Should I bring a travel stroller or a carrier?

If your child is under 3, bring a lightweight umbrella stroller for airports and a soft-structured carrier for sightseeing where cobblestones make strollers difficult.

How do I deal with medication?

Always keep prescription medication in the original bottles with the child's name, and keep them in your personal carry-on bag—never in checked luggage.

Packing for Travel With Children Without Overpacking

Stick to a strict one-suitcase-per-child rule and prioritize versatile layers over themed outfits. Use packing cubes to separate daily sets of clothes, and pack a dedicated 'emergency' carry-on with enough snacks and activities to survive an unexpected four-hour delay.

Create a capsule wardrobe. Pack 5 days of clothing regardless of trip length; you will do laundry once mid-trip. Stick to a color palette so every shirt matches every pair of pants.
Use the 'one-carry-on' rule for kids. Each child gets one backpack they carry themselves. Fill it with a tablet, one pair of headphones, two small fidget toys, and a reusable water bottle. No loose items allowed.
Consolidate toiletries. Do not bring full-sized bottles. Buy a travel-sized kit for each child containing tear-free shampoo, a toothbrush, and toddler-safe toothpaste. Keep these in a clear, liquid-compliant bag.
Plan for the 'oops' moment. Pack one full change of clothes (including socks) for every child in your personal item bag. Keep this separate from your luggage to prevent a mid-flight wardrobe emergency.

Should I bring a travel stroller or a carrier?: If your child is under 3, bring a lightweight umbrella stroller for airports and a soft-structured carrier for sightseeing where cobblestones make strollers difficult.
How do I deal with medication?: Always keep prescription medication in the original bottles with the child's name, and keep them in your personal carry-on bag—never in checked luggage.