Family holidays are meant to be relaxing, right? Cue the laughter. Between the packing, the snacks, the passports, the last-minute toilet trips, and the tantrums (child or adult, take your pick), travel with kids can feel like a logistical marathon.

Fear not—over the years, many parents have developed tried-and-tested family travel hacks that make holidays smoother, less stressful, and (dare I say it?) actually enjoyable. Here’s a roundup of real strategies that work in the wild, not just on Pinterest.

1. Pack by Outfit, Not Item

Instead of packing all the tops, then all the bottoms, then wondering if you’ve created any actual outfits… pack by complete outfit. Roll them up together—socks, pants and all—and pop each bundle into a zip-lock bag or packing cube.

Bonus: Let older kids grab their own bags each morning. Fewer wardrobe meltdowns, more time for sun cream arguments.

2. Create a Travel Essentials Kit

Make a grab-and-go pouch for each child (and one for you!) including:

• Wipes
• Tissues
• Hand sanitiser
• Snacks
• Headphones
• A small toy or game
• Plasters

Keep it in their backpack or your hand luggage. It’s your in-transit survival kit—never leave home without it.

3. Use the “Top Drawer” System

For self-catering holidays, bring a clear plastic tub or drawer organiser filled with your go-to essentials:

• Tea bags
• Cereal bars
• Salt & pepper
• Dishcloth and sponge
• Scissors (always forgotten, always needed)
• Phone chargers, plug adapters, and spare batteries

This little box saves rummaging through bags at midnight when someone fancies a cup of tea!

4. Book Travel Around Sleep (When You Can)

If your kids still nap or sleep well in cars/planes, try to time travel around their body clocks. A 5am flight sounds painful, but if they sleep through most of it… it’s a win.

And don’t forget:

• Bring their usual blanket or cuddly toy
• Stick to familiar routines before departure (story, snack, brush teeth)
• Headphones with white noise or calming playlists can be game changers

5. Prep an Entertainment Arsenal

Whether it’s a long drive, flight delay or rainy afternoon, entertainment matters.

Pack:

• Activity books (Water WOW! and reusable sticker books are gold)
• Mini Lego kits or Play-Doh in a sandwich box
• Downloaded films or shows (pre-downloaded = no drama)
• Audiobooks or kids’ podcasts

Rotate items to keep the novelty factor alive. No one wants the “I’m bored” chorus halfway up the M6.

6. Bring the Buggy (Even for Bigger Kids)

If you’ve got a 4 or 5-year-old and you’re debating bringing the buggy… bring it. Airports, long days out, evening strolls—they’ll thank you. And it doubles as:

• A luggage trolley
• A nap zone
• A coat and snack carrier

Even seasoned walkers hit the wall eventually—and carrying a tired child in 30-degree heat is no one’s idea of a holiday.

7. Use Photo Hacks for Peace of Mind

• Snap a photo of each child on travel day (outfit, shoes etc.) in case they wander off
• Take photos of important documents—passports, booking refs, insurance
• Photograph your parking spot at the airport
• Screenshot directions or bookings in case of poor signal abroad

It takes seconds, but can save you hours of stress.

8. Make a ‘First Hour Bag’

This is your magic bag for the first hour after arrival, when everyone’s tired and everything’s chaos. I started doing this a few years ago as everyone always wanted to swim on arrival and was then furious with me as I searched through all the bags for swim stuff. Include:

• Swimwear if you’re heading straight to the pool
• Snacks
• Change of clothes for the kids
• Chargers
• Basic toiletries

You can deal with unpacking later—this buys you breathing space and a bit of calm on arrival.

9. Don’t Overpack “Just in Case”

We all do it, but honestly, unless you’re heading into the middle of nowhere, you can buy extra socks or Calpol if needed. Save room for souvenirs and sanity. Focus on versatile clothing, shared toiletries, and only pack what you’ll genuinely use.

Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

With the right family travel hacks, your next holiday can feel less like an endurance test and more like the break you all deserve. Sure, there might still be snack negotiations and suitcase zips that just won’t close—but at least you’ll have a few tricks up your sleeve.

Now breathe in, grab the passports, and don’t forget the chargers!