Travel with Toddler Tips
Surviving (and enjoying) holidays with 1-3 year olds
Travelling with toddlers is both rewarding and exhausting. They are old enough to enjoy new experiences but young enough to have meltdowns at immigration. This guide shares practical tips from parents who have been there - covering flights, sleep, food, and keeping your sanity intact.
Flying with Toddlers
Flights are often the most dreaded part. Here is how to make them bearable:
Before the Flight
- Book flights during nap time or overnight if possible
- Request bulkhead seats for extra legroom (call airline)
- Download shows and games to tablet - test offline playback
- Pack favourite snacks in clear bags for easy access
- Bring a change of clothes for toddler AND yourself (trust us)
- New small toys work magic - save them for the plane
- Consider a toddler backpack they can carry themselves
Ear Pressure
Give a drink, snack, or dummy during takeoff and landing. Swallowing helps equalise ear pressure and prevents pain.
During the Flight
- Let them walk the aisle when seatbelt sign is off
- Window seats give something to look at
- Bring more snacks than you think you need
- Sticker books are flight heroes - no mess, quiet focus
- Save screen time for when you really need it
- Chat with the toddler about what you can see
- Accept that it will not be relaxing - adjust expectations
Remember: everyone on that plane was a toddler once. Most people are more understanding than you expect.
Sleep on Holiday
Toddler sleep can make or break a holiday. Preparation helps:
- Bring portable blackout blinds (Gro Anywhere or similar)
- White noise machine or app maintains sleep association
- Favourite bedding or sleeping bag gives familiar comfort
- Maintain bedtime routine as closely as possible
- First night is usually hardest - expect some disruption
- Consider time zones - adjust gradually if big difference
- Request cot/crib in advance and check safety standards
Tip
For short trips (under 5 days) to nearby time zones, many parents keep home schedule rather than adjusting. Your call based on your child.
Food and Eating
Toddlers and new food can be challenging:
- Pack emergency food - pouches, snack bars, familiar crackers
- Self-catering accommodation gives control over meals
- Local supermarkets usually have toddler-friendly options
- Do not force new foods - holidays are not the time for battles
- Bring portable high chair or harness for restaurants
- Request high chairs when booking restaurants
- Eat early - tired toddlers in late restaurants = disaster
Family Tip
Most Mediterranean countries are very child-friendly. Pasta, bread, fruit, and chicken are available everywhere. Do not stress about exotic eating.
Nap Management
The toddler nap schedule impacts your whole day:
- Plan activities around nap time, not against it
- Overtired toddler = nightmare evening. Protect that nap.
- Stroller naps work for some kids - use them strategically
- Return to accommodation for nap if toddler needs cot
- Quiet beach/pool time while toddler naps is possible
- Accept some days will be split by the nap schedule
Entertainment Ideas
Keeping toddlers happy does not require expensive attractions:
- Beach - sand, water, shells, stones. Hours of free play.
- Pool - most toddlers are happy splashing for ages
- Playgrounds - look up local playgrounds at destination
- Animal encounters - farms, aquariums, zoos always win
- Walks - collecting leaves, spotting birds, throwing stones in water
- Local markets - colours, sounds, maybe an ice cream
- Bubble blowing - cheap, portable, universally loved
Money-Saving Tip
Skip expensive toddler attractions. They often prefer the cardboard box to the toy inside. Simple experiences are usually best.
Essential Gear
- Lightweight stroller - Worth its weight in gold for naps and tired legs
- Baby carrier - Better than stroller for uneven terrain, beaches, crowds
- Travel car seat - Or rent one (check safety ratings)
- Portable high chair - Lobster-style clips to tables
- Reins/harness - Controversial but useful in airports and crowds
- Blackout blind - Sleep saver
- Changing mat - Folds flat, always useful
Dealing with Meltdowns
They will happen. How you respond matters:
- Prevention is best - watch for tired/hungry signs
- Snacks solve many problems
- Remove from situation calmly if possible
- Do not worry about other people judging you
- Have a "meltdown kit" - favourite snack, toy, dummy
- Sometimes the answer is going back to the hotel
- Tag-team with partner - take turns having breaks
Create your toddler travel packing list - we will include all the essentials.
Build My Packing ListDestination Considerations
Not all destinations suit toddlers equally:
- Best bets - Beach resorts, self-catering villas, family-friendly hotels with pools
- Worth considering - Shorter flights, nearby time zones, familiar food available
- Think twice about - Long flights, extreme heat, adventure-only destinations, overly cultural trips
- Remember - Your toddler will not remember this trip. It is for YOU too. Choose something you will enjoy.
Tip
The perfect toddler holiday is one where parents also relax. Do not martyr yourself on a trip designed only for the toddler.
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