Family Travel: How to Vacation with a Toddler 

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Anticipate Needs When Packing:

Gone are the days of just throwing some clothes into a carry on. Traveling with toddlers is all about packing more than you think you’ll need. Stuff your luggage with 2-3 extra outfits in case of accidents or spills, bring a mix of diapers and pull ups if your child is in the middle of potty training, and prepare a kit of first aid items and medications, just in case. Make sure to pack a separate suitcase full of toys to keep them entertained, any must-have stuffed animals or comfort items, and a plethora of snacks that you know they’ll enjoy. The bottom line is: You’ll have a better time on vacation if your little one is happy. Keep tantrums to a minimum by being prepared to meet their needs on the go.

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Know Your Child:

Being on vacation won’t suddenly change your child into a completely different person. As hiss or her parent, you know them better than anyone else – likes and dislikes, what types of situations will be handled well, and what won’t. Use that knowledge on vacation to set up best-case-scenario situations. If you know that your child cannot function without his daily nap, opt for a beach trip that will allow you to give him that time to recharge rather than risking a meltdown in the middle of a sightseeing tour. If your kid tends to wander in crowds, consider booking an off-season week away rather than worrying about constantly keeping an eye on her amid large numbers of people.

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Build Tons of Flex Time Into Your Schedule:

Toddlers are notoriously unpredictable. You never know when they’ll decide they need a nap, only want to be carried, or have to stop for the 1,000^th potty break of the day. And, you don’t want one of those times to be when you are rushing through the airport trying to catch a flight. Do your best to build as much flexible time into your schedule as possible, so that you can go with the flow. Leave with plenty of time to spare, if you need to arrive at a your destination at a particular time. Splurge on purchasing tickets with flex-dates in case your kid has an off day and you can’t imagine dragging him around a crowded attraction. You’ll breathe easier knowing that a potential setback won’t ruin your plans entirely.

Prep Your Toddler Beforehand:

Vacations are rife with new experiences, for no one more so than your toddler. When you sit down and think about all the firsts that will be happening during the course of the trip – flying on an airplane, staying in a hotel, going to a theme park – it’s not surprising that all that fresh stimuli can be overwhelming. Do your best to cut down on any anxious feelings by prepping your toddler for new experiences ahead of time. Talk about what will happen and play up the excitement in your expressions and tone of voice. If possible, pull up pictures online of the places that you will visit and go through them with your child. Do your best to answer any questions they may have and soothe any anxieties.

At the end of the day, remember to take a deep breath and have fun. After all, this is your vacation too. Family travel with little children may be different than anything you have ever experienced before, and it certainly requires more preparation, but it is far from impossible. Take these tips into consideration when planning your vacation and we guarantee you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

Parents, do you have any essential tips for family travel? Share them with us in the comments below.

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