Traveling with toddlers can feel less like a vacation and more like a full-contact sport ✈️???? From spilled snacks and missed naps to tiny humans melting down at the worst possible moments, family travel is not for the faint of heart. But it is possible—and even meaningful—when you’re equipped with the right mindset and a few hard-earned strategies.

In this episode of The Home School Curious Podcast, host Morgan Bergstrom goes straight to the front lines, sharing real-life wisdom from years of traveling with her three boys. With the holiday season approaching and many families hitting the road or skies, Morgan offers practical, calming, and confidence-building advice for navigating trips with young children. This isn’t Pinterest-perfect travel—it’s honest, doable, and rooted in experience.

From booking flights and packing smart to surviving airports and keeping little ones engaged, Morgan breaks down what actually works (and what doesn’t). She also reminds parents of something essential: kids take their emotional cues from us. Staying calm, flexible, and prepared can make all the difference—not just for the trip itself, but for the memories you create along the way ❤️

Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or just gearing up for your first big trip with toddlers, this episode will leave you encouraged, equipped, and ready to go.

Traveling with Toddlers: Real Tips from the Front Lines

Key Takeaways

One of the biggest lessons from traveling with kids is to stay calm—children easily sense and mirror your stress, so keeping a steady demeanor sets the tone for a smoother experience. Over time, these trips build real confidence in your ability to handle whatever comes up.

• Booking everything online is essential for finding the best deals and options that work for your family.
• Always pack a full change of clothes for yourself as well as the kids, since spills and mishaps are inevitable. Arriving at the airport early gives everyone a chance to burn off energy before boarding, and many parents find it helpful to board last to shorten the time spent confined on the plane.
• Hyping up the trip ahead of time gets kids excited and mentally prepared, while saving screens as a true last resort keeps other options fresh.
• Small surprise toys or new activities can work wonders for entertainment, and ultimately, the effort of traveling with children is always worth it for the joy of connecting with family.

 

You can watch this episode on YouTube or Spotify, or listen anywhere you get your podcasts!

 

This week’s episode is brought to you by Schoolhouse Teachers

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Check out Morgan’s Travel Must-Haves for Toddlers