Traveling with Kids: The Chaos, the Fun, and the Reality

Let’s talk about traveling and holidays with kids.

We just wrapped up the winter holidays here in France, and we debated—stay home or go on holiday? In the end, we packed our bags and headed to Marbella for 10 days. Best decision ever!

Yes, holidays with kids aren’t exactly the most relaxing, but they are so good for the soul. I know, before kids, travel meant adventure, relaxation, and romantic dinners. Now? It’s a whole different game.

From surviving flights with babies and toddlers to navigating restaurant meltdowns, here’s the unfiltered truth about traveling with little ones—plus some tricks that actually help.

Flying with Kids: Expectation vs. Reality

Packing is always a mental workout. My general rule? Pack a little bit of everything—you never know. That said, I’m slowly learning that, honestly, all you really need is your passport, phone, charger, and everything else can technically be bought if needed.

But one thing I never skimp on? Food. I always overpack snacks and meals I know the kids will eat—pasta, pizza, cookies… let’s be real, the “healthy” diet goes out the window on travel days.

And screen time? Yeah, that rule disappears too. On long-haul flights, we let our 3-year-old watch whatever he wants. This trip, it was Paw Patrol (which we never let him watch at home). Baby C is still too little for much screen time, but if she wants to play with my phone, she can. Flights are long. You do what you have to do.

Airport Hacks for Parents:

✔ Book a taxi with car seats – In Paris, G7 taxis let you request a baby seat and booster. Lifesaver.

✔ Get yourself a password holder on Amazon to keep all passwords and boarding passes together 

✔ Check for family-friendly security lines – Some airports have them, some don’t, but always ask staff.

✔ Set expectations LOW – I’ve had flights where Baby C was supposed to nap but cried the entire time. I’ve also had flights where A passed out immediately to the hum of the engine like it was white noise. You never know.

My In-Flight Must-Haves:

✅ Food they love – Hungry kids = disaster.

✅ New (or favorite) toys – I swear by Peekaboo books and surprise toys for max distraction.

✅ Bathroom/diaper change before boarding – No one wants to deal with a messy situation mid-flight.

✅ Baby wipes & hand sanitizer – Absolute essentials.

Other Tips:

✔ If they don’t nap, it’s okay. Give them a 15-minute “power nap” after landing if needed.

✔ Accept chaos. If they cry, they cry. Most people are nice. The ones who aren’t? Ignore them.

Once You Arrive: The Holiday Begins

You’ve made it. Now, time to actually enjoy the holiday.

I’m a firm believer in celebrating the small wins. Kids sleep in until 8 AM? Win! They play peacefully on the beach, giving you 15 minutes of quiet? Win! Their naps sync up, so you can also nap? Huge win!

Of course, not everything goes smoothly. On every trip, Baby C decides it’s the perfect time to cut new teeth—so my nights? Rubbish. (But that’s a story for another day.) Meanwhile, A never wants to leave the house, but once we’re out, he never wants to go back home. Fun times.

My Holiday Survival Guide:

✅ Always have food with you – A hungry kid is never fun.

✅ Easy-apply sunscreen – I swear by spray sunscreen for zero hassle.

✅ Baby wipes—ALWAYS – Trust me, you’ll need them.

Other Tips:

✔ If they eat sand, it’s okay. We all ate sand as kids. They’ll survive.

✔ If they run straight for the ocean, join them! If the water isn’t freezing, just go with it.

✔ One activity per day is enough. Overloading the schedule = overtired kids = tantrums.

Eating Out with Kids: The Hit-or-Miss Experience

We love going to restaurants, but with kids, it’s always unpredictable. One minute, they’re happily coloring; the next, they’re melting down because the food isn’t instant. But the moment the food arrives? Peace is restored.

How We Survive Restaurants:

✅ Bring entertainment – Small toys, coloring pads, and sticker books make waiting easier.

✅ Pack a bib – Unless you love scrubbing stains out of baby clothes.

✅ Order ASAP – Ask for the kids’ food first. The sooner it arrives, the better.

Other Tips:

✔ Mess happens. Clean up what you can, say sorry to the waiter, and move on.

✔ If they want to explore, let them—within reason. Walk with them or keep an eye on them.

✔ If the meltdown starts and you know it’s time to go? Get the bill. You can always order dessert on Deliveroo later.

The Takeaway?

Traveling, holidaying, and eating out with kids isn’t easy—but it’s 100% worth it. Sure, you won’t be sipping cocktails in peace, but you’ll make unforgettable memories.

What’s your funniest (or most chaotic) travel or restaurant moment with kids? Share with me at yogamamadiary@outlook.com, and I’ll add the best stories to this article!

#TravelWithKids #MomLife #ParentingAdventures #FamilyHolidays #ToddlerTravel #TheDaysAreLongButTheYearsAreShort