Travel with Kids – What age?

Travel. Sounds fun! Traveling with kids.

Haha — did you just frown?

I get it. Traveling with kids doesn’t exactly scream “relaxing vacation.” But honestly? Some of our best family memories were made on trips.

When our first daughter was just 4 months old, we took her from the U.S. back to Hong Kong. Six years later, we went again — this time with both kids. It was my 3-year-old’s first time, and it was such a joy to show them the city, the food I grew up with, and a real slice of city life.

So… what’s the perfect age to travel with kids?

Trick question. Every age comes with its own kind of hard — and its own kind of fun.

Traveling with Babies

For some families, this stage can actually be easier — if your baby is chill with changes, you’re golden!! (Translation: not puking after every feed, no nonstop blowout diapers, not screaming from air pressure.)

My first daughter was pretty laid back (most of the time), but we still had some epic blowouts — one right after leaving the airport, and one mid-city. (It was … a scene.) And some screaming.

Tip: Your suitcase will basically turn into a diaper warehouse. Bring more diapers and wipes than you think you’ll need — and keep extras in your bag, not just luggage. Don’t forget a change of clothes for both baby and you. Yes, you.

Traveling with Toddlers

Now the fun really starts — and so does the exhaustion. Toddlers want to see everything, stay awake past bedtime, and then collapse in a heap at the end of the day.

Tip: Keep it simple. One or two activities a day is plenty. If you’re crossing time zones, take the first couple of days slow. Sunlight helps with jet lag (and with cranky parents too).

Traveling with Older Kids

This is when things get “easy.” (I use quotes because let’s be real — family travel is never 100% easy.) But older kids know what to expect, you know what works for your family, and everyone’s a little more experienced. That makes the whole trip smoother… and more fun.

Final Thoughts

Every family is different. Maybe travel with kids sounds impossible for you right now — and that’s totally OK. But if you want to try and just need courage? Start small. Day trip. Overnight. Then a flight.

You’ll survive. And you’ll make amazing memories along the way!!