How to Travel with Kids

At Zoe, we’re a mom-run company. We know from personal experience that the journey of parenthood isn't always easy—but it's a trip worth taking. And sometimes, that includes taking an actual trip, even though we know that isn’t always easy either.

You’ve probably heard that once you become a parent, travel pretty much goes out the window. Turns out, we couldn't disagree more. Our team of moms has traveled over a hundred thousand miles combined with our little ones. We’ve been buried by backpacks in baggage claim and navigated theme park potties with a toddler in tow. We’ve shown our kids the ocean, taught them about other cultures, and let them get authentic (and sticky) Italian gelato all over their faces. 

What we’ve learned is that freedom isn’t always about getting away from your kids—it’s about being equipped to invite them along for the ride. That means knowing how to travel with kids is about having the right mindset, the right plans, and the right gear. We’ve turned our experience into this practical guide to help you get out of the house and into the world.

Traveling with Kids (At a Glance)

The key to traveling with kids is striking a balance between solid plans and flexible expectations. Packing lists and sleep routines might feel like big hurdles, but they’re totally doable when you keep these three ideas in mind:

The Golden Rules of Traveling with Kids

• Be Flexible: Think about travel with kids as a journey to take, not a problem to solve. When you focus on being optimistic and adaptable, your little ones will eventually follow suit.
• Plan Smart: Success is in your strategy. That includes choosing accommodations that provide a home base feel, adding buffer time to the schedule, and creating organization—like using color-coded packing cubes, for example.
• Get the Right Gear: If it doesn’t make life easier, it’s not coming. Choose gear that’s lightweight, multi-functional, and ready for anything. The gear you bring should be a bridge between your family and adventure, not a barrier. 
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Seamless Transitions

A lot of times, the biggest stressor in travel isn't the destination, it’s the in-betweens—between the plane and the car, or between the hotel and the coffee shop. But the idea of a “seamless transition” is simply moving between environments without stopping to wrestle with your gear (or your kids). Before your trip, imagine your family in these transition moments and ask yourself:

• What do I need for a seamless transition here?
• Can I get by one-handed in this situation?
• Will everything fit in a crowded trunk?
  

This type of thinking can put you in control of stressful situations before they ever happen. Keep in mind that bigger kids will also need help prepping for these transition moments. When you anticipate one coming, proactively let them know what to expect. 

Why Travel With Kids is Possible

Despite what the haters say, travel doesn’t have to stop when you have kids—but it will definitely adapt. Family travel will look different than pre-kid vacays, but seeing the world through your kiddo's eyes is one-thousand percent worth adapting for.

How the “Whycation” Can Help

One mindset shift that can be a total unlock is focusing on your “why.” In 2026, some are calling it a whycation, but all it means is that the motivation for your trip is more important than wherever you’re going.

Before, you might have picked a destination first (“London looks lovely!”). But a whycation starts with what’s under the surface ("We need to slow down."). So, why does this help make travel possible?

• It Redefines Success: When your goal is "connection" rather than "seeing Buckingham Palace," a tantrum or a missed tour doesn’t mean the day’s ruined. You’re not failing at an itinerary anymore, but succeeding at your actual goal: being together.
• It Supports Your Rhythms: Instead of rushing through a checklist of sights, you choose experiences that fit your family. These days, travelers often pick one neighborhood to really explore rather than five landmarks to breeze by.
• It Protects Your Peace: When you prioritize the "why," you stop fighting against your kid’s needs (like play or bathroom breaks) and start working them into your plans. 
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Don't Wait  

Start working out your family’s travel muscles right now by going on micro-adventures. Take a trip to a park across town or plan an all-day outing. This lets you test your gear and build your confidence before a big trip.

The First Things to Decide Before Travel: Budget and Destination

Once you’ve officially decided to take a trip with your family, you’re ready to move into strategy mode. Two of the best things to do next are set your budget and your destination. Every other decision—from flights to hotels to sunscreen—gets filtered through these two things.  So instead of floundering in all the possibilities, you can zone in and focus on what’s realistic for your family and for where you’re going.

Setting Your Budget: 

There’s no doubt that life with kids isn’t cheap, but you don’t have to be afraid of the cost of traveling with them. You just need to start your travel plans by creating a budget—this will show you what you can say yes to, and what you should say no to. 

Your travel budget should account for: 

• Pre-Travel Purchases: Toiletries, packing cubes, clothes, travel stroller, etc.
• Trip Necessities: Transportation (flights, gas, or rentals), lodging, and daily food
• Easy-to-Forget Logistics: Airport parking, baggage fees, travel insurance, babysitters, etc.
• Fun and Entertainment: Tours, entrance fees, souvenirs, a well-timed ice cream break, etc.
• A 15% Buffer: A safety net for the unexpected "uh-ohs" that tend to happen when tiny humans are involved
  

The Trick for Pre-Travel Purchases: 

When buying travel gear for your kids, like a pack n’ play or stroller, don’t just look at the price tag—look at the Cost Per Trip math. A premium, durable stroller, like the Zoe Traveler or the Zoe Twin ($250–$530), is an asset that could save you in the long run. While a cheaper $30 umbrella stroller is probably just a one-time use thing. It might seem like backwards logic, but here’s how it breaks down: 

• The Cheaper Stroller: It’s $30, but it’s hard to push, the wheels stick, and by day three, your back hurts. So you abandon it at the hotel because it’s not worth flying home. Cost per trip is $30.00 (and major stress!).
• The Asset Stroller: A $250 Zoe Traveler used for 5 major vacations and 50 local "micro-adventures" (zoo, mall, park) equals 55 uses.
  • $250 for 55 uses = $4.54 per use.
    

	Cheap Umbrella Stroller	Zoe Traveler (Asset)
Initial Price	$30.00	$250.00
Estimated Uses	1 (One-and-done)	55 (5 trips + 50 local outings)
Cost Per Trip	$30.00	$4.54

 

That’s not girl math either, that’s just. . . math! Not to mention, the Traveler gives you a smooth ride, car seat compatibility, and simply a better experience overall. (Just saying!)

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Find Extra Travel Savings

• Look for mid-week flights instead of weekends. You’ll save serious cash and beat the airport rush.
• Book early. Seriously. “Last-minute deals” aren’t really a thing these days. We’re always monitoring Skyscanner for the perfect price windows.
• Eat at home—even on vacation. If you book a place with a kitchenette, make breakfast, pack lunch, and then splurge on dinner out. 
  

For even more savings tricks, check out our blog on How to Travel On a Budget as a Family. 

Deciding Where to Go

This is the fun part! But to keep it real-life fun and not just fun-looking on Instagram, make sure to check out the ecosystem of your destination—and if you just had a flashback to freshman year Biology, don’t worry. We’re talking about a family-friendly environment where the setup of your destination does the heavy lifting for you. This means it has stroller-friendly sidewalks, parks to play in, and attractions for kids built in.

Questions like these can help you narrow in on your spot:

• Is it walkable? Oftentimes, kid-friendly travel spots are! Look for places with good Walk Scores or big pedestrian-only zones. Can you reach a park, a pharmacy, and a cafe without loading a car seat? Game-changing. 
• Will your kids be into it? If your little one is over 6 months old, travel is a lot smoother when your kid is actually into the environment. But that doesn’t mean skip the art museum and look for splash pads. Just consider spots they will enjoy too—like a farmers market, an aquarium, or a park with plenty of dogs to watch.
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Give Your Kid a Vote

Your kiddo shouldn’t be running the show, but if they’re old enough to understand choices, let them make some low-stakes calls along the way. You could say, “We’re going to the market! Do you want to look at the colorful flowers first or try something at the fruit stand?” Even a toddler feels the shift from being lugged around to being an explorer. 

Looking for inspo on where to go? Check out our curated list of family-friendly destinations: 

• Underrated Kid-Friendly Destinations
• Fall Destinations
• Winter Destinations
• Spring Break Destinations
  

Travel at Different Ages (Babies, Toddlers, and Young Kids)

Travel at Different Ages (Babies, Toddlers, and Young Kids)

Let’s be real: parenting your kids doesn’t involve just one single skill set, and neither does going on trips with them. Traveling with a 6-month-old is like logistic tetris, while traveling with a 4-year-old can be a game of psychology. As your kids grow and change, so should your approach to travel. Here are some of the most relevant things to think about for each stage. 

Babies: The Portable Stage (0–12 Months)

This is often the most intimidating stage for first-time parents, but it’s actually the most portable your babe will ever be. Now, that doesn’t mean the struggles aren’t real—like feeling tied to their schedule, needing lots of gear and backups, and the fact that they’re not potty-trained. But some tips can make the journey a little easier. 

Zoe’s Pro Tips: Traveling with Babies

• Sleep Cues: If you’ve been intentional about a sleep environment at home, carry those sleep cues with you, even if you’re on-the-go—like a sound machine, a paci, or your diaper change routine. Think “recognizable but flexible”.
• Plane Feeding: If you’re bottle-feeding or nursing on a plane, try to time feeding for the ascent and descent. The swallowing helps their little ears relieve pressure. And if using a formula, pre-load bottles with the powder and just add water once you're through security—way easier than measuring it out on a rickety tray table.
• Simple Entertainment: One genius toy to keep on hand is a suction-cup spinner. They stick to windows or snack trays, are totally mesmerizing, and don’t constantly get dropped. 
  

Toddlers: The Independent Stage (12 Months–3 Years)

If the baby stage is about logistics, the toddler stage is about energy management. Common travel pain points of this phase are hanger (relatable), overstimulation (also relatable), and keeping them close while letting them move about. 

Zoe’s Pro Tips: Traveling with Toddlers: 

• Snacks on Snacks: Meals during trips aren’t always predictable, so pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. This can help with those hangry moments, but it can also provide 20 minutes of fun—particularly if you go the “Snackle Box” route. Simply fill a multi-compartment box with different grazing options and boom!—hungry tummies and busy hands are suddenly happy.
• Moments of Reset: A full-blown meltdown is hard to reverse, so the goal is to catch that glazed-over look before they lose it. Most toddlers won't easily submit to a nap while there's fun stuff happening. But if your stroller is handy, lure them in with a snack or a tablet for 10 minutes of quiet time. A break from the action can reset them and help you avoid a tantrum.
• Yes Spaces: On the flipside, if it’s been a heavy stroller day, they need to get some energy out. Look for "Yes Spaces” where they can bounce around for a little while before you need them to sit still. 
  

Young Kids: The Explorer Stage (4–6 Years)

These kiddos are old enough to get excited about and involved in travel, but young enough to wear out quickly. They want to be big kids, but their legs have limits, they get bored easily, and they’re aware enough to be scared by the unfamiliar. You might feel like travel should be smooth sailing now that the kids are a little older, but don’t forget—they’re only a little older. 

Zoe’s Pro Tips: Traveling with Young Kids:

• Bring a Stroller: Even if they haven’t used a stroller at home in a year, travel is an endurance sport. Having a lightweight stroller like the Zoe Tour (which holds up to 60 lbs) can keep your plans moving and save you from hearing those two words: "carry me".
• Create Familiarity: For a young kid, the newness of travel can be intimidating. But creating familiarity can also provide stability for them. At the beginning of your trip, find a local spot and go there twice. Knowing where to find the trashcan or a nice cashier who remembers them will boost their confidence.
• Hype Them Up: Get young kids excited about your destination before your trip. And while you’re there, talk them through the journey in a fun, engaging way. Most kids naturally love to explore new places anyway, but priming them for the adventure will only help. 

Flights, Road Trips, and International

Getting from point A to point B is often the part of the trip parents dread most. But try turning transit time into part of the adventure.

Flying with Kids

Pre-Flight

A smooth flight starts at booking. Being strategic about your schedule and prepping your little traveler for the process can help dramatically decrease travel day chaos. 

• Timing is Everything: Consider booking early morning or late-night flights. Early mornings typically mean fewer crowds and less chaos. Plus, you can easily transport a sleepy kiddo to the car, then to the stroller, and let them continue snoozing all the way to the gate. However, if your kid’s a good sleeper and your flight changes time zones, late-night flights could be the better option because your little one could sleep from takeoff to landing.
• Set Expectations: Before you go to the airport, talk with your kid about what to expect if they’re old enough to understand. You’ve probably chatted about the fun things you'll do on vacation, but make sure to explain the “getting there” process. This will be a good primer for them. 

Getting Through TSA

Security is often one of the most hectic parts of travel—even without kids. But a little prep goes a long way. Go ahead and bookmark the TSA Cares: Traveling with Children page for the official rulebook, but here’s some of our best advice for getting through TSA: 

• Pre-Game: Before you even get to security, get ready for it. Have your documents handy and take out as much from your stroller as possible—think electronics, shoes, and liquids. That saves you from scrambling while trying to fold up your stroller.
• Invest in PreCheck: With TSA PreCheck or Clear, you can breeze right through security, meltdown-free, with everybody’s shoes on.
• Know Your Liquid Rights: Yes, you can bring liquids and snacks if they are for your kids! Breast milk, powdered formula, baby food, snacks, bottles, and sippy cups are all good to go—even liquid and cream medications are on the list. Just make sure to put them in their own bin through the X-ray machine. Even if they get pulled for screening, TSA agents are trained to clear your items and send you on your way.
• Carry Less On: Only carry on what you need easily accessible, and just check the rest. You don’t want to dig through hairbrushes and undies while searching for your baby’s blanket—it will just add to the madness.
• Use Ready-Made Organizers: Packing cubes are not only great space savers, but they are super easy to take out and reload for security. Even stroller organizers easily pop off, so you don’t have to empty out everything as you fold your stroller down.

In-Flight Strategy

With the security line behind you, the focus shifts to airtime. Managing a kid in flight requires a bit of scheming to keep everyone (including your fellow passengers) happy.

• Choose Your Seat Wisely: If your kid is under age two, they are usually considered a lap infant. That saves you from buying them a ticket—but you do lose out on personal space. So choose your seat wisely: Aisle seats are great for energetic littles who need to walk laps, while window seats are better if you prefer to contain the situation.
• BYO Kids Cup: We love that airlines serve drinks... but they don’t offer kids cups. To keep your little one hydrated and avoid major spillage, bring your own kids cup.
• Give Your Kid a Hall Pass: Your "Parent of the Year" nomination won't be revoked if you let them watch the iPad for a while. Just download movies and shows before you leave the house because you can’t always rely on airplane Wi-Fi. 
  

Is it Worth Bringing a Stroller Through the Airport? 

Always. Think of your stroller as your mobile H.Q. during travel. It holds your bags while you’re in the restroom, can be a high chair during layovers, and makes diaper changes way easier. 

Plus, with ultra-lightweight strollers like The Traveler or even The Twin, folding them up takes literally seconds. While some strollers like the Traveler are designed to fit in overhead bins, you can easily gate check your stroller if it’s bigger—or if you just don’t want to deal with it. 

Flying International with Kids

Traveling internationally with kids is no doubt more complex, but it can help your family grow and learn in ways that probably wouldn’t happen stateside. From our experience, it’s totally worth the extra lead time and paperwork.

The "Must-Have" Paperwork: Some documents are non-negotiable for crossing borders. This includes things like:

• Individual Passports: Every child, including infants, needs their own. Just check your expiration dates early because many countries require at least six months of validity remaining.
• Proof of Relationship: Keep a copy of your child’s birth certificate handy, especially if you and your child have different last names.
• Consent Letters: If you’re traveling without the other parent, carry a notarized letter of consent. While not always required by the U.S., many other countries do require this.
• Health Records: Keep digital or paper copies of immunization records and a list of any prescriptions.
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Do Your Research

Laws and regulations vary wildly by country. Before you book, check the specific entry and exit requirements to make sure you’ve got the right international travel documents for children.

Road Trips with Kids

If flying with kids is like a sprint through the airport, a road trip is an endurance sport. To keep the journey from feeling like a marathon you haven’t trained for, make sure you’re equipped and that you know when it’s time for a break. 

Set Your Strategy

Before you even pull out of the driveway, decide on a road trip gameplan that fits your kid’s temperament—and your personal energy level. This will help set a realistic pace. 

Here are some of our go-to road trip strategies: 

• Embracing Breaks: When littles are in tow, long-haul trips with zero stops just aren’t realistic. You might as well embrace the art of a well-timed break! Do a little research to find a play area or a roadside landmark. For babies, breaks are obvious for feeding or diaper changes, but stops also get them out of the confined carseat for a needed stretch. Experts recommend getting babies out every 2 to 3 hours for a day trip and every 4 to 6 hours at night.
• Driving the "Night Shift": Driving at night has serious perks. Spend the day letting your kids burn off energy, then load them up in cozy pajamas with blankets, lovies, and relaxing music. If you’re lucky, they’ll snooze the whole way, giving you some quiet time. 
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Fill Up Before

Make sure you have a full tank of gas and that everyone (including you) has used the potty before the kids fall asleep. You don't want an unnecessary stop sabotaging your plan.

Road Trip Survival Must-Haves

On road trips with kids, keep the essentials within arm's reach so you aren’t digging through the trunk on the side of the highway. Some of our must-haves include: 

• A Travel Potty: If you’ve got a potty-training toddler (or a kid who waits until the last possible second to speak up), take a portable travel toilet. It saves you from frantically searching for a clean restroom in the middle of Timbuktu.
• A Clean Kit: Pack a dedicated trash bag, an emergency barf bag, wet wipes, and paper towels. Keeping the car somewhat clean during your trip helps quiet the chaos a bit.
• Double Snacks: However many snacks and water you expect to need, double it. But consider low-mess options like fruit leather, cheese sticks, or raisins. That “Snackle Box” we talked about earlier will work wonders here, too. 
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Use a Timer
Use a visual timer to show the kids how much longer until the next snack. Start the timer when they get a snack and say that they can’t ask for another until the timer goes off. This cuts out a lot of whining. 

Entertainment

When the wiggles set in, you’ll want a bag of tricks handy. For kids, entertainment isn't just about fun—it's about keeping hands busy and minds engaged. Of our go-to car entertainment options, here are some of our favorites: 

• Movies: Of course, we don’t recommend hours of screen time in your kid’s daily life. But road trips are a great place to make an exception. And don’t forget to bring along an Entertainment Holder to make things easier!
• Classic Games: Dust off the old-school favorites like I Spy, the license plate game, or 20 questions. For littler kids, toys as simple as gel clings or a mess-free coloring book can keep them occupied.
• Audiobooks and Playlists: A kid-friendly audiobook could be fun for everyone—especially if you pause, ask questions, and try to predict what will happen next. Or play their favorite songs! Jamming together can boost everyone’s mood. 
  

Travel Gear That Makes It Possible

If you’ve ever gazed upon your mountain of suitcases at baggage claim, still wondering if you’ve got enough to survive a weekend away, welcome to traveling with kids. But the secret to a successful trip isn’t about how much you bring. Only include versatile, hard-working essentials that help lighten the rest of your load. Keep in mind the best gear a.) solves more than one problem, or b.) saves you from a meltdown. 

The Ultimate Packing List for Travel with Kids

We’ve broken out your packing list into six main categories to help you stay organized. But for a quick download of our packing essentials, check it out here.

Which Stroller Should You Bring?

A travel stroller is more than just a seat—it’s your mobile base camp. But not every stroller is built for the road. Most parents searching for a travel stroller are looking for three things: weight, foldability, and storage.

That’s why we designed Zoe Strollers to be ultralight, easy to open and close, and compact, whether you’re traveling with an infant or a small fleet of toddlers. Here are some of our most popular picks: 

• The Traveler: Consider The Traveler your “go anywhere” flight companion. It fits into almost all overhead bins, so there’s no need to check it at the gate. Plus, this thing only weighs 13 lbs, while kids weighing as much as 60 lbs can still ride comfortably. It also features a deep recline and a massive UPF 50+ canopy, so your little one can nap anywhere.
• The Tour: If you want an everyday stroller for home that doubles as a travel pro, The Tour is the move. It has the same amazing features as the Traveler, weighs only 13.4 lbs, features Zoe’s famous one-handed fold—and it can adapt to a double stroller as your family grows. Just keep in mind it’s not quite as compact as The Traveler.
• The Twin: For parents of multiples, The Twin is your new BFF. It’s one of the lightest double strollers out there—only 23 lbs! Plus, it’s a side-by-side stroller made to fit through doorways, still has all the amazing features (like the quick, reliable fold), and it can easily adapt to a triple or even a quad stroller. 
  

Zoe’s Pro Tip: Picking Your Stroller
When picking a travel stroller, think about how you usually get to your destination. If you’re a frequent flyer, overhead compatibility is a game-changer. But if you’re a road-trip family, get something that can handle serious adventure and still fit into a full trunk.

FAQ: Common Questions About Traveling with Kids

We get it—traveling with a mini-crew comes with a lot of what-ifs. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often to help you feel ready to start exploring.

Is traveling with kids worth it?
Absolutely. While you won’t get a vacation from parenting, new experiences with your kiddo and making family memories are like nothing else. Plus, your littles will learn new skills, like flexibility or curiosity, that will serve them no matter where they are.

What age is it easiest or hardest to travel with kids?
Every stage has its own pros and cons (and every kiddo is different!). Many parents find the 4 to 9-month window surprisingly easy because babies aren't mobile yet and still sleep a lot. The 12 to 24-month stage is the most active (ahem, challenging) because toddlers want to move, but they don't have the self-control to sit still. Once they hit age 3 or 4, they can become great traveling buddies.

How do you travel without overpacking?
Remember our guardrails: if it doesn’t solve a problem or prevent a meltdown, it stays home. Focus on helpful, high-quality gear rather than a dozen "just in case" gadgets. Plus, most places have grocery stores and pharmacies, so you can always pack enough diapers or snacks for the journey and buy the rest there.

Do you need a travel stroller?
If you’re struggling to fit your everyday stroller into your trunk alongside luggage, or if you’re heading to an airport, invest in a travel stroller. Look for one that can easily collapse while holding baby and something light enough to carry when stairs are your only way forward. Check out our specific recommendations.

How do you manage naps and routines during travel?
Let’s be real: Your baby doesn’t know what time it is, but they do know the order things usually happen. If you always do books, bottle, then bed, keep that sequence the same. Those familiar steps help them adjust. If the routine falls apart, don't sweat it and try again tomorrow.

Can you travel internationally with kids?
Yes! It just takes a bit more logistics. Start by making sure everyone—including the baby—has a valid passport. Zoe Pro Tip: Keep your first day at the destination low-key to allow everyone to adjust to the new time zone.

What are the 2026 TSA rules for liquid formula and snacks?
As of 2026, TSA continues to treat "medically necessary liquids"—which include formula, breast milk, and toddler drinks—as exceptions to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Solid snacks are generally fine, but "gel-like" snacks (think yogurt or pouches) are also treated as medically necessary for toddlers. Just inform the TSA officer at the start of screening about what you’ve got—you may be asked to open the containers for a quick scan before they send you on. 

Travel Lightly Through Parenthood and the World

If you take one thing away from this, let it be that travel with kids is totally possible and deeply worth it. Getting out of your zip code for a while can breathe life into the day-to-day when you come back home. Because you aren’t just traveling—you’re teaching your little ones the art of adventure.
While going anywhere with little ones requires intentionality, traveling with kids isn’t some scientific operation. You just need a gameplan and gear that gives you the freedom to go. Because when the gear is effortless, you’re empowered to pursue the life you want alongside your kids. So, take a deep breath, pack the essentials, and plan your trip!