Episode #23: Is Traveling with Kids Really Worth the Stress? Why Family Travel Is Hard — and Why I’d Still Do It
I researched what the most googled question parents asked (and sometime whisper) when it comes to traveling with kids: Can you guess it?
Is traveling with kids worth it?
Listen up as I answer this question as a mom of 5 who has just a few years of experience under my belt.
Is traveling with kid worth it?
Worth the money.
Worth the logistics.
Worth the packing.
Worth the meltdowns.
Worth dragging a stroller through airports.
Worth flying overnight with a toddler.
If you’ve ever typed that question into Google or even asked ChatGPT at midnight while planning a trip… you are not alone.
And today, I want to answer that honestly — as a mom of five who has taken dozens of trips with kids of every age, from quick weekend getaways to international adventures.
Short answer?
Yes.
A thousand times yes.
But — and this is important — it becomes worth it when you have the right expectations, the right systems, and the right mindset.
So in this episode, I’m sharing why we believe traveling with kids is absolutely worth it… and ten practical tips to make it more doable, more peaceful, and way more fun.
✨ OUR FAMILY’S WHY
If you’ve listened to my very first episode, you already know our story — why travel became such a big part of our family culture, and why we decided early on that experiences would be something we prioritized.
For us, travel isn’t about luxury.
It’s about exposure.
Perspective.
Confidence.
Watching our kids navigate new cities, new foods, new languages, new people.
It’s about long conversations in the car.
Laughing in tiny hotel rooms.
Seeing history come alive.
Teaching our kids that the world is bigger than their zip code.
We’ve traveled internationally, yes — but we’re also on a mission to explore every corner of the United States. And every trip reminds us why we keep saying yes to travel… even when it’s inconvenient.
Because someday, the suitcases will sit in the garage.
The kids will grow up.
And what they’ll remember are the moments.
🎯 THE REALITY CHECK
Now let’s be honest.
Traveling with kids is not always relaxing.
There will be cranky mornings.
Missed naps.
Lost shoes.
Snack negotiations.
Airport delays.
Someone will always need the bathroom at the worst possible time.
But here’s the secret:
Those things happen at home too.
The difference is that on a trip, you’re building memories while it happens.
So let’s talk about how to make it easier.
✅ TEN TIPS TO MAKE TRAVELING WITH KIDS WORTH IT
1️⃣ Adjust Your Expectations
You are not traveling the same way you did before kids.
And that’s okay.
Slower mornings.
Earlier dinners.
One major activity a day.
If you stop trying to cram adult-paced itineraries into kid-paced bodies, everything feels lighter.
2️⃣ Over-Prepare the Logistics
When flights, hotels, and transportation are handled in advance, your brain has space to enjoy the trip.
This is where my digital itinerary system and planning tools come in — having everything in one place means less stress on the road.
Confirmations.
Maps.
Restaurant ideas.
Backup plans.
Future-you will thank present-you.
3️⃣ Bring the Right Tools
If you want deep dives on this, go back and listen to my episodes on surviving long flights with kids.
Also grab my free guide — 101 Must-Know Tips for Traveling With Kids — because that thing is packed with the tiny hacks that make a massive difference.
4️⃣ Pack Light (But Smart)
Less stuff = less chaos.
Capsule wardrobes.
Mix-and-match outfits.
Laundry halfway through.
Everyone carries their own bag when possible.
I always tell myself: if we forget something, we can buy it.
Freedom lives in lighter suitcases.
5️⃣ Build in Downtime
Downtime is not wasted time.
Hotel pools.
Movie nights.
Grocery store snacks.
Early bedtimes.
Those quiet resets keep everyone happy for the big sightseeing days.
6️⃣ Make the Kids Part of the Planning
Let them pick:
One restaurant.
One attraction.
One activity.
When kids have buy-in, attitudes change immediately.
7️⃣ Focus on Experiences, Not Perfection
Your trip does not need to look Instagram-perfect to be meaningful.
Some of our favorite memories happened:
In the rain.
On the wrong train.
Eating takeout on a curb.
Release the highlight-reel pressure.
8️⃣ Travel Teaches What School Can’t
Geography becomes real.
History comes alive.
Money management becomes tangible.
Confidence skyrockets.
Watching your child order food in a new city or navigate a subway for the first time?
That’s priceless.
9️⃣ Remember Why You’re Doing This
When things get hard — and they will — pause.
Look around.
You’re together.
You’re somewhere new.
You chose this.
That perspective shift is powerful.
🔟 Start Small and Build Up
You don’t have to start with Europe.
Start with:
A nearby city.
A national park.
A road trip.
Confidence grows with every trip.
And if you need some more encouragement or tips on how to make traveling with kids as stress-free as possible, listen back to
Episode #3 on surviving flights with kids
Episode #9 for game changing travel apps
Episode #13 for tips on cruising as a family
Episode #17 for a step by step guide on how to plan a family trip for parents
