8 Tips for Traveling with Kids 5 and Under (That Actually Work)

Traveling with little ones doesn't have to mean white-knuckling it through the airport or bribing your way across three time zones. As a luxury travel advisor who specializes in family trips, I've picked up a few tricks over the years — and I'm sharing my top 8 tips (plus the exact items I pack) to keep kids 5 and under happy, busy, and (mostly) calm on the go.

Want the full packing list mentioned below? I've rounded up all of my go-to travel-with-littles favorites in one place — shop the full collection here.

1. Pack a "new toy" bag, not the toy box

Don't bring your child's favorite toys from home — bring new ones they've never seen. Novelty buys you far more quiet time than familiarity does. A small, engaging building set is perfect for this: it's compact, mess-free, and holds attention for a surprisingly long stretch.

Try: Magnetic Engineering Travel STEM Mini Blocks Kit.

2. Choose activities that can't spill, melt, or roll away

Anything with loose pieces is a recipe for a meltdown at 30,000 feet. My rule: if it can end up under the seat in front of you, skip it. Wax-based sticks that adhere to tray tables (and don't need paper) are a genius workaround.

Try: Wikki Stix Take Along Fun Travel Kit.

3. Go screen-free first, tech second

I always pack a screen-free option as the first line of defense — save the tablet for when you really need it (think: the moment right before landing when everyone's patience is gone). A reusable LCD writing tablet gives toddlers the drawing itch-scratch without a single crayon shaving in your carry-on.

Try: Boogie Board Jot Pocket Writing Tablet.

4. Bring imaginative play in miniature

Open-ended, pretend play keeps little ones engaged far longer than anything electronic. A small, self-contained playset — think tiny characters and a storage tin — travels easily and turns a layover into an adventure of its own.

Try: Play-Doh Create 'n Go Pets Playset.

5. Sneak in learning without them noticing

Long flights and car rides are prime time for a little low-key skill-building. Tracing and letter-practice books feel like play to a 3-to-5-year-old, but you'll land with a kid who's a little further along on their letters, too.

Try: Tracing Books for Ages 3-5.

6. Give them a "job" — like documenting the trip

Handing a young child their own camera turns them from a passenger into a participant. It keeps little hands busy at museums, on hikes, and at the dinner table, and you'll end up with the most delightfully off-kilter vacation photos you own.

Try: Mafiti Kids Instant Print Camera.

7. Sensory play is your secret weapon for the wiggly ones

If you're traveling with a toddler who needs to do something with their hands constantly, a portable busy board with lights and switches is worth its weight in gold — especially for those "we still have four hours to go" moments.

Try: Montessori Wooden Busy Board.

8. Rotate — don't dump everything at once

The real trick isn't what you pack, it's how you dole it out. Hold a few activities back and introduce them one at a time as attention spans wane. A themed sticker activity book is a great "reveal it later" item that buys you another 20 minutes of quiet.

Try: Melissa & Doug Puffy Sticker Activity Books Set.

Want the full packing list? I've rounded up all of my go-to travel-with-littles favorites in one place — shop the full collection here.

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With gratitude,