Hey there fellow dads! Today I want to talk to you about the benefits of traveling with your children, and I know from experience that traveling with kids can feel like trying to chase a bunch of kittens through an airport. From packing their clothes and snacks to feed a whole squad and figuring out how to keep everyone busy on the road, it’s no surprise some of us just want to stay home, order pizza and call it a vacation.
But even though family trips can seem like a lot for us busy parents, they’re some of the best experiences you can have with your kids and for yourself. Whether you’re flying somewhere exciting, camping under the stars, or just playing tourist in your own city, every trip has something good to offer (Not my discovery, science backs this up!).
Think about it, traveling lets kids see new places, try new things, and pick up skills they’ll use for life. And let’s not forget the memories you’ll make along the way, because nothing beats watching your little ones experience the world.
So if you’ve been putting off that next family trip because it feels too stressful, don’t worry. I’ve got you! Here are some easy, practical tips to make traveling with kids smoother, more fun, and maybe even (dare I say it?) relaxing. So let’s get into it!
Traveling as a family is not about taking cool photos or crossing destinations off your bucket list. It’s about making memories that stick with you and your kids forever. Every part of the journey has something special to offer. These are the reasons why traveling with your kids is a big deal:
Between work, school, and the craziness of daily life, spending real quality time together can be tough. But when you’re on a trip, away from all the usual distractions, you actually get to enjoy each other’s company. Suddenly, meals aren’t just a quick bite before the next thing you're supposed to do. You’re sitting together, sharing stories over tacos at a roadside stand, or laughing about how no one remembered to pack forks.
Even the smallest moments, like watching a sunset or playing cards in a hotel room, turn into memories you’ll talk about for years. Travel gives you time to be together without interruptions, and honestly, that’s more valuable than any souvenir.
Travel is basically school, but way more FUN. Studies show that kids who visit new places tend to be more open-minded because they have experienced different cultures, foods, and ways of life. Trying sushi for the first time or learning to say “thank you” in another language might seem small, but those little things add up.
Travel also teaches kids to take care of the planet. Picking up trash at the beach or learning why it’s important to respect wildlife are lessons that stick with them long after the trip is over. And learning about history by exploring an actual castle is way more fun than reading about it in a textbook.
Kids notice things we adults usually miss. Have you ever really paid attention to how the sunlight hits the ocean or how cool the clouds look? Traveling with kids makes you slow down and see the world differently.
Their nonstop questions can actually be fun. Why is the sky blue? How do airplanes stay in the air? Sure, looking up answers in the middle of a hike might feel like homework, but it’s also a chance to teach them something new. Seeing the world through their eyes makes everything feel exciting again, and that’s a win for everyone.
Travel teaches kids (and let’s be real, adults too) that experiences matter more than buying stuff. A new toy is fun for a while, but climbing a mountain or swimming in the ocean? good luck trying to forget about those moments!
It also helps kids grow. Figuring out how to pack their own suitcase, trying new foods, or exploring a new city builds independence and confidence. And don’t forget the physical benefits. Running around parks, hiking, and swimming all day keep everyone active.
Before you start scrolling through Pinterest or debating destinations, take a step back and think about what kind of trip actually fits your family. Trust me, figuring out the vibe first makes planning so much easier.
For my family, it’s all about balance. As a gay dad raising a little daughter, I’ve learned that some trips are all about adventure, hiking trails, theme parks, or exploring a new city. Other times, we just need a relaxed getaway where we can hang by the pool, read books, and sip coffee while my daughter plays in the sand. It really depends on our mood and energy levels at the time.
The truth is, there’s no one right way to do a family vacation. It helps to think about things like:
Once you figure that out, everything else falls into place.
Honestly, booking the right hotel room, or renting a place is the most important step when traveling with kids. I’ve been there, crammed into a tiny hotel room can turn it into a disaster zone in five minutes. Trust me, taking the time to pick a good spot is soooo worth it.For us gay dads, finding a place that works isn’t just about convenience. It’s about making sure the whole family feels comfortable and can actually relax. Here’s what I personally always look for when booking a trip:
I mean yeah I get it, being spontaneous sounds fun. Like, why plan when you can just figure things out as you go? But just hold on, when you’re traveling with kids, booking things in advance is alot safer.Planning ahead just means you won’t be stuck dealing with last-minute surprises. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find out the hotel is full or the one activity you were excited about is completely booked.So what should you lock in before your trip? Here’s my go-to list:
Family trips are way more fun when everyone has something to look forward to. If only one person is having a good time, chances are no one really is. The trick is to find a balance, and honestly, it’s much easier than it sounds.When I plan a trip, I think about what each person in my family loves to do. My daughter is all about adventure, zip-lining, swimming, anything active (you can edit this one however you like Austin). Meanwhile, I’m dreaming of a quiet afternoon by the pool or maybe even sneaking off for a quick massage (a dad can hope, right?).The best way to keep everyone happy is to mix things up:
The goal isn’t to pack the schedule with nonstop activities. It’s just about making sure everyone gets a little bit of what they love so no one is stuck saying, “I’m bored,” every five minutes.
Although I just said you should be ready for almost everything. But, no matter how much you plan, things don’t always go the way you expect when traveling with kids. And that’s totally fine. In fact, being flexible can make the trip less stressful and sometimes more fun (fingers crossed).It’s good to have a plan, but don’t let it control your whole vacation. If it rains on the day you were supposed to go to the beach, no problem.
Just swap it for something indoors, or just say whatever and stay, maybe swimming in the rain will be your new favorite thing to do.Are the kids exhausted from all the excitement? Skip the afternoon hike and take a nap break instead. Everyone will be in a much better mood if you go with the flow instead of stressing over every little change.And sometimes the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned.
Like that time my family got lost and ended up in a tiny café with literally the softest and most delicious pie we’ve ever had.So yeah, have a plan, but don’t be afraid to change it when things don’t go as expected.
Traveling with kids might feel like a chore, but it’s honestly one of the best things you can do as a family and for your kids. From laughing through little adventures to learning new things together, the memories you make are totally worth it. With a little planning and some go-with-the-flow energy, you’ll create moments that stick with you and your kids forever.
At the end of the day, family travel isn’t about having the perfect trip, it’s about spending time together. I once read about a family who got lost on a road trip in Mexico and ended up at this tiny diner in the middle of nowhere. What started as a scary mess turned into their favorite memory, why? well because they laughed, tried random food, met the nicest people ever, and just enjoyed the moment. That’s the magic of traveling. The best moments are usually the ones you never saw coming.If you liked this and want more tips on making parenting a little easier, check out my other piece, “Top 10 Ultimate Parenting Hacks in 2025.” It’s full of simple, real-life advice to help you through the chaos.
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