We are gearing up for a few little trips up to Maine in the next few weeks and I am so excited! We have been fortunate enough to travel a fair amount with our kids over the past few years, and I’ve certainly learned a thing or two about packing the perfect carry on.

WHAT TO PACK IN A CARRY ON BAG FOR TRAVEL WITH KIDS

1. Something familiar like a lovey or a doll. This gives your little one a sense of comfort and normalcy, especially at naptime.

2. Something exciting and new. I try to make this something very small, yet functional like a new pad of paper and pencils or some stickers and post it notes.

3. SNACKS… because, kids. Go with something easy and familiar. Don’t give too much junk food during travel because no one wants over-sugared kiddos with a tummy ache while trying to get to your destination.

4. Bring a change of clothes no matter how old your child is. You just never know and I’ve learned this the hard way. (It’s not a bad idea to throw in a change for yourself as well.)

5. A book with lots of short stories. I especially love the Frog and Toad series. All children love these two friends. Waiting for your flight to take off? Read a quick Frog an Toad story. Stuck on a long line to check in? Let your partner deal with the details and gather up your little ones, head to the lobby couch, and read.

LET YOUR CHILD HELP YOU PACK HER CARRY ON BAG

Allowing your child to feel some ownership over his/her things is great for lots of reason. Most importantly, it gives them a feeling of control.  Having your child help pack their own carry on allows them to feel connected to the process and channel some of their feelings about going on a trip.  As you gather your items, talk to your child about what you will do, who you will see and where you will sleep.  Answer their questions as best you can.  Remember, for young children travel can be overwhelming and exhausting.  Showing them pictures or reading picture books about traveling is a great way to give your child a frame of reference for what’s to come.

PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR TRAVEL

Show her pictures of the cousins they are going to visit, or maybe you can download an image of the hotel room you’ll stay in.  Can you think of another time you traveled with your child when they were younger? They might not remember it, but sharing the story about a trip they took when they were a baby gives them some confidence and they will love to hear about it.

In the weeks leading up to a trip, share some favorite picture books with your child. Anticipation is half the fun, right?! At the bottom of this post I linked some of our favorites from when my own kids were little.

Most of all, remember that traveling can be HUGE for small children. It is wonderful and exciting and can also be a bit scary.  Before you set off on your adventure, make sure your little one has a full tummy and is as well rested as possible.  Don’t be afraid to take lots of downtime and ALWAYS search for the nearest playground.  

Also? Take it from me. The older your children get, the easier travel with kids becomes. Now that my kids are getting bigger, they can be in charge of their own stuff which obviously makes my life so much easier.  Our friends over @roseandrex sent these adorable Ollie Ella See Ya Suitcases for the girls.  I love them because they are beautiful and stylish, but also functional and the perfect size for car and airplane travel. My girls are so excited to pack them up and get outta’ town for a few days! 

Shop the Ollie Ella Se-Ya Suitcases HERE

See all of my travel favorites by heading to my Amazon shop HERE.

See more posts about travel with kids below:

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE IN MEXICO

PREPARING YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT THEM
HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR KIDS AND ACTUALLY RELAX

I hope you found this post helpful. If you want to hear more from me, please be sure to subscribe to my blog and join the conversation over on Instagram. -Lizzie