So we all know that this traveling with young kids thing is not easy. Any sage advice for how to make it more bearable (dare I say, enjoyable?) is key. Therefore, I present to you some of our travel tips — all born out of experience. Some things we learned the hard way; some we got lucky on, but the important thing is that we have learned what works for us (mostly).
1. As you plan your trip, search the web for parenting blogs in your destination city. They contain fantastic jewels of information about fun things to do with kids locally.
We learned about this awesome science museum in Perth through the blogosophere
2. Traveling – in and of itself – can be unpredictable, so learn to go with the flow. Pack light. When you have to tote around toddlers, babies and all of their accessories, that extra suitcase of snorkel gear and flip flops no longer seems so important.
3. Do not leave home without a baby carrier or an umbrella stroller.
Logan backpacking it through the streets of Phnom Penh
4. Do you have a long flight ahead of you with young kids? Book a night flight. Carry PJs and toothbrushes on board. Continue with the same night time routine you have at home. If the children refuse to sleep on the flight, resort to bribery to keep them calm. Allowing them free reign of the kids movies (make sure to buy them kid-sized headphones before the flight) and/or a bag full of M&Ms seems to do the trick.
5. Fly reputable international air carriers, not American ones (sorry America).
A picture is worth a thousand words
6. Always, always request early check-in and late check-out at your accommodation.
7. Speaking of accommodations, if you have a large family that will require at least two hotel rooms, have you considered booking a rental home on VRBO, Airbnb, or other similar sites instead? If not, you should. More space for less money. Also, more awesome spaces for less money.
We scored this amazing place on a VRBO-like Australian site.
8. Pre-arrange transportation at your destination. Trust me, you do not want to be waiting in a long rental car, taxi or bus line after a lengthy flight. Along these lines, become a [insert rental car company name here] preferred member – it saves so much time, especially at destinations like LAX.
9. If you’re renting a car at your final destination, rent car seats as well. This is SO MUCH EASIER than lugging car seats through the airport. Most rental car companies offer this service.
We rented this Holden wagon — with car seats installed — for our western Australia road trip.
10. And last, but definitely not least, bring a grandparent (or two). That way, maybe — just maybe — you can get a couple of hours or relaxation in.
Monkeys! AKA my traveling companions.
If you have things that have worked for you, by all means, please share them in the comments below!
Toddle Joy 
Great tips! I’d also add that slower is better with little ones. I don’t know about your kids, but mine always goes through an adjustment period when we get to a new place, meaning it’s much better to stay longer at one location and do day trips than constantly be packing up and moving to the next place.
The most essential part of traveling with young kids is realizing they are going to make the parent in charge look like an ass over and over again and I remember to laugh often about it. Patience, asking for and accepting offers of help, always leave extra time, always pack extra diapers and wipes. And when you find a vacation spot that the whole family enjoys – go back!! We love the Round Hill Inn, and the nanny service is amazing.
It’s true . . . when you are a lone parent traveling with multiple children, it is surprising how many people offer to help. I agree with you – take them up on their offers! How else will you ever make it to the bathroom on a flight? Thanks so much for sharing, Ali!
check out my post on traveling with kids – http://globaladventurefor4.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-secrets-to-traveling-with-children_19.html
Airplane travel is so scary, but bribery and electronics go a long way.
This is an amazing list, Isabel! Thank you so much for sharing!