Crying and screaming. Whining and pouting. Running and kicking. Traveling with young children isn’t for the faint of heart. And nobody wants to be the parent of the kid who won't stop wailing on the airplane or the moody tween who wants to go home before you've even left.

But traveling with children, even little ones, can be a great experience for everyone. All you need is some careful planning—try these parent-tested tips!

1. Have a packing strategy.

Pack for the worst, but hope for the best. In other words: make sure you’re equipped to handle messes, bad weather, meltdowns, and illness, but don’t feel pressured to pack three suitcases full of kid stuff.

Bring the things you need to keep germs at bay (hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, masks) as well as medications and comforts in case someone gets ill. It's also a great idea to spread your children's things among various pieces of luggage so you're not left in the lurch if one all-important bag gets lost.

School-aged children can and should be able to pack their own carry-on backpack and carry it themselves. Teach them how to plan outfits, prioritize their wants, and keep track of essential items.

More resources:

• Packing Checklist for Flying With an Infant
• Packing Checklist for Traveling With Toddlers

2. Research the travel documents your kids need.

Do kids need an ID to fly? Children under 18 can fly without an ID in the U.S., although unaccompanied minors who are eligible for TSA PreCheck must show an approved ID in order to receive expedited screening.¹

For international travel, all children need a passport. Babies need passports too, even if they’re just a few weeks old. Kids may need visas and vaccination records as well. Check the current travel requirements for your destination country in this interactive map.

If only one parent is traveling internationally with a child under 18, they should bring a letter of consent to travel that’s signed by the other custodial parent.

Read more: What Documents Do I Need to Travel?

3. Get travel insurance that protects your children.

When you’re traveling with children, having reliable travel insurance is the best way to get peace of mind. Look for a plan that can reimburse covered expenses for you and your kids in case of a medical emergency, trip interruption, baggage mishap, trip delay, unexpected cancellation, and other situations.

Our most popular choice for family vacations, OneTrip Prime can cover kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). For families that travel often, AllTrips Premier can provide 365 days of protection.

Get a quote for family travel insurance.

4. Keep the kids’ routines, with some minor adjustments.

Plucking kids out of their daily routine to get on a plane or train or go on a long car ride can cause some chaos. You'll have better family vacations by making sure you maintain as much of your child's routine as possible, including naptime, downtime, and meal times.

If you’re traveling internationally, you may want to begin adjusting to your destination’s time zone several days before you leave. This can ease jet lag symptoms and help kids stay on an even keel.

Read more: How to Avoid Jet Lag: Expert Tips That Really Work

5. When traveling with children, know their limits.

While you want your kids to experience a destination to the fullest, they just don’t have the same stamina that you do. Walking for miles, standing in long lines, and staying out in the heat or the cold for hours will push even the most easygoing kid over the edge. Build in lots of time for breaks, meals, and treats. Avoid scheduling a ton of activities on day 1 of your trip.

If you’re traveling with a neurodivergent child who’s extra-sensitive to their environment and changes in routine, you may want to choose airlines, hotels, resorts, and destinations that are known for serving young travelers with special needs. Here’s a short list of autism-friendly destinations and travel tips.

6. Don’t neglect your own needs.

Often, traveling with children doesn’t feel like a vacation. You’re still doing the work of parenting, which means your kids’ needs come first. But remember: You deserve to enjoy yourself too. If you’re traveling with your spouse, partner, or another adult family member, take turns watching the kids. Plan something you enjoy, whether that’s a kid-free morning in the museum or a massage on the beach. If you’re on a cruise ship or at a resort, take advantage of the kids’ club or babysitting services offered. Need to find trustworthy child care while traveling? Contact your travel concierge: a benefit included in several Allianz Travel Insurance plans.

7. For entertainment, think beyond screens.

Tablets and handheld video games can be lifesavers on long trips with kids. But kids can overdose on screen time, and so it’s good to have analog options. Some of the best ways to entertain kids on a long trip include the tried and true:

• Card games
• Coloring books and sketchpads (older kids may enjoy “how to draw” instruction books)
• Magnetic toys
• Puzzle books and sticker books (just watch where they put those stickers!)
• “I Spy” or “Where’s Waldo” seek-and-find books
• Balloons

Many parents swear by this tip for traveling with young children: Wrap little gifts for them to unwrap every hour. These surprises can be small, such as snacks, candy, crayons, toys, etc.

8. Try a ride-on suitcase.

When kids are too old for a stroller but too young to trek from Terminal A to Terminal G, a ride-on suitcase is the answer. Some function like scooters, allowing a kid to propel themselves with their feet, while others are designed to be pulled by a parent. Make sure it’s safe, light, and maneuverable enough for your child to pull themselves, as well. Travel+Leisure tested several models to find the best ride-on suitcases.

9. Set clear expectations for behavior.

Before you board the plane, train, or cruise ship, talk to your kids about what they can and cannot do. Then, hold the line. The big behavior no-nos for kids when traveling:

• No running away in a crowded place.
• No joking in the security line.
• No kicking the seat in front of you or putting your feet on someone’s armrest. (Buying a foot hammock for planes can prevent this problem.)
• No unbuckling your seatbelt in the car, or when it’s required in the airplane.
• No touching/hitting/harassing your siblings.

Also be clear about the consequences for breaking the rules, whether that’s a time-out, loss of screen time, or missing out on an activity.

10. Make it an adventure.

Remember your ultimate goal: Teaching your children to become considerate and independent travelers when they’re grown. You can nurture a child's sense of adventure at a very young age and spark their natural curiosity by asking questions. Push them out of their comfort zone by trying new activities. Teach them how to read a map and greet people politely in the local language. Give them more responsibility by involving them in the vacation planning. The more your kids are involved, the more unforgettable the experience will be for all of you.

Related Articles

• How to Involve Your Kids in Family Vacation Planning
• Tips for Traveling Internationally with Kids
• How to Plan All-Inclusive Family Vacations