5 Super Easy Travel Hacks Every Kid Should Know!

So today, I’m sharing my best hacks to make travel way easier and more fun! My life is a string of moves and travel. I know the joys and hardships of long flights around the world, train rides that were super exciting for the first 32 minutes but then a bit boring for the next 3 hours, and exploring new places with family (the people who you love the most and drive you CRAZY!). Here are some things that come to mind to make the good parts better and stop stressing over the hard parts.

1. Favorite snacks: Have you ever been on a long flight or trip? Well, if you have, you need to know to bring some snacks! Not just any little food options, your absolute favorites! This keeps your body feeling better. You don’t want some weird, disgusting, mushy, foreign, travel food that is your only option to eat (don’t get me wrong, I love trying new foods from around the world; but you want to have something familiar with you just in case). For example, some of my choices would be: healthy protein bars, fruit, crackers, candy and more. So go pack some favorite snacks and be responsible!
2. Fun travel games: TVs are not always on airplanes or travel vehicles so don’t expect them. Instead, bring your tablet/iPad/iPhone/Mac or any other device you usually use (I have this Amazon Fire tablet; I only get to use it for travel and a teeeeeny bit on the weekends if I read a shelf worth of books in the mornings). Definitely bring some headphones or earplugs to help keep the sound in or out, whatever you need in the moment. Our family has used these corded ones a lot, and I also have this Bluetooth set. Of course, bring something to read. Like a long interesting big book that you have really been wanting to read but never had the chance (but not too big! you do have to carry it, after all). I’m currently reading The Hunger Games, but make sure you have parental approval before you start it (wow, pretty intense). You can also bring a fidget toy to distract you. I’m super into the Rubik’s Cube right now, and I’ve also enjoyed little push pop toys you can get almost anywhere, but this one glows in the dark! If you are too rushed and forget to pack something to do in the transportation vehicle you use, you can always look out the window. So much to see and observe. Some great airplane or train games that I recommend for ages 6+ are magnetic checkers and chess boards, some small board games or trivia like Guess Who, Battleship and Harry Potter trivia. A deck of cards or UNO are always great for a layover, but a bit hard on airplanes. But this is a perfect transition to our next topic.
3. Airport Layovers: Is there any such thing as the perfect amount of time for a layover at an airport? In my experience, it feels like I’m either waiting six long, dragged-out hours or dashing across massive international terminals while breaking a sweat and getting enough exercise to last me all week. Let’s just say, layovers don’t really scream “fun!” But I’ve found some helpful hacks to help me whether it’s a quick run to the next flight or an extended wait in uncomfortable plastic chairs. If you know that you are going to be on the run, make sure you go to the bathroom either on the airplane before you land or fast and quick at the first available restroom after arriving. You should also pack up your backpack before the wheels hit the tarmac so you are ready to go! And be helpful to your parents/guardian because they might be really stressed. Don’t annoy or fight with your siblings, either; just hear me when I say, whatever you’re mad about, it’s not important right now. If you’re waiting helplessly, on the other hand, do something to preoccupy you for the moment, still be patient. This is the time to pull out those games, give your parents a shoulder massage, and practice your downward dog pose.
4. How to pack lightly: Now, I personally do not know much on this topic because my amazing Mom is the family packer. She can pack so much stuff into a bag! I have coordinated with my mom, so I now know simple but helpful hacks to packing lightly. First, you need less than you think you need. Sure, you need all the essentials, but too much will weigh you down. And you want to leave room for souvenirs or goodies on your way home! Before you pack, think about what you need and what you want. If you’re moving to a different place (like I do every couple years), then you can give some of your things you don’t use to people in your neighborhood or a donations center that benefits refugees or people in need. Or you could host a yard sale and make some extra change to get new things at your new home (except in the Netherlands, because yard sales are not allowed by local laws). If you are taking a vacation, you can pack some things for the plane that we discussed earlier to distract yourself. If we are talking clothes, remember to think about where you are going; for example, if we’re talking relaxing along the Equator, bring t-shirts, shorts, hats, a swim suit, and a windbreaker or rain jacket (sometimes it gets chilly at night!). Each of us kids always has an extra shirt and pair of undies in our carry-on bag just in case we spill some juice or have a mix up in our travels and want to stay fresh. If you have a washing machine at your vacation stay, you can pack less than you would if you can’t clean your clothes easily. My mom jokes that she never gets a vacation from laundry, no matter where we go! It is also good to bring materials like sunscreen or a first aid kit, because you never know when the sun will blast or a small emergency (splinters!) will happen. I am allergic to most sunscreens, but I like this hypoallergenic one. And you can make your own first aid kit depending on where you’re going and what you’re family uses to stay in tip-top shape.
5. Souvenirs: Imagine you are in Italy and your mom and dad say that you can buy one souvenir, and you’re so excited you want to buy it first thing on the first day. But slow down and look at the options throughout the day to see which one you like best. Then you can buy it. If you don’t do this, you might have already bought something and then you pass another souvenir shop and you see something that you desire even more. You might end up screaming, and this is unhealthy for your body. Take it from me. Let’s stay calm, and keep the screaming to the goats.   

 🧳 Kid Explorer Club: Travel Packing List

Must-haves for a happy trip!

• ✅ Favorite snacks
• ✅ Water bottle
• ✅ Book or tablet
• ✅ Fidget toy or small game
• ✅ Headphones or earbuds
• ✅ Comfy jacket or hoodie
• ✅ Extra shirt (in case of spills!)
• ✅ Phone or camera (if you have one)
• ✅ Travel pillow
• ✅ Toothbrush & toothpaste (if it’s a long trip)

Thank you for reading! I’ll have more content up soon. Please come back!  

🌍 The Kids Explorer Club With Jed