Whether you’re flying cross-country for a tournament or cramming into a car with a cooler and cleats, travel sports life is a lot. As a travel sports mom, you know the juggle is real. This survival guide provides the right mindset and a few intentional shifts to support both your youth athlete’s health and your own parent wellness.

I sat down with Anika McKelvey, a seasoned travel sports mom and founder of LAS—a chic, wellness-rooted compression sock brand designed with moms and athletes in mind. Anika’s wisdom, shaped by her own wellness journey (including a varicose vein scare on the road), reminded me that supporting your child’s passion doesn’t mean putting yourself last.

Here are 10 travel sports hacks to help moms and kids stay healthy, connected, and thriving on the road—plus a bonus takeaway you won’t want to skip.

1. Pack What They’ll Actually Drink

Hydration for athletes is key—but that doesn’t mean pushing plain water if it’s not their thing. Bring what they like: hydration powders, coconut water, or low-sugar electrolyte drinks. Pair that with less salty snacks like trail mix or fruit to keep their energy and mood stable. This is a crucial sports mom tip for energy management.

2. Move Like It Matters During Sports Travel

Whether you’re stuck in an airport or seated for hours, bodies are built to move. Encourage your kids (and yourself!) to walk, stretch, or do a few squats on long travel days for sports. It’s not just about circulation—it helps with mood and focus too. I downloaded the BetterMe app on the road to ensure I hit 15 minutes of targeted movement for my body, and don’t lose all the muscle I’ve worked hard to gain. Prioritizing movement for travel can prevent stiffness and boost morale.

3. Factor In Your Wellness on the Road

Compression socks and cozy layers aren’t just for athletes. What will you do on the road to feel your best? Maybe it’s a walk between games, a local yoga class, or 15 minutes with a book before the day starts. Travel sports are their season, but don’t lose your own routine along the way. Your wellness is non-negotiable.

4. Prioritize Language and Learning During Sports Travel

Travel is the perfect opportunity to expand kids’ worldviews. Apps, tutors, and bilingual sitters can help them pick up local language skills and cultural curiosity—especially if they’re heading abroad for tournaments. Make the most of youth sports travel beyond the field.

5. Anchor in a Morning Routine to Build Consistency for Young Athletes

Anika sends her kids a Bible verse each morning, even when they’re apart. When her son played soccer in Spain, he kept the habits she taught him—folded laundry and all. Small routines build big independence. Consistency is a powerful sports parenting strategy.

6. Share “3 Snaps” of Gratitude to Cultivate a Positive Sports Mindset

Each day, ask: What are three things you’re grateful for? It’s a simple but powerful mindset shift that keeps kids focused on joy—even when games don’t go their way. This helps foster a positive athlete mindset.

7. Respect the Season You’re In and Adapt as Needed

Life moves in seasons. So do kids. Acknowledge the current chapter—whether it’s intense youth sports travel or downtime—and give yourself permission to adapt. You don’t need to have it all figured out. This is key for parenting travel sports sustainably.

8. Don’t Forget Your Supplements to Support Gut Health & Immunity on the Road

Gut health shifts when you travel. AI tools can help create packing lists, but only you can prioritize your wellness. Just as important as the waivers, uniforms, and forms needed is your health. Bring the vitamins, probiotics, or meds that help you feel grounded and energized. Essential for an athlete’s health on the road.

9. Nurture Your Child’s Evolving Interests in Sports

Kids evolve. So do their interests. Stay present, listen closely, and support their growth—even if it looks different than what you envisioned. What they love now may change—and that’s okay. This is a vital sports mom tip for long-term engagement.

10. Really Listen to Their Feedback

This one hit home. Anika used to be the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines—until her son told her to stop. She realized she was cheering for her inner child, not her actual child. Since then, she’s followed his lead, supporting him in ways that truly serve him. This fosters genuine athlete wellness.

Your Essential Travel Sports Mom Survival Checklist

To make your next travel sports trip as smooth as possible, here’s a quick checklist of must-haves and must-dos. Think of this as your ultimate travel sports packing list and prep guide!

  • Hydration: Pack a variety of hydration options your kids actually like (powders, coconut water, electrolyte drinks).
  • Supplements: Don’t forget your personal supplements, vitamins, and any essential medications.
  • Documents: Gather all necessary waivers, uniforms, and a copy of birth certificates (if required for tournaments).
  • Logistics: Confirm all hotel reservations and travel destinations well in advance.
  • Team Meal Plans: Coordinate or inquire about organized team dinners to simplify meal planning.
  • Flight Comfort: Wear or pack compression socks for flights to support circulation and reduce fatigue.
  • Movement Map: Have a personal movement plan for yourself (e.g., stretching, short walks) to stay energized.
  • AI Assistant: When in doubt about anything on the road—from local restaurants to quick problem-solving—don’t hesitate to ask AI for help!

Bonus: Be Present – Leave Work Behind

Anika once cheered for the wrong kid because she was answering a work email. That was her wake-up call. These seasons with our kids are short. Be there. Really there. Prioritizing presence is a powerful act of mom self-care during the travel sports season.

Anika built LAS during one of the hardest seasons of her life—and it shows: movement, wellness, and motherhood are woven into everything she does. Her story reminded me that when moms prioritize themselves, everyone wins.

Want More?

Listen to my full interview with Anika McKelvey on the MomShine podcast or watch on YouTube for even more stories, laughs, and real talk about what it means to show up—on the road and in life.