Good pair of shoes

Toddler shoes used to take up a crazy amount of space in our suitcase. Now I pack the comfortable everyday pair my child is wearing on our way to the destination and one pair appropriate for our trip, like sandals for the beach. That’s it. Gone are the cute shoes to match that one outfit. Sure, they looked adorable, but they were worn once.

Toddler outfits

One outfit per day of travel and 2 extras is my rule now. The two extra outfits can cover just about anything from spilled juice, an accidental puddle, a messy lunch, to worse.

I also try to pack clothes that can be mixed and matched, so if one shirt gets dirty, it doesn’t ruin the entire outfit. I pack one extra outfit in my carry-on, since that’s the one extra I’ve ever needed.

Too many pajamas

I used to pack a clean pair of pajamas for each night, plus a couple of spares, because for some reason I was convinced they were single-use items.

When I travel now, I usually bring two pairs for short trips. If one gets dirty, we have a backup. And I can always rinse or throw the first pair in a sink-wash if need be. Also, pajamas pack surprisingly bulky when you’re packing multiple sets.

One piece of home

I always make sure to bring along a comfort item. Having a favorite lap blanket or stuffed toy can be worth many times the space it costs you, particularly when it’s time for bed in a strange room.

I discovered that one favorite thing works wonders better than hauling along half the toy closet. I also steer clear of taking anything totally irreplaceable if its loss would make vacation a family trauma.

One useful layer

Rather than stuffing my bag with a multitude of sweaters, jackets, and cardigans, I research the forecast, pick one useful outer layer and stick to it. It needs to be lightweight enough to haul around but warm enough for drafty restaurants, airplanes or cool nights.

More importantly, it has to be something my toddler will actually wear. The adorable jacket they refuse to wear isn’t worth taking up space in your suitcase.

Fewer diapers

This is probably my largest space saver. Unless we’re traveling to the middle of nowhere, I don’t pack enough diapers to last our entire vacation. I pack what we’ll need for the trip plus a few extras in case of delays, plus enough to get us through day one.

Then we just buy a pack at our destination. I’d rather make one stop at the supermarket than allocate half of a suitcase to items we can find just about anywhere.

Wipes always make the cut

I’ve cut down nearly everything else, but wipes have secured a spot for life in my travel bag. I pack one moderately sized pack instead of multiple gigantic ones since I know I can restock. They come in handy for changing diapers, messy hands, restaurant tables, unknown liquids on airplane seats, and any other random thing toddlers smear on themselves. Of all the toddler essentials, wipes are the ones I use surprisingly often.

A water bottle

We carry one leak-proof water bottle with us everywhere. I don’t bother with extras since we’ve almost never needed them. Having our own bottle allows me to refill it all day, and our toddler will actually drink out of something familiar. I learned quickly that “spill-proof” should be tested at home away from passports, phones, and airplane seats.

Snacks, not pantry

One area where I never go too lightweight is snacks. I pack a small stash of familiar, low-mess snacks since hangry toddlers and travel delays do not mix. I portion them out into small containers rather than throw a bunch of full-size pouches. Snacks have saved our lives on delayed flights, surprise-long car rides, and more than one restaurant meal that took forever to show up.

The stroller question

I don’t automatically assume we’ll need to take a stroller when traveling with our toddler. I consider the nature of the trip first. If we have airports, long sightseeing days, theme parks or lots of walking, a lightweight stroller is definitely worth taking.

If we’ll be driving to most places and staying near our accommodation, we can happily leave it at home, which feels wonderful.

A sensible medicine bag

I would bring medications for anything and everything that my toddler could possibly get. Now I stick to what we might realistically need plus any daily or prescription drugs.

I also keep medications in their original labeled bottles when available and make sure they will be readily available during travel instead of in checked bags. If we need anything outside of our normal day-to-day list, I’ll chat with a pharmacist or doctor instead of dragging around a pill box for a week.

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We planned almost nothing

We used to have embarrassingly detailed travel itineraries: breakfast at 8 am, see the attraction at 9 am, lunch there, museum until 2 pm, dinner reservations at 6 pm, etc. They looked great on paper.

With a toddler in tow, they rarely made it past breakfast.

This time we picked one neighborhood we could walk around and left ourselves almost no plans for the rest of the week. We had a short list of maybe-dos but few must-sees.

I felt guilty about it at first. But by the end of the week, I was wondering why we ever did things the other way.

Mornings became easy

Rather than rolling out of bed and first thing checking the time, we allowed our toddler to wake-up on her own when we could. We dressed calmly and strolled to our local bakery each morning for breakfast.

By morning number three, they knew us at the counter.

Our toddler understood where we were heading and got excited when we turned onto that street.

That small bit of normalcy was something I didn’t think I’d experience on vacation.

We stopped fighting nap time

On past trips, naps were something that we attempted to wedge in between attractions. We would keep walking until hopefully our toddler would fall asleep in the stroller and then complain when the afternoon was spent cranky and crying.

This trip, naptime became built into our plans.

We’d venture out in the morning, head back to the hotel after lunch and let our child take a proper nap whenever feasible. Sometimes one of us napped too.

Sure, we lost a few hours of sightseeing, but we enjoyed a happy afternoon instead.

One outing was enough

Our biggest rule was to keep it simple: one big thing a day.

That could be a museum, park, market, aquarium, or longer walk. Everything else was a bonus.

The rule eliminated that nagging feeling that we were late for the next thing.

If our toddler wanted to stare at pigeons in a square for 40 minutes, we let her. We weren’t killing our next reservation by doing that, because chances were we didn’t have one.

We actually saw the neighborhood

On busy vacations, I could have told you about the famous sites we’d seen and little about the streets in between.

This vacation, those streets were my focus.

We stumbled upon a hidden playground we’d never known to Google. We located a market where we bought snacks and yogurt for our room. We identified which coffee shop could accommodate the stroller and which small park was quietest at sunrise.

You won’t see any of those places on some website’s “10 Things You Must See” list.

But they’ll live forever in my memory as some of my favorite moments.

Our toddler had favorites

Occasionally we forget as adults how exhausting it can be to constantly be in new surroundings if you’re a 2- year-old.

Because we spent more time in one vicinity, our toddler started noticing familiarities. There was the playground, the bakery, the fountain, and the nice dog we would sometimes pass on our morning stroll.

Rather than each hour presenting a new destination, there were little markers of familiarity throughout our day.

I had never realized how much easier travel could be once our toddler felt somewhat at home.

Bad weather didn’t ruin anything

Rain feels like your enemy when you’re on a vacation with a strict schedule.

The rain that morning meant we simply opted for a more relaxed start. Stayed indoors longer, discovered a coffee shop nearby, let our toddler sleep longer and took a walk when the rain passed.

There was no pricey outing we were rushing to get to before it was too late.

For once we made the weather work for us instead of against us.

We spent less than expected

Slowing down also impacted our spending habits.

We didn’t find ourselves constantly purchasing tickets to attractions or transportation to/from different parts of town. We ate simpler meals more regularly, walked nearly everywhere we went, and purchased snacks from the grocery store instead of continuing to pay tourist-area prices over and over again.

We didn’t stop spending money on things we enjoyed doing. We simply stopped spending money because our itinerary said we had someplace else to be at that time.

The trip felt longer

The weirdest thing about slowing down from racing around: time slowed down.

On busy vacations, whole days can merge into travel, tickets, lines, pictures and where are we going next. This vacation had tiny bite-sized memories: breakfast treats, playground excursions, nap times, walks around sunset, favorite restaurant we went to multiple times, etc.

We did less and yet I remember more somehow.

Our new travel rule

We haven’t given up on itineraries entirely. Sometimes we want to see specific things and make reservations that are worth making ahead of time.

But from here on out our default will be one neighborhood, one main plan, and lots of white space.

If we check fewer sights because our toddler wants to play in the fountain for an hour, that’s OK.

There will always be another museum.

Our child will only be this small once.

The focus killer

Just keeping a smartphone arm’s length away (even face down) pulls attention away from the task at hand. It’s called cognitive brain drain. Subconsciously, the brain will have to work harder to fight the temptation to look at messages, scroll through short-form videos, or respond to group chats. What should take them 30 minutes to read may take two hours with distractions.

The clutter trap

Graded tests, worksheets, and old notebooks from previous units take up precious desk space and cause clutter. When a desk is cluttered with work from years past, your child’s mind tells them there’s too much to do, which makes it difficult to concentrate on what they need to do.

Having past work out of the way allows you to fully concentrate on the subject they are learning. Teens can focus better if the desk only holds what they plan to use in the current study session.

Comfort can backfire

Throw pillows, blankets, and other comfy distractions can make it hard to separate study time from downtime. Comfort is important; your teen isn’t going to focus on homework while sitting in a chair that hurts, but you don’t want to create a space that invites your teen to curl up and nap.

Invest in a supportive chair, adjust desk height and ensure the room temperature is comfortable. Save the blanket fort for after the homework is done.

The wire mess

Entangled cords from power strips, phone chargers, headphone wires, and adapters clutter a desktop and create constant physical friction. Catching a hoodie sleeve or backpack strap on a rogue charger cord can swiftly pull your teen’s pricey tablet or laptop off the desk.

Simple cable management such as cord clips or a desktop charger station helps keep your desk clear and saves expensive electronics from a tumble.

A messy distraction

Nibbling on a light snack while cramming for a test is one thing. Turning the desk into a dining room table is another. Bowls, take-out boxes, and unfinished meals crowd a workspace.

They can also leave crumbs, odors, and stains near books and the computer. Eating lunch or dinner away from the study desk also allows teens to naturally take a break from studying.

The false energy boost

Energy drinks may offer a quick way for teens studying for exams to feel alert. But too much caffeine can cause sleep problems and unpleasant side effects like jitteriness or a pounding heart. It’s also bad news for studying during late-night cram sessions because sleep is vital to learning and memory.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding energy drinks in children and teens. Water is always a great choice on the study table.

Too much at once

Being prepared doesn’t mean having everything for every subject sitting on the desk at one time. Your teen will be overwhelmed if they look down and see six textbooks, multiple notebooks, and a pile of unfinished work before they’ve even begun.

Keep the books and notebooks for the subject they will be working on next sitting atop the desk and set the rest within arm’s reach, but off to the side. Putting one subject aside and replacing it with the next will also help build momentum by allowing them to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Too tempting to ignore

Put a video game controller, sketchpad, makeup brush, or fantasy novel directly next to the study table, and you’re asking for trouble. When faced with a daunting algebra equation or persuasive writing topic, your teen’s mind will seek the path of least resistance, to whatever distraction is closest.

Issues with lighting

Trying to study under one glaring fluorescent tube or in the dark corner of the bedroom forces eyes to strain. Overworking eyes leads to premature exhaustion, dry eyes, and stress headaches way before your teen actually completes their assignment.

Study areas should have ample, warm task lighting from a desk lamp that evenly lights work areas without causing shadows or glare on screens.

The background trap

Listening to music with lyrics through open-ear headphones or watching/commentary videos directly bombards the area of the brain responsible for processing language. A teen’s brain can’t effectively write or memorize anything when it is also being asked to decode speech. Try using study beats, ambient white noise, or noise-canceling headphones to keep your mind focused instead.

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The canals and playground

It’s easy to push your stroller or walk with small children in Amsterdam because it is flat. Some of Amsterdam’s museums, including the NEMO Science Museum and the Van Gogh Museum, have activities designed for kids. With all of the open space at Vondelpark, you can never run out of things to do. There are even wooden play structures made of wood and plenty of cafes to relax at.

Fairytale castles and gardens

Copenhagen feels like a city built with children in mind, which makes travelling with kids so easy. In Tivoli Gardens, which is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, you can enjoy old-fashioned rides, open-air theatre, and beautiful gardens all in the middle of the city. With safe areas for kids to walk around and harbor baths with a children’s pool, you will have no issues getting around this city with your kids.

Historic gliders and treats

Vienna is full of grand history, but there are many places to take your kids that will let them enjoy the high culture too. Schönbrunn Palace has its own children’s museum that allows the kids to dress up as royalty. From spending afternoons at the Prater theme park to trying the largest pieces of Sachertorte, you will find it easy to get around this beautiful, clean city on its step-free trams.

Sunny beaches and parklands

Valencia has everything that Spain’s big hotspots have to offer but without the insane amounts of people and steep hills. The city has converted an old riverbed into the Turia gardens, a long stretch of park that runs through the city with large Gulliver-like climbing frames. There’s also an amazing oceanarium and plenty of shallow sandy beaches to enjoy with your kids. There are plenty of flat cycling paths so you can mix up touring with some outdoor playtime.

Ancient myths and trains

York is a small historic city great for young children that really brings the Romans and Vikings to life. The JORVIK Viking Centre takes your child on a journey through a replica village from the 900s with all of its smells and sights. There are also massive trains at the National Railway Museum to check out. With most of the city car-free and walled, you can walk around the old stone cobbled streets without worrying about traffic.

Mountain views and waterways

Lucerne is a great base if you want to see what the Swiss Alps have to offer. Nothing can beat its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking natural landscapes. Children will enjoy cruising on vintage paddle steamers on Lake Lucerne, or riding Swiss Alps mountain-climbing funicular railways to the top of surrounding mountains such as Mount Pilatus. It also has a large hands-on complex filled with real-life planes and trains as well as interactive simulators. Children will have no problem getting lost here for a day.

Castle peaks and quiet streets

Edinburgh allows you to learn about Scottish history in an exciting way and its culture. Your kids can check out Edinburg castle that sits on top of a dead volcano or visit the interactive Camera Obscura for optical illusions or even check out the old vaults that lie underground. There are many buses to get you around, as well as lots of green spaces (like Princes Street Gardens), and the locals love having kids around.

Seaside piers and parks

Nice allows you to spend time in nature near the Mediterranean Sea with your family. It has an amazing big park in the center of town called Promenade du Paillon with giant wooden sea creatures that your children will love climbing on and fun dancing fountains to stay cool. Great smooth roads by the beach allow for easy strolling with your baby down the coast. Plus, there are trams that lead you to all tourist attractions.

Thermal baths and storybooks

There are many great things to do in Budapest that your children will enjoy. They can take a ride on the child train, which travels along some beautiful hills and is mostly run by children with adults supervising them. The City park also has a huge castle-themed playground. Relaxing in Széchenyi thermal baths is another great way to spend time with your kids.

Storybook canals and chocolates

When you first get to Bruges, you will feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook. Medieval brick buildings, old stone bridges, and canal boats will have your kids smiling the whole day. Because most attractions are within walking distance (and very little car traffic), you won’t find yourself getting worn out. Take some time to visit a local shop and see their traditional chocolate-making to end your day on a high note.

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Station shortages

There will be a lot of devices (tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, white noise machines, etc.) while traveling with your family. Hotels and Airbnbs do not always have enough outlets around the bed or table to charge everything. If you have a USB charger that plugs in to multiple devices or a small outlet on hand, you’ll have no problems charging your electronics.

Sudden medical needs

Most parents remember daily medications, but often forget basic ointment or common remedies for sudden illnesses or bumps and bruises. Packing pain reliever, liquid bandage, motion sickness pills, and a digital thermometer will save you from going out in the middle of the night searching for a pharmacy.

Spill insurance for the flight

Parents always pack an extra set of clothes for their kids in their carry-on but often neglect to do the same for themselves. Whether it’s spilled drinks, projectile vomiting, or diaper blowouts, they always seem to occur while you’re holding your child, mid-flight or train ride. Keep an extra shirt in your personal bag so you don’t have to ride in dirty clothing for hours.

Overnight spot cleanup

Every family trip will involve some type of mess. From food to dirt, there is always something to worry about. Packing a stain remover pen, small laundry detergent, and a light sink stopper will allow you to wash your favorite clothing at night. If you take care of small stains while you’re staying at the hotel, you will not have to pack more than what you need.

Drench protection

You might need to swim one last time before leaving your resort, or it may start raining. Either way, you are going to have something wet that you need to pack. Pack some reusable wet bags or even thick plastic bags. By using these, you won’t be throwing all of your wet clothes in the same bag as your clean clothes.

Delay defense

Kids can always get hungry at the worst times. When you’re at the airport or traveling long distances, you never know when you’ll be able to buy food. Packing non-perishable backups of your kids’ favorite snacks means you’ll always have something to give them when lunch isn’t quite ready. Having healthy snacks on-hand will save you from the nightmare of low blood sugar meltdowns on long travel days.

Sun cover

While sunscreen is an obvious travel must-have, some parents forget physical sun protection. Wide-brim hats and UV-protected sunglasses provide protection during long days at the park or beach where shade is limited. Clip-on sunshades and stroller umbrellas are also great ways to keep toddlers cool and burn-free while outdoors.

Screen-free rescue

Entertainment centered around electronics only ends up biting you when the battery dies, or you realize you left your headphones behind. Bring along some old-school, mess-free activities (reusable sticker books, magnetic puzzles, or dry-erase doodle pads) to offer instant distractions. Having tactile games is a must for bored kids during airport layovers and rainy nights.

Midnight glow

Hotel rooms and vacation rentals can be dark, scary, and unfamiliar for young kids who wake up in the middle of the night. Portable plug-in nightlights or small battery-operated fairy lights make midnight walks to the bathroom less frightening. Your kids will thank you for the little light it casts on dark hallways and bathrooms.

Quick mess clearance

Airplanes, playgrounds, and city buses are full of germ-filled high-touch surfaces. Hand-sized sanitizer gels are great, but don’t forget to pack alcohol-based sanitizing wipes. These are ideal for sticky fingers, spilled kid food on high chairs, and sanitizing the tray table before dinner. Keep wipes in your daypack for times when you can’t wash your hands.

Nighttime comfort

Whether it’s a favorite stuffed toy, special blanket, or daily pacifier, forgetting a child’s beloved sleep item can result in a meltdown when it’s time for bed in a strange environment. Many parents will pack their children’s everyday items for sleep, but forget to toss in an extra duplicate or sleep backup. Pack 2 of your child’s favorite sleep essentials, just in case.

Spillproof hydration

Parents remember to pack reusable water bottles, but often forget leakproof straw cups or spillproof lids for young kids on-the-go. Regular plastic bottles and hotel drinking glasses mean spills on rental car seats, airplane tray tables, and fresh clothes. Bring your kids’ own tumblers that don’t spill so your kids can have liquids throughout the day without making a mess.

Southern California coast

From temperate weather year-round to soft sandy beaches with calm surf, San Diego boasts an unbelievable concentration of kid-friendly attractions. Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and neighboring LEGOLAND California all have toddler-friendly entrances and hands-on experiences for preschoolers. Take your time in San Diego; the community moves slowly so you can plan leisurely beach mornings and downtime-filled afternoons.

Central Florida hub

Parents with toddlers may find Orlando to be especially convenient, as the city is designed for families to travel with ease. Everything from infant-care centers at each theme park to height-free roller coasters and stroller-accessible sidewalks is designed with young kids in mind. You won’t have to venture far to find resort hotels with zero-depth entry pools and kid-safe splash parks.

Historic Lowcountry port

Charleston’s flat streets are ideal for babies in strollers, and its small-city charm creates a relaxing coastal vibe. You can stroll through charming downtown areas, the interactive South Carolina Aquarium, or Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Isle of Palms, a nearby beach town, is only about a 30-minute drive. Parents will appreciate hospitable locals and numerous parks.

Scenic New England Peninsula

Cape Cod attracts kids and parents alike with its shallow, serene ocean waters. Most beaches along Cape Cod Bay are perfect for toddlers to play in the waves without risk of rip currents. Small-town charm abounds with mini-carousels, ice creameries, wheelchair-accessible bike paths, and short nature trails. Vacation rental options are abundant too, so you can stick with cooking familiar meals and maintaining your toddler’s nap schedule.

Red Rock desert oasis

Sedona’s peaceful terrain and awe-inspiring landscape don’t require major hiking or climbing. Kid-friendly trails throughout state parks, calming canopy-colored train rides through Red Rock Canyon, and short level nature trails allow young children to safely experience the great outdoors. There are also many resorts and inns with easy-access pools and mountain views.

Emerald Gulf beaches

Known for its powder-fine sand and emerald green waters, the 30A beach route along the Florida Panhandle has mild Gulf waves. The beachfront towns are master-planned with wide sidewalks through beachfront villages, pedestrian-friendly business districts, and quiet parks ideal for sunset or morning walks. Families can relax on laid-back beaches without heavy traffic or crowds.

National mall district

The entire downtown D.C. area is incredibly stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and smooth transit routes. Not to mention, the Smithsonian museums, including the National Zoo and Air and Space Museum, are all free to visit. So parents can pop in for short visits without spending hours inside. There’s also no shortage of parks bordering the National Mall, so your little one can run around and burn off energy.

Mountain valley loop

White Mountain attractions in New Hampshire are tried-and-true family favorites. From North Conway’s historic steam train to storybook-themed Sylvan Rock Park and baby-friendly mountain streams, there’s something for everyone. You can also drive along mountain-high scenic routes while your toddlers nap in the backseat.

Hawaiian resort shores

Maui is a great destination if your babies are flying for the first time. Maui has some of the best family accommodations and relaxed beach-town roads. Kapalua Bay Beach has calm waters ideal for toddlers who are just starting to swim. Grab a bike and ride the paved beach paths, or venture into Maui’s farms and tide pools with your curious kids.

Coastal Pacific Northwest hub

Seattle might be just what your family has been searching for: wonderful city attractions with plenty of outdoor activities and lush trees. Load the kids into the car and ride the Washington State Ferry to see Washington’s famous skyline, visit Seattle Aquarium, or spend the afternoon at Seattle’s giant playgrounds. With mild summers and friendly locals, Seattle is a great year-round option for toddlers.

San Diego

San Diego has some great sunshine year-round, which can benefit your family trip. The Zoo is amazing, and Balboa Park is packed with museums. You can also watch Sea Lions in their natural habitat at La Jolla Cove. Older kids will love learning how to surf at Pacific Beach, while the younger kids will love playing in the ocean at Mission Bay. Parents can spend some time at Little Italy’s farmers market, enjoy the local craft beer or drive a bit down the coast to enjoy some Mexican food.

Costa Rico

Children will become naturalists in no time here. On a night tour in Monteverde or a canal trip in Tortuguero, you are almost guaranteed to see sloths, tree frogs, and howler monkeys. Kids can’t help but stay focused for these trips. There are also zip lines to zip around the rainforest, hanging bridges, and hot springs near the volcano in Arenal. If you take your kids to Manuel Antonio, you’ll be able to explore the rainforest, go to the beach, and watch monkeys.

Costa Rica is also very safe for families and easy to navigate without using tour companies. There are many activities such as zip lining, white-water rafting, and waterfall hikes, which can be scaled up or down depending on your kids’ ages.

Orlando

There’s a reason Orlando is as popular as it is. From Magic Kingdom fireworks, Hogsmeade, and Universal Studios to seeing manatees at SeaWorld, kids will love every minute of Orlando. Parents can take some time to enjoy what Orlando has to offer outside of theme parks. Orlando has developed its food scene and has many great areas to dine, such as The Milk District and Winter Park.

You can spend a day away from the theme parks at Wekiwa Springs. The water is 72 degrees all year round, and nobody has to worry about fast passes.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a city for kids who are curious, with capsule toy machines on every street corner. They will enjoy a visit to Studio Ghibli’s museum (if you book ahead). There are food courts underneath most of the department stores that are fun. Public transportation is so efficient that it takes the hassle away. Parents can visit temples in Asakusa and wander around the back streets of Yanaka, then find a tiny Izakaya that only fits 8 people once the children fall asleep.

Add a couple of nights in Hakone to experience the ryokan/onsen or spend the day at TeamLab’s digital art rooms, where adults tend to lose track of time faster than the children do.

Iceland

Iceland is one of those places where the views are your main form of entertainment, with geysers that blow on schedule, waterfalls that you can walk behind, black sand beaches, and northern lights in the winter from your farm stay driveway. The distances between attractions are short. You can travel from Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon in 3 or 4 days and have plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

Geothermal baths are everywhere and are a cheap and great activity with kids. Kids get to see some real wildlife without parents worrying.

Barcelona

Barcelona has both culture and a beach, close to each other just a metro away. Children will enjoy seeing all of Gaudís creations; they almost look like cartoons to them. The mosaic animal at Park Güell or the columns at Sagrada Familia are just some examples. Kids will love going to Barceloneta, and dinner in Spain is late, which will suit your kids better than you think.

Ride the funicular to Tibidabo for an old-school amusement park on the edge of a cliff. Parents will enjoy Boqueria vermouth and a day trip to Montserrat.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone allows kids to see wildlife and natural wonders that you would only find in picture books. Bison crossing the road, geyser spewing hot water out of the earth, Old Faithful acting on its own time, and the beautiful blue color of Grand Prismatic Spring.

There’s also a junior ranger program to keep them busy during the long drives. Seeing animals at sunrise in the Lamar Valley is one of the best experiences you can have in the lower 48 states. Boardwalks are short, so little kids can enjoy them as well.

Singapore

If you’re looking for Asia without much of a culture shock, Singapore is about as easy as it gets. It’s safe, clean, and small enough to traverse in half an hour. Kids can enjoy the Night Safari, Jewel Changi waterfall, Sentosa beaches and Gardens by the Bay light show that looks like it’s from outer space.

Parents can indulge in one of the best food cities in the world where you can eat at a Michelin-starred hawker stall for less than what you’d spend on a sandwich at home.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is Hawaii’s laid-back island, which makes it ideal for families wanting to actually relax. Protected beaches in Poipu are good for young swimmers, and often have monk seals lounging on the sand. Snorkelling at Anini Reef is so serene it’s perfect for beginners. Kauai is breathtaking without hiking: Stop for glorious views of Waimea Canyon right off the road, and keep kids entertained on a boat ride along the dramatic Na Pali coast.

Rent a condo with a kitchen, avoid the rainier north shore in winter, and don’t pack your schedule.

Switzerland

Switzerland is pricey, but it’s also the easiest mountain vacation families can enjoy. Cable cars and cogwheel trains take you up into mountain scenery and require zero hiking ability to access, and the trains are a treat in their own right for younger kids. The First Cliff Walk in Grindelwald, the toboggan runs, Lake Thun’s paddle steamers and the thundering Trümmelbach Falls inside the mountain are all within easy reach.

Your older kids will discover paragliding and via ferrata; the little ones will find playgrounds at mountain tops with views you’d happily pay for. A regional travel pass will usually cover its cost many times over.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is a walled colonial city that feels to children like a castle they are allowed to enter. Narrow streets, ramparts, and a funicular make exploring itself an adventure. Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara Falls) is a short drive away with a cable car and suspension bridge at the top.

In the winter, families can experience tobogganing by the Château Frontenac, February Carnaval, and skating under the lights. Parents can also enjoy French-Canadian food, a European atmosphere just a short flight from the US East Coast, at a fraction of real French prices.

London

London is great for families because so much of the best stuff is free. The children will enjoy the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and British Museum, the Tower of London, the top deck of a red bus, and Hyde Park’s parakeets and playgrounds. These barely dent the budget. The Harry Potter studio tour (outdoors in Watford) is also fantastic and worth a full day for the right age group.

Parents can enjoy the theatre and Borough Market, canal walks through Little Venice, and quirky neighbourhoods like Greenwich, Hampstead, and Shoreditch that feel like a different country itself.

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Secret grab bags

Take small, inexpensive toys or novelties and wrap them as if they were gifts. Place the wrapped gifts in a bag and let your little traveler pick out a new gift every few hours or so. Having something to look forward to will help kids endure those long hours. Also, unwrapping gifts is fun and will occupy them longer than if you just handed them the toy.

Water reveal books

Water reveal books are basically painting books that use a refillable water pen to reveal fun colors and pictures on thick cardboard pages. The books don’t use paint or dye, so when the page dries, the picture will disappear, and your child can paint right over it. They are perfect for toddlers who want to paint, but parents don’t want to deal with paint on clothes and airplane seats.

Audio storytelling

Listening to interesting audiobooks, mystery podcasts for kids, or full cast radio dramas will occupy kids’ minds (and cut down on screen time and motion sickness). Kids can listen to stories read by entertaining actors and use their imaginations as they follow along, while having the bonus of keeping their eyes closed for long periods of time on the road or in the air.

Magnetic game boards

Chess, checkers, and dot-to-dot boards with magnetic numbers keep players’ game pieces from sliding under seats. Children as young as 3 years old can play alone or with siblings without losing a key piece every time the vehicle turns or experiences turbulence. The game boards lay flat, so they fit easily into an airplane seat pocket.

Interactive travel journals

Give your older children their own travel notebook and some glue sticks, tape, and colorful pens and markers. They can paste in ticket stubs and brochures, draw local architecture, track flight miles, and journal daily memories. Not only will it keep them busy while waiting around during travel, but they’ll have their own custom souvenir from the family trip when they’re finished.

Reusable window clings

Kids will love playing with peel-and-stick window clings on the glass of your car or plane window for hours. These static vinyl clings allow kids to create scenes, move characters, and reinterpret stories as the landscapes change, without any residue when you’re done playing. The stickers don’t take up any luggage space and can be reused when you return home.

Sticky note challenges

A full pack of sticky notes turns into hours of quick, quiet activities when placed on the back of an airplane seat or car window. Write letters or numbers on the notes or draw simple pictures, then have your child match, sort, or organize the notes into patterns on the window. Best of all, they come off easily without ruining anything, so clean-up is easy.

Dry erase activity books

Dry erase books are wonderful because they have endless possibilities. They usually come with mazes, dot-to-dots, word searches, and places to draw. Pair them with some odorless dry erase markers and a small piece of felt eraser, and kids can fill them in, erase, and do them over again. It’s a great way to occupy kids for multiple stages of your trip.

Scavenger hunt lists

Print out a bingo card or checklist of things to look for out the window. You can include items such as different license plates, windmills, water towers, construction vehicles, and airplanes. Reward them with a small prize or sticker when they complete a row.

Lacing and threading cards

Cardboard pieces with shapes cut out and holes punched around the edges are perfect for kids to practice their fine motor skills. Give them yarn or shoelaces and watch them try to thread them in and out of the cards. This will keep them occupied for hours if given enough shapes and colors to try.

Travel-sized LEGO trays

Place a collection of LEGO bricks inside a plastic pencil box and line the bottom with a LEGO baseplate. Your kids will have a portable tray to build characters and scenes without pieces rolling off their laps. When it’s time to put the LEGO bricks away, they’ll snap neatly back into the container.

Handheld water games

Buy your little ones a handheld water pitcher game. There are many arcade games where children press buttons to move water around and slide plastic rings onto pegs. Water pitchers are silent, battery-free, and instantly gratifying. They’re also small enough to toss into your backpack and don’t take up much room.

Tactile modeling clay

Silicone play foam and wax stick play dough won’t leave crumbs or residue on airplane tray tables when your kids get creative. The colorful mediums can be twisted, pulled, and sculpted into endless shapes without drying out. Best of all, they are sticky to themselves and not your car seats.

Trivia and Would-You-Rather

Carrying a deck of child-friendly trivia cards or Would You Rather cards will keep everyone amused. They don’t take up any room in your luggage and will foster communication between you and your kids. Not only that, but you’ll be amazed at the stories and laughter you’ll share playing a simple game of “Would You Rather”.

Picture book puzzles

Search-and-find books with thick pages full of small details help children find things hidden in complicated illustrations. Children tend to focus and explore books with small hidden treasures for longer. They are great to use during quiet time when your child needs something low-key to relax before nap time.

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Behind closed doors

Kids do not need to know the intimate details of your marriage or relationship. This includes arguments you’ve had with your partner, affairs you’ve had, or information about your intimate life. If you must vent about relationship issues, confide in another trusted adult or professional.

Making them choose

You may want to tell your child why you are angry with your ex-spouse after a divorce or separation. However, your child’s other parent isn’t gone forever, and hearing you badmouth them over and over can place your child in a loyalty bind.

They may feel bad about loving someone you say is selfish, irresponsible, or mean. Kids can receive truthful, age-appropriate explanations about changes in the family without being made to feel like your therapist/spouse.

Adult-sized worries

Kids understand that sometimes a family has to save money or that they can’t afford something at the moment. They don’t need to know about late bills, debt, or the possibility of foreclosure or fear of unemployment.

Younger kids may even think that financial hardship means they are in immediate danger. Provide them with age-appropriate information about what affects their life in a calm manner and keep adult budgeting between the adults.

Words that linger

Parents may innocently share with a child someday that they did not plan the pregnancy. But phrases like “you were an accident” or “we didn’t want any more kids”. However, these phrases can have a significant impact on a child when they hear them.

Your child may believe that they were unwanted because they caused an issue for their parents or disrupted their life. There is a huge emotional contrast between telling a child a pregnancy was unplanned versus the child was unwanted.

A debt they never owed

Parenthood requires sacrifice. But constantly reminding kids of what you sacrificed for them can saddle them with debt they never consented to owe. Talking about giving up a career or freedom, or staying in a loveless marriage “for you” can burden a kid with guilt for a parent’s discontent.

Children should learn to be thankful and understand that people in a family will sacrifice things for each other. But that doesn’t mean you should make them feel as though their presence keeps you unhappy.

Inherited battles

Your child doesn’t need to know every detail about why you haven’t talked to your sister in a decade or why you hate their grandparents. Some family history will become pertinent at some point, especially when it concerns their safety or themselves.

But airing years of grievances can teach kids to carry baggage they didn’t earn. Allow them to develop healthy relationships as they see fit when it is appropriate.

Deepest fears

Parents are naturally concerned about their kids but don’t have to verbalize every scary thought. Saying to a teen that you’re scared they’ll fail at life, wind up alone, or become just like an addict relative can brand them with your fear.

Kids tend to recall these phrases much longer than you might think. Focus on particular actions or real problems rather than using your worst fear to define who your child will be.

Another’s confidences

Don’t use your children as the repository of secrets that aren’t theirs to know. Sharing confidential details about another family member’s marriage, finances, health or issues makes your children uncomfortable, especially if you then ask them to act as though they don’t know.

It also sends mixed messages about secrets: others’ confidences are OK to share if the information is tantalizing enough. Practice what you would like your child to eventually emulate.

Too much responsibility

Saying things to your child like “you’re the only person I have” may feel loving, but places a huge emotional burden on them. They may start worrying that if they go off to college, spend time with friends or otherwise leave their parent alone, they’ll be lonely or devastated.

Children can and should comfort their parents sometimes and understand that adults have feelings too. But they shouldn’t feel like they have to keep a parent emotionally whole.

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Courtney

Courtney has years of American teen-movie cheerleader energy infused into it. As it was so popular with girls in the latter half of the 20th century, it was bound to end up cropping up in movies and TV shows about cheerleaders, popular girls, and rich high-school cliques in that era.

In the present day, it may bring to mind the cool girl who thinks she knows everybody’s business. Naturally, that is a cultural association and not anything coming from the name itself.

Regina

It’s hard to hear Regina these days without Mean Girls’ Regina George popping into your head. That character set the standard for today’s high-school queen bee: gorgeous, popular, intimidating, and oozing with knowledge of her own social standing.

Add to that the fact that the name itself feels elegant and means queen in Latin, and it’s no wonder we make the association. Pop culture just gave this pretty traditional name a whole lot of bravado.

Blair

Blair feels fancy, rich, and preppy. Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf amped up these luxurious connotations. It has an air of being suave instead of sweet. It calls to mind images of someone who shows up impeccably dressed while knowing everyone’s business.

It’s very trendy because of the character but still feels cool and collected. If there were a board of directors for fictional mean girls, Blair would likely be chairing the session.

Heather

Before Mean Girls, there was Heathers. The 1988 dark comedy revolved around a high-school hegemony run by four girls, three of whom were named Heather. The movie turned a fairly benign name into code for the bullies running the cafeteria social scene. It’s especially ironic, then, that Heather comes from a softly nature-inspired background.

Tiffany

There are few names that instantly evoke the shiny mall culture of the 1980s and 1990s like Tiffany. It can sound glamorous, feminine, and just a little spoiled; think of the fictional girl with perfect hair who always gets invited to parties. The irony is that Tiffany is actually a very old name that comes from Theophania and was around long before shopping malls were even invented. Movies and television just gave it a very different image.

Madison

Madison sounds like someone who could simultaneously be your high school’s class president, head cheerleader, and biggest social competitor. Its extreme popularity since the 1990s has also landed it countless roles in teen films, TV, and young adult novels. While the nickname Maddie sounds totally cute, Madison itself can sound a lot more fierce.

Brittany

Brittany soared in popularity towards the end of the 20th century, and in the process picked up lots of stereotypical cheerleader/popular-girl connotations. Think of what you’ve seen in movies and TV: a Brittany is hip, outgoing, and utterly at ease being the focus of attention. The stereotype is overplayed and, quite frankly, insulting to the thousands of super-nice Brittanys in the world.

Bianca

Bianca feels elegant, dramatic, confident. Pop culture has trotted it out for beautiful, popular, or socially powerful female characters time and time again. Think Bianca Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You. Bianca isn’t like some of the other names on this list in that it inherently means “bully.” It’s more like the girl who knows she’s popular, knows everyone is watching her, and doesn’t really care.

Chanel

The instant someone hears the name Chanel, they think luxury, clothes, and rich and trendy. That is certainly the connotation that pop culture has pushed with characters like Chanel Oberlin from Scream Queens. She is absurdly elite and mean as a sorority leader. The name now carries less “girl next door” vibes and more “there’s a dress code for sitting at my lunch table.”

Amber

Amber has always had a mildly glamorous and self-assured undertone in American pop culture. It was popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, which helped establish it as a common name for teenage characters, notably the wealthy and viciously competitive Amber Von Tussle from Hairspray. While the name is derived from the attractive gold-toned gemstone material, generations of fictional Ambers have made it feel sharper.

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