and a ‘just-in-case-kit’. Doing the same can help you stay calm, feel more in control, and handle unexpected bumps with confidence.

Here’s what you should pack for this kit:

• One change of clothes for each child

• Healthy, no-mess snacks like apple slices, granola bites, and raisins

• A comfort item from home (stuffed toy, soft blanket, or familiar bedtime book)

• Basic toiletries, including toothbrushes, wipes, and hand sanitizer

• A fully charged device with preloaded entertainment

Hack 2: Use Packing Cubes 

Packing cubes might seem like a small thing, but they can completely change the way you travel with kids. Assign each child a different color cube and pack their clothes, pajamas, swimwear, and accessories separately. This makes it easy to grab what you need without turning the entire suitcase upside down. Morning routines become faster, and repacking at the end of the trip is way less chaotic.

You can also organize cubes by day (Monday, Tuesday, etc.) or by category, for example, one cube for sleepwear, another for outfits, and one just for beachwear. Labeling or using transparent cubes can make things even easier, especially if you’re staying at multiple locations or have an early check-out.

Older kids can even take responsibility for their own cubes, which helps teach them independence while lightening your load. 

Hack 3: Pack Surprise Bags

Kids love surprises. Though they’re usually given on holidays or special occasions, a small surprise bag sometimes, like during a trip, never hurts. It adds a spark of excitement and keeps kids happily engaged throughout the journey.

You don’t have to spend much, simple items from a dollar store or stationery shop will do the trick. Prepare a few surprise bags filled with fun, low-cost items like coloring books, stickers, travel games, or healthy treats. The idea is to create small moments of joy during long flights, road trips, or unexpected delays.

Hand out one surprise at a time, maybe after takeoff, halfway through a drive, or when the kids start getting restless. If you have more than one child, label the bags with their names to keep things fair and avoid arguments.

Hack 4: Travel Art Stations

If you want to save money while traveling, set up a mini travel art station in the car, rather than buying toys. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a clipboard or lap desk, some paper, crayons, markers, and a pouch for storing everything neatly. You can also include coloring books, sticker sheets, or even simple activity pages printed at home.

Organize everything in a soft-sided pouch or plastic container that fits easily between the seats. This gives your child a dedicated space to draw, doodle, or color whenever they feel bored. It’s a screen-free activity that keeps them focused and calm during long stretches of driving.

Hack 5: Bounce-Back Exploration Stops

Long stretches in a car or on a plane can wear kids down quickly. Instead of pushing through nonstop travel, consider planning short breaks every couple of hours at local parks, rest areas, or roadside attractions. These stops give children a chance to move around, stretch their legs, and release built-up energy, making it much easier for them to settle back into the ride afterward.

Even a quick 15-minute walk or a burst of play can noticeably lift their mood. Before your trip, take time to map out safe and open spots along the route. Since you’ll be traveling with kids, it's important to choose places with clean restrooms, open spaces, and minimal traffic to ensure a safe and comfortable break.

Stay Somewhere That Makes Travel Easier

When putting together your list of hacks for traveling with kids, don’t overlook where you stay. Choosing a vacation rental with practical features like a kitchenette, roomy layouts, and easy access to family-friendly activities can make each day feel less rushed and more enjoyable.

Branson Club offers just that. Our vacation rentals have fully-equipped kitchenettes, and a cozy atmosphere. They’re designed to help families feel comfortable and at ease. 

Book your stay today and make your family trip a little easier, and a lot more memorable.