5 Tips for Traveling with your Toddler
"Live your life and travel before having children," they say.
I've recently discovered many of my reservations about motherhood were based on a preconceived idea of entrapment and limitation. I assumed I would have to sacrifice too many aspects of myself, particularly my love for adventure, spontaneity, and travel. Thankfully, my experience has been the opposite, and I've still been able to honor the interests and hobbies I had before and during motherhood.
We've been traveling as a family since my son was a few months old. Although very different from how it used to be, it still offers tremendous joy and benefits. Nothing compares to creating memories with your own family. Traveling with children requires some creativity and flexibility, but you can make it happen with proper preparation and realistic expectations.
Plan ahead - Proper planning is the most important aspect of traveling with a child. Consider the length and means of travel, the most convenient departure times, lodging, transportation, kid-friendly activities, budget, etc. Planning travel times around their sleep can be very successful, depending on your toddler's ability to remain asleep through mild environmental changes. Make a checklist of the toys and items you wish to bring for entertainment and determine if they need any batteries, etc. Do the same with any required documentation such as passports and birth certificates (mainly for lap children under 2 and international trips).
What to pack - Snacks and toys, snacks and toys! Bringing their favorite toys, stuffed animals, books, and snacks is the key to keeping them comfortable and entertained. Fresh and dried fruits, sprouted nut butter, and any other quick and easy treat will be convenient and help make your toddler's travel experience pleasant. If you opt for electronic toys, don't forget to pack a pair of safe toddler headphones.
Thinking about packing extra outfits? Do it. Taking a few additional items prepares you for any spills, accidents, weather changes, and activities. I also suggest a carrier. It helps with day-to-day activities, hiking, long walks, and when you want to be active, and they want to sleep.
Where to stay - Where you choose for lodging essentially depends on your family's preferences. Are you looking to stay in a hotel and eat take-out or do you prefer to use a rental property and have homemade meals? Are you near public transportation? Do you plan to rent a vehicle? Are there specific amenities that you feel are essential? Have you considered the location and searched within a certain radius of some activities and excursions you plan to go on? You want to avoid excess time in the car and other means of transportation. Staying near attractions cuts down on travel time.
Plan activities and make reservations - A full itinerary isn't always necessary, but reservations are sometimes required, and having an idea of the activities you're interested in is helpful. Be realistic with your expectations. They're children and may not be as willing or easy-going as you would like. Choose family-friendly activities and schedule the plans around their naps. If you're able, bringing someone along (sitter, aunt/uncle, grandparent) can help take the load off while you have some adult fun.
Maintain a sense of routine - Children thrive in routine that promotes freedom—story/playtimes, naps, learning exercises, etc. This doesn’t mean they’ll always stick to the same agenda as at home, but it helps to offer them the space and opportunity, in case they prefer it. At the very least, I make it a point to stick to morning routines, nap schedules, and cook breakfast and dinner.
Important flying tip - Split up when you board: While all airlines allow parents with children to board early, it's not always the most productive move. It usually takes time for everyone else to board the plane – and in the toddler world, that time may be moving in slow motion. An effective strategy is to have one parent board the flight early to gate-check the stroller/car seat, choose preferred seats, stow the carry-ons, and disinfect the seating areas while the other parent keeps the child busy and boards last.
I hope this helps you confidently approach traveling with your toddler. A world of culture, connectivity, and diversity is out there waiting to be explored.
Be Inspired. Be adventurous. Be Blessed.