Preparing for Travel with a Toddler
Ready to get out there and explore the world with your toddler? Or maybe you are not ready but are doing it anyway! Either way, good for you!
I was certainly hesitant to travel at first, and I hear the same from my friends with littles, too. You are not alone! I urge you to get out there, swap your environment, and notice how the change of pace is refreshing! I think you will learn what I did,
Parenting is challenging both at home, and on the go, so you might as well travel!
If you are planning your first trip with a toddler-in-tow, keep reading! After much experience, we have the best tips and tricks to make your trip enjoyable. It’s all about being prepared - physically, mentally, and emotionally!
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Practice travel skills before you set off on your adventure.
If you have some time before you depart for your trip, practice some skills at home! Check out our blog post, "Practicing Travel Skill with a Toddler," for some examples of things you can do at home leading up to your adventure.
The more comfortable you are with your routine at home, the better it will translate on the go. And the more flexible your toddler learns to be, the better they will adapt to a new environment.
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Choose a destination you know well.
Eliminate all of those questions that swirl around in your head by visiting a town with which you are familiar. Having some ‘knowns’ will put you in a better head-space to handle the ‘unknowns.’ We have found the sweet spot to be about an hour and a half from home. That distance is perfect for a road trip, which allows you to pack everything you might need into your car without worrying too much about overpacking. If all else fails, you can always pack up and head home without worrying about flights or being in the car for a long time.
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Choose accommodations with baby amenities.
If you have the option to pick between a hotel or an “Airbnb” (not sponsored), consider the pros and cons.
Many hotels come with black-out curtains and provide cribs or pack-n-plays (sometimes for a fee). Hotels are often more baby-proof but have less for a baby to play with or explore. Rooms are close together, which can be stressful if your neighbors make noise late at night or your toddler cries at night.
You can search for an AirBnB with toddler-friendly amenities like a highchair and pack-n-play. If they list some amenities, but you have questions or requests, you can always ask! We have stayed at Airbnbs with toys and books, which kept our little guy engaged. Having extra space and separation from other dwellings can reduce stress, but we have found Airbnbs to be less “baby-proof” as there are more cabinets, cords, and outlets accessible.
If you stay with family or friends, see if they can borrow items to make your stay more comfortable. Otherwise, be prepared to bring these necessary items with you.
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Research your destination.
I always feel more comfortable going into a trip with at least a little knowledge. If you followed our tip #2, you will likely already know a lot about your destination. But you may need to become more familiar with the toddler-friendly options. Take an hour to research the basics. Whatever you do, do not make a giant wish list of everything to do and see - that may leave you feeling like a failure when you can’t get to everything on your list. Remember, the purpose of your trip is to survive (and hopefully enjoy) a weekend away from home with your toddler in tow!
Review included child-friendly amenities at your accommodations (high chairs, pack-n-plays, toys). Call and double-check if you are staying at a hotel, as they sometimes require you to request these amenities before your arrival.
Write down nearby parks, restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores that you are interested in visiting.
Take note of the open hours of any child-friendly excursions you wish to take (i.e., discovery museums). We have been surprised at how late some open, early they close, and which days they are closed!
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Packing
Once you know what will be provided, you can figure out what else to pack. Check out our packing list and modify as needed! I suggest starting your packing two days before your trip, so you can toss things into the bag as you remember them.
My top suggestions for packing for your first trip with a toddler:
Have all the snacks and sleep gear accessible! You don’t want to dig out the bag on the bottom to find your sound machine!
For your first trip, it is ok to overpack a little as long as you have the space and are able to carry everything without issue. You will learn later what you don’t need. If you do not have enough space, consider what you can purchase upon arrival (diapers, additional snacks, toiletries).
If you are traveling by plane or train, ensure you can carry all your luggage and your toddler for some distance, as you will need to manage it all at once.
Know that if you forget or lose anything, you can purchase one along the way.
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Go for two nights.
It might sound less daunting to go for one night, but a fair amount of work goes into prepping, packing, setting up, and getting in the “zone.” Going for just one night skews the ratio to more work than relaxing. Make it “worth it” - staying two nights will allow you more time to enjoy your new environment and practice parenting on the go.
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Immediately upon arrival, unpack and get organized.
When you arrive, spend the first 30 minutes to an hour prepping your space (it will take less time the more you do it).
Here is your checklist (and don’t be shy - ask for help with these things):
Assess immediate safety:
Put your little one in a safe space with something to explore while you prep the rest of the space.
Set up any necessary baby gates or blockades.
Relocate any harmful cleaning supplies and fragile items.
Lock doors to spaces you don’t want your little one to explore.
If you forget something, your toddler will help you find it given time. Address it when it comes up so it’s not a recurring issue.
Prepare for Sleep:
Set up your crib/pack-n-play. Be sure there is a clean crib sheet and any needed loveys, pacifiers, and blankets inside, so you just need to plop the baby in when you are ready. Don’t wait until bedtime to set this up.
Plug in your sound machine.
Hang up your black-out shade/put on your crib cover.
If you are sharing a room with your toddler, relocate any toiletries, change of clothes, and electronic devices/books you might need access to when your child sleeps.
Set up the kitchen to be ready for your next meal.
Put away any groceries or snacks.
Set up a spot for your toddler's plate, bib, and cup so others can help grab them for you if needed.
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Settle in mentally.
You have done a lot of hard work up until this point. I am so proud of you! Now it is time to settle in mentally. Find a spot to sit down.
Know that travel days can be rough. Take it easy when you can and accept help.
Don’t plan anything for the night of arrival except dinner. Take the time to relax, recharge, and get organized for the following. Go to bed early!
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Communicate with your travel partners.
If you are meeting up with others who are less familiar with your family’s needs and schedule, you should take some time to communicate. See our post, “Setting Expectations with Travel Partners,” for conversation topics to cover. Remember, most people want to help but don’t know how. Sharing your routine, sleep schedule, and trip desires will make all the difference in getting your group on the same page.
If you find yourself “staying back” while others in your group go out, try to make the most of it! Do things you don’t normally get to do at home while you are ‘babysitting’ a nap (bath, tv show, nap yourself, sit on the porch).
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Set your expectations.
A dear friend of mine once said her vacation with a toddler is more like “parenting with a view.” I think that is a good description and a way to set reasonable expectations. Expect that your toddler (and yourself, your partner, other kids, friends, in-laws, etc.) are the same, whether at home or on vacation. The environment has changed, but the temperament has not. You will not get a break from parenting, but you will get to parent in a new and exciting place and make memories with your little one.
Does it still seem daunting? You may not be comfortable at first - in fact, you may never feel ready. Still, I urge you to just do it. Step out of your comfort zone. It will feel slightly more manageable each time you do it, and you will start to feel more comfortable traveling further distances for longer periods of time.
If you found this post helpful, you might also like our related content, “Toddler Travel Must Haves” and “Practicing Travel Skills with a Toddler."
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!
