Episode #27: What’s the Best Age to Start Traveling With Kids? Family Travel Tips for Every Age
What’s the Best Age to Start Traveling With Kids? (A Mom of 5 Shares Honest Advice)
If you’ve ever asked yourself:
“What’s the best age to start traveling with kids?”
You are definitely not alone.
This is one of the most common questions I get from parents who want to travel more as a family but feel unsure about when to start.
Should you travel with a baby?
Wait until they’re toddlers?
Or hold off until they’ll actually remember the trip?
As a mom of five who has traveled with my kids at every stage—from newborns to older kids—I can tell you this:
👉 There is no “perfect” age to travel with kids.
The best age is simply when you’re ready and willing to adjust your expectations.
Every stage has its challenges.
But every stage also has something really special.
In this post, I’m breaking down what it’s like to travel with kids at different ages, what to expect, and tips to help you feel confident planning your own family adventures.
My Honest Take on Traveling With Kids
Before we dive into the ages, here’s the mindset that has helped our family travel so much:
Traveling with kids isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
Yes, things might go wrong.
Yes, it might feel harder than traveling without kids.
But those shared experiences are what create the memories your kids will carry with them for years.
If you’re waiting for the “perfect time,” you might be waiting forever.
Start where you are.
Traveling With Babies (0–1 Year)
Believe it or not, this can actually be one of the easiest ages to travel.
Why It Works
Babies are:
• portable
• not tied to activities
• content being close to you
They sleep a lot and don’t need entertainment in the same way older kids do.
Challenges
• Sleep schedules
• Feeding routines
• Packing extra gear
• First-time flight anxiety
Tips for Traveling With Babies
✔ Baby wear in the airport
✔ Feed during takeoff and landing
✔ Pack extra clothes for baby (and you!)
✔ Keep a flexible routine
👉 Bottom line: Babies are often easier than people expect.
Traveling With Toddlers (1–3 Years)
This is where things get a little more… active.
Toddlers are:
• curious
• energetic
• unpredictable
Challenges
• Short attention spans
• Big emotions
• Harder to sit still on flights or in cars
Tips for Traveling With Toddlers
✔ Bring lots of snacks (seriously—lots)
✔ Pack activities and entertainment
✔ Plan for downtime every day
✔ Don’t overschedule
👉 Bottom line: This stage can feel harder, but it’s still absolutely doable with the right expectations.
Traveling With Preschoolers (4–6 Years)
This is one of my favorite ages to travel with kids.
Kids at this stage are:
• excited
• curious
• starting to understand where they are
Challenges
• Energy levels (they still need breaks)
• Long travel days can be tiring
Tips for Traveling With Preschoolers
✔ Let them help choose activities
✔ Focus on interactive experiences
✔ Keep your itinerary simple
✔ Build in rest time
👉 Bottom line: This is when travel starts to feel really fun and engaging.
Traveling With School-Age Kids (7–12)
Travel becomes much easier at this stage.
Kids are more independent and can:
• handle longer travel days
• understand and appreciate experiences
• engage more deeply with the destination
Tips for Traveling With School-Age Kids
✔ Let them help plan the trip
✔ Encourage journaling or documenting the trip
✔ Give them small responsibilities
👉 Bottom line: This is a great age for meaningful travel experiences.
Traveling With Teens
Teens bring a whole new dynamic to travel.
They can:
• stay up later
• handle long days
• enjoy more advanced activities
Tips for Traveling With Teens
✔ Give them some independence
✔ Include activities they’re excited about
✔ Involve them in planning
👉 Bottom line: Travel can be incredibly impactful during these years.
The Truth About the “Best Age” to Travel With Kids
After traveling with kids at every stage, here’s the truth:
👉 Every age has its challenges.
👉 Every age has its magic.
The real key is not finding the perfect age…
It’s learning how to:
✔ Adjust your expectations
✔ Slow down your pace
✔ Focus on connection over perfection
Want Help Planning Your Family Trips?
If you’re feeling excited about traveling with your kids but also a little overwhelmed, I’ve created a couple resources to help make it easier.
🎁 Free Guide: 101 Tips for Family Travel
Packed with practical, sanity-saving tips to help you travel with kids more confidently.
✈️ Family Travel Made Easy (In-Depth Guide)
A step-by-step guide to planning stress-free family trips—from choosing destinations to packing and travel hacks.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect age to start traveling with your kids…
This is your sign to start now.
You don’t need a big international trip.
You don’t need everything to be perfect.
Even small adventures can create lasting memories.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
Want to hear more stories, tips, and real-life experiences?
🎧 Listen to the full episode HERE
