Unlocking the Wonder

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I could never travel with my toddler”? The planning, the disruption of routines, worries about safety, and the fear of judgment can all seem incredibly daunting.

We’ve been there! We’ve lived it, but let us tell you, traveling with toddlers can be wonderful. Yes, it can be chaotic at times, but it’s also full of possibilities. 

When our oldest girls were 2- and 4-years-old, we were invited to a wedding in Philadelphia. It was a series of firsts for our youngest: first plane ride, first hotel stay, and first wedding. With so many “firsts,” we knew we needed to go in with a game plan. 

Cue our three essential toddler travel tips.

Entertainment is essential.

Keeping your toddler entertained during travel can help make the journey so much more enjoyable for everyone. We like to have a variety of options on hand to keep our kids entertained. Non-tech options like coloring books, stickers, and Play-doh can provide loads of fun without taking up much space in your bag. On our trip to Philadelphia, we packed a few of the girls’ favorite books, a couple of small toys, and… what you’ve all been waiting for… devices loaded with their favorite content and games. But, remember this: your toddler wants nothing more than to connect with you. And what better time than on a long car ride or flight? Our kids love playing games like "I Spy" or singing along to Raffi, the Laurie Bernker Band, and our family’s Disney favorites. By providing a range of options and being a play partner (at least some of the time), you can help keep your toddler happy during those long trips.

Pack snacks.

Lots (and lots) of snacks. Did we say, “pack snacks”? Don’t say we didn’t warn you! In fact, forget the children. Just bring snacks. We’re kidding, but seriously, prioritize snacks, and not just for the kids! We’re all susceptible to hunger-induced meltdowns! You’ll be a happier parent if you have your favorite snacks on hand too. They’ll help keep your hunger at bay, while also providing a much-needed distraction on any journey, long or short. We prefer portable snacks that are easy to pack and eat on the go. For our toddlers, yogurt and fruit pouches, crackers, cheese sticks, and our very own trail mixes always hit the spot. We love making a simple trail mix with our kids ahead of travel. It’s a nice way to prepare and get excited while involving them in the prep. Make sure all snacks and drinks are easily accessible too! And, don’t forget essential items like wipes and a small trash bag for easy clean-up.

Stay calm and travel on!

In all honesty, traveling with toddlers can really test your patience. It's inevitable that there will be struggles, so know going into it that things will not always go according to plan. However, maintaining your calm by using your thinking brain, rather than letting your emotions take over, will make a world of difference. 

When we maintain and share our calm with our kids, we’re better able to offer reassurance and comfort when it’s needed most. It’s important to acknowledge that facing challenges is a normal part of traveling with young kids, and accepting that reality ahead of time can prevent us from overreacting when things don't go smoothly.

While in Philadelphia, we would pause to take a few deep breaths or just to gather our thoughts. We also asked each other for support when we needed it, which helped us enjoy the trip so much more.  

Finding ways for the whole family to take breaks ahead of meltdowns or to avoid overstimulation was also crucial. These breaks gave us all some much-needed movement opportunities, reducing the likelihood of meltdowns. Restlessness is no joke. We all need time to recharge.

Traveling with toddlers may not be easy, but it can be fun if we approach it with a plan. Preparation is key: keep them entertained, pack plenty of snacks, and maintain your calm by taking breaks. Your toddler may experience many firsts, and so will you as you see the world through their eyes. Their innate sense of wonder and discovery can make even the most familiar places feel all sorts of new and exciting!