Travel with Kids FAQ: Top Questions Parents Ask
- rachnamone
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Thinking of Traveling with Your Baby or Toddler? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
Whether it’s your first family trip or you're planning your 10th flight with a little explorer, here are the most common questions Travel FAQs that parents ask about travelling with Kids—answered simply and practically, based on our real travel experiences!
We don't claim to be experts, but we've taken numerous short and long flights with our kids. We've traveled by train and bus, exploring destinations with vastly different climates and cuisines from what we're used to!
Let’s dive into the ultimate Travel with kids FAQ:
Common Questions About Traveling with Kids (FAQs)-
When is the Right Time to Start Traveling with a Baby?
Honestly? Whenever you feel ready! We've seen families take babies on trips as early as 3 months. It’s less about the baby’s age and more about how confident you feel.
We started with short getaways closer to home before taking longer trips. A bit of planning goes a long way, and you’ll build confidence with each trip!
Check out our blog - 10 tips for hassle-free travel with a toddler
How Do I Choose a Family-Friendly Destination?
Look for destinations with activities and attractions suitable for all ages! Consider places with parks, museums, interactive exhibits, and child-friendly accommodations. Safety, ease of transportation, and availability of medical facilities are also crucial factors.
For some ideas, check out our blog -
What should i pack for a family trip with kids?
Packing for travel with kids can feel overwhelming! This is one of the most common FAQs. But don’t worry. Start with the essentials: clothes, toiletries, medications, and comfort items for kids like toys and blankets.
Don’t forget snacks, a first aid kit, travel documents, and any special items like baby formula or toddler utensils. A compact stroller and baby carrier can also be lifesavers.
Check out our blog Essential Packing List for Traveling with Kids.
How Can I Keep My kids Entertained During the travel?
Keeping kids entertained can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable! Bring a variety of activities such as coloring books, tablets with pre-downloaded games and shows, storybooks, and small toys. Interactive games, audiobooks, and frequent breaks (if traveling by car) can also help.
Check out our blog 13 tips to make road trips with kids fun and easy!.
What Are Some Tips for Flying with kids/toddlers?
Flying with kids can feel daunting, but a little planning goes a long way! Here are our tried-and-tested tips to make travel with kids easier:
Time it Right: If you can, book flights around your child’s nap or bedtime. A sleeping baby at 30,000 feet = peace for everyone!
Choose Your Seats Wisely: Aisle seats are great for easy bathroom trips and walks. Bulkhead seats offer extra legroom (and often a bassinet for infants—check with your airline!).
Pack Extras: Always carry more than you think you'll need—diapers, wipes, clothes, snacks, and formula or milk. Delays happen, and being over-prepared helps!
Entertainment on Hand: A small stash of new toys, books, or activity kits can work wonders. Screens count too—downloaded videos and toddler-friendly apps are great for longer flights and layovers!
Ears During Takeoff/Landing: Help ease ear pressure with sips of water, breastfeeding, pacifiers, or snacks like lollipops or gum (for older kids).
Stay Calm and Flexible: Some fussing is normal. Most passengers and crew are more understanding than you’d expect!
Which Destinations Are Easiest with kids/Toddlers?
This is one of the most common travel with kids FAQs. Look for places with:
Short travel times
Good infrastructure
Nature and open spaces
Animal experiences
Easy access to medical help if needed
Tasmania, for example, was perfect with kids—easy drives, farm stays, animals, and nature.
Read our blogs Tasmania in 14 Days - A Family Road Trip Adventure with Kids,
How to Plan the Most Epic 15 Days Road Trip of South Island New Zealand!! for destination ideas and itineraries!
How Do I Find Family-Friendly Accommodations when travelling with kids?
Finding the right place to stay is crucial! Look for hotels or rentals with family rooms, kitchen facilities, and amenities like cribs, high chairs, and playgrounds.
Reading reviews from other families can provide insights. Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and family travel blogs are good resources.
Check out our blog 4 Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Switzerland and
What Are Some Safety Tips for Travel with Kids?
Keeping kids safe while traveling doesn’t mean being on edge—it just means being prepared! Here are some practical safety tips that help us feel more confident on the go:
Stay Close in Crowds: Hold hands in busy areas like airports, markets, or train stations. For toddlers who love to run, a child safety harness or wrist link can be helpful.
Dress Kids in Bright Clothes: This makes kids easy to spot, even in crowded places!
Teach What to Do if Lost: For older kids, practice simple steps: stay in one place, ask a uniformed person or a mom-with-kids for help, and memorize your phone number if possible.
Pack a Mini First-Aid Kit: Include basics—band-aids, antiseptic, fever medicine, thermometer, and any prescriptions. It’s a lifesaver when something minor pops up mid-journey!
Know Local Emergency Info: Save the nearest hospital/clinic details and emergency numbers in your phone and travel notes—just in case!
How Can I Manage Different Interests and Energy Levels Within the Family?
Planning a family trip means catering to everyone’s interests! Plan a mix of activities to cater to all ages. Schedule downtime to rest and avoid overloading the itinerary.
Allow flexibility for spontaneous activities or changes. Communicate with your family to understand their interests and involve everyone in planning.
Check out our blog 10 tips for hassle-free travel with a toddler.
How Do I Handle Meal Times While Traveling?
Meals when travelling with kids can be a big concern! Meal times can be tricky! Research family-friendly restaurants in advance. Pack snacks and be prepared for varying meal schedules. Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare some meals. Carry baby food or kid-friendly snacks if you’re unsure about local options.
Check out our blog 10 tips to cut costs on food while traveling in Switzerland.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Travel Tips to make travel with kids easier?
Traveling on a budget is possible! Here are some tips:
Travel during shoulder seasons to save on flights and accommodations.
Look for free or discounted attractions for children.
Utilize public transportation and consider renting a home or apartment to save on dining out.
Bring refillable water bottles and snacks to avoid buying expensive items on the go.
Check out our blog Switzerland with Kids: 10 Free and Fabulous Activities! and 10 Tips for hiking Bhutan's Tiger's Nest Monastery with a Toddler.
How Can I Make Traveling Educational and Fun for Kids?
Traveling can be both fun and educational! Integrate learning with activities such as museum visits, historical sites, and nature walks.
Encourage kids to keep a travel journal or scrapbook. Involve them in planning and decision-making. Use travel apps or games that provide educational content related to your destination.
Check out our blogs: Our Favorite Experiences in South Island, New Zealand - PART I,
What Should I Do If My Child Gets Sick While Traveling?
It’s important to be prepared! Carry basic medications and a first aid kit. Travel insurance with medical coverage is essential.
Consult a local doctor or visit a clinic if needed, and ensure you have access to your child's medical records and any necessary prescriptions.
What’s the Biggest Mindset Shift for Traveling Parents?
Let go of perfection! Traveling with kids will be messy, unpredictable, and magical all at once. Don’t aim for “doing it all”—aim for meaningful memories. Traveling with kids isn’t about ticking off landmarks—it’s about connecting, exploring slowly, and seeing the world through their eyes. We’ve been there, we’re still learning, and we’re so happy to share what’s working (and what’s not!) with fellow parents! We have lost luggage on flights, kids have had fever on trips, Credit card not working in Bhutan, EV not charging in Norway! But we overcame all those and we have great memories and stories to share!
Want to ask us a question? DM us on Instagram @passportcubs.
Happy travels!
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