10 best tips for traveling with a toddler
Contrary to popular belief, traveling with kids can be really fun. Planning ahead and thoughtful preparation can make all the difference, helping you feel more organized and setting you up for a smoother, simpler, and more relaxed journey. Check out our top tips and guide to traveling for parents planning a family trip with a toddler.
1. Schedule a nap every single day
Some kids sleep a lot! So don’t forget to make extra time in your itinerary for some R&R every single day! You may be on vacation, but your toddler’s nap time won’t be. Remember that travel is exhausting for your little one too, especially during long-haul flights on an airplane, so you need to dedicate time for their recovery.
2. Ask for child discounts
They may not clearly state it, but there are plenty of businesses that offer child discounts – you just have to ask in advance, which are essential for family travels. While you’re planning your trip, call hotels, transportation companies, museums and other excursions for special prices for toddlers. You may come up empty, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
3. Stay in one hotel
Do your best to stick to one place! Moving around different hotels to accrue reward points or explore different parts of the city, while traveling with toddlers, is not worth the transport issues, the packing and unpacking, and the stress of having to start over.
4. Choose places they can explore
There may be days when your child isn’t up for another big journey, and you need to move a little slower. You can enjoy the best of both worlds by staying in a hotel or apartment near a park or some wide open space where they can explore. Another option is a portable trike like the Liki Trike, which can serve as an engaging stroller alternative. It allows your little one to actively engage with their surroundings while still being comfortably supported as you get around.
5. Call it like it
When the excursion’s been a disaster and toddler meltdowns are imminent, you need to be able to throw in the towel and take the whole gang back to the hotel. Don’t feel bad about this! Sometimes, outings just don’t work out, and you need to be able to roll with punches and try for another day.
6. Screens/multipurpose devices
On long flights or during extended layovers, a bit of screen time can be a helpful tool rather than a last resort. A tablet or smartphone loaded with familiar stories, short shows, or simple games can keep toddlers calmly engaged and also help distract from discomfort like ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
For a screen-free alternative, an audio player like Yoto (opens in a new tab)is a great option. It lets children listen to stories, music, and audio content independently, keeping them entertained in a soothing, hands-on way without relying on visuals.
. Eat dinner early
Worried about a toddler meltdown mid-meal? Try eating earlier than you usually do. A mostly-empty restaurant means more room for your child to roam, less people to disturb with babbling baby noises, and more space for your stroller.
10. Make a travel crib
No matter how adventurous your toddler is, trips and vacations bring all sorts of new stimuli and stresses. You can help keep them comfortable with reminders of their crib at home – like blankies, old toys, and binkies, especially during bedtime. Always keep these security blankets near your toddler during flights and long drives – just avoid balls or any other round objects that can roll away from your little one.
11. Port-a-potty
Toddlers are in that strange in-between area of ‘not potty-trained,’ ‘semi-potty-trained,’ and ‘hopefully potty-trained,’ which is especially concerning during a road trip. But even if you think your little one is potty trained, you never know what can happen during a stressful road trip. You may need to rely on training pants, spare diapers, or even pack a port-a-potty along with you in your car just to be sure.
12. Take lots of breaks
When you’re road-tripping, there’s an urge to get to your destination in one straight shot. But, that may not pan out when you’re traveling with a toddler. Instead, break up your long travel time into sections, take lots of rest stops, provide your little one their favorite snacks, and let them enjoy the ride, making it a more entertaining experience for family travels.
Our most important travel tip for traveling with a toddler? Go with the flow, but have the right tools at hand. And with the easy-to-fold, travel-friendly Liki Trike, you can take this best travel companion everywhere, ensuring that your toddler is entertained during family travels. Plus, Push Mode allows you and your toddler to navigate city streets, public transport, and cars galore—even when your toddler’s tired! Now, it’s time to make some mess-free memories! Grab your Liki Trike, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
