Traveling With Children
One of the best decisions I made as a parent was choosing to travel with my kids—and not just to Disney’s World Showcase! I often get asked if I’m crazy for traveling with children, but honestly, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family.
My youngest two were flying before they turned one, and my oldest has been a travel pro since he was three. Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about making family travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Here are the top tricks that I use to keep me grounded when I’m getting ready for lift off with my family:
1. Be Prepared
It sounds simple, but preparation is your best defense against a chaotic trip. Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming, but with the right planning, it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how we prepare:
Communicate the Plan
Kids thrive on knowing what’s ahead. Before every trip, we walk our children through the details—security procedures, flight duration, and what happens when we land.
Even though my kids have been through TSA dozens of times, we still review the process to ease their anxiety. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when navigating high-stress moments like airport security.
Research and Plan Ahead
No two trips are alike. Airports, hotels, and destinations all have their quirks, and things change—sometimes frequently.
I research each location beforehand and share any updates with my kids. Whether it’s a new TSA rule or a different hotel setup, giving them a heads-up helps them adjust and reduces surprises.
Pack Smart
Snacks, toys, and travel gear can make or break your trip. Most airports allow you to bring snacks through security, so stock up! For babies, invest in a protective bag for your car seat or stroller.
We also like to add an element of surprise by picking up small, inexpensive distractions before the trip—a new coloring book, travel game, or small toy can keep kids entertained during long waits.
2. Have Patience
Travel can test anyone’s patience—crowds, security lines, ticketing delays, plane cancellations, and more. Add a tired, screaming child into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. But staying calm is key. When you keep your cool, things will go much smoother for everyone.
Preparation can be your best ally here. For example, did you know that many busy airports let you reserve your security screening time in advance? Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers this service, which can speed up the process and reduce stress, especially when traveling with kids.
Another tip: pack all snacks, formula, and liquids in one bag (usually the diaper bag). Formula and milk often require additional testing, so keeping them together ensures that while one parent waits for those items, the other can gather the kids, luggage, and shoes. Also, remember that strollers and car seats need to be scanned at security, so your child will need to be removed temporarily.
3. Stay Flexible
On my first trip to Disney, I had an ambitious plan to check everything off my to-do list. By day two, my plan was soggy from unexpected rain, and we’d already missed several activities. I was frustrated, but over time I learned that flexibility is a must when traveling.
So much is beyond your control: weather, delays, illness, ride closures, tech glitches—or even a global pandemic. You name it!
It wasn’t until my third or fourth trip to Disney that I finally loosened up. And guess what? That’s when we made the best memories. For instance, one rainy day at Epcot, instead of running for cover, we let our kids play in the downpour. Old me would have balked. New me cherishes that moment—it’s one of my kids’ favorite memories!
4. Be On Time When It Matters
While flexibility is important, some moments demand punctuality. Flights, car rentals, dining reservations, and cruise departure times are non-negotiable. Being late for these can cause significant stress—and extra costs.
For flights, plan to arrive early, even if you have TSA PreCheck or use services like MCO Reserve. Traffic at major airports can be heavy at any time of day. Missing your flight can lead to a costly domino effect.
At Disney, dining reservations have strict cancellation policies. No-show fees can add up quickly. And on cruises, return times are set in stone—miss the ship, and you could be stranded in another country. When traveling with kids, always leave extra time to accommodate unexpected delays.
5. Book With a Travel Agent
Travel planning takes time, effort, and research. Why not let a professional handle the hard parts? Travel agents are experts in their field, constantly learning about destinations, travel guidelines, and trends to provide the best experience for their clients.
And no, using a travel agent doesn’t cost extra! Commissions are built into the pricing of most vacations. If you don’t book through a travel agent, that commission just goes back to the hotel, resort, or theme park.
Even before I became a travel agent, I used one—Heather Wilkinson. She was always responsive, answered all my questions, and made suggestions that elevated our trips. Plus, she kept an eye out for discounts and applied them automatically.
On our first trip to Disney World, she suggested Pirates League for our son because of his love for pirates. It turned out to be one of the best experiences we’ve ever had, and we’re so grateful because it’s no longer offered. A great travel agent gets to know your family and helps create truly memorable experiences tailored to you.
That’s why joining Wishful Wanderings Travel was a no-brainer for me. Our team is passionate about creating perfect trips for families like yours. Let us take the stress out of travel so you can focus on making memories.
Tess Hankins
Tess is a travel enthusiast with over a decade of experience exploring with her family. Married for nearly 13 years, she and her husband have three children and currently live in Iowa (though she dreams of a warmer climate).
A Disney fan and cruise lover, Tess has big travel dreams, including visiting Spain, exploring Egypt’s pyramids, and hiking Machu Picchu. She’s passionate about helping others plan unforgettable adventures.
