Traveling with toddlers seems like a difficult task, but it’s definitely possible to have a fabulous time if you follow a few tips, and plan in advance.  We’ve flown with our children on vacation a variety of times, and while it’s never perfect, we have definitely learned a few essential lessons that we now follow.

Here are my tips for making a trip with young ones a success!

1. Plan your departure and arrival times appropriately.  Try not to leave too early in the morning, or too late at night.  For my family, naptime is a great time to travel.
2. If you are flying, try to find the optimal flight pattern for your kids.  Flying cross country, I thought a stopover would be best for our daughter, who would be able to run around and get her energy out.  However, looking back, I think I would have preferred a direct flight.
3. Be flexible.  Remember that your child may need some time to warm up to the new location, so be prepared to switch around some of your plans.
4. Have a rainy-day activity planned, if necessary.  We went to Phoenix with our daughter, where it is never supposed to rain, and ended up with three days of constant downpours.
5. Remember to pack everything you need in your carry-on bag, if you are flying.  My potty trained daughter absolutely refused to use the airplane bathroom (it’s kind of scary, if you think about it), and thankfully, we had a few emergency pull-ups packed.
6. Have fun!  Even if it’s not the trip you dreamed of, having some uninterrupted time with the kids is absolutely priceless!

Do you have any tips to share?  Post them in the comments!