I say this all the time, but I’m not the world’s greatest traveler. I’ve definitely gotten better over the years and travel fairly often now, but it still pushes me outside of my comfort zone. You know those memes and viral videos of cute couples sharing their adventures with their kids? The ones with captions like “Our lives didn’t stop when we had kids!” and photos of toddlers with passports full of stamps? Yeah… I’m the opposite kind of parent.

I don’t think there’s one “right” way to travel (or not travel) with kids… I’m just sharing what’s worked for us. These are a few things that have made traveling with our little ones feel a bit more doable, and dare I say, even enjoyable.

ONE // Manage Expectations

Plan as much as possible, expect the worst, and hope for the best… that’s kind of my motto. Things will go wrong. There will be tough moments. Expecting that ahead of time makes all the difference. If you go into a trip picturing zero meltdowns, perfect meal times, and seamless sleep for everyone, you’ll likely end up disappointed.

Instead, I take it one chunk at a time and celebrate the little wins (everyone slept until 7am! we all tried a new-to-us food at dinner! the kids played nicely with new friends!) and move on from the losses (lunch was a disaster! that nap was way too short! the line for the activity was way too hot and long!). It helps us keep perspective and actually feel like we’re winning, not failing.

TWO // Set Everyone Up for Success

This might not be the most popular take, but especially while our boys are young (almost four and almost one and a half), we’ve found it’s best to stick to routines they’re used to: regular naps, regular meal times, and regular bedtimes. We try not to push those more than 30 minutes in either direction.

YES, it’s annoying to have to pause our day for a midday nap. But you know what’s more annoying? An overtired toddler. Sleep is so important, and being tired isn’t their fault. We try to play to our kids’ strengths and personalities, and that helps everyone have a better time—including us parents. When the structure is familiar, they can settle in more easily, and that calm foundation gives them the space to embrace new adventures with clear, well-rested minds.

One solid 90–120 minute nap? A game-changer for the rest of the day.

THREE // Less Is More

Mike and I actually stick to this rule even when we’re traveling just the two of us: one must-try restaurant or meal, one big activity, and maybe one small activity. With kids, it’s the same: one big activity in the morning before nap, and something simple after.

Are we missing things? Probably. But by not packing the schedule, we actually get to enjoy what we are doing. It gives us flexibility to stay longer if something’s going well or pivot if it’s a flop. It’s my secret hack to being “easygoing” while still being a Type A control freak. 🤣

My biggest fear is my kids feeling like I’m constantly stressed or overwhelmed. This slower pace keeps everything manageable… for all of us.

And honestly? The best family memories often come from the in-between moments, not the big planned ones.

One of my favorite memories from our Nantucket trip? We were eating dinner on the beach when I got a text that our three-hour delayed flight was actually departing in 15 minutes. We somehow got to the airport, through security, and to the gate in 13 minutes. It was totally chaotic. And also hilarious. We are still laughing about it.

FOUR // Splurge on What Makes Parenting Easier

I’d rather splurge on a hotel with connecting rooms or a house and skip fancy meals or shopping if it means Mike and I aren’t eating dinner on the bathroom floor with the lights off.

When I travel alone or with just Mike, I prefer hotels. But with the kids? Give me the vacation rental with a kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and space to breathe. Being able to put the boys down at 7pm and then still sit outside, enjoy a meal, and hang out without tiptoeing around? That makes it feel like a real vacation. And everyone sleeps better this way.

I’m sure our needs will shift as the boys get older, but right now? That extra space and ammenities is worth every penny to keep the peace.

FIVE // Same Team

At the end of the day, I really believe in traveling as a nuclear family. We’ve taken wonderful trips with friends and extended family, and those are always fun (and sometimes easier with extra hands!). But there’s something incredibly special about traveling just the four of us.

It’s bonding in the best way. I always come home feeling like our little family is stronger. Mike and I always remind each other that we’re on the same team, especially in the hard moments. Seeing our boys experience new things, watching them thrive, learning new things about them (and us)… it’s one of the best parts of parenting!