Kiddipedia
Travel with a toddler they said. It’ll be fun, they said.
Is this the attitude you also tend to hear when suggesting travel with your little ones? Me too.
But I believe, whether you’re traveling or at home, kids have moods, phases and stages. Some days are hard; some days are easy. You have moments of joy and moments of challenge. So, if that’s the case, why not at least be in a fabulous destination while you explore all the emotions. And the festive season is certainly a tie for that.
You may be traveling to see family, or going off on your own adventure, but I encourage you to make the most of the festive season with a family getaway.
My son Finn is now three and a half. He’s been on more than 50 flights and visited 16 countries. He’s also been to five of the seven states and territories in Australia. Travel is normal for him. This is—and always will be—the life he knows. And sharing it with him, that’s a life I love.
I love traveling with my toddler and I want to show you it’s possible, too. I don’t want to perpetuate this stereotype or for you to feel limited by the joy that is children. Our plan is to make the most of the next few years before Finn starts school. At the time of writing, we have at least one-and-a-half years to go. In my book (and yes, I did actually write one), that’s a lot of time to travel.
Travel at every stage will look different but when it comes to a toddler, I’ve learned to slow down and not to include quite so much. Kids make you see the world in a new way; they constantly live with the beginner’s mind. Let them help you experience travel in a whole new way by going to a new place and simply soaking in the new environment around you as they explore.
This is probably my top tip for traveling with a toddler, but I’ve also got a few others that may help to make your travels more enjoyable over the festive season.
Maximize the travel while they’re little
Take advantage of the fact that a child under two flies for free and often stays free in hotels.
Be over-prepared for the plane
Take at least three sets of clothes for your child and two extra sets of clothes for yourself. Children get sick on flights, and make a lot of mess generally, you must be prepared to clean up and do a costume change or two. You’ll all deel fresher and happier when you arrive to your destination or back home again.
Pack light but smart
Prams and car seats are bulky. Can you borrow or buy these items at your destination and sell or donate them when you leave? Try to make the actual traveling part of your travels easier. I also love baby carriers such as the Hackerlily Hipsurfer, which allows me to carry my toddler (even at 3 and a half years old) with more ease.
Stay in family-friendly accommodations
Look for family-friendly hotels or Airbnb’s that offer bassinets, high-chairs and separate sleeping areas. This can make an enormous difference to your comfort and convenience. Choose accommodation that has activities for children, like pools or kids clubs. This keeps toddlers entertained and allows you to have some downtime. Sites like bookings.com identify family-friendly accommodation.
Build in extra downtime
Don’t overload your itinerary. Plan one activity daily and allow for plenty of rest and relaxation. Having a flexible schedule helps everyone enjoy the trip more. It also allows for naps, for both you and your little one.
Travel with friends or family
Having extra adults to help with childcare makes all the difference. Traveling with friends or family allows you to share responsibilities and gives you some time to spend on your own and with your partner. That is better than handing your child or children back and forth between parents like ships in the night. You will also feel a sense of support, making your trip more enjoyable and less stressful. It also saves money on baby sitting or nannies, and potentially the accommodation if you choose to all share together.
Consider cruises
Cruises are made for families. They are cost-effective and convenient. Your accommodation, food and entertainment, all in one place, and you only need to unpack once. This is so much easier than, say, a road trip. And, they have a kids club—win! For little ones under three, there’s a nursery and child care services for outside kids club hours are very reasonable.
Plan breaks in your travel
If your trip involves long flights or multiple legs, consider breaking it up with overnight stays. This can help everyone adjust and reduce travel fatigue.
Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from flight attendants, hotel staff, or even strangers if you need it. Most people are happy to help parents traveling with young children.
Embrace the adventure
Traveling with kids is challenging but rewarding. Focus on the memories you’re creating and the experiences you’re sharing as a family, not the difficult moments. The lovely ones are what will stick in your memory.
You can find a way to travel that suits you. Don’t give up before you start because it might be a bit challenging. Sharing experiences with your toddler this festive season will provide you with memories to last a lifetime. It’s not about what they remember or don’t remember, it’s about how you all feel, and that joy will stay in your hearts for long after the trip is over.
Happy travels.
Emma Lovell is an author, master of ceremonies, speaker and business coach who supports people to combine business, travel and self-care in what she calls the “bleisure lifestyle.”
The personal branding and remote business expert has run her consulting and coaching business for 15 years while traveling to 76 countries around the world. Her goal is to visit each of the 195 Member States of the United Nations by 2037. When she’s not traveling, you will find Emma at home on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, with her Aquaman husband Mathew, toddler Finn and fur baby cat, T’Challa.
“The Art of Bleisure: Travel the world, make money and live a life you love now” (which includes a chapter on Traveling with kids) is Emma’s first book. Get your copy at emmalovell.au/book
