Traveling with kids is hard! Like downright, no lie, HARD! It takes a lot of experience to get it right and sometimes it even requires specialized skills and talents to plan the perfect trip.

Booking the perfect flight schedule usually doesn’t happen the first time. In fact, I’ve completely messed this up at LEAST a dozen times. It takes a while to figure out what your unique family dynamic is for flying. Does that mean that you take really early flights so your little one naps on the plane, or does that mean that you book in lots of layover time for stretching legs and exploring in the airport? Getting it right takes real TALENT!

Packing smart takes LOTS of artistry!  The ideal ratio of being prepared vs. packing too much junk is a constant battle in my world! I’m always tweaking and adjusting the quantities of items I need to bring along. If you’re anything like me, the ONE THING you leave at home, is all of the sudden the most crucial item you need!

Finding the best kid-friendly hotels can demand some expertise! Scouring the web for useful reviews, looking at piles of hotel photos and measuring the distance to attractions can be really difficult to navigate if you don’t have lots of experience in that arena.

But, here is the silver lining…You can forget ALL of that!

What you REALLY need in order to have a great trip, and make travel easier, are the 5 items on THIS LIST! This is the wisdom you need (and most likely already have) that will help you to have an even better trip.

The best part is, nothing on this list requires special skill, experience or talent.

5 Simple Ingredients for GREAT travel

#1  – Patience

By definition, patience means to have the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering, without getting angry or upset.

This is never more true than in a travel situation! Being patient requires absolutely NO talent, but is something you will need to master for an enjoyable trip. Understand that things are going to be a little crazy, plan for it, relax and be patient!

#2 – Flexibility

If there is one thing I’ve learned in the past 50,000 miles of travel with Lucian, it’s to always be flexible. Be willing, ready and ABLE to go with the flow! Last minute gate change in the airport? No problem! Lost your luggage? There is a Target on the way. Forgot a snack? Sparkling water and mints it is! There is nothing you can’t handle if you’re a little flexible. Just improvise.

#3 – Effort

This one might be the most overlooked on the list. Most people think that there are two types of travel moms, “Natural Travel Moms”, where everything comes natural and easy for them, and “Moms Who Know Better”, who wouldn’t DARE attempt traveling with a little.  I consider myself in “Natural Travel Mom” status at this point but the reality is, even for me, travel doesn’t always come easy and it’s not always a good time! (Shocker, right?!)  Sometimes it’s a struggle, sometimes it’s a drag, sometimes I wish I was alone sipping cocktails on the beach instead of rinsing sand off a sippy cup! But no matter what type of momma you are, it ALWAYS takes effort!

#4 – Sense of Humor

My favorite on the list! There is no sense in going ANYWHERE or doing ANYTHING with your kid if you don’t have a sense of humor. Seriously…you won’t survive without it. Trust me! Finding the humor in the countless, weird, uncomfortable and awkward situations you’re going to encounter, will be the difference between an awesome trip and “Get me outta here!” trip. Even in the stress, it’s important to laugh a little, have some perspective and remember that we’ve all been there! You are not in it alone, momma!

#5 – Common Sense

This is the most IMPORTANT and requires the least talent!

Unfortunately, Frank Lloyd Wright had is correct when he said:

“There is nothing more uncommon than common sense.”

It’s really simple: Slow down, think things through, be ready and be confident!

Remember that reaching Rockstar Travel Status doesn’t mean that you have to be an experienced world traveler with a billion miles under your belt, or have all the coolest and most expensive travel gadgets. It just means you need a little patience, flexibility, effort, sense of humor and common sense! Don’t over think it! You already have all the skills you need and they require NO talent or experience!

So, go for it! What are you waiting for?