Tips for Traveling with Kids

How to travel with kids to make the most of your next family vacation! This blog post is sponsored by good2grow.

Vacations are some of the most meaningful memories you can make as a family, but traveling with kids can come with a few extra challenges. Taking some time to plan ahead to keep little ones entertained and well-fed will help make sure your next family vacation is a seamless experience!

Whether you're gearing up for a weekend getaway or planning a surprise trip with Pack Up + Go, these tips for traveling with kids will help you stress less and enjoy the experience more. Here’s how to travel with kids like a pro — from snacks, to packing, to scheduling your itinerary.

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Snacks for Travel Days: Fuel the Fun With good2grow

Ask any experienced parent and they’ll tell you — snacks can make or break a travel day! Whether you’re flying, road tripping, or taking a train, having the right snacks on hand helps prevent meltdowns and keeps everyone happy.

The other secret for tantrum-free travel days? Toys to keep kids entertained. If you’re looking for delicious, fun and less-mess snacks, good2grow is the perfect solution. Here are a few reasons we recommend surprising your little ones with good2grow drinks and snacks on your family’s next trip:

• Snack time on the go
  Each good2grow product comes with an iconic character on top of each bottle, which makes it fun for kids to have a snack. They’ll love getting their favorite characters like Bluey, Spider-Man, Mickey Mouse, or another one of their favorite characters! Once the snack is gone, the toy can be reused again and again.

• Less mess for less stress
  good2grow juices feature spill-proof spouts, their milks have reclosable spouts, and their snacks have reclosable lids. They were designed specifically with kids in mind, and to help parents avoid cleaning up messes!

• Flavors kids love
  The best part? In addition to being fun for kids and clean for parents, good2grow snacks offer a variety of flavors, from apple to fruit punch to raspberry lemonade, chocolate and strawberry milk, and two yummy Snackers flavors in chocolate and cinnamon.

• Character quests
  Not only can your family hunt for more of your kids’ favorite characters when making a pit stop at stores such as gas stations and grocery stores along the way, thegood2grow Collectors App lets you track your tops and earn rewards for even more fun!

Prepping + Packing: Start Smart

One of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful family vacation is to start with smart packing strategies. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Pack by outfit, not by item
  Group clothing into full outfits (top, bottom, socks, etc.) and pack them in labeled bags or cubes. This prevents digging through your luggage each day and makes getting out of your hotel to explore quicker. If you have multiple children, pack each of their items in a separate bag to keep everything organized. Consider bringing quick-drying items in case you need to wash anything in the sink.

• Bring comfort items
  When suitcases get full, it can be tempting to leave behind a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or book. Our top recommendation is to make the space and bring those comforting items! Traveling is full of transitions and new environments, so having these comforting, familiar items will do a lot of heavy lifting when your kids are going through a tough moment.

• Involve your kids
  Letting kids help pack a bag with their snacks, toys, books, or some of their clothing gets them excited for the trip and will help them settle once they arrive. They’ll know what they packed and will be excited to use them when you arrive at your destination!

Activities for Travel Days: Keep Kids Busy!

When traveling with kids, boredom is your #1 enemy. Long drives, flights, or layovers can stretch everyone’s patience. Here are a few ways to keep kids entertained without defaulting to screen time.

•  Travel activity bags.
  Create small activity bags with small items for your kids to play with. In addition to good2grow, we recommend coloring books or stickers. It’s important to not bring things with too many pieces that might get lost throughout your trip!

• Movement breaks
  If you're road tripping, find a couple of playgrounds or parks along the way to break up the drive and let your kids run around. This may take a little bit of extra planning, but it will go a long way!

• Play travel games
  Classic games like "I Spy" or “20 Questions” work anywhere and are great for family bonding.

Itinerary Planning: Think Kid-Friendly + Flexible

Planning a family vacation itinerary is all about balance. You'll want enough structure to avoid chaos — but enough flexibility to go with the flow.

Here are our top picks for building a family-friendly itinerary:

• Keep a flexible schedule
  Build in plenty of buffer time between activities to allow for naps, snack breaks, and downtime. Over-scheduling can lead to overtired kids (and adults!). It’s likely that nap times and bedtime will be disrupted during your trip, so any opportunities for quick, impromptu rest breaks will be important. Make sure you are prepared for these breaks with plenty of snacks like good2grow’s juices and Snackers!

• Prioritize location
  When booking your accommodations, consider walkability, proximity to public transportation, and access to kid-friendly restaurants or attractions. It’s also important to make sure the activities you book are near each other. You won’t want to be zipping across town between each excursion!

• Let kids help choose
  Give your kids a few options each day — like choosing between two activities or picking a lunch spot. It keeps them engaged and gives them ownership of the experience! If you have multiple children, taking turns choosing activities or restaurants is always a great trick.

Family travel doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of prep, the right snacks, and a flexible plan, you’ll be ready to create new memories as a family!

Need family vacation ideas that are fun, easy, and surprise-filled? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning your first trip with little ones or looking to shake up your usual travel routine, we’re here to help you pack your bags, hit the road, and make it magical.