Traveling with children is an exciting way to explore the world together, but it can also disrupt their regular routines, leading to tiredness or fussiness along the way. While it’s important to embrace the spontaneity of a new place, keeping certain routines can help children feel grounded and make the experience smoother for everyone. Maintaining familiar patterns during travel can provide comfort, reduce stress, and ensure everyone enjoys the adventure.

Here are some tips on which routines to keep and how to balance them with the fun of exploring new destinations.

1. Stick to Bedtime Rituals

Travel often means different time zones and schedules, which can throw off children’s sleep patterns. While adjusting to local time is important, you can still keep some familiar elements of your child’s bedtime routine to help them settle down more easily.

What to Do:

• Bring a favorite bedtime book or stuffed toy: Reading the same story or cuddling with a beloved toy can make bedtime feel more familiar.
• Follow your usual wind-down activities: Whether it’s brushing teeth, singing a lullaby, or having quiet time before bed, try to maintain your typical routine.
• Use familiar sleep aids: If your child is used to a nightlight, white noise, or a special blanket, pack it with you to recreate the same sleep environment.

Why It Helps:
Keeping bedtime rituals consistent provides a sense of security, helping children fall asleep more easily even in an unfamiliar setting.

2. Maintain Regular Mealtimes

Traveling can mean different meal times or eating foods that aren’t part of your child’s usual diet. While trying new foods is one of the joys of travel, keeping meals at similar times to what your child is used to can help maintain their energy levels and prevent crankiness.

What to Do:

• Pack familiar snacks: Bringing some of your child’s favorite snacks can bridge the gap between local mealtimes and keep hunger at bay.
• Stick to regular meal times whenever possible: If your child is used to eating lunch around noon, aim for meals close to that time to avoid disrupting their appetite.
• Blend new foods with familiar favorites: If your child is a picky eater, mix local dishes with foods they already enjoy to make mealtimes easier.

Why It Helps:
Consistent mealtimes help regulate your child’s hunger and mood, keeping them happy and energized throughout the day.

3. Incorporate Naptime or Quiet Time

Traveling can be exhausting for children, with all the new sights, sounds, and activities. If your child still takes naps or has quiet time during the day, try to incorporate it into your travel schedule. This downtime helps them recharge and reduces the risk of meltdowns.

What to Do:

• Plan for downtime during busy days: Schedule quiet time or naps after morning activities before you head out for the afternoon.
• Use a stroller or carrier for naps on the go: If there’s no time for a dedicated nap, a stroller or carrier can be a great way for younger children to rest while you explore.
• Create a calm space: If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, designate a cozy corner with a blanket or favorite toy for quiet time.

Why It Helps:
Ensuring your child gets enough rest during travel keeps them refreshed and able to fully enjoy each day.

4. Follow Morning and Evening Routines

Children thrive on predictability, so keeping simple morning and evening routines can help them feel secure. This can include activities like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or having a special breakfast ritual.

What to Do:

• Start the day the same way: If your child is used to a certain morning routine, like getting dressed before breakfast, try to follow it even while traveling.
• End the day with a familiar routine: Maintain your usual steps before bed, such as changing into pajamas and brushing teeth, even if bedtime is a bit later than usual.
• Involve your child in packing a “routine bag”: Let them choose some of their favorite items, such as their toothbrush or favorite pajamas, to bring along.

Why It Helps:
Keeping small parts of daily routines consistent helps children transition smoothly from one activity to another, even in a different environment.

5. Mix Routine with Adventure

While maintaining certain routines is helpful, it’s also important to embrace the excitement and uniqueness of travel. Combining familiar patterns with new experiences can make the trip even more enjoyable for your child.

What to Do:

• Plan a mix of structured and spontaneous activities: Schedule one or two activities each day, leaving room for spontaneous exploration or downtime.
• Introduce local customs as part of the routine: Make trying a new food or visiting a local park part of the day’s plan, treating it like a fun routine.
• Encourage flexibility: While sticking to some routines, explain that it’s okay to do things a bit differently during the trip. This helps children learn to adapt while still feeling grounded.

Why It Helps:
Balancing familiar routines with new experiences gives children a sense of stability while also helping them grow and adapt to new situations.

Traveling with children doesn’t mean you have to abandon all routines. In fact, keeping certain routines can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. Whether it’s maintaining a bedtime ritual, sticking to regular meal times, or scheduling downtime, these familiar activities provide comfort amidst the excitement of new places.

Remember, the goal is to make the trip fun while also meeting your child’s needs. By keeping a few routines and blending them with the adventure of travel, you can create an experience that’s both memorable and manageable.