Traveling with a toddler can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can also be an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re flying with a toddler for the first time or planning a family road trip, this guide shares must-know toddler travel tips, sanity-saving tricks, and a helpful packing checklist. From in-flight entertainment ideas to sleep schedule strategies, here’s how to make your next vacation with a toddler smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
10 Tips for Traveling with Toddlers
Looking for tips for taking your toddler on vacation? We are on year three of the “Toddler Tornado” era – so I am reviewing my traveling with a toddler checklist as we plan for our next trip. These are my best tips for taking a toddler on vacation (and bonus packing list for a toddler on vacation).
- Lower your expectations…then lower them again. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment! If you have high hopes for a picture perfect vacation, 9 out of 10 times you’ll always be let down.
- BYOSE – Bring your own snacks everywhere. There’s nothing worse than an overpriced bag of pretzels or a hangry toddler.
- You don’t have to go out to a restaurant for every meal. Order takeout or hit up a drive thru, then have a picnic: in the hotel room, the trunk of your car, at a rest stop, etc.
- Consider sleeping habits before booking a room. The first time we stayed in the same room as our toddler my husband and I found ourselves whispering in the bathroom over cocktails at 7pm. As a family of five we always stay somewhere with a separate sleeping area for our toddler since she goes to sleep at 6:30pm.
- Family-friendly is the term to search for when making any plans. Hotel, restaurant, park, etc – make sure it’s toddler proof.
- Leave room in your itinerary for running/playing/energy blasting activities. I have a busy toddler who needs to plenty of space to stretch her tiny legs.
- Pack an extra outfit. Spills and accidents always happen. Use one these compression cubes to fit clothes for you and your toddler easily in a carry-on or backpack.
- Wear your toddler (if you still can). If we are going anywhere that my toddler needs to be container, I opt to wear her over using the stroller. If she sees her big sisters walking next to the stroller, she always wants to get out to run beside them.
- Bring all the favorites – pacifier, stuffed animal, toy, blanket, and book. BUT if you forget something, don’t underestimate the power of a gift shop.
- Don’t fear the disposables: placemats, changing pads, throw up bags, etc. We go through a lot of disposables on family vacations and I’m okay with it. I’d rather change my toddler on a throw-away pad on the restaurant bathroom floor then have to put the dirty changing pad back in my bag. I’d rather change my toddler on a throw-away changing pad on a restaurant floor then have to put the dirty changing pad back in my bag.
Toddler Vacation Packing List
Vacationing with toddlers does not have to be as stressful beforehand as it is during the trip. One of the best ways to prepare for your trip is to have a thorough packing list. Make sure to check out a list of my favorite toddler travel must haves here.
Want to shop my Packing List for Toddlers? Check out my storefront here!
Flying with a Toddler Checklist
- Make wiping down the seating area/table tray a fun toddler activity. I always pack kid-friendly sanitizing wipes when I travel.
- Pack an extra outfit in your carry-on. I’ll never forget the time Annabelle threw up all over Brandon’s only pair of pants on the first flight of our vacation. Now I pack an outfit for everyone in the carry-on. You can still pack lightly when traveling with kids (or hope for a washing machine at your destination).
- Bring NEW toys (not just old favorites). The dollar spot at Target is a treasure trove of toddler friendly toys. I love window clings, Water Wow, Magic Marker coloring, and Puffy Sticker books.
- Wrap toys in tinfoil or wrapping paper to add on activity time. You may need to help your toddler unwrap the toy, but it’s fun to do!
- Snacks, snacks, snacks. Put snacks in little bags and take them out one by one. Be careful with pouches because they can explode on the plane.
- Don’t forget Identification. In 10 years, I’ve only been asked twice for my toddler’s ID at the airport to prove she was under two years old. It’s better to be safe with a birth certificate than sorry you didn’t bring it.
- Don’t stress about sleep schedules. Just go with the flow – I found attempting to force my toddler to nap on the plane only stresses the family out more than ever.
Flying with a baby and a toddler? You need essential advice for flying with a infant.
READ THIS TOO: Everything you Need to Know About Going on a Disney Cruise with a Toddler
FAQ for Traveling with a Toddler
What should I pack when traveling with a toddler?
Pack essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, toys, toddler-safe sunscreen, and a change of clothes. A lightweight stroller and a travel-friendly car seat are also helpful.
How do I keep my toddler entertained on a plane?
Use a mix of new toys, coloring books, snacks, and downloaded shows or games. Rotate activities often to keep things fresh.
Should I stick to my toddler’s routine on vacation?
Try to keep a similar sleep schedule and mealtimes, but allow flexibility for new experiences and travel timing.
These tips are super helpful! Traveling with a toddler can be overwhelming, but your advice makes it feel way more manageable. Definitely bookmarking this for our next family trip!