There is no shortage of advice about traveling with babies and toddlers. You can read endlessly about packing lists, sleep schedules and snack strategies.
But once your kids reach that older kid or “tween” stage, around age 9 and up, travel changes a lot!
I actually think in many ways it gets easier. No more worrying about strollers, naps and car seats.
But it can also feel more complicated. Their personalities are stronger now and their opinions are clearer. Their likes and dislikes matter more than ever. They are not quite teens but also not children.
So how do you plan a family vacation where everyone actually has a good time?
These 8 travel tips for families with older kids will help you plan trips your tweens enjoy, remember and want to keep doing with you!
Why Traveling With Older Kids Feels Different
Older kids want independence but they still need structure.
They want adventure but they also want comfort.
They want to be involved and not just told where to go.
This age is a sweet spot for family travel because they can walk farther, learn more and truly understand what they are seeing.
The key is planning with them, not just for them.
Tip 1: Help Them Learn About the Destination Before You Go
One of the best travel tips for families with older kids is simple.
Get them curious before you arrive by having your kids read about the destination. Not just what to do there, but why it matters.
History, stories and context make a place come alive.
When we visited Malta, we wanted our kids to understand why it felt different. So we talked about how Malta was the most bombed country during World War II.
When we arrived, we took them to see a church called the Mosta Dome where a bomb came through the roof but never exploded.
You can still see the patched hole in the ceiling. There’s even a replica of the bomb inside.
Suddenly, it wasn’t “just another church.” It meant something.
That small bit of knowledge changed how they experienced the entire visit.
We’ve had the most success when books are shorter and have lots of pictures. National Geographic has some great books, everything from a National Parks Guide to the Statue of Liberty.
Heading to Europe? Lonely Planet has some really fun guides to places like Rome, London and Paris
Tip 2: Watch Movies Set in the Place You’re Visiting
Movies are an easy way to build excitement. They don’t even have to be educational, they just have to spark interest.
Before our trip to Hawaii, we watched Finding ‘Ohana together. It was fun and adventurous. It helped the kids picture what the trip might feel like.
Now when we travel, the destination already feels familiar to them.
Check out Amazon Prime Video for a great selection
Tip 3: Let Them Choose Between a Few Activities
As kids get older, they like to have more of a say but too many choices can feel overwhelming.
Instead, offer two or three activity options and let them choose their favourite.
Like when we travelled to Costa Rica, there were so many adventure activities options in La Fortuna. Things like ziplining, river rafting and ATV rentals.
Our kids chose the ATV ride. Because they picked it, they were all in.
This is one of the most effective travel tips for families with older kids. Ownership matters at this age.
Tip 4: Split Up for Breakfast Sometimes
Sharing a hotel room as a family can be a lot, especially in the morning.
One child wants to sleep in, another is starving. Someone needs quiet, someone else doesn’t.
Splitting up for breakfast can make a huge difference.
One parent takes one child out early while the other stays back or goes later.
It gives everyone space and it creates natural one-on-one time.
Most of the time we would only do this if we have a hotel that provides so we’re not headed too far.
Tip 5: Don’t Force Them to Love Everything You Love
This one takes practice. Your kids don’t need to think everything is amazing just because you do.
I love sunsets and always stop to take photos.
When we were in Costa Rica, I wanted pictures every night of the sunset over the beach. It was just so beautiful.
My kids? They were playing in the sand or asking when we were going to eat.
And that’s okay. All we can do is point it out and invite them in. They do appreciate it, but in their own way for their own amount of time.
That’s part of traveling with older kids.
Tip 6: Bring the Screens, but Use Them Intentionally
Screens are part of life these days. When used intentionally, they can actually help.
We save screens for downtime. That might mean:
- Resting at the hotel
- Getting out of the sun
- Recharging between activities
This is when it’s fine to let them play games or watch a show.
Travel days are different though. Those are unlimited screen time days. It keeps everyone calmer and more patient.
Balance matters. There’s time for screens and time for being together.
Here are some of our favourite products all available on Amazon:
Headphones– So many to choose from ranging in price ranges for every budget.
Tablet– We have the Amazon Fire Tablets. They are so affordable and have tons of games and tv streaming apps available for download.
Tip 7: Book a Hotel With a Pool (and a Gym)
Older kids need to move. Especially when you’re all sharing a small space.
We always try to book a hotel with a pool. Even a small one makes a difference.
Ending the day with a swim helps everyone unwind.
And for kids who are into fitness, a hotel gym is a bonus.
It gives them independence and a sense of routine in a new place.
When we’re looking for hotels with pools or family-friendly amenities, we usually filter for those features first to avoid disappointment after check-in. Our favourite website for booking hotels is Expedia or Booking.com
Tip 8: Let Them Pack, But Have Them Carry It
Let your kids pack their own bags. I think it builds responsibility!
But here’s the rule: whatever they pack, they carry.
This quickly cuts down on unnecessary items.
Plus I still do a quick check just to make sure they have enough clothes and the right clothes for the destination
When my son was eight, he packed about six stuffed animals into his carry-on backpack. Lesson learned for both of us!
A lightweight rolling suitcase makes it easier for older kids to manage their own stuff and avoids mid-airport disasters! These ones from Rockport are a great size and have so many designs
Packing cubes are also great to help keep cases organised. These ones on Amazon come in lots of different colours
Final Thoughts on Traveling With Older Kids
Traveling with tweens looks different than traveling with younger kids. But it can also be incredibly rewarding.
They’re old enough to understand the world and young enough to still want to explore it with you.
With the right planning and a little flexibility, a family trip becomes something you share, not something you push through.
Sometimes, in the middle of all the logistics, you realize you’re building memories they’ll carry long after the trip ends.
And that part makes it all worth it.
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