Should You Travel with a Toddler? Honest Advice for 2024

Wondering how to travel with a toddler? You’re in the right place.

Travelling with a toddler is both rewarding and challenging, and being prepared in advance helps for the smoothest possible trip where everyone on board can enjoy themselves.

Travelling with toddlers is unique to going places with babies and older kids, because toddlers are at the unique age of being more independent than a baby, but still needing a lot of assistance.

Toddlers are typically defined as someone anywhere between the age of 1-3 years old. (The closer they get to 4, the less of a toddler and more of a big, school age kid they become.)

In many articles about travelling to certain destinations with kids, toddlers get lumped in with big kids and with babies. As a mom of 2 who has travelled to over a dozen countries with children, I find that going anywhere or doing anything with a toddler is very different than with a baby or a school age child.

Older kids tend to have much better self regulation and be more independent, while babies are more passive and compact and don’t object as much as toddlers do.

I’ve been on over a dozen airplane rides with toddlers, as well as several road trips and international trips. I am also currently the mom of a toddler.

From these experiences, I have come up with the most useful toddler travel tips and items that make your life easier, and your trip more enjoyable – for you and for your toddler too.

So, let’s jump in – honest advice for travelling with a toddler in 2024!

Toddler Travel Tips

Here are the tips that have made my trips with toddlers a success, and my best advice for others on how to travel with a toddler. Keep these things in mind for your next vacation and I hope it will help your trip go smoother, and be more enjoyable for all family members.

1. Practice “slow travel.”

Travelling with a toddler can be rewarding, but it requires you to adjust your expectations a little bit and be ok with taking things slow. When planning your trip, leave some ‘open’ time in the itinerary that is open for changes.

It’s ok to book things in advance, but I wouldn’t make more than one booking per day if its a trip with a toddler.

Having a toddler can often influence us to slow down and focus on the small things.

So the less rushed you are, and the more focused you are on being present and taking it all in during your trip, the happier and more relaxed both you and your toddler will be on the journey.

2. Go to the places you’re genuinely interested in

This might not be the advice that you’re expecting to hear. Some people think that travelling with toddlers, or kids in general, has to mean that you can only go to ‘family friendly’ places, such as zoos, aquariums and family beach resorts.

The thing is, I’m not personally super interested in places like that. Going to family resorts, indoor waterparks isn’t my favourite thing to do. I’m more into adventure, outdoors and history.

(Side note: The one exception for me is Disney Cruises, which I absolutely love and don’t mind spending the money to take my family on.)

If you want to visit Disney World, or Great Wolf Lodge – go right ahead. You can make some great family memories there. But only go there if you truly want to. Otherwise, you’re spending a lot of money to do something that you don’t want to do. That doesn’t lead to happy parents.

My tip though for surviving toddler travel is to visit places that you’re genuinely interested in seeing too, so that you enjoy the trip as well as your toddler.

Your toddlers will be happy to tag along, as long as they’re with you and can engage with you, and “help” where they can.

3. Don’t give them the tablet right away

I am stricter than many parents are when it comes to screen time, but not so strict that I won’t bring a tablet or iPad with us on a trip for “emergencies.”

However, when I bring these devices I do not hand them the tablet as soon as we get on the airplane, or while we’re waiting at the airport.

I recommend instead, waiting until they’ve exhausted all other activities and are cranky before handing over a device like that.

Handing the tablet over right away (in my opinion) causes them to eventually get bored with it, and then afterwards you have nothing equally entertaining to match it with.

4. Let your toddler “help”

One thing I’ve learned about toddlers is that there’s nothing they love more than to help.

You can bring a million toys to entertain them with, but at the end of the day – they want to be involved; be connected to the family community by helping with doing whatever it is you’re doing.

So, think of some things that your toddler can do to pitch in during the trip. (Even if it’s only for pretend helping.) Maybe there’s some luggage that is light enough for them to carry, or they can help set up the Airbnb, pack or unpack.

Sure, their ‘help’ might not always be truly helpful, but giving them the illusion that they’re helping with anything makes them feel more connected to you and involved, and reduces tantrums.

5. Make sure you get some ‘breaks’ into your trip

I try to plan vacations where I know that there will be possibilities for some downtime for us adults. Even if its just in the evenings before our little one goes to bed, I know that we need quiet time and a chance to connect with each other as adults.

Getting these breaks gives you a chance to unwind, relax and enjoy the new environment a bit yourself.

Here are some ways to make sure you ‘get a break’ on your trips:

• Travel somewhere to visit family or friends, who can help out
• Stay somewhere that has separate rooms. I enjoy my alone time after the kids go to bed, and need that break when we’re travelling. That’s why I usually pick places that have separate rooms. This way, after kids are asleep, us adults have our alone time.
• Stay somewhere with a kids club (one that allows kids under 4, because many of them do not.) Disney Cruises for example, have childcare for children as young as 6 months old
• Bring a grandparent or nanny along with you
• Consider babysitting services wherever you’re staying. Not everyone feels comfortable with babysitters or childcare in a different country, but if you can find something reputable that you trust, then it might be a a good option to give yourself and/or partner some down time.

We used the babysitting service at Parador Hotel in Costa Rica, and were so thankful to have an adult-only night out during our trip.

Is it worth it travelling with a toddler?

Traveling with a toddler can be hard work, and many people ask themselves whether its even worth the effort; considering the cost, the hard work that it takes, and the fact that the toddler isn’t likely won’t remember the trip.

There’s also that popular saying “Travelling with kids isn’t a vacation, its relocation.” Many will tell you not to bother at the toddler stage since they won’t remember it anyway, and you will end up working just as hard on the trip as you do at home.

So, is it worth it to travel with a toddler? I personally believe that it is. Here is my personal view on each of the common arguments against travelling with toddlers..

“They won’t remember it”

Its not always about whether they remember it or not, its about being in the moment. If we’re enjoying ourselves together in the moment as a family, then that makes something worth it, in my books.

In addition to that, travel could have huge psychological and developmental benefits for your toddler. Them not remembering the trip doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a positive impact on them as they get older.

Furthermore, while your toddler may not remember the trip- you will. You’re making precious memories that you’ll likely cherish for many years.

“It’s not a vacation, its just looking after your kids in a different location.”

This is true in a sense, but it is still not the same as being at home. If I travel with my kids, I’m still responsible for them and that comes with a number of certain duties that you can’t get out of as a parent, especially if they’re still a toddler.

But, depending on the type of trip we’re taking, there are usually some tasks off my plate that I usually have to take care of at home.

For example, you might not have to cook as much, run the same errands, do daycare drop-offs and pick-ups or in general have the same responsibilities on the trip as you do at home.

Regardless of the type of trip I take with my toddlers, I have found that Im usually more relaxed on the trip than I am at home. Part of that comes with following some important toddler travel tips and being prepared, which we’ll get into below.

Benefits to travelling with a toddler

It goes without saying that travelling with toddlers can be challenging. It can test your patience, and sometimes make you feel like you wish you’d stayed home, or been more prepared.

It won’t always be sunshine and roses, but there will be many moments on the trip where you’re glad you pushed through and decided to do it anyway.

Here are some of the benefits that I’ve found from personal experience, or from experts on the benefits of travelling with a toddler.

1. Second-language acquisition

Even if your toddler isn’t actively learning the language of the place you’re visiting, the opportunity for them to hear a second language alone is beneficial.

According to a recent study, even limited exposure to a second language early in life results in learning advantages later on.

2. Trying new foods

The food on your trip will rarely be identical to what you have in your own fridge or that place down the street from your house.

The opportunity to try new foods broadens their experience, expands their taste buds and may lead to better adaptability when it comes to food groups.

Children are more likely to have a balanced diet with a better variety later in life if they are introduced to a variety of foods from early on that are varied in tastes, and textures.

3. Easier to connect with others

Toddlers (and children in general) are an ice breaker! I have travelled both alone, with another adult and with kids.

I’ve found that I connected with locals and with other travellers more when I had my young children with me.

When I brought my 3-year old daughter to Cuba, she pointed at some people carrying a large birthday cake and wanted to go watch them. They saw us watching them, and they ended up inviting us to their birthday party!

Attending the Cuban boy’s birthday party is still one of my favourite travel memories of all time.

4. Save money

When children are under 5 and especially if they’re under 2, there are opportunities for massive savings. Many entrance tickets are free of charge for toddlers.

We travelled as a family of 4 with my school aged child when my youngest was still a toddler. Although there are many discounts out there to accommodate a family of 4, we found it was even cheaper for three of us to pay separately because our toddler was free for most activities.

Family travel in general can be expensive regardless. Read my post on ideas to for major savings on travelling as a family.

Where I’ve traveled with my toddlers

I love to travel and find enjoyment in it, even if there’s kids with me; regardless of their age.

Living in Canada, I’ve been to a few places around my home country with toddlers.

• A road trip through Banff National Park
• Several trips to Toronto, which isn’t far from where we live.
• Many trips to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Its close enough to our hometown for a day trip, but we made a vacation out of it and stayed at Great Wolf Lodge with our then-2 year old
• Quebec City, which we visited during the Christmas season

I’ve also been down to the U.S. and Caribbean a couple times with toddler-age children.

• Lake Tahoe, Nevada/California
• Crater Lake, Oregon
• Indianapolis, Indiana – there’s a great children museum!
• Varadero, Cuba

Overseas with toddlers, I’ve been to: Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher) Sardinia and Venice, Italy.

From these experiences, I’ve been on over a dozen airplane rides with toddlers and hope that I can give you the best advice to allow for your trip with a toddler to go smoothly and be enjoyable for both the children and you.

Toddler Travel Essentials

Here are the things I recommend bringing when travelling with a toddler. These are all items that I bring when my travel

I’m not going to bombard you with a long list of things to buy or bring for your trip, because I believe that less is often more when it comes to travelling with kids.

Having too many things can lead to overwhelm and less space in your luggage for other things you may need.

So here are the toddler travel essentials that I don’t go anywhere without:

1. Something that they can draw or colour on

This can be digital, or real (paper and crayons) – or both! I usually make sure I have both on hand. Drawing, scribbling or colouring is something that can entertain a toddler for a good chunk of time, on an airplane or waiting for buses or flights.

I bring on-the go activity pads like this one, (pictured above) because they’re low-mess and I don’t have to risk them colouring on something they shouldn’t.

2. Snacks

Snacks can be really useful while on the go, and is a game changer in the event that it takes longer to find a good restaurant than you realize. Bring a few of their favourites, and possibly a couple new ones that they haven’t tried if you’re adventurous or know that they are.

3. A comfort object

A comfort object can make a world of a difference, When a toddler in a new place and don’t understand what’s going on, it can really calm their nerves and senses to have an object close to them, such as a favourite stuffy or blanket.

I always bring their favourite stuffed animal that they sleep with (just be very careful to keep an eye on it because its very heartbreaking if it gets lost.)

4. Something interesting that they haven’t seen before

A toy or object that your toddler hasn’t seen before can elicit curiosity and distract them for a little while while they indulge in the activity of whatever it is.

Because its a novelty, it’ll be more exciting and possibly keep them entertained longer.

We decided to get our toddler a busy board, pictured above.

It has all kinds of interesting visuals, textures, and things for her to pull on and play with. It’s lightweight and makes a good airplane or road trip toy.

5. A couple changes of clothes

If you’re going to be on an airplane or a road trip, have a few changes of clothes handy at all times in case of accidents – this can include spills as well as bathroom accidents (especially if they’re newly potty trained.)

Our toddler was newly potty trained when we flew to Lake Tahoe, but it turned out that she was afraid of the institutionalized feel of airport and mega chain bathrooms, so there were a few accidents.

We were thankful we prepared for them by having more than one change of clothes.

6. A carrier or the stroller

Depending on the trip you’re taking, decide in advance how your toddler will be moving around – will they be doing mostly walking? Sitting in a stroller, or in a baby carrier? We always evaluate the type of trip we’re taking and decide in advance.

A stroller is convenient in some places, but not so much others. So it depends where you’re going, and what you’ll be doing while you’re there.

Flying with Toddlers

Flying with toddlers are completely different from flying with a baby, or an older child. They have less understanding about whats going on and are not as independent as an old child. They also move around a lot more than a baby does and are not as ‘compact’.

Personally, I find it easiest to fly with babies (up to the age of 1) and after that, it can be pretty challenging until they’re 3-4 years old.

Of course, it can vary from child to child, and can depend on the flight length and the timing of the flight too.

FAQ about Flying with a Toddler

Is it safe to take a 2 year old on a plane?

Yes, its safe to take a 2 year old on a plane. By this age, they require their own seat (they can no longer be a lap child) and the FAA recommends that they sit in a carseat during the flight. This isn’t a requirement, just a recommendation.

However, if you bring a carseat on the flight, it will need to be an FAA approved carseat. If your car seat isn’t on the FAA approved list, then you may not be allowed to use it on the airplane, but you can still check it at the gate.

We assumed that our Graco carseat was FAA approved, but it turned out that it was not on the designated list, so we were not allowed to use it on one of our flights.

Is it better to fly at night or day with a toddler?

There are pros and cons to flying during the day or night with a toddler, and the flight schedule you choose will depend on personal preference, as well as where you’re going.

Personally, I’ve mainly flown with toddlers during the day. I would consider overnight flights if the schedule required it, but I find daytime flights with a toddler to be a bit easier and pose less risk to throwing off their sleep schedule.

So, if it were up to me – I’d book the daytime flight. But it also depends on where you’re going and the flights available.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane with a toddler?

When flying with a toddler, try to sit as close to the front as you possibly can. This is because as per etiquette, the people at the front of the plane are usually the first to exit the plane.

Being allowed to get off the plane first reduces the amount of time your toddler has to wait, which could avoid a potential meltdown.

Toddler Travel FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about travelling with toddlers

Is traveling stressful for toddlers?

Travelling can be stressful for toddlers, depending on the circumstances. Not understanding what is going on, potentially being separated from people they’re attached to who aren’t on the trip, and not having their regular daily routine and environment can understandably making them a little upset.

What is the hardest age to travel with a toddler?

The hardest age to travel with a toddler is going to depend on your child’s personality, your personality, and the type of trip you’re taking and the timing of it. Generally, the age before your child can proficiently communicate with words is the toughest- between 1-2 years old.

How does travel affect toddlers?

Travel can affect toddlers in a lot of good ways. It allows them to experience once in a lifetime experiences and make memories with their family, and it could also build their resilience to experiencing new things and adapting to new situations – which is a lifelong skill.

Starting young can be a great idea to build up the ease with travelling as your child gets older. The more open to change they are from a young age, the more used to traveling they’ll be as they get bigger.

I started travelling with both of my children when they were babies, and I believe it has helped them become more cooperative as they’ve gotten older.

Will a 2 year old remember a vacation?

A 2-year old will likely not have very vivid or clear memories of a trip that you took. However, there are things you can do to make it a bit easier for them to recall certain parts of your trip.

Print out the photos, and make an album for your toddler. As they look at them over the years, it will help to bring back the memories that they do have.

Why do people travel with toddlers?

People travel with toddlers for two possible reasons: a) because they still love to travel, or b) because they might need to travel for necessity.

If you have family that lives overseas, or you travel for work, travel with a toddler might be something you don’t have much of a choice about. If you love to travel, then you’re not going to stop doing it because of having a toddler.

Final Thoughts on Traveling with Toddlers

As a parent who has travelled with kids of all ages, I believe that travelling with toddlers is unique to traveling with older kids and babies; with its own set of challenges but also rewards. It can be something that tests your patience at times but also fond memory that you’ll look back on for a long time.

I hope that this guide has helped prepare you, and given you some ideas and inspiration about going on trips with your toddlers.