Preparing Young Children for Their First Travel Experience

Travelling with little ones for the first time can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mindset, smart planning, and a few well-chosen items, your child’s first holiday can be a genuinely joyful experience for the whole family. Whether you’re heading to the beach, flying abroad, or setting off on a staycation, this guide is full of practical tips to help you prepare.

1. Start with a Flexible Plan

When preparing young children for travel, build a flexible itinerary. Plan what you’d like to do, but don’t expect to tick off every item. Young children have limits, and travel days often don’t go to schedule. Alternate busy days with slower ones and embrace moments of spontaneity. If an activity isn’t working, let it go.

Before you leave, make sure you’ve ticked off everything on your pre-holiday checklist to reduce stress later.

2. Adjust Expectations Around Routine

It’s natural for eating and sleeping habits to shift during travel. Try to stick to usual schedules, especially for naps and meals, but don’t panic if they end up eating chips and ice cream or skipping a nap. Tomorrow is a new day. Prioritise enjoyment over perfection.

3. Pack Smart, Pack Light (But Bring Essentials)

Being well-prepared doesn’t mean overpacking. Focus on the essentials:

• Snacks, snacks, snacks – Pack familiar treats to avoid overpriced airport options. Need ideas? Browse our list of easy and healthy travel snacks.
• Basic first aid kit – Include ibuprofen, plasters, antiseptic cream, sunburn relief, and child-safe insect repellent. Use this medical kit checklist to ensure nothing gets left out.
• Nappies and wipes – Bring extras for travel days; pressure changes can affect digestion.
• Reusable water bottles – Fill them after airport security.
• Travel wash detergent – Handy for outfit emergencies.

A lightweight, cheap buggy is also useful—ideal for airports and naps on the go.

You’ll also want to double-check that you haven’t left out anything from this list of commonly forgotten travel items.

4. Dress for Comfort and Protection

Sun safety and practicality matter when travelling with children:

• Choose UV-protective swimwear, rash vests, and hats with neck covers.
• Opt for bright-coloured swimwear—easier to spot at the pool.
• Use SPF 50 sunscreen, not SPF 30, and reapply regularly.
• Pack sunglasses and pool shoes.

For the buggy, a UV sunshade helps keep little ones cool and shaded, especially during naps.

5. Prep for the Airport and Plane

Airports can be overwhelming, but a few hacks can ease the experience:

• Keep the buggy basket empty and ready to fold.
• Avoid metal belts, coins in pockets, or anything that slows down security.
• Only bring plastic cutlery, metal ones may get flagged.
• Follow liquid limits (100ml max) for items like suncream and medicines.
• Take chewy sweets or lollies for take-off and landing to help with ear pressure.
• Use a tote-style carry-on for quick access to essentials.
• Download films, shows, and games onto devices, and bring child-sized headphones.
• Hand out small toys or sticker books at intervals during the flight to keep boredom at bay.

6. Entertainment & Distraction

Keeping children occupied is half the battle:

• Give each child a mini backpack with small surprises: colouring pens, notebooks, fidget toys, snacks, and a lollipop.
• Let them take photos and be in the holiday snaps—these moments matter.
• Bring beach toys like nets, buckets, and plastic fish from home—cheaper than resort prices.

7. Safety First

Safety and peace of mind go hand in hand. Make use of these essential child travel safety tips to protect your little ones on the go.

• Use toddler reins or a backpack with harness if your child tends to run off.
• Add a Bluetooth tracker to favourite toys in case they get lost.
• Mosquito stickers can help keep bugs away without sprays.
• Teach your child that some things (like costumed characters or even familiar relatives) might look or feel different in person—manage their expectations gently.

8. Think About Your Accommodation

If you’re staying in a single room or hotel suite, choose one with a balcony so you can relax while your children sleep. Bring small familiar items from home for comfort, like bedtime books or a special cuddly toy.

And if your hotel or rental isn’t designed with toddlers in mind, don’t worry – here’s how to baby-proof any accommodation.

9. Organise Your Luggage Strategically

Plan who carries what:

• Strap smaller suitcases to larger ones using luggage straps.
• Ensure your carry-on bags are easy to access during travel.
• Make a master packing list you can edit for future holidays, this saves time and stress.

10. Be Kind to Yourself

Travel with young children won’t be flawless. There may be tantrums, lost shoes, or meltdowns at dinner, but that’s OK. You’re building memories, creating stories, and showing your child the joy of new experiences.

Let go of the pressure to make everything perfect and enjoy the ride – ice cream, sand, sun cream smears and all.