By HTE Founder, Erin Hughes
Some people will tell you that once you have kids, travel is a thing of the past. And sure, it might look a little different (read: a lot more snacks and zero chance of finishing a book by the pool), but that doesn’t mean it’s off the table. The phrase “just because something’s hard, does that mean you don’t do it?” has always stuck with me. And when it comes to travelling with kids, it absolutely applies. I’ve always believed that if something’s important to you, you’ll find a way to make it work. And for me, travel is one of those things. It’s our family’s way to recharge, reset, and be together.
Yes, it takes more planning. Yes, it’s unpredictable. And yes, you may find yourself pacing the aisle of an international flight at 2am with a toddler who has suddenly decided sleep is for the weak.
“But if travel has always been something you’ve loved, there’s no reason to give it up completely – just because you now have tiny, loud, snack-demanding travel companions.”
And let’s be clear: you don’t have to resign yourself to all-inclusive resorts with a million waterslides just because you have kids (unless that’s your thing, in which case – go for it!). Kids adapt to what they know. If you’ve been travelling with them from the start, they won’t question it. It’s when you suddenly introduce something new at age three that they decide they hate it.
So, if travel is important to you, like it is to me, don’t write it off just yet – adjust your expectations and embrace the chaos.
Here are some tried-and-tested tips for making it work, specifically for flying with kids.
Airport & Flight Survival Guide
Baby carrier
Absolute game changer for navigating airports hands-free.
Travel pram
Get one that fits in the overhead locker so you can use it right up until boarding (because wrangling a toddler on foot through Duty-Free is a disaster waiting to happen).
Check passports well in advance
Not just for expiry dates but also that sneaky six-month validity rule (because yes, people do find out at check-in that one kid can’t fly—been there, done that, do not recommend).
Book a morning flight
Statistically, earlier flights have fewer delays, and kids generally cope better earlier in the day.
Tag-team parenting
If you’re travelling with a partner, give each other breaks to recharge. One of you takes the kids while the other pretends to enjoy the in-flight magazine.
Let go of control
Forget the normal routine, throw out the usual rules, and just focus on getting through the journey in one piece.
Backpacks over handbags
If you’re flying with young kids, you carry the essentials. Only give kids their own bags if they can manage them (otherwise, guess who ends up carrying them?).
Travel wallet with all docs
Keep all passports, visas, and boarding passes together. Also, pack a pen – trust me, you’ll need it.
In-flight survival kit
Think drink bottles (fill them up post-security), all the snacks (seriously, all of them), charged devices with headphones, small toys, nappies, wipes, formula, a spare outfit, Panadol/Nurofen… basically, pack like you’re heading into battle!
Packing & Prepping Like a Pro
Less is more
One suitcase for adults and one for the kids (depending on destination and number of kids, obviously). The lighter you travel, the easier your life will be.
Hire baby gear at your destination
Most places have rentals for cots, prams, high chairs, and even toys, so you don’t need to bring everything but the kitchen sink.
Pre-book airport transfers
The last thing you want is to land after a long-haul flight with overtired kids and then try to sort out transport. Lock it in before you go.
Do your research
Know where you’re going, what you’ll need, and what’s available at your destination (especially if you need babysitting services or family-friendly activities).
Despite the stress, the packing, the meltdowns, and the occasional “why did we think this was a good idea?” moment, travelling with kids is always worth it. The memories, the experiences, the time together – it all far outweighs the challenges.
Travel is something we prioritise because it resets us, inspires us, and gives us experiences we’ll be talking about for years. And hopefully, our kids will grow up cherishing those memories, too. So if you love to travel, don’t let having kids stop you. It might look a little different, but it’s so worth it.
