5 Family Travel Tips for Kids and Adults

  • Also see 5 Basic International Travel Tips
  • Also see 5 Travel Tips for Disabled Seniors
  • Also see 5 Tips for Booking the Best Airline Seats
  • Also see Is Redeeming Your Points for Merchandise a Good Idea?
    • Family travel tips for couples and travelers with children can make air travel less of a hassle and less of an expense. Below are a few tips that address issues that all families have in common.

    1 - Get a Discount

    The foremost of family traveling tips is that traveling in groups, even as a couple, increases the traveler's chances of getting a discount. If the airline doesn't offer a discount at booking, one of the best family traveling tips is to join a reward program that lets travelers accumulate points on miles. The more people in the family who fly, the faster rewards and discounts are earned.

    2 - Know What to Expect

    One of the most important family traveling tips is to know what the airline is willing to do for families to make their flights easier. This may include priority seating to get children situated before the plane is overcrowded, and assistance securing children into their booster seats or extension seatbelts.

    Review what is and what is not allowed through the security gate in order to decrease the time spent getting through. Hold hands at all times or use toddler leashes with young children who might wander away in a busy airport.

    3 - Pack for the Unexpected

    While travelers shouldn't overburden themselves with too many emergency items, a basic first aid kit is essential when traveling with a family. This kit should include bandages, pain relievers and non-alcoholic hand wipes. Gels and ointments are not allowed on flights.

    4 - Entertain and Distract

    Both adults and children can get bored on a flight, so be sure to bring ample activities. Adults, teenagers and older children may enjoy:
    • Books
    • Activity books
    • MP3, DVD or multimedia players
    • Portable game systems
    Young children may also enjoy these suggestions. However, they might also need toys with which to play. Select larger, hard plastic toys that don't make noises. These are easier to clean, harder to lose and less likely to annoy the other passengers.

    5 - Don't Get Hungry, Don't Waste Money

    Traveling on an empty stomach can make children and adults alike irritable and tired, which makes getting through the airport and flight an even greater hassle. Waiting to purchase food at the airport or on the plane means paying for overpriced food, assuming there's food available to satisfy all of the members of the family.
    Plan ahead and bring easy-to-carry, healthy snacks for everyone in the family. These snacks should be kept in the original packaging, wrapped in foil and/or placed in containers. Suitable snacks include:
    • Granola bars
    • Dried fruit
    • Nuts
    • Dry cereal
    • Simple sandwiches
    • Raw vegetables
    Travelers cannot bring liquids past the security gate, but they can bring empty bottles. Most flights offer complimentary drinks, but it's also a good idea to make sure everyone stays hydrated by filling their bottles with water from a fountain after the gate. Just make sure to monitor how much young children are drinking, to avoid excessive bathroom breaks.

    Couples with and without children can make use of family travel tips in order to ensure the smoothest flight possible. Plan ahead and keep these tips in mind the next time you travel with your family.