Travelling with children
Travelling anywhere with children is a daunting task. Have we got enough nappies. Will the snacks run out before we hit the road. But one important travel companion can sometimes be forgotten when packing the ‘bag of distractions.
Books offer children a moment of calm in the middle of busy journeys. Whether they’re discovering a brand new story or revisiting a much loved favourite, reading helps keep little minds engaged while also creating a comforting sense of familiarity. Stories do far more than simply keep children occupied; they encourage imagination, spark curiosity, and help pass the time in a meaningful way.
When taking my 1½ year old on a 3 hour flight, I was worried about what I should pack. Amongst the fidget spinners, animal figurines and mounds of snacks (he is a greedy hobbit), I also packed a handful of books. I chose a new book amongst a few favourites to help keep him entertained.
One of the new additions was Where Is Mr Plane? by Ingela P Arrhenius, an interactive felt-flap book filled with bright, engaging illustrations. It felt like the perfect way to introduce planes and travel into his tiny world before we had even boarded. The sturdy felt flaps are ideal for determined toddler hands, while the sensory element keeps little readers engaged page after page. Every page introduces a new character to find, making it just as enjoyable to read together as it is independently.
As my son is obsessed with ducks, I had to include one ‘duck’ book in the mix. One of my favourite books for children is the ‘Slow Down’ series illustrated by Freya Hartas. These books are designed to introduce children to nature in an exciting and beautiful way. Slow Down in the park includes fun rhyming verses written by Rachel William with ducklings, squirrels, and woodpeckers to name a few there is lots to discover. The illustrations spark joy amongst the youngest of readers, and for those slightly older, conversations about emerging mushrooms and storm clouds help to pass the time on long journeys.
I also included a variety of stories from my son’s Christmas Advent Calendar from Usborne. Every day in December he had a new miniature story with a fairytale inside. These stories make for perfect road trip companions as they are small, short and sweet. Ideal for long waits in airport lounges or packed up car journeys.
In 2026, we are celebrating the National Year of Reading, yet recent statistics from the National Literacy Trust show that only 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8–18 say they enjoy reading in their free time, while only 1 in 5 read daily for pleasure. Both figures are the lowest recorded in the past twenty years.
So, in a year where we are championing reading more than ever, why not make books part of your travel essentials? A handful of stories can help make travelling with children that little bit calmer, easier, and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
And if you’re unsure which books to pack, our Growing Readers subscription can help. We tailor every selection to your child’s interests and age, including shorter books that are easy to travel with, or stories inspired by the places you’re visiting. Whether you’re heading abroad or simply planning a summer road trip, we’ll help you build the perfect holiday reading bag.