Traveling With Kids This Spring & Summer (Without Losing Your Mind)
Just the other day I was filling out my calendar and before I knew it, it started filling up with all of the things—baseball practices, tournaments, long weekends, and family vacations.
While it may not be to the beach, these are trips that include a lot of packing for every occasion, and let’s not forget, for every climate.
As we all know, spring sports may include winter coats one morning, with a changeover to tank tops in the afternoon. And don’t forget sunblock, snacks, and the umbrella! If you’re like me and traveling with kids, it’s not always picture-perfect. But let’s lean into the chaos, because time is a thief. So here are a few sanity-saving tricks that I’m planning to do when packing up my family for the road, that I hope will help make your life a bit easier as well.
Simple Expectations
Trips aren’t the same as pre-kid vacations…but this is okay! Let’s think about letting go of the “we have to do everything” mindset and make room for what really matters. Slower mornings (unless that 8AM game is calling you), more snack breaks, and flexible plans. That spontaneous ice cream stop may be a moment your children will remember forever.
Pack Smart (Not Perfect)
You don’t need everything—but you do need the right things.
Whether you’re taking to the air, or hitting the road, make sure to pack more snacks than you think you’ll need. If you’re driving, it’s a smart idea to throw in a roll of toilet paper for the “oops, I need to go to the bathroom” moment but there isn’t one in sight. Wipes are also smart to bring with, as those little hands may be getting into everything without a bathroom in site.
And let’s not forget about the extra clothing for the different weather you may encounter.
Plan For The Journey, Not Just The Destination
Make the trip fun by creating a simple travel playlist that everyone likes.
One game my family loves to play while on the road is “I Spy” or the alphabet game where someone races to spot a letter on a sign before moving onto the next letter, along the way. These are fun and make the trip quicker.
Embrace The Chaos (Because It Will Happen)
Someone will spill something. Someone will get tired. Someone might even ask, “Are we there yet?” 50 times, they may even get sick along the way.
Instead of fighting it, lean into it. These will all be moments you’ll laugh about later once the trip is over.
So let’s pack up and get ready for a season full of adventure, laughter, and memories. Sometimes the best trips aren’t the easiest ones, but they’re ones you’ll never forget.
