Your bags are packed. You’ve planned the itinerary. The alarm is set. But are you really ready for your trip?

Traveling is stressful enough. Traveling with kids can add to the stress. But it doesn’t have to. We asked Julia Barnes, PhD, and Meghan Treitz, MD, for their family travel tips, tricks, dos and don’ts of traveling with kids to help you prepare for, navigate and enjoy any trip.

Packing tips for flying with kids

The journey starts at home, and packing is an important part of it. A good rule of thumb is to always pack more than what you think you’ll need. In terms of diapers, wipes, snacks and other items you may not have access to, you’d rather have too many than not enough. Here are some packing tips to keep in mind:

• Consider the carry-on or travel bag. Toddlers like to help out and have a sense of responsibility. Giving them their own carry-on or small backpack may seem like a smart idea to lighten your own load. But keep in mind they may not be up for carrying it the whole time, and it may end up in your hands.
• Pack extra. Diapers, wipes, snacks and a change of clothes for both you and your toddler.
• Accidents happen. In addition to a change of clothes, be sure to pack some spare plastic bags and a stain stick to store and treat clothes in case of accidents, spit
• Bring your child’s sippy cup or bottle from home. It’s something your child is familiar with and can help prevent spills whether you’re on a plane or in the car. Plus, flight attendants can pour water directly into the cup, so you won’t have to worry about your child drinking out of a lidless cup.
• Remember the must-haves. If there is a specific stuffy or story that is a part of your child’s routine, be sure to pack it. ups or spills.
• Locate the essentials. Make sure you have all the proper identification for everyone traveling. Passport and ID requirements vary by age.
• Plan for the car. For road trips, keep a well-stocked bag with snacks, water, wipes, a change of clothes, and a few favorite toys or books. A sunshade, trash bag and a backseat organizer are great additions for longer drives.

Flying with kids

The airport is equally exciting and overwhelming for kids, and it can actually present a lot of opportunities for learning and discovering. Here are some ways to make the most of your time in the airport:

• Save the novelty items. It’s a great idea to bring some new toys or activities when you travel. Just make sure to use them appropriately. For example, don’t introduce the new toy while waiting at the gate to board. Use that time to walk around and get some wiggles out. Save the new item for the airplane when your movement and options are more limited. Novelty items can make meltdowns on airplanes much easier to manage.
• Stop for milk. Airplanes generally don’t offer milk as a beverage (other than for coffee). So if your child is going to want milk, be sure to stop at a shop in the airport before you board.
• Save the snacks. Wait until you’re on the plane to give your child a snack, when possible. Snacking can be an activity and a welcomed distraction while flying. Plus, snacking and swallowing can help relieve ear pressure.
• Take advantage of learning opportunities. There is a lot happening at the airport. Use it as a real-time museum full of teaching opportunities: Paying for food, wayfinding, waiting in line, identifying letters and numbers. Not only is this a welcomed distraction, it also helps them gain valuable travel skills.

Airplane tips for flying with kids

The airplane itself presents limited space, but that doesn’t necessarily come with limited opportunity. Sometimes you just have to be creative! Here are some ways to help time fly while you’re on the airplane:

• Postpone feeding. If breastfeeding or bottle feeding, try and postpone feeding until takeoff. This will help your baby relax and ease into the flight.
• Be an entertainer. Be prepared to entertain your child on the flight. An inexpensive yet simple and fun item is sticky notes. “They’re endlessly entertaining,” Dr. Treitz says. Of course you can draw on them, but you can also stick them on windows, tray tables, foreheads and more.
• Special circumstances. You’ve done your best to entertain your toddler, but there is still plenty of flight left. It’s OK to make exceptions to your regular routine. Everyday life and travel life have different sets of rules. If you need to, let them watch something on the tablet for a bit, with a mutual understanding of expectations. This will keep them entertained while giving you some time to relax as well.
• Download ahead of time. If you’re going to offer shows or movies, make sure to download ahead of time. Airplane internet can be unreliable.

Tips for car and road trips

Traveling doesn’t always include flying. Many families opt for road trips when they can. Driving presents more flexibility, can be a more affordable option and makes sense when traveling shorter distances. But long stretches in the care come with their own challenges. A little planning and preparation can go a long way.

Consider these helpful tips before you hit the road:

• Time it out. When possible, plan longer drives around naps or bedtime to maximize calm, quiet time and stick to sleep routines.
• Pack a car kit. Keep snacks, water, wipes, paper towels, a change of clothes, and some favorites toys and activities within arm’s reach.
• Stay focused. Always avoid distracted driving. Make sure you have activities readily accessible, keep the conversation going and pull over when you need to.
• Take breaks. Gas station stops aren’t only for gas. Take breaks when you feel it’s necessary. Rest stops, gas stations or coffee shops are great places to get out, stretch your legs, change diapers and get some fresh air. Even a quick stretch or walk can really help a restless toddler.
• Manage expectations. Just like air travel, flexibility is very important. Bend the rules on screentime as needed, provide some special snacks or introduce a new “car only” toy to help pass the time.
• Car seat safety. Always use a properly installed car seat or booster that fits your child’s age and size.

Traveling with neurodivergent children

When preparing to travel, “expect the unexpected,” says Dr. Barnes. You can never be too prepared. Interruptions to your expectations are a part of travel, so when you’re better prepared for them, they become more of a shift than an obstacle.

Here are some tips for preparing for and traveling with neurodivergent children:

• Familiarize. Help kids get familiar with places that they’ve never been before. Talk about where you’re going, what you’re doing, what it’s going to be like, and any new noises, sounds and smells they might experience.
• Do a walkthrough. There are a variety of programs, such as Autism Flies, that allow kids to visit the airport and board planes ahead of time. This gives children a sense of what that new environment is like and the opportunity to experience it in a safe and controlled setting. For car tips, you can practice with shorter drives, talking through the route you’ll be taking and showing pictures of rest stops and destinations before you get there.
• Keep the routines. Of course, we can’t keep our exact routines while traveling, so do the best you can. Timing is key for managing emotional regulation. Try and maintain food and sleep schedules as much as you can, whether you’re flying or driving, and try to uphold any daily screen time limits.
• Be ready for anything. Expect the flight delays, the traffic, the uncooperative weather. That way when they don’t happen, it’s a breeze. And if they do, you’re ready for them.
• When do you want to board? Neurodivergent children are welcome to board flights early. Consider whether it is better for your child to board early and familiarize themself with the airplane or to board later on and spend less time on the plane.
• Have a recovery plan. Talk to people who are familiar with how your child reacts in stressful moments. This could be a therapist, a teacher or a daycare provider. Ask them what skills or practices you could add to your child’s coping toolkit to help them physiologically and emotionally regulate during travel on a plane or a long drive.
• Follow your intuition. You know your child best. Make decisions based on what will make the most positive and calm experience for your child.

Set the example and enjoy the journey

Always be mindful about how you show up in stressful situations and how you manage your own travel anxiety. If a flight is delayed or you’re running late to the airport, be aware of how you model your emotions. Remember, kids pick up on these cues.

“No matter what happens, it’s a story you can tell later,” Dr. Treitz reminds us. “Don’t let nerves prevent you from a great opportunity for your child and family to experience the world.”