What’s the Best Age to Travel With Kids? Real Talk for Moms

Is There Really a “Best” Age to Travel With Kids?

You’ve probably typed it into Google—maybe more than once:
“What’s the best age to travel with kids?”
“At what age does traveling with kids become enjoyable?”

As a mom of twins who took their first flight at just 4 months old—and have since been on over 55 trips to 10+ countries—I’ve lived through the blowouts, the toddler meltdowns, and the impatient first graders asking “Are we there yet?” from the gate.

So here’s the truth: there isn’t one perfect age. But there is an ideal mindset—and a way to plan smarter based on your child’s age and stage.

In this post, I’m breaking down what you can realistically expect when traveling with kids at different ages, what types of trips work best for each stage, and my honest opinion on when traveling with kids actually starts to feel fun (spoiler: it’s once they’re old enough to carry their own suitcase).

If you’re wondering when it gets easier—or even just doable—you’re in the right place.

What to Expect
Babies are surprisingly adaptable travel companions. They mostly eat, sleep, and go with the flow, which is a dream once you’re at your destination. The real challenge comes in the prep. Blowouts, feeding schedules, and nap timing can make you feel like you’re playing airport Tetris, but if you’re mentally ready for it, it’s totally doable.

One unexpected perk? People love helping moms with babies, especially in other countries. I’ve gotten some of the best local tips just because someone saw me juggling two tiny humans and decided to give me a hand (or a shortcut).

Wondering how to get your mind right before that first trip? Grab my Mindset Checklist to help you feel confident and prepared before you even start packing.

What to Watch Out For
Overpacking is probably the biggest trap. You don’t need to check the whole nursery just to feel prepared. Focus on the items you’ll actually use: diapers, wipes, food, a baby carrier, and backup clothes. For in-flight emergencies (like blowouts—I promise they will happen), I swear by my doggy pad trick (packing a doggy pad in your changing kit so you always have a clean place to change and can easily dispose of soiled items).

And finally, never check all your backup supplies. I learned this the hard way during a solo trip with my twins. Our evening flight was delayed for hours and then eventually canceled. We had to stay overnight in the airport hotel. Luckily, I had extra formula in my carry-on, or that night could’ve been a whole different kind of story.

And if you’re not sure what you’re allowed to bring through airport security with a baby, the TSA has a helpful resource on Traveling With Children that breaks it all down—formula, milk, gear, and all.

Traveling With Toddlers (1–3 Years): The Unpredictable Years

What to Expect
Toddlers bring the drama and the magic. They’re walking, talking, and full of opinions—but they’re still very much in that in-between stage where they need a lot of support (and stuff). Diapers, snacks, car seats, strollers, and the occasional tantrum are part of the deal. That said, toddlers are also wide-eyed and curious about everything. Traveling with them can be exhausting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see their face light up at something as simple as feeding llamas in Peru.

We actually took our twins to Thailand just after they turned one. At that point, it was already their third country, and they had been on more than a handful of flights. So yes, international toddler travel is totally possible, especially if your little one already has some travel experience under their belt.

In my experience, the key to toddler travel isn’t about sticking to rigid routines. My twins napped when they needed to—even if that was in a stroller, carrier, or on a long bus ride. What mattered more was not overloading the day. You and your toddler will need breaks.

What Works Best

• Nature-based destinations where they can run around freely
• Play-focused trips like family-friendly resort towns
• Short, direct flights if it’s your first trip with a toddler
• Trips with built-in downtime, like pools or outdoor space

Check out my Toddler Travel Essentials Checklist to simplify your packing and avoid overstuffed bags.

What to Watch Out For
Don’t overschedule. Toddlers need space to recharge—and so do you. Start simple and local if you’re just testing the travel waters, and gradually work your way up to longer adventures.

Traveling With Preschoolers (4–5 Years): Independent, Curious, and Still Flexible

What to Expect
Preschoolers are the start of the travel glow-up. They’re more independent than toddlers, but still flexible and easygoing in a way that’s hard to replicate once school starts. They can follow instructions, handle small tasks like pulling a suitcase, and really start to enjoy the journey—not just the destination.

When our twins were four, we took them to Hawaii, and it was one of those trips that reminded me just how far we’d come. Whether we were chilling at the beach or chasing waterfalls, they were all in. No nap drama, no major meltdowns—just two little travelers soaking it all in.

Another perk of this age? You usually have more flexibility with school schedules. Preschool and pre-K aren’t mandatory in most places, so kids can often miss days without penalty. Of course, always check with your child’s program—but chances are, you’ll have more freedom to travel outside of peak season. And traveling off-season? That means fewer crowds and more affordable flights and accommodations. A total win.

What Works Best

• Beach vacations with plenty of space to play
• International or domestic getaways with kid-friendly highlights
• Short day trips within a longer stay
• Hotels or cruises with kids’ clubs for built-in fun and some you-time

You can take preschoolers to museums or cultural sites—just make sure to balance it with something fun for them, like a playground stop or a sweet treat.

Traveling With Early Elementary Kids (6–7 Years): When Travel Gets Fun—and Pricey

What to Expect
This is the stage where things really start to click. They’re more structured thanks to school, but also more capable and curious. My twins are now in first grade, and they travel better than most adults. They carry their own bags, give input on where we go, and genuinely look forward to exploring.

They’ve developed preferences too, which means trip planning becomes a collaboration. And now that they’re finally tall enough, more activities open up—waterslides, ropes courses, and excursions that used to be “off limits” suddenly become part of the fun.

What Works Best

• Trips with variety—a mix of exploration, learning, and rest
• Letting them help plan to keep them engaged
• Educational adventures that feel fun
• Tours or experiences where adults and kids can participate together

What to Watch Out For
At this age, travel gets more enjoyable—but more expensive. Many places charge full price after age six, and school schedules limit your ability to snag those off-season deals. But the payoff? They’ll remember everything. These are the years when travel starts planting those core memory seeds.

At What Age Does Traveling With Kids Become Enjoyable?

Let’s be honest: travel with kids always comes with something. Someone’s hungry, someone needs the bathroom, and someone (probably you) is carrying way more than expected. But there is a shift that happens, and in my experience, it starts around age six.

They become more independent, more helpful, and genuinely excited. You’re not just surviving the trip anymore—you’re experiencing it with them. And while it gets more expensive, it’s also more fulfilling.

And speaking of packing lighter, if you’re looking to simplify what you bring, check out my Minimalist Packing Tips to help you travel smart without the bulk.

So if you’re wondering when the fun starts to outweigh the chaos, this is it.