The Best Tips to THRIVE while Traveling with a Toddler

Traveling with a toddler is actually really awesome. You get to see the world, you get to watch them experience the world, and it’s fun! We have traveled A LOT with our toddler – road trips, flights, international trips, camping. And I’ve written A LOT of posts about it because I want to help other parents do this. It helps to be prepared, and I hope these guides help you enjoy your time traveling with a toddler.

I decided to compile alllllll the best tips and tricks for traveling with a toddler in one post. I will link to the more comprehensive guides on each subject, but if you want a little rundown on all the best toddler travel advice, this post is for you.

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Traveling with a Toddler Jump To:

The BEST Tips and Tricks for Traveling with a Toddler

This section is just the best hacks for traveling with a toddler. Whether it’s a quick flight, a road trip, an international long flight, etc. The absolute best things to know:

• Bring all the snacks. All the time. In your purse, in the diaper bag, in your car. Snacks, everywhere. Once a toddler is hungry, they will have a meltdown. Keep little snacks with you at all times.
• Save screen time for last. Whether it’s a road trip or flight, exhaust all activities before the screen savior. Once a toddler is tuned into the screen, it’s harder to get them to focus on something else. Also, don’t worry about screen time on travel days. It’s like calories not counting on holidays. Screen time doesn’t count on travel days.
• Keep a Travel First Aid Kit with you. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but always have some emergency items with you.
• Check the airline’s website to see if your toddler gets a free bag. Sometimes they get a Pack n Play or stroller for free, sometimes nothing. If they do get a free bag, take advantage of it!
• Try to respect their schedules and allow for some rest time each day.
• Take trips that you AND your toddler will enjoy. Don’t plan some grand adventure that your toddler will hate, but also don’t plan a trip only based on your toddler. We try to pick outdoorsy places because toddlers love being outside and we get to see beautiful things. Think this through before planning.
• Pick an activity during your travel that you want to do alone and have your significant other watch your kiddo. Then trade. In Iceland, I did this epic hike that my toddler couldn’t do. And my husband went snorkeling.

How to Plan a Trip with a Toddler

This is a little “how to” guide when you want to plan the trip. Traveling with a Toddler – Planning for Dummies (how was that a thing for so long?). Anyways, I don’t think you’re a dummy, but I will go through each step in a really easy way.

1. Decide on where to go. I’ll share some ideas later in the post. Look for places that are kid-friendly, safe, and somewhere that you and your kiddo will enjoy.
2. Determine when your trip will be. If you have a set vacation time, you’re done. If you can be flexible, it might make your trip a bit cheaper.
3. Find your flights. I start with Google Flights because I like how I can easily look at a calendar and see the cost change depending on what day we’re flying. Consider flight times and what will work best for your toddler – I know my child would do poorly on an early morning flight, so I never book them at that time. If your toddler is 2 or older, they do need their own ticket.
4. Book accommodations. Consider having a separate bedroom, location to attractions, laundry if you need it, is it kid-friendly?, and read the reviews to make sure it’s safe and matches how its advertised.
5. Book other important things: Rental car, parking at your home airport, excursions, and any extra bags for the flight.
6. Have all your travel documents ready. If you’re traveling within your country, bring your toddler’s birth certificate. If you’re going international, they must have a passport. I do recommend TSA Precheck when traveling with a toddler. I also recommend keeping a photo folder in your phone of all the important trip stuff.
7. Plan what you’ll do on your trip. Do your research by reading books, travel blogs, etc. Keep a list of what you Must Do, Maybe Do, and an Only if We’re Bored category. Doing this keeps you from overloading your itinerary, but you’ll never be scrambling to figure out what to do next. I map out the activities so we don’t miss our chance at seeing a Must Do.
8. Make an Itinerary. I’m a big fan of a hand-written itinerary, but I also do it on my Notes app on my phone. Write down where you’re staying, how long it’ll take to get there, check-in/check-out times, your activity options, and any other helpful information. Once we’re on the trip, I look at the next day, factor in weather and how tired we are, then decide what we’ll do that day.
9. Adjust expectations. Anticipate tantrums from overtiredness, expect your kiddo to sleep less, and don’t be upset when your trip isn’t like the trips you took when you only worried about yourself.
10. Order things ahead of time. If it’s a beach trip, buy swimsuits and sunscreen, etc. If it’s a winter trip, buy a lot of layers. Make sure you have plane activities. Basically, be prepared.
11. How many bags will you bring? Bag costs can be outrageous. Consolidate, and consider doing laundry along the way to eliminate an extra bag. Not to toot my own horn, but we just did 2 weeks in Europe with only carry-on bags (2 adults and a 4 year old). If you are paying to check a bag, book that in advance.
12. Don’t wait to pack until last minute. Use my Toddler Packing List and then keep a list in the reminders app on your phone. Every time you take a trip, copy the list and modify it to that trip. Then check things off as you pack.

Pack for Traveling with a Toddler

My best advice for this one is to create a “reminders list” on the reminders app on your phone. The one with the little circle bubbles that you can click once you’ve completed that item. Create a master packing list on the app. Then click the little copy button at the top to create a new list for each trip. You can modify it based on where you’re going, extra things you’ll need, etc. I have never forgotten anything vital because of this trick.

More Advice: Don’t overpack. Do laundry during your trip to eliminate extra items. Consider buying some things once you arrive. Packing cubes can be very helpful!

Use this Toddler Packing List (with free printable list!) so you never forget anything.

And never forget your toddler essentials.

Traveling with a Toddler – FLYING Tips

If you plan to fly with your toddler a lot, I recommend reading my whole post on this subject. Being prepared is one thing you have control over with plane travel.

There’s something about planes and airports that used to make me really nervous with my kiddo. I envisioned her screaming for the entire time, everyone around me getting pissed, and then eventually I start crying too. This has never happened. Not even close. Maybe we’re lucky or maybe some of the advice I’m about to list actually works.

• Prepare as much as you can. Think through the whole day and try to eliminate any hiccups ahead of time. Where will you park? How will your toddler get through the airport – walk? stroller? carrier? Do you need to bring a car seat? What will you do for meals? Do you have enough snacks? Are your travel documents ready?
• Prep for potential disaster. Pack enough food that you won’t go hungry if you’re stuck on the plane for longer. Bring a change of clothes and other essentials in case you end up somewhere without your bags.
• I’ve said this already, but get TSA Precheck. It’s super helpful when traveling with a toddler. 
• Get a travel car seat, so it’s easier to lug it through the airport. It’s safest for them on the plane.
• Talk to your toddler about the travel day. They’re smart! And they do better if they have an idea of what’s going on. Explain plane rules too.
• Try to be calm. I know. I knowwww it can be stressful. But take deep breaths and know you’ll get through all the stressful things airports and plane travel can bring.
• Carry as little as you can through the airport. If you can check bags for free/cheap, do that. It’s easier to wrangle your toddler if you’re not carrying a million things.
• Let them walk through the airport to burn energy. Stop at the kid play areas if you have time.
• Sanitize all the things.
• Bring lots of food and snacks.
• Pack fun plane activities.
• Use the potty before you board the plane.
• Entertain your toddler on the flight – give them your attention, and they’ll have a much better time.
• Help their ears during takeoff and landing with a pacifier or straw. Or tell them to yawn, which is actually the best way.
• Try to get them to sleep on the plane, but let it go if they won’t. Our kiddo is SO BAD at sleeping anywhere but her own bed. We always try to get her to nap, but sometimes that causes more distress than just letting it go. You’ll all survive if your toddler misses a nap or goes to bed late.
• Don’t worry about others. When you’re stressed about an unhappy toddler, it does you NO good to wonder how it’s affecting those around you. Focus on you and your kid, that’s it.
• Enjoy it. As best you can 🙂

How to Enjoy a Road Trip with a Toddler

Is there anything more squirel-ly than a toddler? No. So the idea of putting them in a car seat for hours always sounded awful to me. When we actually did take our toddler on road trips, it went surprisingly well for a kid who hates her car seat. Use these tips to be prepared and to actually enjoy your time.

• Base the timing of your drive on whether or not your toddler sleeps well in a car seat. If your toddler sleeps well, do some night/early morning driving. If not, drive during the day with lots of stops.
• Do prep work! Have snacks, water, and activities organized in the car, plan out possible stops and meals, explain the long drive to your kiddo, and make sure your car is in good working order (oil changes, tune up, etc.).
• Pick stops that include somewhere that your toddler can stretch their legs – playgrounds, parks, etc.
• Bring a bunch of Road Trip Activities, and consider buying some new little toys to unwrap along the way.
• Give your toddler your attention. This is the biggest one. If you’re in the front seat or back seat, just talk to them. Play “I Spy,” talk about different things, sing songs. They love spending time with you.
• Try your hardest to get them to nap. White noise, loveys, and no screens during that time. Make sure the gas tank is full and you’re all well-fed before naptime.
• Keep a travel potty in the car in case of emergencies.
• If you are driving with 2 adults, have one sit in the backseat by your toddler. Trade off.
• Read my whole post for more comprehensive advice.

Camping with a Toddler

Camping with a toddler is not the easiest thing to do, but if you love camping you should take them camping. Be ready for little sleep and lots of memories. My How to Go Camping with a Toddler guide is really good, so if you’re doing this, please read it.

• Pick a campsite nearby, especially for your first camping trip. If you have to bail at some point, you can just drive home.
• Make mealtime easy. Easy recipes, easy clean up, and something your toddler will eat.
• Let them help as much as possible.
• Get to your campsite early. You’ll want plenty of time to set up camp and explore.
• Keep them warm at night with this wearable sleeping bag.
• Sleep Advice: Consider using a SlumberPod, bring a portable white noise machine, wear them out during the day, allow for a later bedtime, and do your usual bedtime routine. Try your best with naps during the day – a carrier walk has always worked best for us.
• Pack lots of layers and lots of snacks.
• Use this Packing Checklist to make sure you bring everything.
• Be safe. Explain hot fires, cliffs, etc. to your kiddo. Bring sunscreen and bug spray. Keep an eye on your toddler at all times. Bring a First Aid Kit.
• If you have a toddler on the younger side, read How to Camp with a 1 Year Old.

Some of the Best Travel Destinations with a Toddler

These are all places I can vouch for because we’ve personally taken our toddler to these epic spots. I know there are more, so please email me danielle@nursetonomad.com, and I’ll add them!

ICELAND

Iceland is AMAZING with a toddler. SO many cool water falls, unique rocks, beaches, geysers, bounce pads, and more. It is THE BEST, just trust me – for you and your kiddo. It’s super safe, almost everyone speaks English, and it’s beautiful. Definitely go during the summer. Definitely spend all of your time outside. And enjoy the Midnight Sun. I have so many posts on Iceland, so I’ll link to them here:

• The Best Outdoor Activities for Iceland with a Toddler
• When to Visit Iceland
• How to Visit The Golden Circle with a Toddler
• 20 Tips for Iceland Travel with a Toddler
• Packing List for Iceland with a Toddler
• 10 Reasons to take an Iceland Family Vacation this Summer
• The Best Iceland Itinerary with a Toddler – one of my most popular posts

Banff, Canada

This place is an outdoor lover’s DREAM, and it is SO doable with a toddler. Most of the beautiful nature spots can be accessed pretty easily, so you can spend time in nature’s beauty with your toddler. Check out my Banff Itinerary with a Toddler and Banff with a Toddler – Everything You Need to Know. I promise you’ll be convinced you need to see the epic lakes for yourself. For toddler travel, I’d recommend visiting in the summer mid-June to early September. Fly into Calgary, and plan for at least 4 full days in Banff.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Yes, a Midwest USA destination makes this list. Grand Haven has tons of things to do with toddlers, it’s small and cozy, and have you ever taken a toddler to a beach? They freaking love the sand and water. Lake Michigan has zero sharks and jelly fish, the sand doesn’t stick to you, and it’s beautiful. My kiddo has been visiting for years, and we always have a wonderful time. Summer is best for beach time, and a long weekend is sufficient. Fly into Grand Rapids, and drive 1 hour to Grand Haven.

A Beach Town in California, USA

I don’t have any posts on it (I totally should), but we visited Carpinteria, California with our kiddo and LOVED it. It’s a very small town, it’s walkable, and the beach is gorgeous. I’d highly recommend this spot with toddlers.

Wengen, Switzerland

This place is every parent’s dream. It’s a GORGEOUS mountain town in the Swiss Alps, no cars are allowed, you can take trains, gondolas, and cable cars to the tops of mountains, there are playgrounds galore, and there are a bunch of marble runs – you pay $4 for a wooden marble and then race it down cool marble runs throughout the town.

I have never been anywhere so kid-friendly. We just visited, so I have to work on some posts. But please go! It’s incredible.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

If you’re looking for a European city to visit with your toddler, Luxembourg is an awesome option. It’s clean, safe, English-speaking, and all their transport is free. They have some awesome playgrounds and one of the coolest places we’ve ever been – a farm park/zoo with playgrounds – that’s also free.

Colorado, USA

I live here, so I’m biased. But Colorado is a great destination for traveling with a toddler. It’s pretty, there are so many trails to explore, you could take a train ride, and more. Mostly, though, just enjoy the scenery.

Is a SlumberPod Worth It? – Traveling with a Toddler

I think one of the best travel inventions for toddler travel is the SlumberPod. It’s a blackout tent that fits over your kiddo’s sleep area (we used a Pack n Play). Your kiddo will sleep better and longer – they won’t be woken by sunlight streaming in through bad hotel curtains, they won’t see you throughout the night and want to join you in bed, and it’s super helpful for naptimes.

It’s kinda pricey, around $180-200.

It might not be worth it to you if your kiddo already sleeps in your bed/room or if you don’t plan to travel frequently.

You can read my whole SlumberPod Review for more advice and Pros & Cons.

Tips for Traveling with a Toddler

Did I cover everything? Do you feel prepared? Please reach out with questions or comment below. We have absolutely loved traveling with a toddler, so I want other people to get to do it too.

Happy Toddler Travel!

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