Traveling with young ones can feel like an adventure before the adventure even begins! From packing the right essentials to keeping everyone entertained on long journeys, family travel with kids requires a bit of extra planning than your regular family holiday. The good news? With a few smart strategies, you can turn potential stress into smooth sailing and create memories that last a lifetime. We share our practical tips to help make traveling with young children easier, more enjoyable and fun for the whole family.
Plan around their routines
Kids thrive on routine, so sticking to their usual schedule as much as possible can make a big difference when travelling. Try to book flights during times that align with their nap schedule or when they’re generally at their happiest – early mornings often work well. Plan meals around regular eating times to avoid hunger-related meltdowns and build in quiet breaks so they don’t get overstimulated. Maintaining familiar patterns, even in a new environment, helps kids feel secure and reduces stress for everyone, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Choose kid-friendly accommodation
Where you stay can make or break a family trip, so look for accommodations designed with families in mind. When you travel with kids, hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities like cots, high chairs, kitchenettes and laundry facilities can make life much easier when traveling with little ones. Location matters too – being close to parks, playgrounds and family-friendly attractions saves time, reduces stress and gives children space to burn off energy while parents get a breather. Before booking, check reviews from other families and confirm details like stair gates or childproofing options to ensure the space is safe and comfortable for your kids.
Pack smart and light
On holidays with the family, packing strategically can save you from countless headaches. Keep essentials like snacks, water, wipes and a change of clothes in your carry-on for quick access during flights or long drives. Include a small first-aid kit with basics like band-aids and fever medication, just in case. It’s also a good idea to pack familiar comfort items to help kids feel secure in new environments – things like a favourite blanket, stuffed toy or bedtime book. If space allows, pack a few lightweight activities such as colouring books or a tablet loaded with kid-friendly apps for entertainment. Remember, less is more: focus on versatile items and avoid overpacking, as juggling too many bags can make travel stressful.
Plan kid-friendly activities
When it comes to travel with kids, well-planned kid-friendly activities are a must. Include stops at playgrounds, parks or attractions suitable for little ones to break up long days and keep them engaged – interactive museums, aquariums and other similar activities with hands-on experiences are unbeatable. For longer stays, consider scheduling downtime at the hotel pool or play area so kids can relax in a familiar setting. A mix of structured activities and free play ensures the trip feels fun rather than overwhelming.
Stay flexible
One of the biggest lessons in family travel is that things rarely go exactly as planned, so flexibility is key. When delays or changes happen, keeping a positive attitude helps set the tone for your kids and prevents stress from spiralling. Always have a backup plan for meals and activities – know where nearby restaurants or kid-friendly spots are in case your original plans fall through. Building in buffer time between activities and avoiding an overly packed schedule can make the trip feel more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.
Simplify family travel with Airtrain
Enjoy smooth, stress-free travel with kids thanks to Airtrain. Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or returning home, you can count on our reliable and affordable service to travel between Brisbane Airport and Brisbane City, or to your final stop on the Gold Coast.
We have special offers made for family travel, including our kids travel free* offer for kids aged 14 and under, and our $16 city group fare. Even better – these deals can be used together, meaning the whole family can travel together for just $32! *T&Cs apply
Airtrain’s fast and reliable services run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak. You can travel express from Brisbane Airport with stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations.