We’ve all been there: you're supposed to leave 10 minutes ago, one kid is crying, the other is hunting for a missing shoe, and you're standing there wondering if you packed the toothbrush (spoiler: you didn’t). Sound familiar?

Every mom has experienced the pre-travel chaos at least once. Some have mastered the art of traveling with little ones, while others are still figuring it out. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, we've got your back with tried-and-true tips for preparing, navigating the holiday or just a trip, and resetting once you're home.

Let’s dive into the ultimate travel survival guide for moms!

The Preparation Phase: Set Yourself Up for Success

Preparation is everything when traveling with kids, whether you’re flying, road-tripping, or taking the train. Here’s how to make the journey smoother (yes, even with toddlers in tow):

Timing is Key

Plan your travel around your child’s nap or bedtime. A well-timed journey increases your chances of a peaceful ride—because no one wants to navigate turbulence and a toddler meltdown.

Pack Like a Pro

Here’s a foolproof packing checklist to keep handy:

• Essentials for Entertainment: Books, small toys, coloring supplies, and headphones for movies or games.

• Snacks, Snacks, Snacks: Bring more than you think you need. Kids don’t get hangry—they get full-blown feral.

• Comfort Items: Don’t forget their favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pacifier. A sense of familiarity can go a long way in reducing travel anxiety.

• HALT Kit: Address "Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired" moments by packing snacks, activities, and items that keep everyone feeling calm and connected.

Pro Mom Hack

Keep a small, separate bag with travel must-haves like wipes, a change of clothes for both you and your child (yes, accidents happen), and extra diapers if needed. This bag should be easily accessible at all times.

On Holiday: The Art of Enjoying the Chaos

You’ve survived the journey—it's time to relax, right? Well, sort of. Here’s how to make the most of your time away while keeping the kids happy and yourself sane:

Stick to Routines (Sort of)

Routines provide kids with a sense of security. Try to keep meals, naps, and bedtime consistent, even if you're in a different time zone. If changes are unavoidable, prepare your kids by discussing the new schedule beforehand or using visuals like a travel calendar.

Flexibility is Key

Not everything will go according to plan—and that’s okay! Build downtime into your schedule to accommodate unexpected hiccups. Sometimes, you just need a quiet day at the pool or an impromptu movie night to recharge.

Plan Family-Friendly Activities

Before you head out for the day, check if your planned activities are child-friendly. Are there changing facilities? Is the location stroller-accessible? Avoid the mistake my mom once made when she tried taking five kids on a guided cave tour—let’s just say it didn’t end well.

Involve Your Kids

Letting kids choose a snack for the day or pick one activity to do can make them feel included and excited about the trip. It also makes them more likely to cooperate during less exciting moments.

The Aftermath: Post-Travel Reset Routine

Once the bags are unpacked (or still sitting by the front door), it’s time to transition back to real life. Here's how to ease everyone into a regular routine without losing your mind:

Unpack Immediately

It’s tempting to let the bags sit for a few days, but unpacking right away restores order to your home. Get everything back in its place, start a load of laundry, and toss out any leftover travel snacks.

Tidy Up Your Space

Coming home to a clean, organized house feels like a reset button. If you didn’t clean before you left, take a few minutes to tidy up. It helps you feel productive and ready to tackle post-vacation life.

Reset Sleep Schedules

Travel can wreak havoc on everyone’s sleep, especially if time zones are involved. Gradually adjust bedtimes by 15-30 minutes each night until everyone is back on track.

Comfort Food Saves the Day

After indulging in vacation treats, ease back into normalcy with simple, comforting meals. Bonus points if you prep a freezer meal before your trip—it’ll feel like a gift from past you to present you.

Final Thoughts: Trial, Error, and Growth

Every family’s travel routine looks a little different, so don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly the first (or fifth) time. Travel is an adventure, not just a destination. Some days, you’ll nail it, and other days, you’ll have cave-tour-level disasters. Either way, you’re making memories that your kids will cherish forever.

What’s your go-to travel tip or hack? Share it with us in the comments below—we love hearing from our community of moms.

Happy travels, and may your toothbrush always make it into the bag.