How to Travel with Kids | Your Go-To Checklist & Tips

Let's be honest: the idea of how to travel with kids can feel overwhelming. The endless questions, the potential meltdowns, the sheer amount of stuff... it's enough to make you want to stay home.

But what if it could actually be... fun? With a little prep and the right mindset, family travel creates the best memories. This isn't a textbook guide; it's your friendly cheat sheet for how to travel with kids and actually enjoy the journey. 

Your Pre-Trip Mindset: The Golden Rules

Before you pack a single sock, get your head in the game with these two golden rules for how to travel with kids:

1. Pack Light, Pack Bright: Share suitcases and limit carry-ons. Use brightly colored luggage so you can spot it instantly on the carousel. Check all bag weights at home to avoid frantic repacking at the airport.

2. Prioritize Sleep (At All Costs): An overtired kid is a recipe for disaster. Let them sleep in their stroller or carrier at their usual nap time. On travel day, do anything to get them to sleep—forget "bad habits" for now.

The Go-To Travelling with a Toddler Checklist

Don't leave home without this sanity-saving list:

✅ The Essentials:

• Passports/IDs & copies

• Tickets/boarding passes

• A comprehensive first-aid kit (more on this below)

• Travelling with a toddler checklist must-have: disinfectant wipes for every surface.

✅ For the Journey:

• Snacks. So many snacks. Don't rely on plane or road trip food.

• A change of clothes for everyone (yes, you too, in case of spills or sickness).

• New, small toys & non-electronic entertainment (coloring books, stickers).

• For how to travel with kids in car seats or planes: comfort items like a favorite lovey or small blanket.

✅ Health & Safety:

• All regular medications PLUS infant pain reliever (paracetamol/ibuprofen).

• Any prescription antibiotics your child has used before (doctors abroad may not have the same ones).

• Bottled water for destinations with questionable water quality.

Navigating Transport: Cars & Planes

How to Travel with Kids in Car Seats:

• Rule of Thumb: A young infant should not be in a car seat for more than 2 hours at a time. Plan stops to get them out, feed, and stretch.

• Comfort is Key: Use sunshades, ensure the seat is properly installed, and have toys and snacks within your reach to pass back.

How to Travel with Kids on Planes:

• Ear Pressure: Breastfeed or give a bottle during takeoff and landing. The swallowing helps equalize their ears.

• Double Diaper: Put two nappies on your baby before boarding. The top one is ready to go, making a cramped plane bathroom change much faster.

• Ask for Help: Flight attendants can often hold your baby if you need a minute, and they can arrange ground assistance if you're traveling alone.

Make Your Ground Travel a Breeze with WAHDAH

Once you've landed, the adventure really begins. Navigating a new place with kids in tow is much easier when you have your own reliable, comfortable space.

Rent a car with WAHDAH Indonesia for a stress-free family exploration.

Skip the hassle of taxis, crowded shuttles, and installing your car seat in an unfamiliar vehicle. We provide the safe, clean, and dependable ride your family needs.

Why choose WAHDAH for your family trip?

• Reliable & Family-Friendly Cars: Our fleet is well-maintained and perfect for families, giving you peace of mind on the road.

• Flexible Pick-Up & Drop-Off: We'll meet you at the airport, your hotel, or any address. No stressful transitions with tired kids.

• Customer Support: Have a question on the road? We're here to help, making your journey as smooth as possible.

• Self-Drive or with Driver option: Choose the freedom to drive yourself or relax with a professional local driver.

Focus on making memories, not managing logistics. Book your family car today!
Rent Your Family Car with WAHDAH

More Useful Tips

Try to stick to your normal routine, even if the times shift. A familiar rhythm (wake-up, nap, meals) helps kids adjust and feel secure in a new place.

Getting sick on holiday happens. Be prepared:

• Pack that full medical kit.

• BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE. A doctor's visit abroad can be incredibly expensive without it.

• Know that it's okay if routines slip. You can get back on track when you get home.

Your How to Travel with Kids Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make travel easier with kids?
The top three tips are: 1) Pack light and smart with bright bags, 2) Prioritize sleep at all costs on travel day, and 3) Pack endless snacks and simple entertainment. A good travelling with a toddler checklist is your best friend.

What is the best age to take a child traveling?
There's no "perfect" age, but many parents find the window between about 1 and 2.5 years old rewarding (they're curious, nap regularly, and often fly free). However, you can successfully travel at any age with the right preparation.

How to travel internationally with a child?
Ensure passports are valid for 6+ months, research visa requirements, buy comprehensive travel insurance, pack a robust medical kit including familiar medicines, and try to book flights that align with your child's sleep schedule.

Can a 2 month old be in a car seat for 2 hours?
It is generally recommended not to keep a newborn in a car seat for longer than 2 hours at a time. For long journeys, you must plan regular stops to take them out of the seat, feed them, and let them stretch.

What age is hardest to parent?
This is subjective, but many parents find the toddler years (around 2-3) particularly challenging due to big emotions, mobility, and the need for constant vigilance, which can make travel demanding. This is why a solid plan for how to travel with kids of this age is so helpful.

You've Got This!

Learning how to travel with kids is all about preparation, patience, and a healthy dose of "go with the flow." With a great plan and a reliable car from WAHDAH for your ground travel, you're set up for success.

It might not be the relaxing getaway you had pre-kids, but the joy of seeing the world through their eyes is worth every extra snack pack. Take a deep breath, use this guide, and go make some incredible family memories. Happy travels