Myths About Traveling With Kids You Should Stop Believing
Traveling can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences, but the idea of doing it with kids often brings a sense of dread for many parents. It’s easy to picture chaotic airport scenes, restless little ones in the backseat, and luggage piled high with everything your child might need. Over time, these fears have created myths about family travel, myths that stop so many parents from packing their bags and hitting the road with their kids. Let’s dispel these myths about traveling with kids that you should stop believing and discover what traveling with kids is really like.
Kids Don’t Like Traveling
When our children are young, they don’t understand the world as we do in adulthood. While a child may be happy to go somewhere new, you may fear they’d be just as happy curled up on the couch watching their favorite shows. This can lead parents to assume that children don’t enjoy traveling.
The truth is that children thrive on routine but also have curious minds; while they may love being home, exploring somewhere new with you can be beyond exciting. Kids don’t dislike traveling; they simply process travel differently than adjust with their still-developing minds. Most children actually love discovering new places when guided by supportive parents who understand their needs.
It’s Too Challenging and Stressful
The thought of going to the airport to hurry through security, helping your child pull off those tiny shoes, and managing their luggage can seem stressful enough. And if you travel by car, it’s not much better as your kiddo may get bored and restless. The sole thought of these situations can cause some parents to avoid traveling altogether.
However, these aren’t necessarily hard truths. Traveling can be stressful, but that’s true for all age groups. Going on vacation with your kids doesn’t automatically mean more stress simply because they’re with you. Traveling with young children can be a fun and enriching experience for parents and kids. You just have to know how to prepare and plan accordingly.
Traveling With Kids is Expensive
Traveling with kids can be expensive, but the same is true for going on vacation with your partner or solo. What really makes trips expensive are the factors surrounding them, such as the location, duration of your trip, and what you do.
For example, going to amusement parks or aquariums may be too expensive, especially if you fly to your location. However, booked excursions aren’t the only source of fun. You could take your family to a nature trail, walk through town, or spend days lounging on a beach.
Ultimately, you decide how much money you’ll spend on the trip. If you have a tight budget, avoid mainstream destinations such as beach towns in the summer. Instead, opt for off-season trips or less popular destinations.
Parent Tip
Traveling off-season comes with a big bonus for parents—fewer crowds! Your children can actually see exhibits without peering between other adults and children, you’ll find shorter waits at restaurants, and the whole family enjoys attractions without the pushing, shoving, and overstimulation that often triggers meltdowns.
You Should Ban Screen Time
Another myth about traveling with kids that you should stop believing is that going on vacation means you have to ban screen time. If your child is used to using a tablet to decompress, fully taking it away can leave them confused or stressed, especially for toddlers just starting to understand our world.
Rather than ban screen time, create healthy limits and offer alternative activities you all can do on your vacation. For instance, allowing your child to play on a tablet while you’re in the car or on the plane offers a perfect distraction during travel time. Once you reach your destination, pivot toward shared experiences like hanging out at the beach, hiking age-appropriate trails, or playing classic travel games together. Screens become less appealing when real-world adventure awaits.
You Have To Wait for the Perfect Age
Some parents feel like they must wait until their child reaches toddlerhood or early childhood to go on vacation. Most of us think this way because we fear our children may be disruptive on plane rides or struggle with the change in routine.
While you should wait to travel until you're comfortable with it, there is no perfect age for travel. Children of all ages benefit from experiencing new places and cultures as long as the destination and activities are age-appropriate. Babies may not remember their first trip to the beach, but they will enjoy the sensory experience of sand between their fingers and toes; plus, you’ll get plenty of adorable photos.
You Have To Pack Loads of Luggage
The mental image of traveling with children often includes mountains of luggage. Between outfits for every possible weather condition, favorite stuffed animals, special blankets, and emergency supplies, parents quickly imagine themselves transformed into human packing mules. Don’t worry! With some planning and organization, you can easily pack everything you need without feeling overwhelmed.
First, make a list of all the essentials that you need to bring. This includes clothing, toiletries, medications, and other necessary items. Next, prioritize these items and decide which ones are necessary and which ones you can potentially do without. This will help you narrow your list and reduce the amount of things you need to pack.
Give Your Child Their Luggage
Now’s the perfect time to practice a bit of independence while keeping things fun! Ride-on suitcases for kids are perfect for toddlers and small children because they can fit all their items inside and then sit on them as you go through the airport, your hotel, and any other destination. As a bonus, this eliminates the need for a stroller, freeing up space in your luggage.
They Won’t Remember It
Your biggest concern may be that your child won’t remember the trip and that going is a waste of money. Although babies can’t quite form those lasting memories, they still take in their surroundings and build cognitive abilities. By exposing them to new sights, sounds, and experiences, you are helping to shape their early development.
Additionally, toddlers and young children can start forming long-term memories, and they may surprise you. The more you talk about the trip during and after the trip, the more likely your little one is to recall those details. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even create a memory book with your child once you get back home to place pictures and write about your favorite memories.
Get Your Child Adventure-Ready
With the right mindset and the right gear, family travel becomes not just manageable but truly enriching. Younglingz’s children’s ride-on luggage is here to make your travels smoother and more fun! All of our suitcases have features like cushioned seats, safety belts, and designs your kids will love. Family travel is not only possible but filled with opportunities for connection, and with ride-on luggage, every adventure becomes a little easier and a lot more fun!