As a parenting coach, I knew I had to give my daughter permission to be sad — even at Disney World

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
The author and her daughter pose while standing near the teacup ride at Disney World.
The author said that not even being at a magical spot like Disney World could prevent her kids from having meltdowns.

Courtesy of Rachael Fritz.

As a travel writer, I've stayed in tons of hotels with my kids — these 5 habits make all the difference

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
A young boy reads a book while sitting in a chair in a hotel room.
The author often travels with her kids, and has found that asking for a corner room often gives them a little extra space.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith.

I'm a travel writer and mom of 3. Here's how I navigate vacations with my moody teens.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A boy uses a table while lounging in a hammock at sunset.
The author said that traveling with her teens (not shown) can sometimes be tricky, but she's found a few ways to make the experience better for everyone.

da-kuk/Getty Images

My kids have been to 26 countries on 6 continents. We never check bags.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses with a carry-on suitcase while standing on a platform by train tracks.
The author said the key to easy travel days, is only using carry-ons — even when she's with her kids.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith.

Traveling taught me to let some parenting rules slide, even when we're at home

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses with two of her children.
The author, shown with two of her children, says that traveling has helped change how she parents at home and abroad.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith.

I frequently travel with my godkids. Whenever we travel out of state, I bring these 3 documents with me.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Family of three at airport looking at aircraft
The author (not pictured) travels with her godsons often and brings paperwork just in case.

Peter Cade/Getty Images

I've learned that stress-free travel with kids means breaking some rules

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses at a pyramid with her family.
Some parents try to follow a bunch of rules when they travel with their kids, but the author thinks it's better to break them.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

My daughter got sick on a flight, and I didn't know what to do. Thankfully, a flight attendant saved us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
a little girl sitting on a plane
The author's daughter got sick on a plane.

d3sign/Getty Images

My husband and I made a conscious decision to say 'yes' to more things. I learned I can handle more.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her husband at theGreen Man music festival in 2025.
The author said she and her husband pushed themselves to say "yes" to more things this year.

Courtesy of Alexandra Meyer

I delayed having kids to explore the world. I shouldn't have done that.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
jamie and her kids on a small boat exploring a site on an expedition cruise to iceland

Jamie Davis Smith

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