Surviving (and Maybe Even Enjoying) Spring Break Travel with Little Ones: Top Tips from a Mom Therapist
Spring break travel with young kids: a time of magical family memories... or a test of endurance you didn’t train for? The reality is, it’s a little bit of both. The excitement of going somewhere new, breaking out of routine, and making memories as a family is undeniable. But so is the chaos of packing, the unpredictability of tiny humans, and the potential for at least one mid-air or mid-road trip meltdown (yours or theirs).
If you’re gearing up to travel with little ones, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. And by “this,” I mean a journey that will be messy, unpredictable, and at times, loud. But it will also be worth it. Here are some practical (and sanity-saving) tips to help you embrace the chaos, lower the stress, and maybe even enjoy the adventure.
If you’re gearing up to travel with little ones, take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
1. Lower Your Expectations—Then Lower Them Some More
Whatever vision you have of peaceful family travel, let’s go ahead and release it now. Your kids will not suddenly become calm, rational beings just because they’re in an airport or strapped into a car seat for hours. Things will spill, someone will cry, and at least one shoe will mysteriously disappear. If you expect the unexpected, you won’t be as thrown when it happens.
2. Snacks. So Many Snacks.
Think you packed enough snacks? Pack more. Snacks are the universal solution to most travel woes with kids. Long security line? Snack. Restless in the car? Snack. Slightly bored? Snack. Someone breathing too loudly and causing sibling rage? Snack. Go for a mix of healthy options and some fun ones to keep things interesting. Bonus points if they take a while to eat (looking at you, string cheese and granola bars).
3. Extra Clothes—For Them and for You
There’s a high probability that someone in your family will end up covered in something questionable. Be it spilled juice, an unexpected diaper situation, or a rogue sneeze, extra clothes aren’t just for the kids. Keep an extra outfit (or at least a fresh shirt) for yourself, too. A couple of towels or blankets in the car or carry-on can also be lifesavers for impromptu cleanups or emergency wardrobe changes.
4. The Emergency Stash: Cheap Toys & Trinkets
Desperate times call for distraction tactics. Having a small stash of “new-to-them” toys or activities can be a game-changer. Think fidget spinners, mess-free coloring books, sticker packs, or surprise toys. Save them for when you really need a reset button—mid-flight turbulence-induced boredom, hour four in the car, or when you sense an epic meltdown brewing.
5. Games & Distractions
Sometimes, simple is best. Classic travel games like I Spy, Would You Rather (“Ice cream or cookies?” “Live on the moon or under the sea?”), and storytelling games can be a great way to engage kids without relying on screens (though let’s be honest, there’s no shame in some screen time either). Bonus: playing these games can also help distract you from the fact that your toddler just asked, “Are we there yet?” for the 27th time in an hour.
6. Give Them a Job
Kids love to feel important, and giving them a small responsibility can help them stay engaged. Maybe they’re in charge of carrying their own small backpack, handing out snacks, or “navigating” with a map. Even little things—like letting them help pick a road trip playlist or choose a travel snack—can give them a sense of control, which might just reduce power struggles. (Might.)
7. Embrace the Imperfection
Things will go wrong. You will forget something. A suitcase will end up in the wrong state. Someone will refuse to nap. But amidst the chaos, you’ll also have moments—unexpected giggles, an awe-filled expression at seeing something new, or a spontaneous family singalong—that make it all worth it.
At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember whether everything went according to plan. They’ll remember that you were together, that you made memories, and that sometimes, the best moments happen in the middle of the mess. So take a deep breath, grab another handful of Goldfish crackers, and enjoy the ride (as much as possible).
