In this blog we share, “Smart Travel Tips for Working Moms (Part 2): Airport Hacks, In-Flight Systems & Staying Sane on the Road,” inspired by Episode 4 of The Billable Mom podcast hosted by attorney Cari Rincker, Esq., founder of Rincker Law, PLLC. Cari shares how she balances her career, solo travel, and family vacations by building systems, thinking ahead, and simplifying travel logistics with her kids. In this second part of the series, we focus on what happens after the trip is booked: airport strategies, in-flight essentials, and how to stay organized and stress-free when traveling with children. If you missed Part 1 “Smart Travel Hacks for Working Moms”, click here to read the full blog.
Create a Personalized Travel Folder System
One of Cari’s key tips is to prepare a dedicated travel folder for each trip. She incorporates the 43-folder system into both her personal and professional life. For travel, this means creating a folder with all essential documents: flight confirmations, hotel details, itinerary, tickets, and contact info.
She suggests organizing your documents using hanging folders with tabs and even printing the itinerary on bright green paper, so it stands out in your bag or folder stack. This small touch can make it easier to grab key information quickly while on the go.
Packing Cubes: A Game-Changer for Parents
One of Cari’s favorite packing hacks is using packing cubes to stay organized. For her children, she pre-packs each day of outfits into separate cubes, complete with day clothes, backups, and pajamas. She uses small, medium, and large cubes depending on the item types. The method works for both kids and adults and reduces overpacking, forgotten essentials, and last-minute stress.
Cari also uses a double stroller through the airport to keep her kids contained and calm, especially during hectic travel days. A child-sized suitcase with their name on it can also add excitement and independence to the travel experience for little ones. Another great option for carry-on luggage is the Away Carry-On Luggage.
In-Flight Must-Haves for Kids
To keep her children happy and engaged on flights, Cari prepares custom travel backpacks for each of them, packed with a curated mix of snacks and entertainment. Her go-to items include:
- Melissa & Doug sticker activity books
- Invisible ink or reusable water pen books
- Crayons and small notebooks
- Kid headphones
- iPad cases with kid-friendly designs
- Travel blankets
She also recommends having an empty water bottle or sippy cup that can be filled after security, plus snack containers filled with fruit snacks, crackers, or trail mix.
For long-haul flights or hotel downtime, her family uses the Yoto player, a screen-free audio storytelling device, which is great for keeping kids entertained without more screen time.
Traveling with Car Seats and Luggage
Traveling with young kids often means extra gear. Cari has experienced the pros and cons of relying on rental car companies for car seats and stresses the importance of asking in advance whether appropriate equipment will be available—or whether it’s better to bring your own.
She also uses personalized luggage tags and Apple AirTags to track bags, which have come in handy when items were left behind or delayed. Just remember: AirTags need battery replacements roughly every 12–18 months, so it’s something to stay on top of before your trip.
Make Arrival Smoother with Pre-Planning
Before arriving at a hotel, Cari uses Instacart to have essentials like fruit, juice, milk, and snacks delivered to the room. It’s a simple step that helps eliminate frantic grocery runs with tired kids in tow.
When traveling to beach or pool destinations, Cari often ships flotation devices, swim bags, and other swim accessories directly to the hotel ahead of time. For younger children, she’s shipped bed rails to help with sleep safety on unfamiliar beds.
Plan for Re-Entry After the Trip
One of Cari’s most useful tips isn’t about the trip itself; it’s about what happens after. She now blocks the day after returning from travel as a “buffer day” before diving back into work. This intentional downtime gives her space to unpack, reset, and ease back into home life without overwhelm.
Working Mom Hacks That Travel Well
Traveling as a professional mom can feel like a logistical marathon, but with systems and foresight, it becomes a lot more manageable and even enjoyable. From folders to packing cubes, snack prep, and in-flight activities, Cari Rincker’s real-world strategies offer a smart way to parent on the go. Whether it’s a solo business trip or a family vacation, the right tools and preparation can help you stay grounded, organized, and present wherever your journey takes you.
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Read Part 1 of this blog series by clicking here.
Listen to Episode 4 of The Billable Mom podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0eM1WwZA8NLKJyVWOyWhuN
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-billable-mom/id1733036424