5 Tips for Happy Travel with Kids: Sleep Smarter, Travel Happier
Traveling with children can be an exciting adventure, but it is just parenting in a new locale. My biggest travel hack? Make sleep a priority first so you and your children can soak up more joy than chaos on your next trip with kids.
Here are my five expert tips:
1. Plan for a Post-Trip Sleep Reset
Returning from a trip can be as challenging as the travel itself when it comes to sleep. Allow yourself and your baby or child three days of consistent routines after returning home. Watch for your child’s sleep cues, such as eye rubbing or fussiness, and stick to familiar nap and bedtime schedules. This adjustment period helps your child’s internal clock get back on track quickly.
Pro Tip: Stop and get out your calendar. Mark 3 days on your calendar for recovery. Plan easy dinners, turn down any late afternoon dinner time invitations, and leave space for watching your child’s sleep communication.
2. Start the Trip Well Rested
A well-rested child handles travel far better than one already overtired. In the days leading up to your departure, prioritize naps and bedtimes. Starting the trip with a sleep deprived makes it harder for your little one to adapt to the changes in schedule and environment.
Pro Tip: Look at your schedule the week prior to travel: What do you have planned? What do you need to have in place to make sure your child or children can stay rested? If you aren’t sure what your child needs or feel like nothing you try is working, this is the time to schedule a 30-Minute Follow up call if you are a client or reach out for a Sleep Audit or schedule a 1-Hour Phone Consultation if you are new to Sleep Happy.
3. Pack Familiar Sleep Essentials
Bring along comforting items from home to create a familiar sleep environment wherever you are. Essentials might include:
A white noise machine to block out unfamiliar sounds.
Your baby’s favorite lovey or blanket.
Familiar crib sheets with the scent of home.
A blackout curtain or portable solution like a SnoozeShade or trashbag + painters tape.
Pack n Play
These items help signal to your child that it’s time to sleep, even in a new setting.
Pro Tip: Add your child’s items to your packing list now.
4. Create a Sleep Boundary
For children 6 months and older who sleep well independently, consider setting up a separate sleep space to mimic their usual environment.
Get creative:
Use hotel furniture or couch cushions to partition the room.
Convert a bathroom or closet into a sleep nook.
Bring a SlumberPod or use command hooks and a dark sheet to create a cozy sleeping area.
This boundary helps reduce distractions and supports restful sleep.
5. Pick One Routine to Maintain
Consistency is key, but travel often makes sticking to all routines impossible. Choose one routine to prioritize, whether it’s naps or early bedtime. Maintaining this one element provides some structure while allowing flexibility for other activities.
Example: If bedtime is your priority, stick to your usual nighttime wind-down activities like reading a story, even if naps are shorter or skipped during travel, and make sure to move bedtime up to compensate for lost day sleep.
Takeaway
Travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing sleep. By planning ahead, prioritizing rest, and using these practical tips, you can create happy travel memories without overtired tantrums. If you could do just one thing this travel season, I encourage you to Plan for a Post-Trip Sleep Reset.
Remember, sleep is not selfish, it is one of the most basic human needs.
Are you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed at even the thought of travel with your child?
Gain clarity on your unique child’s needs by scheduling a Sleep Happy 1-Hour Consultation.
Thinking that may not be enough? Let’s start with a FREE SLEEP AUDIT and we will figure out together what kind of support meets your needs.
Want to see more travel sleep tips and products, follow me @sleephappy consulting and share what other questions you have about travel sleep.
Wishing you restful nights and days of making joyful travel memories,
Jessica
