Surviving (and Thriving) in the Chaos: A Guide to Traveling with Kids!

Traveling with Kids: Embrace the Chaos, Enjoy the Adventure!

Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys (at least in my humble opinion!). It’s the thrill of the unknown, the excitement of new places, and let’s not forget—waking up in an unfamiliar bed, usually after a night of tossing and turning because your toddler was convinced there was a monster under the hotel bed (and let’s be honest, you kind of believed it too). But worry not, fellow wanderers with kids in tow! Starting your day on a positive note while traveling can be as easy as finding Wi-Fi in a coffee shop (okay, maybe easier if your kids haven’t already commandeered all your devices). Here’s how you can turn those groggy, chaotic mornings into the best part of your family adventure.

1. Embrace the Chaos of Morning Rituals (Kids in the Mix)

Let’s be real: your morning routine on the road isn’t going to be the same as it is at home—especially when you’re traveling with kids. Forget about sipping coffee in peace; you’ll be lucky if you can find your shoes before someone needs a bathroom break. Your favorite mug? Swapped out for a tiny plastic cup with cartoon characters. The water pressure might be weird, and the shower might become a splash zone if your little ones decide it’s the perfect time for an impromptu water fight.

But that’s the beauty of travel! It’s all about embracing the unexpected, so why not start with your morning rituals? Make a game out of it. Can you brush your teeth while wrangling a squirmy toddler? Can you make coffee using that mysterious hotel room contraption that might be a coffee maker, a teleporter, or a combination of both? And let’s not forget the daily challenge of getting everyone dressed and out the door without anyone losing a sock or their patience.

2. Stretch Like You Mean It (And Get the Kids Involved)

Nothing says “I’m ready to take on the world” like a good stretch in the morning. And when you’re traveling with kids, you can make it a family affair. Open those curtains wide and take in the new landscape—even if it’s just the parking lot of a roadside motel. Get the kids to join in with some fun stretches. Maybe they’ll turn it into a game of “who can touch their toes” (spoiler: it’s probably not going to be you).

Stretching wakes up your muscles, gets the blood flowing, and gives you a moment to remind yourself, “Hey, we’re not at home! We’re on an adventure!” Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone moving and ready for the day ahead—just be prepared for a few giggles and maybe a cartwheel or two.

3. Master the Art of Breakfast Buffets (Kid-Friendly Edition)

If you’re staying somewhere that offers a breakfast buffet, congratulations! You’ve hit the jackpot of morning positivity—and potential chaos. But here’s the trick: don’t just grab the first thing you see (unless it’s a banana for the hangry toddler). Treat it like an exploration, even with kids in tow. Sample the local flavors—who knows, that mysterious pastry might become your new favorite thing. Just be ready for your kids to pile their plates with enough food to feed a small army and then eat only a quarter of it.

And remember, there’s no shame in going back for seconds… or thirds. You’re fueling up for a day of exploration, after all, and if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be running off that sugar high before you know it. Just don’t forget to grab a coffee for yourself—because you’re going to need it.

4. Tune Into the Local Vibes (With Kids in Tow)

If you’ve got little ones hanging onto your legs like extra luggage, mornings are still a great time to soak in the local culture, instead of the leisurely solo stroll I mentioned above, it’s more of a chaotic march with snack breaks every five minutes. But hey, who says you can’t embrace the local vibes while keeping an eye out for the nearest playground?

Forget people-watching—you’re more likely to be chasing your toddler through a bustling market or  like us – negotiating with a five-year-old over why gelato isn’t a breakfast food (we caved in). But the beauty of traveling with kids is that they force you to see the world differently. You might not have time to sit and sip a coffee, but you’ll definitely notice things you might have missed—like the best ice cream shop in town or the fastest route to the bathroom.

And don’t worry about blending in with the locals. Nothing screams “I’m a traveler” quite like a stroller that’s seen more countries than most passports. Just remember to enjoy the ride, because exploring a new place through your kids’ eyes can be one of the most rewarding—and let’s be honest, entertaining—ways to experience a destination.

Plan, But Don’t Overplan (Especially with Kids)

One of the best ways to keep your morning with kids stress-free is to have a loose plan for the day. Notice I said “loose”—because nothing derails a rigid schedule faster than a toddler/kid who suddenly needs a nap, a bathroom, or a snack (sometimes all at once). Jot down a few must-see spots, but be ready to pivot when the little ones have other ideas, like insisting on spending an hour staring at a random pigeon in the town square.

Maybe you’ll stumble upon a hidden gem, like a park with a playground that gives you a blessed 20 minutes of quiet. Or maybe you’ll spend an extra hour lounging in that park because your kiddo refuses to leave the swings. The key is to embrace the unexpected. Give yourself—and your kids—the freedom to go with the flow, and you’ll find that your day, though perhaps a bit chaotic, stays light, happy, and full of unexpected adventures.

Remember, the best memories often come from the moments that weren’t on the itinerary—like discovering that a fountain in the middle of the city is the best place for an impromptu splash session.

7. Take a Moment to Reflect (Yes, Even with Kids)

Before you rush out the door with kids in tow, take a moment to just…well, attempt to be. Sure, your version of “reflecting” might be more like a quick mental check while wrangling socks onto squirmy feet or negotiating which toy is allowed to come along for the day. But even in the chaos, try to steal a second to breathe, reflect on what you’re excited about, and maybe even jot down a quick note in that travel journal you optimistically packed.

Let’s be honest—your notes might end up being scribbled in crayon on the back of a napkin, but hey, it’s the thought that counts. Grounding yourself, even if it’s just for a split second, can set a positive tone for the day ahead. And if you manage to have a coherent thought before someone asks for a snack, consider it a victory.

8. Befriend the Hotel Staff (They Might Have Extra Cookies for the Kids)

Here’s an insider tip: the people who know the best breakfast spots, hidden gems, and where to find the strongest cup of coffee (you’ll need it) are usually the hotel staff. They’ve seen it all—from jet-lagged parents with stroller in tow to kids bouncing off the walls because they just had their second breakfast. Strike up a conversation with them in the morning, and not only might you get some great recommendations, but you might also make a friend who’ll keep an eye out for your brood. Plus, who knows? They might just slip you an extra pastry or two from the breakfast buffet, and if you’re lucky, a cookie for each kid to keep them busy while you take that first sip of coffee.

9. Practice Your Language Skills (Or Try To, Kids Can Help!)

If you’re in a foreign country, mornings are a great time to practice a few phrases in the local language. Sure, you might butcher the pronunciation, but that’s half the fun—and let’s be real, kids are usually the best icebreakers. Imagine greeting the hotel staff with a cheerful “Bonjour!” and then having your kid follow up with something completely unintelligible but utterly charming. You might ask for directions in halting Spanish, and your little one might point and say “¡Hola!” to every person they see. Even if you accidentally order a hat instead of a croissant, the locals will appreciate the effort and your kids will provide endless entertainment. Plus, starting your day with a smile (and maybe a new hat you didn’t need) is a win in any language.

13. Don’t Forget to Capture the Moment (Kids Make the Best Photobombs)

Let’s face it, we’re living in the age of Instagram, where if you didn’t take a picture, did it even happen? While I’m all for living in the moment, there’s something to be said for snapping a quick pic of that sunrise or your ridiculously photogenic breakfast—just before your kid’s hand reaches in to grab a bite. And let’s be honest, capturing the chaos of traveling with kids can make for some pretty epic (and hilarious) memories.

Sure, you’ll have plenty of posed shots with forced smiles, but the real gems are the candid moments: your toddler’s first reaction to tasting gelato, your teenager’s attempt at a “cool” selfie that goes hilariously wrong, or the family selfie that somehow ends up being 90% forehead. Not only will these pictures give you something to look back on, but they also let you relive the morning’s positivity (and craziness) whenever you scroll through your camera roll. Plus, those imperfect, real-life shots? They’re the ones that will make you smile the most.

14. Make a Playlist That Sets the Mood (Including Kid-Friendly Jams)

Music has a magical way of shaping our moods, and that’s true for the whole family. Why not create a travel playlist full of tunes that make you feel excited and happy? Whether it’s upbeat pop, mellow acoustic tracks, or something completely out there (like whale songs, if that’s your thing), having the right soundtrack can turn any ordinary morning into something epic.

Of course, when traveling with kids, you’ll want to throw in a few of their favorite songs too—just be prepared for “Baby Shark” to come on repeat. Play it while you’re getting ready, and soon you’ll be dancing around the hotel room, kids bouncing on the bed, and everyone in a great mood as you head out the door. You might even feel like you’re in your own travel montage—one with a soundtrack that includes both your favorite artist and the “Frozen” soundtrack. Just embrace it; after all, traveling is about making everyone happy, right?

15. Remember: It’s Not a Race (Especially with Kids Leading the Way)

Traveling often comes with the temptation to see and do as much as possible. But starting your day positive means letting go of the pressure to race from one attraction to another—especially when you’ve got kids who will definitely want to stop and examine every rock, leaf, and ice cream stand along the way.

Slow down, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that it’s okay if you don’t see every single sight on your list. Sometimes the best travel memories come from the moments you weren’t expecting—like getting lost in a charming alleyway, finding a hidden playground that your kids adore, or stumbling upon a café where they make the best hot chocolate (and maybe serve wine for the parents).

It’s about the journey, not just the destination, and with kids, that journey is bound to be full of surprises, detours, and unplanned adventures. So, relax, enjoy the ride, and remember that some of the best stories come from those off-the-beaten-path moments when you let go of the plan and just go with the flow.

Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure (Kids and All)

Travel is all about experiencing the new, the unexpected, and sometimes, the hilariously awkward—especially when kids are involved. By starting your day with a positive mindset (and a good sense of humor), you’re setting yourself up for an adventure full of joy, laughter, and maybe a few delightful surprises, like discovering your child’s fascination with local pigeons or their ability to turn any meal into a finger-painting session.

Whether you’re exploring a bustling city with a stroller that somehow doubles as a battering ram, lounging on a tropical beach while digging sand out of tiny ears, or wandering through ancient ruins while explaining to your kids why they can’t climb on everything like a jungle gym, remember that every morning is a fresh start. It’s a new opportunity to make the most of your journey, even if that journey involves frequent pit stops and a backpack full of snacks.

So go ahead, rise with a smile (or at least a determined grin), embrace the day’s chaos, and let the adventure begin! Because at the end of the day, the best travel memories are the ones filled with unexpected moments, shared giggles, and the kind of stories you’ll be telling for years to come.

And remember: if all else fails, there’s always coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.