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90 Genius Mom Travel Hacks for Traveling with Kids

ByJennie Boyd Hours

Wondering what family travel hacks you’re missing out on? Here are some of the best mom travel hacks I’ve used with my three kids!

As you well know, planning for a vacation with kids can be stressful and time-consuming. 

When it comes down to finally packing for and taking the vacation, things can get even more chaotic! 

But the best way to avoid anxiety and stress when traveling with your kids is to be as organized as possible and be prepared for what might go wrong.

By thinking ahead and preparing for all aspects of your trip, you’ll be able to pull out of your driveway feeling a little bit more at peace and ready for the vacation you so desperately need!

This post is packed with the best travel hacks that I’ve used when traveling with my three kids.

Whether you’re going away for a long weekend, taking a one-week trip, or going on a long-term family sabbatical, these simple tips will help you (and your entire family) have an incredible time together.

These mom hacks will help you plan your vacation, pack for vacation, survive the flights or long car rides, and actually enjoy your destination. 

Here are the practical mom travel hacks you’re looking for!

Child's suitcase showing packing cubes, zippered pouch, charging cable, and travel journal.

Mom Hacks for Planning Vacations

The truth is, there’s a lot of prep behind every awesome family vacation! Here are some mom hacks for before you even pull out the suitcases to start packing.

1. Be realistic

You know your kids and what stage they are in right now.

  • If your kids need 12 hours of sleep a night, don’t expect them to get by on less.
  • If they must have an afternoon nap, factor that into your plans.
  • When your kids end up having more screen time than usual, don’t sweat it.
  • Allow extra time for transitions, since they’ll be out of their routines.

You need to plan your vacation around your kids schedules and needs, otherwise they will be miserable and you will be, too!

2. Home away from home

Before kids, you may have city hopped or roadtripped without a second thought. A new hotel each night might have seemed so fun.

But that might not be the case when you travel with kids. If your child likes stability, consider staying in one place for the duration of your trip and making daytrips to other destinations. 

If you are on a roadtrip, and you’re certain to be staying at different locations every night, do what you can to make it feel like home.

Bring a familiar pillow or blanket, their favorite bedtime story, and soothing music or a white noise machine for falling asleep.

3. Tell kids what to expect

Give your kids an overview of the entire vacation. Let them know when they’ll be going to museums, swimming, hiking, and whatever else you have planned. 

Also, tell them what to expect at each stop along the way.

Are you getting a snack? A meal? Just having a quick bathroom break?

Are you buying snacks and books at the airport, or bringing those items from home?

Knowing what to expect in advance will help keep expectations in check. As adults, we know what to expect based on past experiences and decisions, but remember that traveling might still be unfamiliar to kids. 

4. Get input

Ask your kids if there’s something in particular they want to do.

Would they rather see the aquarium or the butterfly exhibit? Surfing lessons or a whale-watching cruise?

Letting kids have some input helps them get excited about the whole vacation.

5. Plan days that are kid days

Of course when you travel with your kids, you and your partner have things you’d like to see and do. But plan some days that are mainly kid days—children’s museums, swimming, the zoo, and playgrounds.

Or, include a kid activity every day.

For example, after an art museum exhibit for the adults, go back and swim at the hotel pool. Or stop at a playground on your way to a tour of the local castle.

For older kids and teens, do an escape room activity after a day of walking tours. 

Being sure that your kids have fun things to do on vacation will help them tolerate the things you want to do!

6. Give your kids a budget

Once your kids are old enough to want to buy souvenirs, set a budget.

Tell each child they have a certain amount of money to spend on souvenirs, and they get to decide when they spend it.

Instead of buying their souvenirs with a credit card, put actual cash in an envelope with their name, and keep it in your day pack.

When their money is gone, it’s gone. It’s never too early to teach budgeting and delayed gratification. 

7. Plan downtime

When I’m traveling, my instinct is to see Every. Single. Thing. This is not how my kids prefer to travel.

For everyone’s sanity, I’ve learned to build in downtime when we travel.

This might be a day off from museums, a morning to sleep in and have a leisurely brunch, or an afternoon of shopping. 

8. You set the tone

As with so many things in parenting, you set the tone.

If you feel overwhelmed, harried, and stressed, your kids will too.

Try to take a deep breath and let go of the things you can’t control.

Sometimes this is so hard, but trying to stay positive, curious, and patient is worth it. (If you’re seeking guidance on how to do this, consider reading this book!)

9. Check your phone plan

If you’re traveling internationally, check with your phone plan about setting up an international day rate plan.

Don’t assume this will automatically happen! Call and confirm to see how phone and data roaming charges might apply.

You want to know that you won’t be charged a fortune if you have to use your phone as a portable hotspot or download maps. 

10. Make reservations

Plan your itinerary and make reservations in advance.

You can allow for some flexibility, but at least have a pretty good outline of where you’ll be when. Be sure to book hotels and tickets far enough in advance.

11. Save important documents and Info

Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong when you’re traveling. It’s best to be prepared before disaster strikes–whether in the form of theft, accident, or natural disaster.

Take photos of your important travel documents and save them in the cloud before you leave home.

You should save copies of:

  • All family members’ passports (if traveling abroad)
  • Driver’s licenses
  • Airline tickets
  • Hotel reservations
  • Rental car reservations
  • Health insurance cards
  • Travel insurance

You should also know the account numbers and contact numbers of all credit or debit cards you take with you on your trip, in case you need to cancel those accounts.

Be sure you know your iCloud or Google password, so you can remote wipe your phone if it is stolen.

If you don’t want to store this information in the cloud, share it with a trusted family member or friend whom you could contact in an emergency.

Mom Packing Hacks for Family Vacations 

Every mom I know dreads the difficult task of packing for a family trip. If the idea of packing stresses you out, here are some great family packing tips to ensure you have everything you need for your family vacation—and not too much more!

12. Always check your itinerary & the weather at your destination

Pack according to what you have planned and what the weather will be.

If you’re hiking, be sure everyone packs hiking boots or sturdy shoes. If you’re going to a water park or on a boat trip, everyone will need water shoes, a swimsuit, and a rash guard. 

13. Create Specific Packing Lists

Make a separate packing list for each person in your family, tailored to their preferences and needs. 

You can save a document for each family member and update it before each trip. Be very specific about what they should pack: 

  • How many pants, shorts, t-shirts, and long-sleeve tops
  • Undergarments
  • A nice outfit
  • Swimsuits
  • Pajamas
  • A jacket, sweatshirt, or rain jacket
  • How many pairs of shoes and what types of shoes
  • Toiletries 

14. Create your packing list ahead of time

Make your family packing lists at least a week before your trip so you can be sure you have everything you need.

Have your kids try on any clothes they might not have worn in a while. If you need to find a new bathing suit for one of your kids, you don’t want to realize that the night before you leave.

Check to see if any prescriptions need to be refilled. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your packing list!

15. Bring your packing list with you

At the end of your vacation, you want to be sure you remember everything you packed for your trip!

You want to be sure the boogie boards you stashed on the rental’s side porch and your baby’s lovey all make it home after the holiday is over! Use the packing list to check everything off in reverse order, as you pack it up to take home.

16. Pack with your kids 

As soon as your kids are old enough, let them start helping you pack.

This will take up so much time and feel like extra work, so you’ll just want to do all the packing by yourself to get it done.

However, if you take the time to pack clothes and toiletries with them when they’re young, they’ll learn to pack for themselves that much sooner. 

If you have tweens who are packing for themselves, do a final run-through of their packing list with them, just to be sure they didn’t miss anything (you know, like underwear)!

17. Pack Separate outfits for each day

For toddlers or young kids who can dress themselves, use Ziploc gallon-sized plastic bags for packing clothes for your kid.

Include pants/shorts, a top, underwear, and socks. Pack accessories, like hair ties, barrettes, or hats, in the bags with the matching outfit. 

On the outside of each bag, write the day they’ll wear it or the event it’s for. And write your child’s name on the bag, if you have multiple kids.

Make an extra bag with a backup outfit and additional bags for special outfits, like clothes for dinners out or swimsuits and flip flops.

Roll each bag, squeeze it to compress the air out of it, then seal it. Zip-loc bags work like packing cubes so clothes stay organized and take up less space. 

And having separate bags of clothes makes it really easy to count outfits and be sure you have enough outfits for each kid for every day you’ll be traveling. 

And yes, you can reuse these Ziploc bags. 

18. Use packing cubes

You might wonder if packing cubes are worth it, but once you use them, you’ll realize they really are!

If you want to save as much space as possible, use these compression packing cubes.

Many people unpack them at their destination by lifting them into the dresser drawers and letting them also serve as drawer liners.

19. Color Code Packing Cubes

Buy each kid packing cubes in a different color. Put their outfits in their own packing cubes. 

Keeping track of everyone’s stuff is easier if you buy separate sets in different colors for all your family members!

20. Don’t overpack

Pack light and you won’t regret it!  Even on a longer trip of more than a week, a weeks’ worth of clothes is enough clothes.

Try to limit everyone to 3 pairs of pants and 4 tops, plus the extra layers. If you always overpack, give minimalist packing a try and see how it goes. (If you forget anything, you can buy it at your destination.)

21. Do Laundry on Vacation

Limiting how many outfits everyone takes is easier if you can do laundry when you travel. Make plans to find a washer and dryer and wash clothes somewhere along the way.

If you don’t have access to laundry facilities, a hotel room sink (plus SinkSuds) can fill in.

Use a laundry bag or large packing cube to keep the dirty clothes separate and to carry dirty laundry to a laundromat.

Take laundry detergent sheets for the washing machine, so you don’t have to worry about bringing (and possibly spilling) liquid detergent or buying it on vacation.

22. Heavy at the bottom

Pack your heaviest stuff at the bottom, by the wheels of your suitcase, not the bottom of the suitcase when it’s laying flat.

You want to make it easy for the suitcase to stand upright when you’re not rolling it. 

23. Coordinate the family’s look

To make choosing outfits easy, choose a color scheme for all your clothing items. You can do this by individual, or you can do this for your whole family.

With a little planning, you can create photo-worthy vacation outfits, so you’ll always look coordinated.

(I learned this tip from my sister-in-law who coordinated her family’s outfits for their recent trip to Egypt, and they looked amazing in all their photos!)

24. Minimize toiletries

Take small amounts of beauty products, moisturizers, balms, etc.

If you can’t purchase travel-sized products, simply decant the amount you’ll need for the trip into a smaller container.  

You can also use silicone bottles or stacking containers for facial lotions, serums, and beauty balms. You can even use old contact lens cases .

For any liquids, like toners, I soak cotton pads with the toner and put them in an empty, clean moisturizer tub, like these, so I don’t have to take the entire bottle of toner and risk it spilling. 

Save space by packing travel-sized toothpaste or use tooth tabs.

You can even purchase bar shampoo and bar conditioner (as well as soap) to cut down on space (and plastic waste).

And don’t forget a small bottle of sunscreen. (Take a full size if you’re going on a beach vacation or traveling for a week-long holiday.)

25. Label Chargers

Avoid fights about who stole whose phone charger.  Use a bit of washi tape to label all the chargers.

Everyone in the family gets a different color or pattern of washi tape to label all their chargers (phone, watch, Kindle, iPad, computer).

Then there’s no wondering if a charger that’s still plugged in belongs to one of your kids or which kid forgot to pack it. 

26. Organize the small stuff 

Use a pencil pouch, makeup bag, or cosmetic bags to keep up with any smaller items, like accessories, jewelry, and hair bows. Use another for each child’s personal toiletries.

Everyone in our family has one of these charging organizers to help them keep up with all their chargers and cables. 

27. Plan for the trip home

If you’re heading back from a trip to the beach or a weekend of camping, you’ll probably bring back a mess. 

So, before you leave home, add in some extra grocery store plastic bags or small trash bags for packing wet, dirty shoes. (If you forget the bags, you can tuck shoes into a hotel shower cap.)

Pack your beach toys in a laundry basket or mesh tote bag, so you can easily shake off as much sand as possible before putting them back in the car. 

28. Paperback books

Bring inexpensive paperback books for your little kids to look at when traveling and for you to read with them at night. 

For older kids and teenagers, pack a real paperback book.

Will they actually read it? Who knows.

But you’ll be prepared for when the wifi goes out or you have a long wait for a train.

If you’re going to a cute town with a local bookstore, stop in and let your kids pick a new book. They’re more likely to read the book if it’s new and they chose it themselves!

Of course, you can also download books to a Kindle, phone, or iPad, but it’s also nice to have a paperback you can risk getting a little sandy or wet at the beach. And if your kid leaves it behind on the plane, it’s no big deal.

29. Water bottles for everyone

Let everyone pick a refillable water bottle that they’ll use for the duration of the trip. This Stanley or this Camelbak are great options. And I love this mini Camelbak for kids!

Refill it before you get in the car for a roadtrip.

If you’re flying, take empty water bottles through airport security, then fill it after you get to the departure gates. I love not having to buy expensive bottles of water when traveling. 

30. Pack lots of snacks

Packing snacks for the airport might not be as fun as buying snacks at the airport, but avoiding the extra cost of airport food is totally worth it!

I love having prepacked these snack boxes or these snack stacks, because they’re ready to go when kids get hungry. You can also use a craft organizer to pack a larger variety of snacks.

You can either buy snack-sized portions at the grocery before you fly, or you can divvy up any open bags of snack crackers you have at home into small portion bags.

I like to cut up any extra veggies or fruit that’s going to go bad before we get home. Grab some granola bars, dried fruit, some candy, and whatever else you have in the pantry, and you’re all set. 

As an experienced mom, I firmly believe that packing enough snacks is an essential part of successful travel plans!

31. Pack a Portable Charger

It’s a great idea to always travel with a fully charged portable charger power bank, as well as your regular charging cable.

If you can power up a wifi hotspot when you’re kids are tired and cranky, you will be so glad to have a power bank with you!

32. Let your kids be in charge of their own stuff

I’m a big believer in letting kids do things for themselves as soon as they’re capable.

Putting even your younger kids in charge of carrying their own daypack, small backpack, or even a small personal item will foster self-reliance and set the precedent that you’re not carrying all their stuff.

You should definitely check and make sure they’re keeping up with it, but let each child carry their own backpack.

Eventually, you’ll have teenagers who will take charge of their own luggage as well, and even travel independently! (Encourage your teen’s love of travel with these gifts!)

33. Remember rain gear

Unless you’re heading to the desert, you’ll want to pack rain gear so a rainy day won’t ruin your vacation!

I recommend high quality rain coats, because you’ll all be more comfortable if you’re dry.

Lightweight ponchos also work really well.

Umbrellas are handy too, but likely to break and will take up more space than a tightly rolled raincoat or poncho.

34. Never Pack Valuables

Never ever pack anything valuable in a checked luggage.

I’ve heard way too many stories about people whose luggage was opened after they checked it.

Even if you’re just taking a carry-on, be sure that anything valuable is in a pouch where you can easily slip it in to your backpack or purse, in case you have to hand the bag over to be gate checked. 

My rule of thumb is that if I would be devastated to lose it, I leave it at home or carry it on.

I always carry on any important items that would be inconvenient or expensive to replace (like my mouthguard or contacts/glasses).

35. Don’t be a target

While you might want to dress up on vacation and wear nice jewelry, you’re better off leaving flashy items at home.

Carrying designer bags, using pricey electronics in public, or wearing expensive jewelry will make you stand out. It’s better not to draw attention to yourself and become a target of theft.

This is especially important to consider if you normally wear and use expensive items, and you plan to take them with you on vacation.

And, even if you don’t think you have expensive tastes, if you are traveling in a less wealthy part of the world, your relative wealth could stand out.

When traveling, it’s better to blend in and not draw attention to yourself.

If you are traveling with kids, you are likely to be distracted and an easy target. Kids and teens are also easy targets for thieves.

36. Pack surprises

Bring goodie bags for your kids to surprise them along the way. Hand out these surprises halfway through the trip or on the way back home.

Surprise gifts will distract your kids and give them something new to do. You can buy fun things on Amazon or at the dollar store, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

I’ve done theme bags, like Easter bags, instead of Easter baskets, when we’re traveling over the Easter holidays for spring break, and stockings when we’ve traveled over the Christmas holidays. 

Here are some ideas, depending on your child’s age: 

37. Pack extra medication

Always pack an extra day or two of medications when you travel. If there’s a flight delay or cancellation, or any other sort of emergency, then inconvenience won’t become a crisis. 

Remember it’s best to keep all medication in its original container.

38. Organize your travel gear

Keeping all your travel necessities together is a great way to simplify packing.

We have a bin where we store money belts, international outlet adapters, charger organizers, and packing cubes.

In the bathroom closet, we have a bin full of travel-sized toiletries, travel-sized containers, and toothbrush covers. It’s easy to find the travel items you’re looking for or see what needs to be replaced. 

Roadtrip Travel Hacks

Are you taking a road trip across the USA to explore national parks, driving down the coast, or taking a family vacation to see historic sites or big cities?

If so, you might be dreading the hours stuck in the car on a long family road trip. Here are some road trip hacks that will help you and the kids survive those long drives.

39. Barf bags

Keep puke bags in your car. I keep a stash of barf bags in my glove compartment. When I had a minivan, I made sure there were at least two tucked into the pockets of the middle seats. 

If you have a kid that is prone to vomiting, keep one in your diaper bag or purse. If you are going on amusement park rides, keep a few handy. These bags are light weight and take up very little space, but they can save the day (or at least save an outfit). 

40. emergency supplies in your car

I made a big bag that I kept in the back of my minivan. I put in:

41. Extra outfits in your car

Long after diapers and potty training, I kept an extra change of clothes in the car for each child, as well as a shirt for me.

Extra clothes will come in handy when someone gets sick, spills something, or gets soaking wet at a fountain.

Keep extra trash bags or plastic grocery bags in the car too, so you have a place to stash the wet and dirty clothes. 

42. Shoe organizers for the win

Hang a small shoe organizer over the back of the front car seats.

Fill the shoe cubbies with games, toys, books, Mad Libs, snacks, crafts, markers, and more. Whatever you think will keep your kids in the back seat occupied on while you drive! See Tip 34 above for more ideas.

43. Boredom Busters

Be prepared for those long, boring stretches of highway, when everyone is bored.

Download some great family audiobooks. Be ready with fun family road trip games. Ask road trip questions to spark discussion.

We’ve made some of the best family road trip memories doing these kinds of activities together!

44. Have the Right Charging Cables

Your rental car might have a USB-C or a USB-A charging port. If you want to charge your phone or be able to integrate with the car’s navigation and entertainment system, you will need to have the right cable.

In case your rental car does not have a USB charging port, bring an adapter (compatible with your phone) that will plug into the cigarette-lighter-type outlet.

Bring two charging cables compatible with your phone: one that can plug in to a USB-C and one that can plug in to a USB-A cable.

You might need:

Also consider if you will change iPads or other tablets, and bring compatible cables for those too.

45.Use all your space

If it feels like you don’t have any room in the car, look for all the nooks and crannies where you could fit extra items.

My old minivan had a hidden compartment in the floor and a drawer under the front seat. Use spaces like these for easy access to essentials.

46. Be ready for rain

If the forecast for the day is rain, be sure to keep everyone’s rain jackets out and within reach, just in case you need to use them the next time you get out of the car. 

47. Take a cooler

For long road trips, we always take a cooler full of cold drinks and snacks.

We like sparkling water, so we usually pack lots of that. I also pack snacks like carrot sticks, cut fresh fruit, cheese sticks, etc.

It’s really nice to have a fresh, cold drink or a healthy snack handy when you need it. Having snacks on hand prevents having to stop at a convenience store.

Bonus tip: Before you leave home, take the lid off a few water bottles and freeze them. Put the lid back on, then put the water bottles in the cooler to use as ice packs. Having a cooler with drinks and snacks is a sanity saver when you’re in the middle of nowhere, without any options to stop for lunch. 

48. Stop at a grocery store

If you’re on a long roadtrip, skip the fast food and stop at a grocery store for your next meal.

You’ll find a lot of healthy options, like premade salads, sandwiches, freshly cut fruit and vegetables, granola bars, yogurt, and more.

Refresh your stash of healthy snacks in your cooler while you’re there. You’ll be able to have a healthier meal, while saving so much money! 

49. Plan your stops

As you choose your road trip route, plan your stops for the day.

Add breaks for quirky roadside attractions and playgrounds, in addition to refueling and meals.

Stop at the scenic points along the side of the road if you need a break. Giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and burn some energy will help a lot on long trips.

Mom Hacks for Flights

Flying with kids is a whole different level of stress. Here are some travel mom hacks to make flying with children as easy as possible. 

50. Choose the direct flight

If you have the option of booking a direct flight, book the direct flight!

By flying on a direct flight, you’ll avoid the risk of missing your connecting flight due to a flight delay. You’ll also avoid having to race through the airport to make the connection.

If there’s a big price difference, consider if the extra cost of the direct flight would be equal to the expense of meals (and the additional stress) between your flights.

You will be very happy to take the direct flight and arrive more quickly at your final destination!

51. Use trackers

Put an AirTag or a Tile tracker in everyone’s suitcase. You can also put them in your kids’ backpacks, your purse, or your carry on bag. If you’re worried about a child running off, you can even attach an AirTag to their shoes. 

52. Be ready for Airport Security Screening

Getting through airport security with kids is no joke, and this tried and true travel mom hack will make it easier: Pack everything that will have to come out for airport security screening in one bag.

Let one parent carry through all potentially flaggable items (liquids in quart-sized bags, laptops, Kindles, iPads, etc.). That parent can unpack all the things that have to go separately through the scanner and be inspected by the TSA agent.

Everyone else can put their backpacks and bags in a plastic bin to go on the security conveyor belt—without having to unpack them. 

This travel hack means that no kid will leave an electronic device behind at security or risk anything else spilling out of the bag and causing more delays. 

If you’re traveling with two parents, one parent can manage all the items being screened, and the other can manage the kids. 

If you’re traveling solo with kids, go through security first, so you can deal with all the stuff. Have your kids go through behind you, and then wait for you as you repack. 

Also, be sure all reusable water bottles are EMPTY before going through security.

53. Suitcases on wheels

I think almost all suitcases have wheels these days, but some are definitely better than others. If you’re traveling with toddlers, get fun ride-on suitcases. Then you can easily keep up with your child and their suitcase!

For bigger kids, try these scooter suitcases. The scooter disconnects from the suitcase, so kids can use them at your destination (pack a helmet!).

Here are all my top picks for ride-on suitcases for kids!

For tweens, give them a piece of luggage in their favorite color. We started with a suitcase that was small enough to be used as a carry-on bag later, but big enough to hold a week’s worth of kids clothes in a warm destination. 

For teens, we love duffel bags, because you can stuff them full.

54. Extra Outfits in Carryon

If you’re checking luggage, be sure to pack at least one change of clothes for everyone in the carry-on bags.

You could pack everyone’s extra outfits in one packing cube all together. Or have everyone carry a packing cube with an extra outfit in their own carryon.

Making sure everyone has an extra outfit handy will allow you to not panic (as much) if your luggage gets lost or if someone has an accident. 

55. Mix and Match Outfits and Suitcases

If you really want to be prepared for the possibility of lost luggage, put one outfit for everyone in each suitcase. This way, every family member’s suitcase has an outfit for everyone else.

This sounds a bit complicated, but it can save the day when someone’s luggage gets lost. 

56. Wear heavy clothes on the plane

Wear your bulkiest shoes and heaviest clothes on the plane.

Hiking boots, a coat, a hoodie, or anything else that takes up a lot of space should be worn on the plane. 

57. Bring the car seat

If you’re going to rent a car (or drive with relatives who don’t have car seats) at your destination, you might want to bring your own car seat.

Traveling with your child’s carseat might be a better bet than renting one from your car rental company (where you might get a car seat that’s older, dirty, or hard to attach correctly). 

If you’ll be traveling with a carseat and you want to check it, choose a lightweight car seat and use this car seat carrying case travel bag to safely and easily transport it. The backpack straps make it easy to carry, it has wheels for rolling like a suitcase, or you can tether it to luggage with an included strap.

If you’re flying with a baby, you can buy baby a seat on the flight and secure the car seat in the plane seat. Flying in a carseat will keep your baby safe if there is turbulence when flying. They might even sleep, because the car seat is a comfortable spot, where they’re used to sleeping. 

(Your other option is to hold or wear the baby and check the car seat).

58. Use a portable dolly

If you’re traveling with young children and you have a lot of luggage to keep up with, save your back and your sanity.

Load this portable dolly cart with multiple bags, so you can more easily maneuver through the airport and to your hotel. 

59. Gum and lollipops for the flight

When my kids were young, I always gave them Yum Earth Lollipops for takeoff and landing. Sucking on the lollipops helps prevent ear pain by allowing kids’ ears to adjust to changes in cabin pressure. 

Now that my girls are older, they usually chew gum (but they wouldn’t turn down a lollipop!).

60. Bring the right headphones and adapters

If you’re planning to watch in-flight movies or shows via the plane’s built-in entertainment system, bring headphones that will work with the system.

These Beats Studio Pro headphones are wireless, but also come with a wired adapter that you can plug in to the in-flight entertainment system directly.

If you prefer AirPods or wireless headphones, then you need the AirFly. This amazing little device allows you to wirelessly transmit from the inflight entertainment system.

Just in case you are flying on an older plane, pack 3.5mm airplane headphone adapters for everyone. They are not expensive, and you’ll have a much better listening experience than with the airline headphones.

Also, do think the noise-cancelling features of the Beats Studio Pro are fantastic! If you are desperate for sleep on a long flight–or want your kids to sleep–I recommend buying these headphones!

61. Have the right charging cables for The plane

If you have a newer phone with a USB-C charging cable, you might not be able to charge it on the plane with a USB-C to USB-C cable. Most planes currently have USB-A charging ports.

So, if you have a phone that needs a USB-C charging cable, pack this USB-C to USB-A cable, so you can charge your phone.

(You’ll probably also need this if you’re charging your phone using the built-in ports at a hotel.)

62. Download entertainment 

We’re so used to having inflight WiFi that we take it for granted. But sometimes here’s no inflight WiFi available on your flight!

Before you leave home, download movies, shows, or books to keep your kids entertained on the flight. 

63. Plan ahead for food allergies

If you’re a family with a food allergy, it’s probably already second nature to do this.

Let the airline know in advance that your child has a severe allergy, so you can find out what accommodations they will make for you. It’s much better to know in advance what will happen than to assume. 

Mention the food allergy again when you check in, to the agents at the gage, and to the flight attendant when you board the plane. 

64. Use a phone holder

If you know your child will be watching something on their phone during the flight, consider a phone holder mount to keep the phone closer to eye level and help prevent neck strain. 

65. Share your flight number

Add your airline code and flight number to your calendar. On the day of your flight, text the code and flight number to yourself. You can also text it to friends and family who are picking you up. 

When you hold down on the flight number, you’ll see all of your flight info, like flight status, terminal, departure/arrival time, baggage claim, etc.

This trick works for American (AA), Delta (DL), United (UA), and Southwest (WN), and more airlines are getting on board. (If you’re not flying a major airline, test the feature in advance.)

66. Use the Mobile Passport Control App

If you’re flying internationally, take some time before you travel to download the Mobile Passport Control App.

Then, upload photos of your documents and fill in all the information. You’ll be able to get through customs much more quickly!

67. Pack smart for the plane

I’m always nervous about kids unpacking their whole backpack on a flight. 

Use a makeup or toiletries bag to corral the essentials that your kids will need on the plane.

Your children can put the bags on their plastic tray tables, so they have everything they need in one place. Don’t let them take out anything else!

For my kids, we would include an Ipad, headphones or earbuds, fun snacks, a sketchbook and markers, gum, and more gum. (Measure any electronics you want to include to make sure they will fit in the bag.)

68. Make your luggage stand out

So many suitcases look pretty much the same, and when you’re bleary-eyed after a long flight, it’s hard to be sure you have the right one.

Buy brightly colored luggage tags, attach these suitcase handle wraps, and use luggage straps.

Choose a color or pattern that’s hard to miss. 

69. Bring a luggage scale with you

If you are traveling with full bags or you think you’ll be doing a lot of shopping on your trip, take a small luggage scale with you.

It is absolutely worth the peace of mind, knowing your bags are all below the maximum weight. (Don’t be like me, having to repack multiple suitcases at the Charles de Gaulle check-in counter!)

Mom and Baby Travel Hacks

When traveling with your baby, you’ll need to pare down your baby gear and focus on the essentials.

70. Choose the right diaper bag

When you’re traveling, you appreciate a great diaper bag more than ever! Choose one that:

  • Has lots of pockets for everything
  • Has insulated pockets to maintain temperature 
  • Is waterproof (either made of waterproof material or has a waterproof pouch)
  • Is either a backpack or a tote bag–or can be used as both–depending on what style you prefer
  • Has room to hold a baby sling/carrier and extra clothes

71. Extra clothes for baby and kids

Keep extra outfits for baby in the diaper bag.

Be sure to update the outfits as baby grows and as the seasons change. Pack each outfit in a gallon Zip-loc bag, so you know you have a full outfit and they stay clean. 

72. Extra clothes for you

Keep an extra outfit for yourself in the diaper bag or in your car. Pick something really small, like lightweight lettings and a thin top.

Put it in a Ziploc bag or just use a plastic bag from the grocery. It might not be your favorite outfit ever, but you will be so grateful you have it when your baby wrecks your outfit!

73. Pare down your own essentials

Keep it simple for yourself. Take a small travel wallet and a zip pouch with your travel essentials (Kindle/iPad, lip balm, eye mask, etc.).

Drop them both in the diaper bag, so you don’t have to deal with a separate purse, in addition to the diaper bag.

I would also pack a small crossbody bag that your travel wallet can fit in, for walking around at your destination. Then you can easily access money, credit cards, or your phone, without digging through the diaper bag. 

74. Stash some snacks in the diaper bag

Be sure you have a snack for yourself. Throw some protein bars or dried fruit and crackers into the diaper bag, so you’ll have something to eat in a pinch. 

If you have a toddler, in addition to your baby, add some toddler-friendly snacks too.

75. Reserve a Travel bassinet on flight 

You can reserve an infant bassinet on an international flight.

It’s a bit complicated, and you must do so months in advance–preferably when you book your own ticket.

You have to reserve a bulkhead seat, and there are a limited number of bassinets available on a flight.

Your best bet is to call the airline and reserve a bassinet at the same time that you book your flight. 

76. Bring a baby carrier

Even if you plan to use a stroller, you might want to have a baby wrap or baby carrier also.

Your baby might feel more comfortable being carried.

And you might find it much easier to move about your destination if you’re able to securely carry your baby, instead of navigating public transportation or uneven streets with a stroller. 

77. Bring a blanket or a sarong

Having a lightweight blanket or sarong can be a game changer when traveling with kids.

You can use a sarong as a nap space, a picnic mat, a privacy screen if you’re nursing, a towel, a sunshade, and more. 

78. Don’t bring the favorite lovey

Believe me, you don’t want to risk losing your little one’s favorite bear or blanket!

Let your child choose a “travel buddy” to take on this adventure. 

79. Use a shoe organizer as a portable diaper station

Pack a hanging shoe organizer. Fill it with diapers, wipes, onesies, outfits, and sleepers.

Collapse it and pack it, then hang it up when you arrive. Add a changing mat, and you’ll be all set for easy diaper changes at your destination. 

80. Pack plenty of diapers

Don’t make the mistake of only taking as many diapers as you “should” need in your carry-on.

Take lots of extra diapers so you’re prepared if your baby has diarrhea or if your journey takes long than expected.

And if you plan to buy diapers at your location, be sure to pack enough diapers for a few days supply in your luggage, just in case you can’t get to the store right away when you land. 

Trust me, even a short ride will take a very long time if you’re surrounded by the smell of dirty diapers!

81. Find the Changing Table on the Flight

All planes have changing tables, but not necessarily in all lavatories. So ask the flight attendant which lavatory you should use. 

Also, the changing table can be hard to locate, because it’s tucked away in the tiny airplane bathroom so efficiently.

Sometimes they’re above the toilet, sometimes they’re on the opposite wall.  Bring a changing pad, baby wipes, and anti-bacterial wipes with you. 

You must change diapers in the lavatory—do not change your baby on a seat in the main cabin. 

Top tip: Ask a flight attendant where to find a changing table as soon as you board the plane, so you’re not frantically trying to figure out which lavatory to use after your baby’s had a blowout!

82. Plan for potty training

If your little one is in the middle of potty training, stick with pull-ups instead of underwear for the trip.

Bring a portable potty with you, so potty training can continue. 

Need more infant travel hacks? Check out these infant travel essentials and tips!

Mom Travel Hacks for Your Destination

Once the travel days are behind you, and you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ll need to settle in. Here are some of my best tips and mom hacks for once you reach your vacation destination.

83. Do a Quick safety Assessment

When you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to assess your hotel room or vacation rental.

Depending on your kids’ ages, look for anything that could be hazardous.

If you have small kids, look for exposed outlets, sharp corners, or too-wide railings. Be sure the pool gate is closed and the pool’s water is not too hot.

Assess (and address) any potential issues before you let your kids explore.

If you’re going to explore the great outdoors on your vacation, read my tips on hiking safely with your kids!

84. Bring a Portable Crib

If you have a baby, you may feel more comfortable with your baby sleeping in their own portable crib.

You also won’t have to worry about the hotel giving away the one you reserved!

Portable cribs are super handy if you’re going to a family member’s house where you’ll need to bring your own crib. Don’t forget the crib sheets!

85. Bring an Inflatable mattress

Depending on the size of your family, it can be hard to find a hotel room or rental with the right number of beds. So, bring your own.

For a toddler, this compact inflatable toddler bed does the trick. It’s small and lightweight, and it comes with a pump so it’s easy to inflate. 

For older kids, an inflatable twin-sized mattress can be a game changer. If your kids refuse to share a bed without fighting, bringing this inflatable mattress will absolutely be worth it!

86. Pack blue painters tape

Blue painters tape is like the Swiss army knife of family travel. A roll of painters tape is incredibly useful on vacation. It easily peels off of almost any surface, leaving no trace. 

You can use blue painters tape to label things, baby proof cabinets and electrical outlets, tape black trash bags to windows as blackout curtains, remove lint from outfits, seal bags of snacks, and more. 

87. Use Ziploc bags

Keep some quart-sized Ziploc bags at the ready at your destination.

If you’re at the beach, use one as a wet bag to keep your phone safe from the sand and water. If you’re facing a chance of rain, use one to waterproof your phone and passports. 

88. Pack shopping bags

Throw a few string shopping bags into your suitcase they take up almost no room, but you’ll use them all the time at your destination. (However, if you forget them, you can buy a souvenir market bag, which isn’t all bad.)

89. Pack a multipurpose tool

Especially if you’ll be traveling in a rural area, hiking, or camping, a Leatherman multipurpose tool can really come in handy.

Don’t try to put this in your carryon bag! It will get confiscated!

90. Encourage your kids to write

So many things happen when you travel, it’s hard to look back and remember it all. So encourage your kids to write a little in a journal each day.

I like this travel journal for kids and this travel journal for tweens and this travel journal for teens.

Mom Travel Hacks: Packing List Resources

Now that you’ve read all my best packing tips, here’s a list of some of my favorite items that you might need on your family holiday!

Mom Hacks: Bags and Packing

Mom Travel Hacks: Luggage

Mom-Approved Travel toiletries

Travel Laundry Hacks

Mom Hacks: Baby travel

Mom Hacks: Travel Electronics

Mom Travel and Sleep Hacks

Mom Hacks: food and drinks

Mom Hack: Travel Toys/Entertainment

Mom Hacks: Easily forgotten essentials

Final Thoughts on Genius Mom Travel Hacks

I totally get that traveling with your kids can be incredibly exhausting and stressful, especially if your kids are anxious about traveling.

So take a little bit of advice from a mom who’s been there!

In this post, I’ve given loads of helpful tips you can use to reduce your trip’s stress factors.

Getting ready for your next trip will take a decent amount of preparation and organization, but it will be worth it.

Keeping everyone entertained along the way will help you all enjoy the journey.

Even when things don’t go as planned, remember that the most important thing is spending time together and making memories with your kids!

Traveling with babies, small children, tweens, and teens presents different challenges, but these useful travel hacks will help you be ready for it all.

So whether you’re taking a family beach vacation, going on an epic family road trip, or tackling international travel for the first time, use these tried and true tactics for family travel!

Have a wonderful travel experience with your precious family!

Do you have any great ideas to add to this list? Send me an email!

I’m a traveler at heart. I’ve been an exchange student, roadtripped across the US, backpacked around Europe, and lived in Australia with my family. Sharing tips and inspiration with you, so you can travel bravely too!

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