Tips for Traveling with Toddlers

Parenting a toddler comes with a forced skillset people learn on the go and then come back with tips and tricks from the battlefield. These sweet, curious little ones are resilient travelers, but also unpredictable. Make the most of your next vacation with a few tips to create a stress-free vacation with toddlers in tow.

Come with Lots of Entertainment
Toddlers are notorious for a short attention span and mood swings, and traveling prepared is key to protecting everyone’s sanity. A tablet is the go-to for many traveling families, but shouldn’t be the first and last line of defense. Even toddlers may tire of watching shows, especially on a long travel day. Instead, make a run to the Dollar Store and load up on small toys, colorful notebooks, pipe cleaners, play-doh and anything else you think your little one might enjoy opening. Wrap them as presents, and let your child delight in opening each one. Mix in media time as needed or let them simply marvel in the airplane around them and explore the seatback pocket.

Bribe Everyone
A little bribe never hurts when it comes to traveling with toddlers. Chances are you’re already bribing your toddler with endless entertainment options, but add a lollipop to the mix to help clear their ears on an airplane or settle their stomach on a long car ride. However, the passengers around you may need a little bribe. If your child is prone to being fussy, tell the people immediately around you you hope the flight goes smooth, but are happy to buy them a drink or do anything to make their trip more comfortable. Chances are high they’ll decline, but at least they will know you’re thinking about their comfort and are likely to extend some sympathy instead of glares.

Factor in Downtime
The rules of toddler life don’t go out the window just because you’re on vacation. Toddlers still need time to rest, do a lot of nothing and play with their toys whether they’re at home or away. Start by factoring in plenty of downtime on your vacation. Enjoy a busy morning and end it at a playground before adding in a few hours at your accommodation to rest, read books, play or indulge in some screen time. And if you’re traveling to a theme park like Disney, plan for a few rides in the morning before going back to your resort for an afternoon swim. Then wrap up the evening with dinner at the Kingdom and one or two rides before calling it a day. Grown-ups need their own downtime, too, and everyone will likelier be happier and more refreshed with a system to relax in place.

Get Creative
Sometimes vacations are too short to indulge in much-needed downtime, or the logistics just don’t allow it. Traveling across town to a world-class museum may require several hours to complete your excursion. Get creative and hit the children’s room at the museum first, and take turns with your partner to explore an area of the museum you want to see most. Then take a break, grab a treat and get your toddler settled in for a stroller nap. Or slow the day down and hop on the train at Disney or go on a paddle boat ride at a local pond and soak up the sights while everyone rests.

Remember the real purpose behind a family vacation is togetherness and experiencing something new together. Relax your itinerary and leave room for spontaneity to see where the day takes you.