Whether it’s a long overseas trip or a quick staycation, traveling with kids often means making a plan for multiple ages and stages so that it’s a fun experience for everyone. But knowing what to plan for and how to do it, especially when our kids seem to change every day, can be a challenge. That’s why we worked with our contributors to share their tips, how-to guides, and experiences for all things travel.
For being so little, babies and toddlers sure need a lot of stuff! When writer Sandy Hsu first started traveling with little ones, she felt overwhelmed; over time, she learned that instead of trying to bring All. The. Things., having a few of the right products can really make a big difference. In this product guide, Sandy’s got you covered with family travel gear recommendations for getting there, getting good sleep, and feeding/pottying on the go.
A day at the beach with kids is, um, no day at the beach. (Sorry, had to.) There’s gear to pack, sand to remove from unseen regions, and safety and sun protection to be mindful of. Thanks to our team of contributors, we’ve got you covered with the products that will make your beach outing fun, safe, and comfortable and every age and stage.
Whether you’re leaving on a jet plane or on the road with your kids, our contributors share their tips and tricks to help the journey go a little more smoothly. Click through to read now – and check back for more soon!
5 Ways I Stay Sane As A Mom On Family Vacations
When mom is having a good time, the whole family trip feels a bit easier. Check out Emily’s tips for managing her own stress and keeping her cool while traveling with young kids.
5 Tips For Water Safety This Summer
Whether it’s at the local pool, on a beach vacation or at the lake, chances are your kids will encounter a new swimming opportunity this summer. Here’s how to stay safe.
How Prep & Packing Can Help You Survive Road Trips with Littles
Mom of three Joanna does 8-hour road trips to visit family several times per year. She shares how prep and packing keep her sane – and she shares printable packing and prep checklists!
Feeding Your Family On Vacation? 7 Tips To Save Money On Food
Jayme helps us all find the balance between “Let’s splurge!” and “OMG $9 kids’ meals!”. Check out her tips for saving money while feeding a family on vacation.
Disneyland With Littles (And How I Really Feel About Mouse Ears!)
Disneybound? Check out Katherine’s hard-earned wisdom on where to splurge, how to save, and what the heck is up with the new Genie+ and Lightening Lane system.
Hotel Stays With A Baby: What To Pack & How To Get Some Sleep
New mom Sarah learned a few things the first time she stayed in a hotel with an infant. Check out her tips on what to pack and how to make your stay safe and comfortable for everyone.
Tried And True Tips For Flying With Babies & Toddlers
Sandy has survived international flights with babies and toddlers (!!), so we’re here for ALL her airport and plane tips for air travel with littles. Bookmark this post for your next long flight!
How To Keep Kids Entertained On Long Car Rides
From babies to big kids, Ashley has ideas for in-car activities that keep your smallest passengers engaged and entertained on long car rides and family road trips.
New On The Podcast!
This spring we’re tackling family travel from different angles – starting with how to deal when you feel like you’re missing out! Check back often for our latest travel-related episodes.
Family Travel In The Archives
Over the years we’ve covered family travel in a number of ways – from expert interviews to sharing our own hard-earned advice. Click play on these oldies-but-goodies as you think about your next trip with kids:
Santa Barbara
by Sarah Powers
Since moving back to my hometown in 2020, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for the place that raised me. Santa Barbara is a great place for families, but it’s also a really popular getaway for couples and girls weekends, so here are my recommendations that work for whatever brings you to town.
Our Contributor Team hails from all over the United States – and what better way to get tips for your next family adventure than to learn from the moms who live in the places you want to visit!
Check out what the locals know by clicking through to the blog – and check back for more Hometown Guides as we add to the list!
St. Louis
by Ashley Schafluetzel
Welcome to the Gateway to the Midwest and my hometown – St. Louis! I absolutely love all that St. Louis has to offer for families. Here are my best tips for visiting St. Louis with kids and checking out our most popular tourist attractions, including some fun things to do (or eat!) as a family near each attraction.
Glacier National Park
by Stacy Bronec
Nestled on the Montana and Canadian border lies Glacier National Park. We make the trip once or twice a year with our kids, ages 7, 5, and 2. Here are my favorite places to stay, things to do, spots for just-grownups and – most important?! – where to get the best coffee.
Kansas City
by Lisa Payne
Amber waves of grain, golden plains filled with sunflowers, tornado alley and Dorothy—this might be what you think of when you think of Kansas City – but that’s not all we’re made of! As you crisscross state lines, get ready to experience the variety “the metro” offers for families and couples alike. Welcome!
Los Angeles
by Sandy Hsu
I moved to Los Angeles a few days after my eighteenth birthday eager to explore this star-studded city where everything felt new and exciting. More than 15 years later, I’ve settled into L.A. as a local but still feel like a tourist at times (in a good way!)— there’s always something new to discover in the City of Angels!
San Diego
by Sarah Limberg
“America’s Finest City” is known for the scenery and flawless weather, but it has so much more than that to offer visiting families. You can make your trip to San Diego anything you want from a casual, family road trip stop to the blockbuster trip of the summer. I hope some of these tips and places come in handy as you’re planning your trip to San Diego!
Indianapolis
by Emily Roark
Unless you are a huge fan of basketball or the Indianapolis 500, you might not have ever thought of making a trip to Indiana. The Hoosier state has a lot more to offer, though, particularly the capital city of Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. If you are considering heading to Indy with your family, check out these fun excursions the whole family can enjoy!
Dallas-Fort Worth
by Joanna Martin
City lights, cattle drives, craft breweries, and one of the country’s fastest growing areas in the tech industry makes the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex an enticing place to live or visit these days! If you are planning a trip to the Dallas area anytime soon or you are looking for a fun, family trip location – let me tell you all about my hometown of Dallas, Texas!
- Instagram: A day at Disneyland with Katherine & family
- Essay: Becoming The Mom Who Does Things
- Facebook: Our community’s best travel advice
