My Best Travel Tips For All

As I’ve shared with you, travel is a huge part of my life and something I was determined not to give up on even with kiddos. And so I haven’t! We are currently on an extended trip in Europe and I’m pretty sure at seven Navy has more stamps on her passport than I did at 20!

Over the years I’ve become a pro at traveling with little ones in tow – I know it can be stressful at times, so today I’m sharing my top tips for a smoother experience. As with most things kiddos, it’s not going to be the same as before, and it’s definitely not going to be perfect. But in my experience, it’s so worth it!

First, some general healthy travel tips for you, mama. Because when you are feeling good, it’s ten times easier to handle that mid-flight toddler tantrum or a running late Uber:

Robyn’s Healthy Travel Tips for All:

• Start each morning with lemon water to help wake up your digestive juices and detoxify the system. I have been known to travel with lemon in my suitcase. Not practical for you? Any room temp water will do. You could also add a greens pack (like this one) for an extra boost. 
• Get your steps in. It can be hard to exercise while traveling, but the easiest way to move your body is to walk, walk, walk. Not only will you get in some good movement, but you also get to see more of the city you’re in!
• Eat your probiotics! If you have a fridge where you’re going, I highly recommend heading to the health food store to pick up some sauerkraut or kimchi to eat with meals. I also always bring my favorite New Chapter All Flora Probiotic for a gut healthy kick wherever I am.
• Drink digestive tea. I love to throw ginger, peppermint, and nettle blends I have on hand in my bag for the plane, in the hotel, or wherever we may be. 
• Pack healthy snacks. The easiest options to pack are bars, nuts, protein powder packs, tuna (yes I am the weirdo eating tuna on a flight!), string cheese. I also love to pack my Pumpkin Muffins and apple slices!

Tips for Traveling with Kids:

• Let them pack their own backpack. This not only helps them get excited, but allows them to feel their own responsibility for the trip. Make sure they have their essentials like a jacket, but also their favorite toy.
• Let them run free. The more you can let them run around and play in the airport, at restops or in between travel legs the better. And movement is good for you too!
• Pack lots of activities for them to do, I recommend going to your local craft or dollar store versus the toy store. Interesting items such as popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and reusable containers (all depending on the age of your child) will give you the most amount of activity time for your buck. Plus, you won’t feel bad if you ditch the “toy” along the way.
• Plan as best as you can around nap and awake schedules. This can’t always be done, but it’s best when the bulk of your flight (or road trip) coincides with your child’s longer nap.

And perhaps most importantly, remember to BREATHE through it all! You’re way more likely to enjoy yourself if you take a moment to come back to self. Your kids (and anyone else) traveling with you will also feel that too. 

I hope these tips help you with your next trip! And if you use one of these tips, I’d love to see it. Post a photo on social media and make sure to tag me @robynyoukilis and we can continue to inspire each other!

Xoo,

Robyn