Why Long-Haul Travel With Kids Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare
Let’s face it—flying halfway across the world with young children is no easy feat. Between keeping them entertained, managing jet lag, and surviving airport security with a stroller, long-haul travel can feel more like a mission than a vacation.
But with the right preparation (and a few travel tricks up your sleeve), it is possible to make the journey enjoyable—for everyone. Whether you’re visiting family, heading off on a holiday, or relocating abroad, here’s your ultimate guide to stress-free long-haul travel with kids.
Need age-appropriate entertainment kits that make travel easier? Explore our Travel Activity Packs built for 1–2, 2–3, and 4–5-year-olds.
1. Smart Packing Starts with the Right Travel Kit
The golden rule of traveling with kids: overpack entertainment, underpack stress.
Start with a ready-to-go travel activity pack designed for your child’s age. These kits come filled with quiet, mess-free, and engaging toys tailored to keep little hands and minds busy for hours.
✨ Top Picks:
Looking for something with even more flexibility? Our Little Ones Happy Kit is a bestseller for good reason.
2. Screen-Free Activities That Actually Work at 30,000 Feet
Sure, the tablet will come out eventually—but you’ll thank yourself for having screen-free options that keep your child calm and focused during takeoff, meals, or downtime.
🎨 Try These Parent-Approved Favourites:
- Mini Scratch Art Books – perfect for tray tables
- Wipe-Clean Activity Pads – reusable and educational
- Hey Clay Mini Sets – tactile, sensory, and totally screen-free
- Sticker Books – great for creativity and quiet time
Browse our curated Top-Up Collection to build your own distraction toolkit.
3. Create a Travel Routine (Even If It’s Not Perfect)
Kids thrive on predictability—even in unfamiliar environments. Try to create a mini travel routine on the plane:
- Snacks and stories after boarding
- Quiet time activities after meals
- A “bedtime” routine with their favourite toy and book
Tip: Bring something familiar from home, like a small blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel secure.
4. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Snacks and Surprises
A tired, hungry child is no one’s idea of fun travel. Pack a variety of snacks (ideally ones that don’t crumble or melt!) and surprise mini gifts for mid-flight meltdowns.
💡 Idea: Wrap small toys from our Girls and Boys collections and hand them out as needed.
5. Quick Packing Checklist for Long Flights
Here’s a tried-and-tested checklist for what to pack in your carry-on for a long-haul flight:
| Item | Why It Helps |
| Travel Activity Pack | Pre-packed entertainment, age-appropriate |
| Wipe-Clean Activity Book | Reusable and educational |
| Scratch Art Mini Book | Mess-free creative fun |
| Clay Mini Set or Fidget Toy | Tactile and calming |
| Surprise Toy or Add-On | Great for reward moments |
6. Make Memories, Not Mayhem
At the end of the day, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Long flights are tough for little ones, but they’re also full of moments you’ll remember: their joy when opening a new toy, their focus while crafting with clay, the giggles over a sticker sheet.
Let our travel-friendly toys help make those moments calm, joyful, and stress-free.
💼 Planning your next trip? A dedicated Travel Essentials for Kids landing page is coming soon, filled with handpicked kits and accessories for stress-free journeys.
For more travel inspiration, don’t miss our blog: Travelling This Winter Back Home?
