Guide to flying with kids: stress-free family travel

Traveling with toddlers or young kids often feels overwhelming, but when you prepare well, your family adventure becomes smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Whether you’re flying short distances or tackling a long-haul journey, these practical travel tips will help you navigate airports, planes, and destinations with confidence. From smart packing to calming meltdowns, here’s your essential guide to flying with kids.

1. Tire Out Toddlers Before the Flight

Let your kids burn off energy at the airport before boarding. Visit a children’s play area or soft play zone near your gate if your airport has one. Encourage running, climbing, and moving around to help them settle once you board. If play areas aren’t available, take brisk walks through the terminal or let them climb stairs to stay active.

2. Choose the Best Seats for Comfort and Convenience

Book the right seats to improve everyone’s comfort. On long-haul flights, grab seats in the middle section of the emergency exit row for extra space and easy bathroom access. Choose window seats to entertain kids with views during takeoff and landing.

3. Take Advantage of Early Boarding

Use early boarding to get your family settled without the crowd. Most airlines offer pre-boarding for families with young children. Use this time to stash carry-ons, set up car seats, and get kids comfortable before the aisles fill up. Ask staff politely for help with strollers or expedited security if needed.

4. Pack Smart and Light Without Skipping Essentials

Streamline your packing without sacrificing toddler must-haves. Borrow or rent bulky items like strollers and car seats at your destination to reduce your load. Pack plenty of diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and essentials in your carry-on. Use a multi-compartment “snackle box” filled with your child’s favorite treats to keep them busy and satisfied during the flight.

5. Manage Ear Pressure with Easy Solutions

Prevent ear pain during takeoff and landing. Offer your baby a pacifier or bottle. Give older toddlers something to chew—like a dissolvable lollipop or gum. Teach them to yawn or blow gently while pinching their nose. Use saline sprays if they have a stuffy nose to avoid added discomfort.

6. Bring Comfort Items and Entertainment

Create a travel “goodie bag” to keep kids entertained and comforted. Include familiar items like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, along with quiet toys, coloring books, child-friendly headphones, and a tablet loaded with shows or games. Bring an inflatable footrest or cushion to help them stretch out and rest comfortably.

7. Plan Flights and Stopovers Around Your Toddler’s Routine

Book night flights to align with your child’s sleep schedule and reduce jet lag. Plan stopovers carefully—choose longer layovers if they offer a chance to nap, eat, or play. When possible, adjust your toddler’s sleep routine a few days before travel to ease the transition.

8. Stay Flexible and Embrace the Chaos

Build flexibility into your travel plans. Avoid overloading your itinerary and allow time for snacks, bathroom breaks, or detours. Stay calm during tantrums and respond with patience. When you embrace the unpredictable moments, you create better experiences and lower everyone’s stress levels.

9. Use Family-Friendly Accommodations and Airlines

Book hotels or vacation rentals that cater to families. Look for places with high chairs, cribs, separate sleeping spaces, or kid-friendly amenities like pools and play areas. Fly with airlines known for family service—many offer toddler meals, in-flight entertainment packs, and helpful staff. Confirm stroller policies and bring travel accessories like seat extenders or portable beds to enhance comfort on board.

10. Travel with Extra Support

Bring friends, family, or a partner whenever possible. Shared childcare lightens your load and allows everyone a break. If you’re flying solo, ask airline or airport staff for help and plan to meet local support at your destination. A little assistance goes a long way.

Make Your Next Family Flight a Breeze

Flying with toddlers doesn’t have to feel like a mission. When you plan smart, pack efficiently, and stay adaptable, you make family travel easier and more fun. Whether it’s your child’s first flight or one of many, each journey creates lasting memories. Use these travel tips to keep your toddler happy and your stress levels low. You’ve got this—happy travels!

Check out these 8 family-friendly retreats in the Maldives for a summer holiday!

Feature Image: Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

This September, the Maldives raises a glass once again to Galician wine and sun-drenched celebrations as the Martín Códax Wine Gala returns to three COLOURS OF OBLU resorts. After a warmly received debut last year, the gala brings fresh energy, new vintages, and an expanded lineup of experiences, offering guests a vibrant, sensory journey that blends culture, cuisine, and community.

This time around, the second edition of the wine gala kicks off at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO on 31 August and 1 September, then moves to OBLU SELECT Sangeli on 3 and 4 September, and finally wraps up at the adults-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili on 6 and 7 September.

Nicolas Laguette, Director of Wines at Atmosphere Core, shares insight into what makes this year’s series even more exciting.

Experience-Led Evenings Bring Joy to the Forefront

To start, Laguette explains that the Martín Códax Wine Gala reflects the way today’s travellers seek authentic, one-of-a-kind moments.

“These aren’t formal tastings,” he says. “The OBLU Wine Galas are a total vibe. Think music, sun-kissed evenings, wine stories from Galicia, and an energy that’s just electric.”

In other words, he describes the event as “Spain’s soulful way of wining and dining – reimagined in paradise,” where guests enjoy good company and storytelling just as much as they enjoy the wine itself.

A New Vintage Adds to the Celebration

This year’s edition also introduces a standout: the Martín Códax Organistrum Albariño, a 2024 award-winning white wine made entirely from Albariño grapes. The winery named the wine after a medieval string instrument celebrated for its harmonious tones. According to Laguette, the wine reflects that same balance — “expressive, elegant, and absolutely divine with seafood.”

On top of that, guests will also get to meet Paula Lobato, the official brand ambassador of Bodegas Martín Códax, who will host the series across all three resorts.

“Her enthusiasm and knowledge will bring the entire experience to life – from grape to glass,” says Laguette.

Each Island Offers Its Own Gala Experience

Each COLOURS OF OBLU resort delivers a unique take on the celebration. While all events are paired thoughtfully with Martín Códax wines, the vibe, cuisine, and setting shift from island to island.

At Helengeli, guests enjoy a two-night experience: first, a progressive Indian feast at Raga Route, and then, a relaxed, barefoot beach dinner at Just Grill the next evening.
At Sangeli, the gala begins with a golden-hour soirée on One Banyan Island, followed by a multi-course, wine-paired dinner split across JustWok and Just Grill.
At Lobigili, often called the “island of love,” the experience takes a more intimate turn. Here, guests gather at Ylang Ylang for a globally inspired tasting menu paired with select wines. All designed to spark connection, romance, and quiet indulgence.

In short, no two gala nights are alike.

The Wines Come with a Story

Behind the scenes, COLOURS OF OBLU partnered with Bodegas Martín Códax after years of research, tastings, and value alignment. The winery, founded in 1985, takes its name from a medieval Galician troubadour who sang of love and coastal life.

Today, more than 600 families in Spain’s Rías Baixas region form the Martín Códax collective. They grow vines using the traditional emparrado trellising system, which lifts the vines off the ground to welcome the Atlantic breeze, a technique that, over time, shapes the bright, mineral-rich flavour of their wines.

According to Laguette, “We look for authenticity, strong family values, and expressive terroir-driven wines that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the Maldives. It’s a beautiful blend of time-honoured techniques and modern innovation that results in vibrant, unmistakably Galician wines.”

Guests of All Backgrounds Can Enjoy It

At its heart, the Martín Códax Wine Gala makes wine culture more approachable. Whether someone’s a wine enthusiast or just wine-curious, the format welcomes all.

“Wine is a universal language,” says Laguette. “When combined with great food, storytelling, music, and meaningful conversation, it becomes something unforgettable.”

More importantly, the gatherings go beyond wine appreciation, they focus on human connection.

“Our guests, our team, and our winemaking partners gather around the table with incredible food, wine stories, and laughter flowing just as freely as the vintages. It is island life, enriched.”

Complimentary for In-Resort Guests

As always, guests staying under COLOURS OF OBLU’s all-inclusive Holiday Plans can attend the Martín Códax Wine Gala at no additional cost. That said, seats fill quickly so advance reservations are highly recommended.

In Laguette’s words, “We’ll bring the wine and the wonder, you bring your appetite and a love for new experiences.”

Best Travel Tips for Flying with Toddlers and Young Kids