FROM A KID WHO GREW UP TRAVELING: here’s my best hacks
Packing Hacks
Roll, Don’t Fold – Rolling your clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. Bonus: Stuff socks and undies inside shoes to maximize space!
Packing Cubes Are a Game Changer – These keep everything organized, especially when hopping between destinations.
Always Pack a Scarf – It doubles as a blanket, a pillow, or even a makeshift outfit cover-up.
Bring a Mini First Aid Kit – Bandaids, painkillers, allergy meds… You never know when you’ll need them.
Laundry Hacks – Bring a travel-size detergent packet and a sink stopper for emergency washes. Dryer sheets keep your bag smelling fresh!
Airport & Flight Hacks:
Hydration is Key – Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security. Flights are super dehydrating!
Dress for Security – Slip-on shoes, no excessive jewelry, and minimal belts make TSA a breeze.
Download Offline Maps & Entertainment – Long layovers? No Wi-Fi? Having downloaded shows, podcasts, or maps is a lifesaver.
Go for the Left Security Line – Most people instinctively go right; left is usually faster.
Request Special Meals – Airlines serve these first, so you get your food before everyone else.
Travel Hacks for Kids (From a Kid Who Grew Up Flying!)
Growing up, I basically lived in airports and on planes. With years of experience as the kid in the window seat (sometimes jet-lagged, sometimes thriving), I picked up a ton of hacks that made traveling way easier—for both me and my parents!
Packing Hacks for Kids:
Let Them Have Their Own Backpack – Even as a kid, I loved having my own little bag. Pack it with snacks, a stuffed animal, and a small activity.
Packing Outfits in Ziploc Bags – My mom used to put a full outfit (shirt, pants, undies, socks) in a labeled bag so I could just grab one without making a mess.
Sticker Books & Coloring Pages Are Lifesavers – They’re quiet, mess-free, and keep kids entertained without screens.
Pack Snacks Like a Pro – Airplane food is hit or miss, and hungry kids = grumpy kids. Granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers were my go-to.
Bring a Comfort Item – Whether it’s a small blanket, a stuffed animal, or a favorite hoodie, something familiar helps with homesickness and sleeping in new places.
Airport & Flight Hacks for Kids:
Burn Energy Before the Flight – My parents used to let me run around before boarding so I wouldn’t be bouncing off the walls mid-flight. Some airports even have play areas!
Headphones Over Earbuds – Little ears don’t like earbuds. Comfortable over-ear headphones were a must for movies and music.
The Window Seat Trick – As a kid, I lived for window seats. If a flight wasn’t full, my parents would ask if we could switch to an emptier row for more space.
Time Zone Adjustment Game – When flying across time zones, my parents would start adjusting my bedtime a few days before the trip to help avoid brutal jet lag.
Always Have Gum or Candy for Takeoff – It helps with ear pressure! If the kid is too young, a sippy cup or bottle works too.
Long Car Rides & Layover Hacks for Kids:
Audiobooks & Podcasts – Instead of just movies, my parents played kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts (like Story Pirates or Wow in the World) to make long trips feel shorter.
Surprise Toy Bag – My mom sometimes packed a few dollar-store toys or small surprises and gave them to me throughout the trip to keep things exciting.
DIY Travel Bingo – Spotting different things outside (airplanes, red cars, people with funny hats) made road trips or layovers a fun challenge.
Portable Whiteboard & Markers – Instead of a notebook, a small whiteboard was reusable for endless doodles and games.
Teach Kids the Basics of Travel – Even as a kid, I loved feeling “in the know.” My parents would explain boarding passes, currency exchange, or simple phrases in a new language, and it made traveling more fun!
Looking back, all these little things made my childhood travel experiences way smoother (and probably helped my parents keep their sanity). If you’re traveling with kids, trust me—snacks, activities, and a little bit of pre-planning go a LONG way! ✈️😆