The best things in the world—traveling and your kids. While these might be two of your favorite things, mixing them can seem like a daunting challenge.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Traveling with kids can be a great experience for everyone if you plan it right. Here’s how!

1. Bring comfort items

Traveling to a new place is a fun experience, but it can be overwhelming at times for your little ones. Bringing a comfort item, like a favorite blanket or stuffed animal, can help ease their anxiety about being in a new place.

2. Plan your travel time strategically

Kids can’t help it—they’re a bundle of energy! Being cooped up in a car or on a plane in the middle of the day can make them antsy or fidgety, especially if they’re used to being active. Planning your travel time at night or when they’re usually napping can make life easier for everyone.

3. Let your kids help with the luggage

If your kids are old enough, let them help out with carrying smaller bags or suitcases. Not only does this make your life easier, but it also makes them feel more involved in the traveling process. Not to mention, it keeps them preoccupied!

4. Keep them occupied

Kids need to stay busy or engaged. Bringing along books or a tablet for them to play games on can help keep them busy during slower portions of the trip, like travel time.

5. Always bring a spare outfit

No matter the age or how well-behaved your kids are, accidents happen. Bringing along a spare outfit can save you a trip back to the hotel.

6. Bring basic medicines

There’s nothing worse than traveling with a sick child. Be prepared to bring along basic medicines for upset stomachs or headaches to make them feel better as quickly as possible.

7. Take advantage of child discounts

Children can be expensive so take advantage of child discounts! A lot of times, restaurants or parks will offer discounts for children, saving you some money.

8. Plan for extra time

It’s a fact of life that everything takes longer with children. Whether it’s a layover or travel time to a park, planning extra time to get things done will make everyone’s lives less stressful.

9. Bring snacks and drinks

A hungry child is a cranky child. Bringing along their favorite snacks and drinks will keep them content and even ease travel anxiety.

10. Roll with the punches

No matter how well you plan a trip, chances are that something will go wrong. Whether it’s your child losing their phone or getting lost in Paris with a crying baby, the best thing you can do is roll with the punches and make the best of it.