TRAVELLING WITH KIDS | FROM THE FOUNDER
Travelling with young children can seem daunting, but with the right expectations and a bit of flexibility, it doesn't have to be! As a parent of two young boys and the founder of portier, I've navigated the ups and downs of family travel firsthand. From beachside getaways to exploring new cultures, I've learned that with a go-with-the-flow attitude and some thoughtful preparation, traveling with kids can be enjoyable.
I'm sharing my personal approach to planning trips with young children, how we navigate naps and eating out, and the travel essentials that make our journeys smoother. I’ll also dive into my go-to wardrobe picks for versatility and style while travelling, along with some advice for parents who might be hesitant about getting on a plane with little ones. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting to explore the world with your kids, I hope this insight helps you feel more confident in planning your next family adventure.
How do you approach planning trips with two young children?
We tend to favour beach destinations when planning our trips. Given the age of our children, they’re happiest at the beach, and it allows us to truly slow down and get into the holiday vibe. While I’m not typically much of a planner, I do spend considerable time researching accommodation to ensure we choose the perfect place to stay. I believe that where you stay can significantly impact your holiday experience—from the quality of service and the comfort of the beds to the location and proximity to amenities. That’s why this aspect of planning is so important to me, and I invest the most time in getting it right.
Once our accommodation is confirmed, usually about 2-3 weeks before a beach trip, I start assessing what the kids will need and reviewing their closets. Have they outgrown their swimsuits and t-shirts? I’ll order any necessary items, so they arrive in time. The week before the trip, I begin thinking about activities and books for the plane. I typically end up packing for myself and the kids the day before we leave, but I don’t stress too much about it—there are very few things you might forget that you can’t find at your destination.
How do you structure your days on holiday with realistic expectations of kids' naps and early dinners?
We tend to be very go-with-the-flow on vacation and avoid over-scheduling ourselves, as it’s not relaxing for us or the kids. Trying to plan our days strictly around naps takes the fun out of the trip for me, so we prefer to keep things flexible. Our youngest still naps, and while we’ll return to the hotel for a nap if it’s convenient, we’re perfectly happy letting him sleep in the car, in a pram under a beach umbrella or shady tree if we’re out and about.
When it comes to early dinners, we do try to stick to a routine. If the kids get hungry after a long day at the beach, things can quickly take a turn for the worse. We’ll often grab something for them as we’re leaving the beach or order room service back at the hotel. Once the kids are showered and fed, we can then head out. James and I can enjoy our meal without worrying about whether they’ve eaten.
How do you choose accommodations that work for your family?
When choosing accommodations, I always prioritize finding a space with a separate sleeping area for my youngest. Ideally, this means a bedroom with a door, but if that's not available, a bathroom large enough for a cot can work.
Depending on the length of our stay, I also look for a kitchenette so I can easily prepare food and snacks for the boys, along with easy access to the beach.
Examples of some of our go to’s are In Mykonos, Mykonos Blanc for shorter stays, and Leonis Summer Houses if we're staying for more than five nights. For short stays in Noosa, we prefer Tingarana, and for longer visits, Noosa Harbour Resort is our top choice.
What are your must-haves when packing for a family trip?
Honestly, I don’t overthink packing. I pack based on the length of our stay. I find beach holidays super easy to pack for. The boys live in swim-shorts during the day, so it’s just t-shirts and shorts for evenings.
For myself, I have this little organisation hack of putting whatever I can on hangers and then laying them flat on top of my suitcase before zipping it up. That way when I arrive at my destination, I simply open my suitcase and hang my clothes. Also very easy to pack down too. I love it and I’ve been doing it for years.
What is your Top 3 travel essentials for travelling with kids?
When traveling with kids, having the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are my top three must-haves:
This ultra-lightweight and compact buggy is a lifesaver for traveling. I use this pram as its lightweight, is easy to manoeuvre and folds down effortlessly with one hand. It also lays down flat which is crucial for naps on the go while out and about.
My go-to carrier for on-the-go parenting. Even though maxim has just turned 2, he is still under the maximum weight limit, and I struggle to fly without it. It allows me to easily put him to sleep on the plane and carry him through the airport whilst needing my hands free. Plus, its chic design makes it a seamless addition to any outfit.
Glow Dreaming Travel Sleep Easy
The boys have one of these in each of their rooms at home, so having a familiar comfort in an unfamiliar environment when travelling is helpful. If the boys are well rested it sets us up for a great day. Ensuring they get proper rest while traveling is crucial. It also has a night light and white noise, so it blocks out sound if the little one is sleeping while we are all still awake.
What are your go-to wardrobe essentials offering versatility, comfort, and style?
When it comes to fashion, I always lean towards pieces that are versatile, stylish, and effortlessly chic—
Here are my must-have’s:
Miu Miu
SHOP NOW at Monday Swimwear
SHOP NOW at Department of Beaufort
SHOP NOW at Sir the Label
SHOP NOW at Christopher Esber
SHOP NOW at Sir the Label
What is your advice for other parents who are nervous about traveling with young kids?
If you go into it with realistic expectations about what your days will look like and avoid over-scheduling, you’ll be fine. There will be challenging days, just like at home, but remember—you’re just parenting in a different location. The key is to go with the flow and make the most of the moments when everything falls into place. There’s no perfect formula, but if you roll with it, you’ll have an amazing time.
What do you hope your children gain from traveling at a young age?
I’m a huge advocate of traveling with my children because it’s about so much more than just a holiday. Traveling at a young age creates memorable experiences that will shape their perspectives and set the foundations for a lifelong passion for exploring the world. I want them to grow up understanding that the world is vast and diverse, and that there’s always something new to learn, no matter where you go. Early exposure to different cultures, environments, and ways of life helps them become more adaptable, open-minded, and curious. Plus, these experiences bring us closer as a family, creating memories that we’ll all cherish for a lifetime.
What’s next on your family’s travel bucket list?
We love Europe and have travelled to Greece and Italy quite a bit over the last few years. I’d love to take the boys to Spain & Portugal next. I love the food, the music and their beaches and cant wait for the boys to experience it!
