Family travel has shifted again for us—in the best way. With one more baby in the mix, we’re leaning into simpler trips and giving our kids a real voice in the planning.
It’s less about perfectly mapped-out itineraries and more about what actually works—and what creates the kind of memories we’ll hold onto.
Here’s what travel has looked like for us lately—and how it’s shaping our summer travel.
New Dynamic: Letting Your Kids Influence the Trip Itinerary
For my son’s birthday trip, we tried something new —in the best way—we let our 7-year-old guide parts of the itinerary research and planning. The result? A travel agenda that included a crocodile petting farm, swimming with dolphins, seeing a jaguar, and a very serious commitment to pool and beach time (with way too many virgin piña coladas in hand).
What surprised us most wasn’t the randomness—it was how much more excited and invested he was in every single day. He wasn’t just along for the ride, he felt like the co-pilot of the trip. For the full post on this Mexico trip, visit here.
Now our daughter is already lobbying for her own “planning rights” for her birthday trip… so this might be a new family tradition whether we’re ready or not.
Tips on Traveling With Multiple Children (0-6)
We’ve traveled to 35+ countries with little kids, but adding a fourth child definitely changes the logistics. That said, our recent international trip with four kids under six was far less chaotic than expected—and that came down to one thing: intentional planning.
If you’re planning a big international trip with multiple young kids, these are the five strategies that made the biggest difference for us.
🧭 1. We chose a destination and lodging that simplified everything
We prioritized ease over ambition—short transfers, family-friendly infrastructure, and a resort setup that minimized daily logistics. Booking.com is a great source to help identify your next destination and book lodging.
🚐 2. We booked private transfers (with car seats + boosters)
Pre-arranged transportation eliminated airport stress and made transitions with multiple kids significantly smoother. To book private transfers, check out sources like GetTransfer.com.
🧳 3. We used a “one cube per day” packing system
Instead of packing by person, we packed by day—one packing cube per day with everyone’s outfits inside. Grab a cube, get dressed, done. No digging, no chaos.
🛫 4. We had a clear airport + boarding game plan
Us adults divided roles early and stuck to them:
Dad handled luggage + gear
Mom stayed with kids until security
After security: divide and conquer (snacks, bathrooms, diaper changes, energy breaks)
Boarding: baby in carrier, stroller gate-checked, big kids carry their own backpacks
🏝️ 5. We ran the trip like a “shift system” at the resort
We alternated “parenting blocks” throughout the day so everyone could get a bit of downtime.
We’d do meals together, then split up between breakfast and lunch—dad would take the older two for a “big kid” activity (like pool time), while I’d reset with the younger two on a stroller walk.
In the afternoon, we’d rotate one-hour blocks so each of us got a little “me time” (i.e., gym or spa) while the other held down the fort with all four kids.
🎒 6. Hyper-targeted entertainment = fewer meltdowns
Everything we packed entertainment activities that matched each child’s interests:
Minecraft and Jungle themed word searches for our oldest
Unicorn + mermaid mazes for our daughter
Puffy stickers + Toy Story coloring books for our toddler
And very importantly, their tablets were all updated with all their favorite movies and shows for restaurant and hotel downtime.
Traveling internationally with four kids under six isn’t easy—but it is doable with the right systems in place.
What’s Next?
This season keeps reminding us that great family travel isn’t about control—it’s about flexibility. We’re keeping it simple this summer: more shared experiences, fewer rigid plans, and the right tools to make it all easier along the way. To stay updated, follow me on Instagram.
Happy Travels!
— Shaina
