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If heading out of town with baby sounds like a lot of work, and you’re worried you’ll forget something, you’re not alone. But, weekend travel with your little one doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve got some great tips to get you on the road quickly, so you can maximize your family time.


Even though a weekend getaway is a short experience, it’s a great way to disconnect and make a few new memories with your little one(s).


Here are 9 helpful suggestions to make weekend travel with baby easier and more doable.

1. Think minimally

Minimalism is having a moment, and for good reason. Minimalism puts the emphasis on quality rather than quantity. So pick a carry-on that doubles as a diaper bag or a baby carrier that replaces the need for a stroller. Less packing = happier traveling!

2. Live like a local

Where do local families eat? What local activities and sights are there for kids to enjoy? A quick Google search can reveal loads of fun weekend travel activities for families at your destination. Local parent and family bloggers are passionate experts about life with kiddos—take advantage of their knowledge!

Pro tip: Make sure to have your cell phone location services turned on so Google can recommend activities, places, and restaurants close by.

3. Sleep like a baby

Whether you choose to stay in an Airbnb, a hotel, or at a relative’s house, a homelike environment can help you maintain important and familiar schedules. Sticking to regular mealtime, bath time, and bedtime routines can be comforting for your little one and can help them process the other new and exciting experiences that come with weekend travel. In a homelike setting, you can tuck your little one into bed and enjoy some rest and relaxation for yourself.

4. Rent baby gear

It’s relatively new and it’s reinventing the way families travel. Rent the gear you need to keep baby safe and happy when you’re away from home. Just like adults, little ones sleep better at home, in the comfort of their own bed. When you’re away from home, a full-size crib rental can help your baby get the sleep they need—which means you sleep better too!

There’s no need to lug a stroller or pack ‘n play through the airport or jam it into your trunk—you can rent everything instead. Highchairs, changing pads, toy packages, and even diapers can be ready and waiting for you at your destination. You can rent a wide variety of all the baby things you need from a BabyQuip Independent Quality Provider. Surprise your kids with a fun customized toy package!

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5. Pre-book everything you can

Your flights and/or lodging are typically already booked in advance, but your pre-booking shouldn’t end there. Rental cars/shuttles, baby gear, dinner reservations, sightseeing tours, private guides, and tickets for museums, theme parks, and events should all be booked prior to your weekend travel.


Anything you can book ahead of time for your weekend travel is one less thing you have to worry about while trying to keep your whole family fed, amused, and happy on your short trip.

6. Explain the trip

Be sure to include your children in the weekend travel planning process and give them plenty of information about your weekend trip. Encourage them to ask questions in advance so they understand expectations. This applies to children of all ages. Introducing kids to the trip ahead of time is especially important for first-time travelers—no matter how short the trip.


Children tend to get stressed and uncomfortable when they don’t understand what is going on. This may look like a child being extra clingy or crying for no reason. Do your best to discuss the weekend travel trip with them and help them understand what’s happening before your adventure begins.


Explaining the trip can include telling them what they can expect at the airport, on the plane, in the car, or once they arrive at your destination.


Take this opportunity to go over your expectations for their behavior throughout the trip. Detail how they should act on planes, in hotels, and on tours. Once your children understand what’s going on, they are less likely to act out while you’re trying to take care of travel logistics. They will be happier, more comfortable, and excited about what’s coming next.

7. Snacks

This may be the most important piece of information in this post. Always, always, always have travel snacks on hand. Have snacks for the kids, snacks for you, and snacks for your partner. Being hangry can turn a fun family trip into a miserable experience in a matter of minutes.


You never know when the time between meals will get extended. It could be a delayed flight, unexpected traffic getting to your hotel, or a tour that takes a bit longer than you thought it would. The food at your destination may be quite different than what your kids usually eat. It doesn’t hurt to have snacks for you and other adults traveling with you as well.


Adults can get just as hangry as kids can. Having a few small and easily transportable snacks with you at all times can keep everyone happy until you can refuel.

8. Bring basic medicines & prescriptions

It’s always a good idea to take a few over-the-counter medications your family might need while traveling—even if you’re only planning to be gone for a few days. It’s wise to always have something for headaches, earaches, stomach aches, allergies, motion sickness, etc. If anyone in your family is taking prescription medication, be sure to bring it along.


Whenever possible, take your medications in their original packaging, especially prescription medications. If you can’t take the original package, take a copy of the prescription from your doctor so you can show exactly what your prescription is if necessary.


One of the easiest ways to ruin a day of your weekend travel plans or possibly an entire trip is to have a family member not feeling well. It can be even worse if the whole family gets sick. Whether someone has an upset stomach from the windy road to your beach destination, or your allergies are kicking in from the new surroundings, you’ll want to be prepared to make the sick family member feel better as quickly as possible.

9. Pack comfortable headphones

Finding a pair of headphones that fit your child’s ears and are comfortable for long periods of time is something you should do well before your trip. Purchase them in advance and have your child try them out before your travel.


It may take trying multiple pairs before you find the right fit for your child’s head and ears. Keep in mind that they may be wearing them with a headrest in the way. Whether they’re watching in-flight movies, playing games on their electronics in the back of the car, or listening to music as they try to fall asleep, a comfortable set of headphones that keeps their sound private will make your kids and everyone around them happier.


Never rely on the airline to provide headphones that will be comfortable for your kids. Bus rides, train rides, or even quiet time at your hotel are great times for your child to listen to music with their headphones too.

What other tips do you have for weekend travel for families? Let us know in the comments below!