We Get Around: Ten traveling tips with little tykes in tow

When planning a family trip to a city, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get around with kids. Packing is bad enough, what with multiple outfits, back-up outfits, snacks, drinks, strollers (or no strollers), entertainment for the kids, and fitting it all in a car. But don't worry!

I came up with this idea while we were traveling in Berlin. I felt like the Mr. and I were learning a bunch of things and came away from that trip with a better idea of getting around with children in tow. These tips are centered around the idea of traveling with kids in cities, but they can be adapted to travel to any destination.

Here are 10 tips that might be helpful for your next trip:

Before you go

1. Plan in advance. What sites do you want to see? Are there museums you'd like to visit? Any activities your kids would enjoy? Whatever you want to do on your trip, try to plan those things in advance. GoogleMaps is great at showing what landmarks, memorials, historic sites, museums, and other attractions are nearby. Try using Google, websites like TripAdvisor or VisitACity, and travel books to help plan where you will go and what you will do. If you plan to walk most places, try to find a hotel nearest to the attractions that interest you. Drop pins on GoogleMaps to see how long it will take to walk your route.

2. Remember the children. There are some attractions that are great for kids and others that aren't so great. Try fitting kid-friendly activities in with your adult activities. Maybe there's a park on your route where the kids can play before going to the next stop. Maybe there's an aquarium that your children will enjoy. On our trip to Berlin, the Mr. and I wanted to see mostly historic sites. Because of rain we were forced inside, and we chose an aquarium—the kids could be loud, walk around, and have a nice break from the more mundane adult stops. Some hotels now keep DVD players in their rooms, so tuck a few movies into your bag in case you need them for a rainy day or a break. Ask about a continental or breakfast buffet. Starting the day with a nice, full breakfast can go a long way with children.

3. If you need a crib, ask the hotel. Hotels sometimes have a limited number of cribs available, so be sure to ask for one when booking your room. While you're at it, you can find out what other kid-friendly things are at your hotel. Is there a pool attached? A play area? Our hotel in Berlin had a giant fish tank, so we would get the kids out of the room to check out the fish. It was something small, but just enough to break up the monotony.

4. Babywear or stroller? Depending on the city, it can be tough to use a stroller. If you're like my family, then you need a double stroller, which is more like a stretch limousine. We used a Graco Sit 'N Stand stroller in Berlin so that our oldest, A, could ride on the bench when she was tired. N, our middle child, rode in the front of the stroller for each outing. I wore Little T the entire time in an Ergo soft-structured carrier. You can use other options like hiking backpacks, ring slings, woven wraps, or a different brand of SSC. Whatever you use, be sure it will be suitable for your route. If you plan to use the subway or bus systems on your trip, a sit n stand-type stroller probably isn't the best option. Instead, you might want to opt for an umbrella stroller and a baby carrier. If the city is older, it may be bumpy and a stroller won't be the most comfortable ride. Baby carriers are easy to use depending which type you choose. If you are located in the United States, you can get more information from Babywearing International and find a group near you.

Once you're there

5. Set alarms on your phone. It's easy to get absorbed in your travels and forget what time it is. Be sure to set alarms on your phone to remind you when it's close to lunchtime, snack time, water breaks, etc. You'll also want to fit in nap time for the children. Some kids do great at sleeping in a stroller, but others don't. Plan accordingly based on your own child's needs. Kids tend to cry, get whiny, or complain when they're tired or hungry. Be ready to refuel as needed to help mitigate that behavior. We chose to break for lunch at outdoor locations so we didn't have to worry as much about how much noise the kids made.

6. Pack ALL THE SNACKS. Seriously, don't skimp on anything. First, your kids will need snacks in case you aren't near a place to eat. You can offer healthy snacks like yogurt or applesauce in a pouch, peanut butter crackers, dried fruit, or crackers. Second, you may find yourself at a memorial or location that has a more somber feel. The last thing you want is your kid screaming. Ply them with snacks. I kept lollipops and gummy bears for this reason (we called it our "break in case of emergency" stash). In addition to snacks, remember drinks. Choose water over anything else if you flew to your destination. Your kids will get dehydrated and thirsty just like you when flying. You can also pack juice boxes for a treat. 

7. Watch for signs that your kids have had enough. As much as you may want the trip to be for you and your spouse, you decided to bring your children along, too. It's only fair that their needs be just as important as yours. If you see they can't sit still any longer or are whiny despite taking naps and eating, it may be time to find something fun for them to do. For some kids, like mine, we had to get back to the hotel by about 3 or 4 p.m. Remember those DVDs you packed? Now might be a good time to put one in, and let your children lounge in the room.

8. Make memories. While you may have some more negative moments during your trip (tantrums, whining, crying, etc.), try to make special memories as a family. Friends of mine pack a "Selfie Stick" for their trips throughout Europe so they can preserve special memories of each destination. Take the time to go to a souvenir shop (even if it's in the hotel) so your kids can pick out a special present from their trip. Don't just take pictures of the things you see, but also of your kids. And moms, if you can be in the pictures too, that's all the better.

Heading home

9. Depart at a convenient time for the children (if you can). This isn't always easy if you're flying, especially if you're flying international. If you can, choose times that will be easier for your kids to handle. Maybe an early flight so they sleep. Maybe one toward the middle of the day when they would nap. Or maybe an overnight flight so they can sleep for most of it. (If your budget allows, I always recommend getting your children their own seats and bringing the carseats on the plane—especially if your kids sleep great in their carseats.) If you're driving, it may be best to leave early in the morning or at bedtime so your kids can sleep in the car, and you can even avoid some traffic.

  10. Have patience. This should pretty much fall under every. Single. Moment. Of the trip. But it's especially important when the anticipation is over, the trip is finished, and you're going back home. Younger kids are especially tired after all they've seen and done, even when they've had plenty of sleep. Try to be patient during this final portion of the trip. Ply the kids (again) with snacks, give them the tablet (if you have one) to help occupy them, and be lenient if they need to get out and stretch their legs or scream in their carseat. It'll be over soon.

Traveling with children isn't easy, but traveling together as a family should become a norm. The more you do it, the easier it becomes for your children. Remember that toys to keep them busy, snacks, and fun activities just for them can go a long way to keep your kids happy on your trip. Be mindful that you don't overdo it, and be prepared to wing it if needed. You may come up with a good itinerary, but it doesn't need to be permanent. Allow for some wiggle room. Most of all, try to enjoy it. Depending on your destination, there are so many amazing things to see. Things even your children will love. Do what you can and snap pictures of those little smiles. 

Happy traveling!