Study highlights candid realities of traveling with the family

It officially takes parents two and a half days to recover from traveling with the family, according to new research.

From arguments to tears to moans, one in three parents say their family goes less than an hour before the peace is broken when traveling together, whether by car, plane, or any other method of transportation. 

That’s according to a new survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Yoto, makers of screen-free children’s audio players, which asked 2,000 parents of children under 12 to open up about the candid realities of traveling as a family. 

When parents were asked how many days it takes them to recover from the stress of a typical family trip, the average response was 2.4 days until moms and dads feel fully like themselves again.

Faced with mid-journey meltdowns, some parents throw in the towel–– 26% admit to resorting to unlimited screen time, effectively turning the backseat into a digital resort.

But despite the allure of endless screens, many parents are actively trying to unplug. A strong 70% said having non-screen entertainment is important, with audio content, activity books, and family-led games topping their travel wish lists.

To avoid chaos, some parents go all in on creativity: nearly a third admit to bribing with candy (30%) or buying toys mid-trip (28%) to ward off disaster. Others make up songs (19%) or invent stories (16%) in real-time to keep their kids engaged.

And while plenty of families lean on tablets and snacks to survive the journey, many are embracing new tools designed to keep kids entertained without the burnout. 

Sixty-two percent of parents said they’ve used an audio player while traveling — a sign that soundscapes, music, and storytelling are becoming modern-day sanity savers. Nearly half (43%) even use music as a calming tool.

The lengths parents must go to on vacation can take a real toll. So much so that one in 10 (11%) have even faked a bathroom break just to cry or take a deep breath alone. It’s no surprise, then, that 71% of parents say they often feel like they need a whole other vacation to recover from their so-called break. 

“Family travel might look picture-perfect on social media, but the reality is often far more intense,” said Sarah Natchez, Yoto’s Managing Director, North America. “Parents are juggling meltdowns, mood swings, and the pressure to make every moment magical, often coming back like they need a vacation to recover from their vacation. This research shows just how much creativity and resilience goes into keeping the peace and why tools that help kids stay engaged and encourage independent play can make all the difference.”

Even the best-laid plans have their cracks. While 66% of parents say they head out with a detailed game plan, nearly half (49%) admit they don’t have a designated “travel survival kit,” leaving them to improvise when things go off-script.

And the pressure to deliver the perfect trip is real: nearly two-thirds (64%) say they feel the weight of making every moment magical, even as 30% report that their child has meltdowns frequently while traveling.

That tension between expectations and reality may be why so many parents are looking beyond screens. While tablets and snack bags still have their place, tools like audio players are often being considered as a way to engage kids without overstimulation. Even with their best intentions, parents admit there’s only so much planning they can do.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about having a flawless itinerary — it’s about making memories, even the messy ones,” added Natchez. “Whether it’s giggles in the backseat or cupcakes for breakfast at the airport, these imperfect moments are what stick with families long after the trip ends.”

WAYS PARENTS KEEP THE PEACE

• Bribed them with candy or snacks (30%)
• Bought a toy (28%)
• Made up a game (27%)
• Carried them because they didn’t want to walk (26%)
• Let them have screen time with no limits (26%)
• Promised them a treat or outing when they get home (26%)

• Fed them a treat as a meal (e.g., French fries for breakfast or cake for dinner) (25%)
• Made up a song (19%)
• Made up a story (16%)
• Faked a bathroom break to cry or breathe alone (11%)
• Let them wear pajamas or a costume in public (10%)

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 parents with children under 12; the survey was commissioned by Yoto and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between May 13 – 20.