Spring Break Survival Guide for Moms: How I Travel with 3 Kids (and Still Enjoy It)

Spring break is right around the corner, and the kids are growing so fast, it’s important we soak up these family vacation memories. But lets be honest, the excitement of planning a family getaway comes with a healthy dose of stress. a mom of three (ages 14, 11, and 9), I’ve learned a thing or two about how to prep for a vacation that keeps everyone happy (including me).Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere in between, here’s my go-to spring break prep checklist for traveling with kids—and actually enjoying it.

Plan Early, Stress Less

Booking flights, accommodations, and activities early saves you time and money—especially when you’re a party of five. I like to create a shared Google Doc where I map out our itinerary, travel confirmations, and must-do experiences so I’m not scrambling last minute.

Pro tip: Book activities that allow flexibility. With kids, you will need wiggle room, especially if they’re young.

Pack Smart with a Family Packing System

If you are sharing suitcases, I swear by using color-coded packing cubes for each family member. It keeps our suitcases organized and saves me from digging through everyone’s clothes at 10pm looking for pajamas. Recently, we’ve purchased carry-on luggage for each kid, that fits (just about) all of their items for the week. It keeps everyone’s clothes separated and alleviates any fighting of anyone messing up another’s packing system.

Here’s what we always include:

• Lightweight layers (spring weather can be unpredictable)

• Reusable water bottles

• Healthy snacks (bonus points for protein-rich options)

• A mini first-aid kit (because someone always ends up with a scrape)

Snacks Save the Day

Never underestimate the power of snacks. I pack a cooler for road trips or fill a carry-on with non-perishables like:

• My signature Chocolate Chip Protein muffins

• Trail mix

• Fruit (grapes, clementines, apples)

• Peanut butter & honey sandwiches

Avoiding hangry kids = next-level mom win.

Entertainment Is Everything

Long drives or flights can get chaotic fast. Each of my kids gets a backpack filled with:

• Books or graphic novels

• Tablets pre-loaded with movies or games

• A small notebook and pens or travel-friendly games

I also bring a few of our favorite family games we can play together at the hotel or Airbnb.

Give Older Kids Some Ownership

My 14-year-old is great at helping wrangle the younger two. I also let each child pick one activity they really want to do on the trip, it gives them something to look forward to and makes them feel involved in the planning.

Leave Room for Spontaneity

I used to over-plan every minute, but now I build in “free time” where we can go with the flow. Whether it’s an afternoon beach walk or an unexpected detour to a local ice cream shop, those unplanned moments often turn into our favorite memories. At least one of the days my husband and I try to get up super early and enjoy our cup of coffee watching the sunrise.

Prep for the Re-entry

Coming back from spring break can feel like hitting a brick wall. I always do a few things before we leave:

• Order groceries for delivery the day we return

• Lay out school clothes and backpacks

• Leave the house in order (clean kitchen, all laundry done, etc.)

• Build in one “reset day” if possible

Spring break as a family of five isn’t always sunshine and smooth flights, but it’s worth every minute. With a little planning, a lot of snacks, and the right mindset, you can make it a trip to remember (and survive the journey too).

It seems like just yesterday we were enjoying vacation with toddlers and babies, we blinked and now we’re in the teen/tween era. These are the moments we remember—the sand between our toes, the belly laughs at dinner, the epic sibling karaoke battle in the back seat.