Travelling with kids: how to survive the journey
The destination is chosen, the hotel is booked, everyone is excited. Then, half an hour into the drive, somebody asks, 'Are we there yet?' A little planning makes the long bits much easier.
Key points
- Break the journey into short stretches and stop before anyone asks.
- Keep a small bag of snacks, wipes and new things within reach.
- Plan for sleep, and aim for a calm arrival rather than a perfect trip.
Think about your child, not just the trip
A small child's idea of a long time is very different from yours. Two hours in a car can feel endless. Consider how your child copes: do they play happily alone, need company, or fall asleep the moment the wheels turn? Plan the journey around that.
Build in breaks
On a road trip, stop every couple of hours even if nobody asks. Ten minutes running around a service area saves an hour of grumbling. At the airport, let children burn off energy before boarding.
Pack a bag you can reach
Keep a small bag within easy reach: snacks, water, wipes, a spare top, a few small toys or books and a charged tablet with downloaded shows. Save the new things for the middle of the journey, when patience runs out.
Go easy on sugar
A diet of sweets leads to energy spikes and upset stomachs. Fruit, crackers, cheese sticks and plain sandwiches travel well.
Let them help
Older children can follow the route on a map, spot landmarks or carry their own small bag. Younger ones often like a simple game, such as spotting red cars.
Plan for sleep
Overtired children make for a miserable arrival. If you can, time long drives around naps, or travel overnight when they will sleep through most of it. On a plane, bring whatever helps them settle, whether that is a blanket, a favourite soft toy or a pair of headphones for a bedtime story. Ear pressure on take-off and landing bothers some children, so a drink or a snack at those moments can help.
Check the paperwork early
Children usually need their own passport, and child passports often expire sooner than adult ones. If only one parent is travelling, some countries and airlines ask for a signed consent letter from the other parent, so check the rules for your destination well before you book.
Be realistic
Expect a few meltdowns. Aim for a calm arrival, not a perfect journey, and plan an easy first evening rather than a packed itinerary.
What changes by age
- Babies and toddlers: plan around naps and feeds, and bring one familiar comfort item.
- Five to eight: short activity books, audio stories and snacks they actually like.
- Teenagers: a charged phone and headphones, and some say in the plan. They cope better if they feel involved.
Before you leave
Check passport rules for children, which can differ from the adult rules. Our travel checklist covers documents and insurance.