Traveling with Kids: How We Make It Intentional, Fun, and (Slightly) Less Crazy
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be overwhelming! With the right strategies, you can create unforgettable family memories without the stress
After SO many comments from strangers about how full my hands are with my four kids (three rowdy boys) shuffling around me through airport terminals, I decided to share why we intentionally travel—and how we make it work without losing our sanity or health.
Because yes, it is wild. But it’s also one of the best things we do as a family.
Why We Travel with Our Kids (Even When It’s Chaotic)
There’s this idea that traveling with kids is too hard, too expensive, or just not worth the effort. But for us, traveling isn’t just about the destination—it’s about shaping how our kids see the world, connect with new experiences, and create core memories as a family.
We choose to travel because:
✅ It teaches our kids flexibility and adaptability—things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay.
✅ It strengthens our family bond—time together away from routines and responsibilities allows for deep, meaningful connection.
✅ It builds lifelong curiosity—exposing them to different cultures, foods, and environments broadens their perspectives.
✅ It reminds us that adventure is always worth the effort—even when it’s messy, even when there are meltdowns.
5 Ways We Make Traveling with Kids Easier & More Enjoyable
1️⃣ We focus on connection over perfection.
Letting go of the pressure to have a ‘perfect’ trip is a game changer. We embrace the chaos, laugh at the unexpected, and prioritize joy over a rigid itinerary.
2️⃣ We keep our health rhythms in place.
Travel doesn’t mean abandoning the habits that help us feel good. We:
- Bring hydration electrolyte packs for everyone (keeping energy stable and in case the water "tastes funny").
- Prioritize movement during layovers, even if it’s just stretching at the airport or running around at a beach park.
- Pack nutrient-dense snacks to avoid hanger-induced meltdowns.
3️⃣ We simplify EVERYTHING.
Less stuff. Fewer plans. More flexibility. Overpacking and over-scheduling lead to stress.
- We travel with one carry-on per person, plus a small bagpack (yes, even for long trips).
- We plan buffer time between activities.
- We embrace spontaneity instead of cramming our itinerary.
4️⃣ We involve the kids in the process.
Travel is a family adventure, not just a parent-led mission.
1. The kids help pack their own backpacks.
2. They get a vote on activities (within reason).
3. We set clear expectations about travel days to avoid unnecessary frustration.
5️⃣ We embrace the challenge as part of the experience.
Yes, traveling with kids is hard. But we’ve decided that hard isn’t a reason to avoid it. It’s a chance to grow, learn patience, and show our kids that adventure is always worth it.
So if you’ve been hesitating to travel with your little ones because it feels overwhelming—I promise, it’s worth it. Start small, keep it simple, and focus on what truly matters: the memories you’re making together.
Packing List for Tropical Travel with Kids
After a few too many overpacked suitcases and forgotten essentials, we’ve fine-tuned our family-friendly tropical travel packing list.
🌴 Essentials for a Tropical Family Vacation
🧳 Luggage & Organization:
✅ Lightweight carry-on backpack for each child
✅ Packing cubes for easy organization
✅ Collapsible duffel for extra space on the way home
☀️ Sun Protection:
✅ Reef-safe sunscreen (non-toxic for kids & ocean-friendly)
✅ UPF swimwear & rash guards
✅ Wide-brim sun hats
✅ Sunglasses (with straps so they don’t lose them!)
🏖️ Beach Gear:
✅ Microfiber travel towels (fast-drying & lightweight)
✅ Beach toys (collapsible buckets, shovels, and floaties)
✅ Water shoes for rocky beaches
✅ Portable shade tent (for long beach days)
🎒 Travel Comforts:
✅ Kids’ snacks (fruit bars, protein pouches, nuts)
✅ Reusable water bottles
✅ Headphones & small tablet for flights
✅ Comfort item (blanket/stuffed animal)
✅ Mini first aid kit (bandaids, kids’ pain relief, motion sickness bands)
🥭 Tropical-Ready Outfits:
✅ 2-3 swimsuits per child
✅ Lightweight cover-ups & breezy clothes
✅ Slip-on sandals for easy airport & beach transitions
✅ A lightweight rain jacket (because tropical weather can surprise you!)
🚗 On-the-Go Essentials:
✅ Car seat bag (for rental cars)
✅ Baby carrier or travel stroller
✅ Wet bag (for swimsuits & sandy clothes)
Pro Tip: Leave the “just in case” items at home! You can always grab extra things at your destination if needed.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Beaches in Kona, Hawaii 🌊
If you’re planning a family trip to the Big Island, here are some of our go-to Keiki (kid-friendly) beaches in Kona.
- Kahalu’u Beach Park
Best for: Gentle waves & easy snorkeling
Why we love it: The calm, shallow water makes it perfect for little ones, and there’s tons of marine life to see. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for the rocky areas.
- Magic Sands Beach (La’aloa Beach)
Best for: Sandy shoreline & easy access
Why we love it: The waves can be bigger at times, but when it’s calm, it’s one of the best places to play in the sand and splash in the waves. There’s also a lifeguard on duty!
- Kukio Beach (Near Four Seasons Hualalai)
Best for: Quiet, secluded beach days
Why we love it: There are tide pools for kids to explore and plenty of shade from palm trees. It feels untouched and less crowded than other spots.
- Old Kona Airport Beach
Best for: Picnicking & playing
Why we love it: A long, beautiful stretch of sand with tons of space for kids to run around. It’s a great place to set up a beach day with a packed lunch and shade tent.
Travel is Worth It (Even When It’s Hard)
If you’ve been avoiding family travel because it seems overwhelming—start small, simplify, and go with the flow.
The goal isn’t a picture-perfect trip. It’s to create moments that your kids will look back on and remember forever.
Prefer a printable checklist for packing? Comment "list" and I'll send you mine!
So tell me—where’s your next family adventure? Drop it in the comments!
