Traveling with kids can be a beautiful, memory-making experience, but it often comes with a few bumps in the road. 

Whether you’re flying across the country or taking a weekend road trip, children are especially sensitive to changes in routine, environment, and diet. From motion sickness to travel-related anxiety, there are plenty of reasons little ones might feel out of sorts.

Thankfully, nature can offer a gentle helping hand. With the right natural remedies and a bit of preparation, your travel days can be smoother, more comfortable, and enjoyable for the whole family.

Common Travel Troubles for Children

When you’re away from home, even the simplest shifts in your child’s day can cause discomfort. Here are some common travel challenges kids may face:

1. Motion sickness: Car rides, flights, or boat trips can leave some children feeling nauseous or dizzy.
2. Sleep disruptions: Jet lag, unfamiliar hotel rooms, or overtired kids can make bedtime more difficult.
3. Digestive upsets: New foods, dehydration, or changes in schedule can lead to constipation, bloating, or upset stomachs.
4. Immune strain: Travel means new germs and environments, which can take a toll on your child’s natural defenses.
5. Overstimulation or stress: Crowds, noise, and unfamiliar places can sometimes overwhelm young travelers.

Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, a small collection of herbal allies can support your child’s system from the start.

Your Natural Travel Remedy Kit

Here are a few of our favorite plant-based remedies to keep on hand while traveling.

1. Motion Sickness Support

• Ginger is a time-tested remedy for nausea. Before a ride, you can offer ginger tea, ginger chews (age-appropriate), or a few drops of ginger tincture.

• Peppermint can settle an uneasy stomach. Try a diluted peppermint oil on the abdomen or a warm cup of peppermint tea for older kids.

• For a natural, kid-safe solution to nausea, gas, or cramping, try Dr. Rydland’s Stomach Pain & Colic Formula. It’s a gentle herbal blend designed to both prevent and treat nausea and ease digestive discomfort.

2. Rest and Sleep

• Chamomile is known for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. Offer it as tea, glycerite, or diluted essential oil.

• Lavender promotes rest and relaxation. A lavender pillow spray or travel diffuser can help set the stage for sleep.

3. Tummy Troubles

• Fennel helps with gas and bloating. A mild fennel tea can be soothing after meals.

• Slippery Elm coats and calms the digestive tract. It’s helpful if your child complains of a sour stomach or discomfort.

• Traveling can disrupt normal bathroom routines. To gently support regularity, use Dr. Rydland’s Constipation Formula – a safe, herbal option for occasional constipation.

4. Immune Support

• Elderberry is a go-to for immune system maintenance, especially during air travel or crowded environments.

• Echinacea can provide short-term immune support at the first sign of sniffles or fatigue.

• Vitamin C, zinc, and Vitamin D3 also help build resilience on the go. Brighter Horizons Vitamin D3 Formula is a great travel-friendly option for immune health.

• For daily immune reinforcement, use Dr. Rydland’s Family Daily Defense. It’s designed to keep your family’s natural defenses strong, especially during travel.

5. Calm for Transitions and Anxiety

• Lemon Balm supports a calm nervous system. It’s a kid-friendly herb that can help with stress and sleep.

• Astragalus helps strengthen the immune system and improve resilience, perfect for travel weeks.

• For all-around support (physical and emotional), Family Daily Defense combines adaptogenic herbs and immune-boosting botanicals to help your child feel steady and supported.

If your child is new to herbal supplements*, check out Making Herbal Supplements a Fun Daily Habit for Kids.

(*Consult your child’s pediatrician before introducing new supplements, especially if your child takes prescription medications or has a medical condition.)

Extra Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

In addition to your herbal toolkit, here are some simple ways to reduce travel stress and discomfort:

1. Stick to routines as much as possible, especially around meals and sleep.
2. Bring familiar items like a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or bedtime story.
3. Keep kids hydrated and offer healthy snacks regularly.
4. Include breaks in your travel schedule for stretching, walking, or quiet play.
5. Use calming tools like audiobooks, soft music, or coloring books to ease transitions.

Embrace the Adventure

Traveling with children isn’t always easy, but it can be rewarding and joyful with the right support. A few thoughtfully chosen herbal remedies can ease common travel woes and help your child feel more grounded, comfortable, and resilient.

At KidsWellness, we’re here to support you through all stages of parenthood – including the adventures!

Safe travels, naturally.