How to travel with young kids (and still feel like you’re on vacation)

Pacaso Icon for profile pictures
Pacaso’s Editorial Team
July 15, 2025
A family embraces while enjoying a day at the beach.
Traveling with young kids can be magical, but also a little chaotic. There’s nothing like seeing the world through their eyes and creating lifelong memories as a family. But the stress of packing, unpredictable schedules and the logistics of keeping little ones happy can be overwhelming. 
We’ve gathered up our top experience-based tips to make a vacation with the youngest of travelers easier and more enjoyable, whether it’s your first family trip or fifth.
A family on a beach enjoying one of the many spring break ideas for families.

Set yourself up for success

Pick a kid-friendly destinationNot all destinations are created equal when you have kids in tow. Sure, a secluded five-star resort sounds dreamy until you’re chasing a bored toddler around a silent spa. You don’t need a theme park, but you do want a destination with activities your kids will genuinely enjoy — one that you can experience together as a family.Beach breaks with room to roam, mountain retreats full of fresh air and adventure, and lively cities with museums and parks strike the right balance of kid-friendly and adult-approved. The key is to choose a place that offers fun, enrichment, and plenty of ways to burn off that endless energy.Pack smartA little preparation goes a long way. Start with a packing list so you don’t forget the essentials. Portable sound machines, blackout travel shades, baby monitors, and comfort items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal can make or break bedtime. Just as importantly, pack for safety. New environments mean new hazards, so pack a few lightweight child-proofing tools like outlet covers, cabinet locks, and corner guards. When you arrive, do a quick scan of your space for anything sharp, breakable, or climbable.Creating a space that’s both familiar and safe helps everyone settle in faster — and when you’re staying at a Pacaso, these child-proofing essentials are stocked and ready, so it’s one less thing you have to worry about.Stick to a routine (as much as you can)Kids thrive on consistency, especially around sleep and meals. Bring a few bedtime favorites like books, nightlights, or even their usual pajamas to help recreate their nighttime routine on the go.If you're dealing with a time change, aim to adjust to the local schedule as soon as possible. A solid anchor (like naps, meals, or wind-down time) can help reset their internal clocks faster. Snacks, snacks, and more snacksHunger is the enemy of calm. Whether you’re en route, sightseeing, or just relaxing at home, keep familiar snacks close by. A well-timed applesauce pouch or bag of crackers can do wonders for morale.
A family gathered around a fire pit outside their vacation home in Lowcountry, enjoying a cozy evening together

Embrace the chaos

Choose experiences over attractionsSkip the pressure to check every box; there will be plenty of time for that when the kids are older. Sometimes the most meaningful memories come from the simplest moments like a beach picnic, backyard playtime, or an at-home movie night after a long day. Let the trip unfold naturally around what works best for your family.Be flexibleEverything takes longer with kids thanks to potty breaks, snack stops, meltdowns, and childrens’ natural tendency to explore the world at their own pace. If you have set plans, be sure to pad them with buffer time to account for the inevitable delays.It’s just as important to let go of the idea of the perfect itinerary. A skipped dinner reservation might turn into a DIY pizza night. A quiet park may beat out the crowded museum. You may have a plan, but your little ones might have better ideas—and that’s part of the fun.
Two kids run for the beach as their parents unload the car at their vacation property, having answered the question for themselves, “Are timeshares worth it?”

The right home base changes everything

Choose a home with space and amenitiesEven the most luxurious hotel can be tricky with kids due to tight spaces, no kitchen, and busy communal areas. Instead, opt for a home with room to spread out, a full kitchen, laundry, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor space for increased day-to-day comfort (and sanity). Prepare for downtimeNo matter how fun the itinerary, there will be downtime: rainy afternoons, jet lag, skipped naps, or just moments when everyone needs to reset. Pack a few indoor options like books, toys, tablets with headphones, and coloring books to help everyone recharge.

Making it meaningful

Involve the kidsGive little ones a say in the day. Let them pick a daily activity, an afternoon snack, or a special treat. This builds excitement, creates a sense of ownership, and gives them something to look forward to each day. Be presentDon’t let the to-do list — or your camera — keep you from experiencing the moment. The best parts of family travel are often the quiet, chaotic, beautiful in-betweens like slow mornings, sandy toes, giggles over ice cream, or impromptu dance parties in the living room.Of course, you’ll want to capture some of it, but try not to overdo it. Designate a short “photo window” each day, then put your phone down and live the rest. 

The Pacaso difference

Traveling with young kids comes with challenges, but it also brings a kind of magic you won’t find anywhere else: the wonder, the laughter, the unexpected detours and discoveries that turn into lifelong memories. With a little prep, plenty of snacks, and the right place to call home, your trip can feel less like survival mode and more like the escape you’ve been dreaming of.And with Pacaso, you’ve got it all — a beautifully designed, fully stocked, and professionally managed home that’s ready when you are, complete with space to spread out, a kitchen for quick breakfasts, and bedrooms for early bedtimes. Enjoy familiar comforts and consistent experiences so everyone can feel at home.

Sign up

Get the latest insights and tips.