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Is air travel safe for an infant?

Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term.

Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying in a pressurized cabin or visiting high-altitude places.

And any infant with heart or lung problems should be cleared for air travel by a healthcare professional.

As you plan your trip, here are some things to keep in mind, such as the baby's age, your health and some basics of flying.

The baby's age, overall health

Experts caution against flying in the first seven days after a baby is born. Some healthcare professionals suggest not traveling for the first few months.

In general, babies and adults face the same risk of exposure to illness from travel. But a baby's immune system is still learning how to protect against germs. And in most cases, a baby's illness needs to be more closely watched by a healthcare professional.

Caregiver health and planning

It is important for caregivers to think about their own health too. Flying with a child can cause added sleep loss and stress. And adults are at risk for new germs and illness, as well.

Finding out what illnesses are spreading in your area and where you're going can help you prepare and take thoughtful action. And basic things like handwashing are even more important to prevent the spread of germs while traveling.

The baby's ears

Offering a baby something to suck on may help relieve the baby's ear discomfort. You can offer the baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the start of the landing process. It might help to try to time feedings so that your baby is hungry during these times.

Ask a healthcare professional when it's safe to fly with babies who have had ear surgery or an ear infection.

Also, airplane cabin noise levels are loud, mainly during takeoff. Cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs may limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep.

The baby's safety seat

Most infant car seats are certified for air travel. Airlines often allow infants to ride on a caregiver's lap during flight. But the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that infants ride in properly secured safety seats.

If you choose not to purchase a ticket for your infant, ask about open seats when you board the plane. It's possible an open seat could be assigned to your infant.

Don't be tempted to give your baby medicine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others), to help the baby sleep during the flight. The practice isn't recommended, and sometimes the medicine can have the opposite effect.

Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

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  • Jana LA, et al. Flying the family-friendly skies. In: Heading Home With Your Newborn: From Birth to Reality. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2020. https://www.aap.org/en/shopaap. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
  • Newborn-flying and mountain travel. Pediatric Patient Education. https://publications.aap.org/patiented. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Traveling safely with infants & children. In: CDC Yellow Book 2024. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
  • AskMayoExpert. Infant Fever. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.
  • Schmitt BD. Pediatric Telephone Protocols: Office Version. 17th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2021.
  • Child safety on airplanes. Federal Aviation Administration. https://www.faa.gov/travelers/fly_children/. Accessed Nov. 18, 2023.

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37 Best Travel Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

traveling with an infant

Family travel is exciting for you and your kids and can create special memories that last a lifetime, whether you’re off on an adventure abroad or simply going to visit Grandma. But traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler requires a little extra preparation to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. We’ve got the answers to common questions surrounding baby travel—short and long—plus a list of all the essentials and 37 tips for traveling with the little ones!

How Soon Can You Travel With a Newborn Baby?

When is it safe to travel with a newborn? It’s always wise to check with your healthcare provider before traveling with an infant. Your provider will likely offer specific guidance on whether you should or shouldn’t travel with your little newborn, depending on your little’s one's age and health status, as well as more general advice on when you can travel with a baby or older child. Whenever you do end up traveling with your little one, keep some safety precautions in mind. Your child is still developing their immune system, so it’s important to take protective measures, especially when flying or in crowded locations, such as

frequently washing hands

using hand sanitizer

avoiding visibly ill travelers.

Besides these basic safety precautions, keep reading for more tips on traveling with infants, plus older babies and toddlers, which include additional measures that will help keep your little one healthy, safe, and comfortable.

37 Tips for Traveling With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler

There are many ways you can help keep your infant, older baby, or toddler safe while traveling, and ensure that the trip is comfortable for all involved. It’s best to always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before traveling, especially with newborns or infants. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older babies and toddlers, so consider the provider’s advice and tips for traveling with an infant. Knowing how to travel with an infant isn’t much different from knowing how to travel with an older baby or toddler, but age can impact strategy. For example, traveling with a toddler opens up more opportunities for activities on your trip! You’ll probably notice that traveling with a 2-year-old is a lot more interactive than when your little one was just 3 or 6 months old. To cover all the bases, we’ve included 37 tips for traveling with babies of any age, but some apply more to younger babies, like infants and newborns, whereas others are more geared toward older babies and toddlers. However, all are worth considering when traveling with kids of any age and whether you’re flying to Paris or hopping in the car for a day trip.

1. Update Immunizations

Before you travel, including by car, on an airplane, or anywhere abroad, ensure your baby has had all the necessary immunizations. Following an immunization schedule is key to keeping your little one healthy throughout their life and, of course, when traveling. If you plan to travel abroad, be aware that some countries require additional vaccinations. You’ll want to consult your child’s healthcare provider for specific advice before planning any overseas trips, and you can contact the U.S. State Department for general information. As children will need immunizations and boosters throughout their early years, this tip also applies to travel with infants, older babies, and toddlers.

2. Consult Your Child’s Healthcare Provider

Remember that your baby’s healthcare provider is your ally and a great source of information. Don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions about traveling with an infant or how to best travel with a baby of any age. If you’re thinking of traveling with a newborn, the provider may suggest waiting in some cases, such as if your little one has an underlying health condition or was born prematurely.

3. Collect Medications and Important Documents

Before setting off on your adventure, remember to pack any medication your child will need while away from home. You can also purchase a sturdy folder to keep any important documents, such as your baby’s vaccination record, copies of recent medical reports, passport, etc. When traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and bring everything you might need!

4. Do Some Research

One of the best tips for traveling with newborns or older babies and toddlers is to hunt for and gather relevant information ahead of time. Besides things like looking up vaccination requirements, you can also research details about accommodations and activities. Some hotels offer amenities that may come in handy when traveling. For example, if you’re breastfeeding your baby , you might want a refrigerator in your hotel room to store extra milk.

5. Allow Extra Time

Always remember that traveling with an infant or baby of any age means everything will take a little more time (or sometimes a lot more time!). Be sure to start early and allow extra time when packing the car or getting to the airport, going through security, checking into your accommodation, eating out, etc. This additional time makes for a smooth trip and also helps keep stress to a minimum.

6. Bring Those Baby Essentials

Although your research may reveal that hotels or accommodations offer some basic baby necessities, it’s best to bring as much as you can with you. For example, if a hotel offers cribs, unless you can guarantee that their baby cribs are up to date on safety requirements, it’s better to bring your own travel crib if you’re able to do so. Other travel essentials for your baby include bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes , pacifiers, etc. Keep these in a separate diaper bag for easy access! Our baby travel checklist below includes all these items and more.

7. Don’t Forget Favorite Toys or Blankets

Your little one is still getting used to the world around them, so bring some reminders of home to soothe any discomfort when in unfamiliar places. A favorite plush toy, a familiar rattle, or a blanket with home scents can do wonders in keeping your babies and toddlers comfortable when traveling, so be sure not to leave Mr. Rabbit (or any other "lovey") at home!

8. Double Check Car Seats

Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety . Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn’t expired, and ensure that it’s properly installed.

9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent

When traveling with babies, especially newborns and infants, it’s best to keep feeding and sleep schedules consistent, even when crossing into other time zones. It’s hard for children to adjust to new routines, and a little consistency will do wonders. If you’re moving across several time zones and it’s impossible to stick to the same feeding times, try to adjust your schedule gradually. However, what’s most important is feeding your baby when they’re hungry, regardless of the hour, and giving yourself some extra grace.

10. Bring a First-Aid Kit

In addition to all your essential must-have items, it’s also helpful to have your baby’s first-aid kit with you when traveling. You can keep one in the car, diaper bag, or your little baby’s overnight bag. Do you have all the baby necessities in your diaper bag? Take our quiz below to find out!

11. Wash Hands Frequently

Although briefly mentioned above, this is one of the most important tips for traveling with an infant or child of any age, and it deserves a friendly reminder! Because your little one is still building their body’s natural immune defenses, they’re more susceptible to catching colds, flu, or other infections. And because you’ll be carrying your newborn while traveling or holding your baby’s hand, it’s best for you to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

12. Stay Hydrated

Traveling in general, but especially traveling by plane, is dehydrating to the body. Staying hydrated yourself means staying healthy and alert for your child. To keep your newborn hydrated, you’ll want to feed them more often (if needed), and older babies and toddlers will need sips of water throughout the day. Hydration is also very important if your little one has diarrhea while traveling, which is common.

13. Bring Disposable or Hybrid Diapers

When you’re traveling, nothing beats the convenience of disposable diapers. Another option is a hybrid system, like Pampers Pure Hybrid Starter Kit, which uses reusable covers and disposable inserts to cut down on waste.

14. Provide Entertainment

You may find that your newborn sleeps through much of the trip, but that probably won’t be the case for an active older baby or toddler! When traveling with a baby who’s a bit older and more alert, it helps to provide some form of entertainment, whether in the car, on the train, or on an airplane. A soft toy or a picture book work well.

15. Bring Food and Snacks

You don’t have to travel with a baby to know that meals and snacks are an important part of any outing! You’ll need to breastfeed or bring formula, of course, supplemented by solid foods once your little one has been introduced to solids at around 6 months. Good travel food for babies can be anything they regularly eat—the point is to keep their tummy happy!

16. Sing Songs

Singing is a wonderful way to bond and engage with your baby or toddler. It’s an entertaining way to pass the time on long car drives, for instance, and has the added bonus of helping to boost vocabulary as well as other important language skills and developmental milestones for babies . Before long your not so little one will be singing along and repeating their favorite songs, again and again.

17. Plan Car Games

In addition to singing songs, keep your little one entertained with some fun car games. Your toddler may enjoy the classic game I Spy or even counting things (with your help) they see out the window, like cows or red cars. Another idea is to build or purchase a travel tray, a simple tray that connects to the back of one of the front seats and provides lots of things to touch, look at, and listen to!

18. Pack Bedding From Home

When possible, pack bedding for your baby or toddler, which, of course, is easier when traveling by car or when you have extra space in your suitcase. Familiar feels and scents will help keep them at ease as they experience a disruption to their usual routine. If you’re flying far on a plane, just grab something small, like their favorite blanket or bedsheet, to help them feel “at home.”

19. Provide Extra Attention

Traveling with a baby or an older child often interrupts typical at-home routines, and your little one will probably need more attention from you. Some tips include extra hugs and snuggles during the day and at night, plus bringing interactive games and activities into the mix.

20. Maintain a Typical Meal Routine

Although traveling is a great time to try new foods or allow some “treats,” try to stick to your usual meal routines as much as possible. Let your older baby or toddler know that traveling can include trying new food while at the same time continuing to eat healthy foods and maintain normal mealtimes.

21. Look for Specials

Many accommodations and restaurants offer special prices or deals for families, which can help reduce costs. “Kids stay free” is a common feature; you can also see if a hotel provides complimentary meals or packaged discounts for kids and families. Consider working with a travel club or agency that can help you coordinate a trip with children in mind.

22. Ask for Assistance

With a baby, travel isn’t always an easy task to accomplish on your own. If your little one is feeling extra fussy on the plane or train and you’ve run out of ideas, ask an attendant if they have anything special for babies or young kids, such as a picture book or a pack of crayons. If you need a changing pad in your hotel room, call the front desk. It really does take a village, and many travel clubs, airlines, hotels, and more offer special assistance for kids and families!

23. Pack for the Weather

Take a look at the weather report before you leave and pack accordingly. Consider bringing some extra layers for cooler night temperatures or extra supplies in case of rain or snow. Socks, rain covers, a warm jacket, and a hat will all come in handy if the weather takes an unexpected turn.

24. Take Preventive Measures

It’s not unusual for an illness or another health-related issue to pop up when you’re on the go and away from home. Colds and sore throats, diarrhea, car sickness, mosquito bites or bedbug bites —all these scenarios are possible with any kind of travel, including travels with your baby. Although you might not be able to completely prevent all these issues, it helps to prepare. You can do so by

getting necessary vaccinations before traveling

checking hotel rooms, bus seats, or train cars for bedbugs

bringing your own food or eating only hot food that’s thoroughly cooked

eating only a light snack before traveling to lessen motion sickness

staying hydrated.

25. Remember Special Considerations When Flying

Don’t forget that flying with a child will require some extra steps. If you have any questions, consult your little one’s healthcare provider and contact the airline. For example, all equipment like car seats and strollers will need to be visibly inspected at the airport. Read more about air travel in our article about flying with babies .

26. Plan Age-Appropriate Trips

Of course, traveling with a 1-year-old is going to be a little different than traveling with a 2-month-old! It helps to plan a trip that works for your child’s specific age, so if you’re traveling with a 9-month-old baby, think of something to do that meshes well with their abilities and interests. A simple trip going to visit grandparents or where there are lots of playgrounds is all you really need! But, of course, kids love playing outdoors or at the beach, so see more suggestions on where to travel with a baby at the end of the article.

27. Plan Breaks

For travel of any kind, remember that kids need breaks, naps, and downtime. If you’re taking a road trip, for example, research your routes thoroughly and plan for pit stops and breaks. It’s not easy for wriggly little ones to sit for too long, and getting out of the car to stretch legs or enjoy an attraction along the way helps keep spirits and energy levels high. If you’re on a plane, get up and walk the aisle a few times for a little movement and stimulation. Or if you’re spending the day at a theme park, squeeze in some time in the shade with a blanket for a quick snooze or a calming activity, like reading.

28. Bring Craft Supplies

Your toddler may need something more interactive to keep them entertained while on a road trip, airplane, or in a hotel room. Basic arts and crafts for toddlers can keep your little one occupied. Even just some crayons and a coloring book will help.

29. Adjust Sleep Schedules 2 to 3 Days Before if Needed

As mentioned before, when traveling with infants and older babies, it’s better to try and stick to the same feeding and sleeping schedules. But when traveling with toddlers, you may have more wiggle room to adjust their routines. For short trips, you might not even need to consider this tip, but if you’re moving across multiple time zones, you can gradually adjust sleep and eating schedules to the new time zone a few days before departing on your trip.

30. Pack Books

Are you wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or toddler? Put books at the top of your list! Any kind of books —picture books, storybooks, interactive books—will keep your little one entertained while traveling. And if you usually read before falling asleep, it’s important to maintain your bedtime routine while away from home.

31. Respect Boundaries

Traveling with babies and toddlers (or, really, kids of any age) is a lot of fun for everyone. But remember that a change in a routine can be difficult for children, so it’s important to respect any boundaries they put up. For example, if your child doesn’t want to give Grandma a hug this trip or go on a ride at a theme park, don’t force it. They might be feeling shy or nervous, and it’s best not to force interactions, even with family members or activities.

32. Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

One of the best tips for traveling with toddlers and older babies is letting them make some decisions as they start to dabble in independence. Ask them what they want to eat for dinner or what they’d like to wear. Keep decisions manageable for their little brains by offering two or three choices rather than asking open-ended questions. It will allow them to take ownership of the travel experience!

33. Try New Things

Make traveling with your baby or toddler even more memorable by encouraging new experiences. You’ll probably remember these trips forever, but to make them stick in your youngster’s mind, have some fun with unique activities that you can’t do at home. Plus, as your little one is growing and developing, they’ll naturally want to try new things and test newly developed skills!

34. Anticipate Big Feelings

Again, changes in routines can be difficult for kids to manage. Traveling means leaving home behind, sleeping in a strange bed, and being without the usual comforts. This may be stressful, confusing, or even a bit scary for your little one. If these emotions come out in the form of temper tantrums , crying, or resisting, give your child extra support and love.

35. Supervise Water Play

Baby travel or traveling with a toddler might include a little water play, like splashing around in the pool or at the beach. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in kids of any age, and it can happen in seconds, whether children are swimming , playing in a shallow pool, or simply taking a bath. Watch children closely when in the water or during bath time.

36. Take Photos and Videos

With cameras built into phones, you probably don’t need a reminder to take photos! Still, be sure to capture the memories when traveling with your kids, especially as they get older. It will be fun for them to look back and remember the trip!

37. Keep a Scrapbook

Take a blank scrapbook with you and let your toddler draw or color in it each day of the trip. For infants and newborns, press their hand or foot into the page with a bit of paint and add photos. When you return home, you can add more pictures or little trinkets like ticket stubs to the book, and your child can keep it to remember the experience. As your babies get older, traveling with them will get more and more fun, so let them be part of making the memories!

Baby Travel Checklist

We know this list of tips for traveling with an infant, older baby, or toddler is quite thorough, so to make it a bit easier for you, you’ll find a handy baby travel checklist below! We’ve included all the baby travel items that will help support a trip of any kind with any age group. Whether you’re wondering what to pack when traveling with a baby or hunting for those baby travel must-haves, we’ve included them all! This baby travel checklist works for kids of all ages, so you can use it when traveling with infants, older babies, toddlers, or even older children. It also works for short or long trips, by car, plane, or train. You can also download a version of the checklist and use it at home when preparing and packing for any upcoming family trips.

INSERT DOWNLOADABLE LINK

Baby Travel: Where to Go

Now that you have all of our travel tips, it’s time to think about where to travel with your baby. Not all destinations and activities are suitable for young children, so we’ve rounded up some of our best ideas for kid-friendly travel destinations!

Where to Vacation With an Infant, Older Baby, or Toddler in the United States

Luckily, the United States is a big country packed with various travel opportunities for babies and young children. Because there are so many choices, we’ve rounded up a few suggestions for each of the following themes: National Parks Among the best places to go when traveling with a newborn, older baby, or toddler are national and state parks. When you explore the great outdoors, you can avoid cramped environments and secure your sweet little one to your chest or carry older babies in backpacks while you enjoy fresh air and nature. Of course, toddlers will probably want a little independence as they toddle around! Some suggestions for kid-friendly national parks include the following:

All these parks offer a range of hiking suitable for carrying sleeping newborns or curious infants, plus interesting experiences for more mobile toddlers. Watch your child’s eyes light up at the scene of geysers erupting in Yellowstone, birds singing in the Everglades, or the sky-high trunks of the towering Redwoods! Vibrant Cities Although nature is ideal for traveling with babies or kids of any age, new cities also offer a lot of entertainment for the entire family (including you!). The United States is so diverse with different cultures, and your little one can enjoy various activities that can enrich their development. The list of kid-friendly cities in the United States is nearly endless, so if you’re simply looking for a bit of inspiration or a few suggestions for exciting cities, perhaps consider the following:

All these cities offer fun for you and your kids, even if your infant is simply watching the buzzy world around them. Take your little one to look for seals at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, explore adobe architecture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or listen to street music in New Orleans. Theme Parks Although some theme parks aren’t suitable when traveling with newborns, infants, or young babies, many can be a lot of fun for toddlers and older kids! However, some of these classics cater to kids of all ages, rather than just focusing on thrilling roller coasters for the big kids. Again, you’ll find plenty of fun theme parks throughout the country, but for a few suggestions, you could consider the following:

These theme parks offer exciting scenes for even the youngest guests but can also entertain older children if you have a brood of various ages. Watch your baby delight at meeting their favorite Disney, Sesame Street, or fairy-tale characters! Beaches Although infants shouldn’t experience any direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months , beaches can offer a relaxing place to be with your little one, as long as they’re properly shaded. For older babies and toddlers, the beach is an exciting source of pure entertainment! The United States has a lot of coastlines to consider; here are just a few ideas:

A beach vacation with an infant, older baby, or toddler will expose your little one to an entirely new world. Plus, all the above suggestions offer complementary activities that your baby may love, such as visiting wildlife education centers, observing tide pools, or having fun at neighboring playgrounds. Road Trips Like national parks, road trips are also ideal for traveling with infants or children of any age, as you don’t have to interact too much with other travelers who can spread germs to your family. Plus, road trips can combine all the aforementioned ideas into one exciting adventure! A road trip doesn’t have to be long; you can simply pack snacks and head over to Grandma’s house or into the big city. But the United States is also known for its signature stretches of highway, and some of the most popular road-trip routes include the following:

Best Places to Travel With an Infant, Baby, or Toddler Abroad

A vacation abroad is a terrific way to open up the world to your little explorer! Although infants and young babies probably won’t remember much about a trip abroad, you can still use the opportunity to introduce them to new cultures and experiences. And, who knows, perhaps a trip at such a young age will spark an interest in travel as your adventurous baby grows up! A list of the best places to travel with an infant, baby, or toddler is endless, so we’ve included just a few popular family-friendly destinations in different parts of the world. Of course, use your imagination and go where you want!

The Bottom Line

Traveling with young infants, older babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can be a lot of fun, but it also requires a little extra prep! We hope this article helps you prepare for future family trips:

Use our suggestions on where to go to plan memorable experiences for the whole family.

Download our baby travel checklist to ensure you don’t forget any of the must-have items you’ll need.

Consider all our tips for traveling with newborns, babies, and toddlers to help your vacation go smoothly.

Remember that there is no age limit when it comes to travel, but it’s best to take extra precautions when traveling with infants, as they have yet to build up their body’s natural immunity. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider before planning any travel so you know what vaccinations your baby will need.

Family travel is a way to build wonderful memories that last a lifetime! Savor these exciting moments, whether you’re taking a simple trip to Grandma’s house, venturing out on an epic road trip to national parks, or enjoying an international vacation.

How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.

  • Book: Caring for your baby and young child, birth to age 5, Sixth Edition Paperback – November 2, 2014 by American Academy of Pediatrics (Author)
  • Medline Plus: Traveling With Children
  • Zero to Three: Survival Strategies for Traveling With Your Baby or Toddler
  • Medline Plus: Toddler Development
  • Mayo Clinic: Infant and Toddler Health
  • Healthy Children: Sun Safety
  • Healthy Children: Travel Safety Tips
  • Healthy Children: Car Safety
  • CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families
  • CDC: Drowning Facts
  • CDC: Traveling With Children
  • Healthy Children: Car Sickness
  • La Leche League International: Travel

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Where You Already Belong

How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

Lori Zaino

About to take your first trip with a new baby ? Or maybe this isn't your first time traveling with your little one , but you'd like to pack more efficiently this time around.

It can be hard to know how to prepare and pack when you have a baby in tow. Babies often change so quickly that anticipating their needs can be complicated — especially if you're planning a longer trip.

In addition to typical packing concerns, such as the weather in your destination or luggage size restrictions, it's not always clear what you can carry on or must check when it comes to your infant. Here's our advice to help you prepare, pack and travel better with your baby.

Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel advice .

Choose accommodations wisely (and pack accordingly)

If you're traveling by car, you can easily pack a travel crib and other larger baby items.

However, if you're flying, choosing the right accommodation is the key to packing lighter, which is the goal. Toting around an infant is strain enough — staying somewhere that provides baby items means you can leave the extras at home.

Check with your hotel to see if it offers cribs or other baby items, as well as if it provides laundry services or facilities where you can do your own. Some hotels will even provide an extra fridge for milk storage upon request.

Often, a home rental might be a better choice than a hotel, assuming you pick the right one. Airbnb allows you to filter properties by items such as "crib" and "high chair." You can also message hosts to see if they have any other baby-friendly items available.

For example, I recently filtered an Airbnb search in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to show only rentals that included a crib, high chair, washer and dryer. I ended up picking a rental that included not only the aforementioned items, but also a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer and a few other infant-friendly items, which allowed me to pack less.

Some rentals I've stayed in even provided baby toys, books and cutlery. The key is communication. Don't hesitate to message and confirm the equipment again with hosts as you pack. You can also request or confirm that everything will be set up and ready for the baby upon your arrival.

Access to a washer and dryer is important since babies tend to have accidents or leaky diapers. Being able to do laundry also lets you pack fewer clothes. Also, if your rental is not a stand-alone house or a unit on the first floor, check that there is an elevator. A five-floor walk-up in a multi-unit building can be difficult with a stroller, shopping bags and baby in your arms.

Call your airline to understand the regulations

Depending on your airline, fare class and destination, you may have to adhere to different rules when it comes to traveling with an infant.

Those regulations can also vary depending on whether you've purchased a lap ticket versus a separate seat for your baby. In almost all cases, airlines allow travelers with an infant to gate-check a stroller or buggy, and some may also allow a car seat. Check with your airline ahead of time to understand baggage rules for your little one to avoid getting caught off guard at the airport or paying extra, especially when flying low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Spirit .

Flying with an infant in a car seat and hoping to bring it on the plane? Make sure it's approved for air travel. You may also want to request a bassinet for your baby, if the aircraft you're flying offers one (check the weight limits, however). Ask for an aisle seat, as it makes standing up with your baby much easier.

Invest in travel-friendly baby items

long term travel with baby

Having a dedicated (foldable) travel stroller will be useful beyond air travel. It's the perfect item to have when exploring a new city. Other key travel baby items to consider taking along are:

  • Travel diaper backpack.
  • Portable changing pad.
  • Travel car seat.
  • A bag for a car seat or stroller so these items aren't damaged if checked.
  • Portable baby monitor.
  • Baby carrier or wrap.
  • Swaddle or baby blankets.
  • Inflatable bathtub .
  • Pack 'n Play or travel crib.
  • Travel neck pillow (use it while feeding your baby).
  • Baby chair strap.
  • Disposable bottle liners.
  • Disposable bibs.
  • Portable blackout shades for travel cribs or strollers.

Purchase (or preorder) diapers, formula and more at your destination

Depending on how long your trip is and where you're headed, calculate (and it's always best to over-calculate) how many diapers you'll need for the trip.

If your baby uses a specific formula or baby food, make sure you know where to buy it at your destination. Amazon and other delivery services can be useful for ordering these items -- and remember, these services are available internationally, too. You can also compare ingredients to see if you can get a similar formula or food at your destination, so you won't have to load up your suitcase with diapers or formula.

Don't worry if you forget baby socks or another basic item. Babies live all over the world, so you'll likely find many basic items available for purchase wherever you are. If your baby requires something specific, though, pack it just in case.

There are also companies that rent baby gear in many destinations around the world. Research ahead of time to find out exactly where and how to obtain these necessary items, especially when traveling abroad .

Carry on the essentials (and extras)

Always pack your baby's key essentials in your carry-on . This includes comfort items like their favorite toy or pacifier, and extra clothes for both your baby and you (in case their wardrobe disaster becomes yours, as well). You should also pack enough food, diapers and other key items to last you through the trip, plus more for any possible delays and/or cancelations.

Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag :

  • Extra clothing for you and your baby.
  • Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme).
  • Pacifier and clip (and backup).
  • Comfort toy(s) or blanket.
  • Extra diapers.
  • Breast pump.
  • Snacks (for you and your baby).
  • Baby wipes.
  • Sanitizing wipes.
  • Extra bibs.
  • Ziploc bags for stowing soiled clothing (or a reusable, waterproof bag).
  • Baby Tylenol or any infant medications.
  • A basic first aid kit.
  • Small toy(s).

The rest of your baby's items, like additional clothing, blankets and more, can go in your checked bag. If you're checking more than one bag, split your baby's items among different checked suitcases. That way you'll be covered if the airline loses one of your suitcases.

Know the security regulations and have a backup plan

On a recent call to Iberia Airlines , I was told I could bring "reasonable quantities" of formula and breast milk through security. However, the representative also told me that in some cases during security checks, certain agents might not allow me to pass these items through security at the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) . What?

Not all security checks, Transportation Security Administration agents or customs agents are alike, and each country, airport or airline may have specific regulations. Call ahead of time and prepare for things to not go as planned. If you do use formula, take your bottles already mixed, but also bring extra powder in case you need to prepare new bottles on board.

If you're pumping, it might also be a good idea to bring both a hand pump and an electric pump in case you have limited access to electricity or encounter issues with electrical outlets or voltage when traveling internationally.

Arriving at the airport early is always a good idea, because you may not breeze through security as you might have in your pre-baby days. Everything takes longer with an infant, so having that extra time can ensure a low stress travel experience. Take advantage and board the airplane first to give you extra time to get settled. If your airport has a family security line, use it.

Make sure you understand any remaining COVID-19 regulations

As mask rules and COVID-19 testing, entry and vaccine regulations continue to evolve in countries around the world, stay on top of exactly what you need to know and bring for your baby to get to your destination (and back home again). It's important to understand whether you'll need masks for your 2-year-old or need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 tests upon arrival at your destination or re-entry into the U.S. when traveling abroad.

Remember that airline staff members also struggle to keep track of ever-changing rules, so if you know something has recently changed or a rule seems specific, make sure to bring along proof of this information and whatever documentation you need in case you have trouble when boarding.

Photocopy important documents and always have extras. I loathe having to take paper documents along when traveling. However, having them may mean the difference between getting through customs, being able to board or being stranded at the airport. This is especially true if your phone battery dies or you're left without service for any reason. While being denied boarding is always dramatic, it's even worse with a baby in tow.

Download the right apps

Mobile phone apps can help you anticipate what you need, as well as keep your baby (and yourself) comfortable during travel.

A white noise app is key for better sleep for your baby — and therefore better sleep for parents — and allows you to leave a white noise machine home. Nightlight apps are also helpful during travel.

You can also connect most modern baby monitors to your phone and use an app to access the video of your baby so you won't need a separate viewing device.

Parents may find an app to track sleeping and feeding especially helpful during travel, particularly when switching time zones. A general packing app could help you keep track of what you need to bring for your infant, as well as the entire family. Make sure these apps are accessible offline if you need them while flying.

Don't forget their passport

long term travel with baby

This one is obvious, but you'd be surprised. Don't forget your baby's passport when traveling.

Look into identity and consent documents, as each country has its own requirements, especially if your partner isn't with you. If you have any older children, make sure to check that their passports are valid, as children's U.S. passports expire in just five years.

Traveling with a baby might seem like a lot. However, once you get the hang of it, packing, prepping and traveling with your infant becomes second nature. Ask for help when you need it and accept help when offered.

And when things don't go quite right, stay relaxed (remember, baby can feel your moods) — you'll figure it out. While it may seem tragic in the moment (like that major diaper blowout on board a plane), it will be an epic story to share one day.

Bottom line

When in doubt, bring enough baby supplies for a few extra days or a flight delay, but don't overpack. Make sure to be clear on any and all regulations that will cover your travel, from having the right documents to understanding what baby items you can bring through airport security . With these tips, packing and traveling will be a more enjoyable experience for the entire family .

Protect Your Trip »

Baby Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with an Infant

Traveling with an infant isn't for the faint of heart.

Caucasian mother and baby looking out airplane window

Getty Images | Blend Images

If you plan ahead, traveling with an infant can be a smooth ride after all.

Flying with a baby for the first time can be daunting. New parents are not only worried about their family's own experience with a little one in the air, but they're also worried how their baby's behavior will affect those around them. Plus, once you're on the ground, there are other issues to consider. Car travel with an infant isn't always fun, nor is the idea of staying with your baby in a small hotel room.

If you plan your travel strategy in advance, however, your trip can be considerably smoother. U.S. News consulted various family travel experts to get the scoop on the best strategies for traveling with an infant. Read on to learn all the tips and tricks on how to make traveling with your baby as trouble-free as possible.

Plan Travel Around Your Infant's Natural Sleep Cycle

While not always possible, Beth Santos, founder of ShesWanderful.com , says it makes sense to plan your travel around the times your child would normally sleep. This may not work on a long-haul flight, but if you are only flying a few hours and have some flexibility, it makes sense to give this strategy a try. And if you're driving, you should plan your drive to maximize your baby's sleep.

"It's great to sync with a time baby is naturally sleeping, so they don't get too restless on the plane, train or car," she says.

Book a Rental Condo Instead Of a Hotel

If your trip allows you to be flexible with lodging, consider a booking a rental condo with a separate sleeping area for your baby. Santos says having a separate space for your baby will make it easier for him or her to nap – and for you to get a break.

Home rentals also typically offer another benefit: a kitchen. Having a kitchen is helpful since you'll be able to heat up formula or milk and sanitize bottles.

Bring The Right Napping Gear

Your baby will likely have different napping needs as he or she grows, and you should be mindful of this when you travel. A baby carrier is perfect if the infant is small enough to use one, says Santos, but babies a bit larger might need to nap in a stroller. If that's the case, make sure you have a stroller that reclines and provides shade for your sleeping infant.

"That way, you can continue your adventures during the day while baby naps," she says.

[Read: 30 Travel Accessories That Make Vacationing Easier .]

Think Through Your Transportation

Santos says you may not need a car seat depending on where you're traveling.

"If you're traveling to a city with public transit or trains, and never plan to take a taxi, you might save yourself some energy by skipping on bringing a car seat," she says.

If you do plan to use cars as a mode of transportation and travel with a car seat, it might help to bring a model that connects to a stroller. That way, you can bring the entire unit and make it easier for your baby to travel along wherever you go.

Splurge for an Extra Plane Seat

Most airlines let infants ages 2 and younger fly as a lap child, saving you the money for a second seat. However, you could live to regret it if you skimp on a seat and wind up with a fussy child who is itching for more space.

Eghe Lenze, founder of TheExpectingMamasNetwork.com , says that extra seat can be a lifesaver since it means more room for you and the family.

Fly in the Middle of the Week

It may be worth it to fly during off-peak travel season or on days where air traffic is less substantial, says Lenze. Fewer flights can mean shorter lines at the airport and less travel stress overall.

"Fly on Tuesday or Wednesday as they are the least busy days to fly and you may be able to get the extra seat without paying extra," she says.

Be Smart About Feeding in the Air

If you're breastfeeding, Lenze also says it can be smart to feed your baby during takeoff and landing because it helps relieve ear pressure.

But that's not the only way to be prepared about feeding in the air: Other tips include making sure you have a few extra sets of clothing in case of a spill or diaper mishap. Also, check to see if the airline you're flying offers family boarding so you can hop on the plane ahead of other passengers, settle in and get comfortable.

[Read: 14 Tips to Survive Travel Anxiety and Enjoy Your Trip .]

Upgrade to Business Class

While paying extra for business class isn't always an option for travelers, travel expert Hilary Stockton of TravelSort.com says this is one area where you should try to splurge if you can.

"Consider using miles or points to fly business or first class rather than economy," she says. "You'll have more space around the seat to keep snacks, comfort items and toys within easy reach, and more privacy to nurse or feed your baby."

Premium cabin bathrooms are also more likely to have a changing table in the lavatory, making your job a little easier.

Check for Hotel Perks

Stockton says to check in advance whether your hotel offers useful items such as strollers, highchairs, diaper pails and objects to babyproof rooms.

"Luxury resorts such as Four Seasons often can provide these items for use during your stay, in addition to a crib," she says.

Remember, any items your hotel or resort has on-site means fewer things you have to haul around during your travels.

Protect Your Baby's Sleep

If you're staying in a hotel, make sure you utilize a "do not disturb" sign during your baby's naps. That way, your child won't wake up if someone knocks on the door. If you don't have a sign to display, ask for one.

Stockton also says it helps if your hotel has effective blackout blinds. Since you may not know this ahead of time, it never hurts to call ahead and ask when you're researching places to stay.

Pack Your Baby's Favorite Things

Susete Pinto, who works as a pediatric sleep consultant for Night Night Baby Consulting , says bringing familiar items from home may make your baby feel more comfortable. A favorite blanket, books, foods or bath toys may even make an infant forget he or she is in unfamiliar territory.

Plus, these items can especially come in handy when you're in the air and your baby wakes up, says Pinto. In this situation, you're in "survival mode," where anything goes.

"Giving in to whatever they need during a flight does not make you a bad parent ... it simply makes you a parent," she says.

Sign Up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry

Signing up for TSA Precheck and/or Global Entry can be a lifesaver at the airport since both can save you from standing in long lines when going through security before your flight, or when re-entering the country when you've been abroad.

If you don't have either of these benefits yet, keep in mind that many major travel credit cards cover the application fees for Global Entry or TSA Precheck .

Book a Hotel or Condo with On-site Laundry Facilities

It can be difficult to pack for your baby when you're spending time away from home, but it always helps to have access to a washer and dryer. Even if you're on a quick trip, baby messes can start to stink fast and you don't want to lug dirty or wet clothing, or cloth diapers around all vacation.

What's more, booking lodging with an on-site washer and dryer means you'll also be able to pack less.

[Read: The Best Family Hotels in the USA .]

Hire a Babysitter

Traveling with an infant can be absolutely exhausting, which is why it makes sense to set up a sitter ahead of time. Some hotels have on-site babysitters you can book for a fee, or you can always organize your own care through a website called Care.com .

If you're traveling to see family, ask them ahead of time if they're willing to watch the baby to give you a break for a few hours. Even a short nap or some quiet reading time can work wonders when you're stressed out from around-the-clock childcare, so take advantage if you can.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

There's a lot of pressure on parents to ensure their baby is on his or her best behavior in the air and on the ground. However, babies can and do cry from time to time, and there's nothing parents can do to prevent or stop it. Pack everything you can to make your baby more comfortable, but don't bring so much baby gear along that you're miserable maneuvering it. Do your best and cut yourself some slack, and you and your baby will no doubt enjoy your trip.

17 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hotels

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Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

Traveling with a baby? Here are expert tips to make your trip as safe and comfortable as possible.

Years ago, Kristiana Choquet was nervous about taking her then three-month-old, Olivia, on her first flight. It would be long — 11 hours from Johannesburg to Paris — and like many new parents, she wasn't sure what to bring. "I packed a backpack of her own, with diapers and wipes, a messenger bag with extra clothes, and a rolling suitcase and stroller," she said. "Our friends were like, 'You're never going to need all this stuff.'"

Since that momentous first trip — which Air France made easy with a complimentary bassinet — Choquet has gotten smarter about packing. "Now I only fly with just one backpack for both of us," she says, laughing.

We asked Kristiana Choquet, the associate director of leisure for EMBARK Beyond , a travel agency in New York, and other experts for their best advice on how to travel with a child under 2. Here's what they told us.

Before the Trip

Check With Your Pediatrician

"If the family is traveling internationally, it's always a good idea to check with the pediatrician at least two weeks before to see if the child would require any extra immunizations," says Dr. David Fagan, vice chairman of the Pediatric Ambulatory Administration at Northwell Health in Massapequa, New York. Depending on where you're going, your child may need to have certain vaccines earlier, like the measles vaccine , or take a particular medicine before or during travel. Your baby may also need a COVID-19 vaccine (if he or she is older than 6 months) or a negative test result before traveling. The Centers for Disease Control's online Traveler's Health information page is a great place to research.

In general, there is no enforced minimum age a newborn has to be before they fly, although rules may vary by airline. For example, Vueling and Delta will allow newborns as young as seven days old to fly. JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months before traveling in order to let your baby's immune system more fully develop. If flying internationally, it takes about six weeks to obtain a passport for your baby .

On the Flight

Consider a Rear-Facing Car Seat

Yes, it's a hassle. But on a plane, a rear-facing car seat is still the safest place for an infant, insists Fagan. And if you're traveling by car, this piece of safety equipment is a must. Check with your airline to determine the specific policies for using a car seat on board, and keep in mind that you may need to spring for a separate ticket. Be sure to take the infant out of the seat every couple of hours. "This allows them to stretch out and move their legs," Fagan notes, and they'll probably need a diaper change anyway.

Bring a Collapsible Baby Stroller

Choquet swears by the popular Babyzen Yoyo2 stroller, which folds neatly and can be slung over the shoulder like a tote bag. It also meets most airlines' carry-on luggage requirements, making it easy to navigate airports and train stations before throwing it in the overhead bin once on board. The only downsides are the price (this stroller is over $400), and the fact that it's not recommended for travelers under 6 months old.

Choquet also likes the Ergobaby, a wearable, space-saving baby carrier. "A lot of times baby falls asleep on your chest," and if your baby's a lap child, or under the age of two, this carrier can alleviate the stress of toting a stroller around.

Ask for a Bassinet

Heading abroad? Choquet recommends calling ahead to see if the airline offers a bassinet on board. These specially-made bassinets are designed to fit in the extra space of bulkhead seating sections. These are typically complimentary on international flights, though they're subject to availability. Delta advises to check ahead, especially for domestic flights, while United Airlines provides a limited number of bassinets on international flights only, which also need to be reserved prior to boarding. No matter what carrier you travel with, bassinets may not be used during taxi, takeoff, or landing, or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep Your Baby Entertained

Choquet advises keeping your little one busy with "snacks, puzzles, coloring books," or "anything you can stuff in your bag that's not bulky." Load the iPad with games and kid-friendly movies, and stock up on favorite snacks, so you're not at the mercy of the food cart. Backpack too heavy? Old-school hand-clapping games like Patty Cake are always a hit and don't require toting around extra toys.

Deal With Changes in Air Pressure

"Most children are usually okay with changes in air pressure during takeoffs and landings," explains Fagan, but since infants can't swallow, pop their ears, or yawn, their only alternative for clearing their ears is sucking. Breastfeeding, or sucking on a bottle or a pacifier works well, especially during the initial descent, when the biggest change in pressure occurs. Ask a flight attendant to let you know when the descent is about to begin.

At the Hotel

Check for Safety

Safety standards vary by country, so be sure to do a thorough inspection of the hotel room upon arrival. "Parents should be comfortable with railings and check that the child can't slip through," Fagan warns. Also, scan your accommodations for exposed electrical wires and peeling paint chips. Parents of toddlers who walk should be especially vigilant.

Ask for Baby Amenities

Why pack a bottle warmer or car seat when you can get them at the hotel? Every Rosewood property comes fully equipped with diaper pails, baby baths, and monitors. At St. Regis hotels , parents can borrow strollers and stock up on diapers. "I've never really had to travel with a stroller," says Choquet, who advises calling ahead. Just remember to thoroughly check cribs and strollers for safety — visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for current rules — especially if you're staying abroad, urges Fagan. If the hotel you book is not up on the family amenity trend, Choquet advises buying diapers, wipes, formula, and bottles online, and then having them shipped to your U.S. destination.

Arm Against Mosquitoes

You shouldn't let your child drink tap water (Fagan advises opting for bottled water while traveling), so don't let them skip the mosquito repellent , either. In tropical climates especially, long-sleeved shirts and pants are best, but also consider lotions with no more than 30 percent DEET , recommended for children over two months. (Never spray an infant due to the risk of inhalation.) Fagan says that placing mosquito netting around a crib can be helpful, too, but check with your pediatrician and the CDC to hear your options.

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40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Home » Blog » Family Travel » 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

Adventuring with a little one can be overwhelming, but these practical tips for traveling with a baby will make it feel much more manageable. After reading this article, you’ll feel encouraged and confident to start planning your dream family vacation.

Travel with a baby tips Akumal Mexico Baby Sunglasses

After taking all types of different trips with our daughter in her first year – from National Parks to European Christmas Markets to traveling Scotland by campervan (and so much more!) – we have learned so much about traveling with a baby. 

Why keep all these tips to ourselves when we can share them with you ?!

We know how overwhelming it can be , especially when other people tell you how hard it is traveling with kids. 

But you know what? It can also be amazing, too. 

Traveling with your little one will full your cup, create lifelong memories, and will open your eyes to a totally different way of looking at taking trips. 

While traveling with a baby certainly looks different and requires more flexibility and planning , we’re still able to do some pretty epic things. And you can too (if that’s what you want).

Traveling with our daughter has truly been life changing, and we can’t wait for you to experience this magic, too. 

Travel with a baby tips Cracker Lake Glacier National Park with a baby

Guide to traveling with a baby

  • Our story: Read about our travel-style and our background so you understand our approach to traveling with a baby.
  • Top tips: Wanna get to the good stuff right away? Jump right down to our top tips for traveling with a baby! 

This article is full of practical tips, gear that is actually worth packing, and encouraging advice that will help you feel prepared and confident about traveling with a baby.

We’ll also be discussing some helpful mindsets about traveling with a baby that can transform how you think about it. 

Whether you’re an experienced parent or you’re dreaming of someday traveling with a baby, we’ve got tips and advice that will help you feel confident to plan the family trip of your dreams!

Cannon Beach Oregon with a stroller tips for traveling with a baby

As full-time travel bloggers , traveling is one of our biggest passions, and it’s also both of our jobs. So when we found out we were expecting, we knew that travel wouldn’t just stop for us once the baby arrived (like many people warned). 

We’ve known for a long time that we’d want to start a family, eventually . So over the years, we (almost subconsciously) took note of all the people we saw traveling with their kids.

  • On our 4-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu , there was a family with 4 kids, the youngest of whom was 8 years old.
  • In Thailand , we saw countless families living nomadically or traveling with kids of all ages.
  • We met a family on the west coast USA, living out of their campervan with two little boys (before it was common!).

We stored up all these acquaintances as “evidence” that traveling with a baby is not only possible, but it can still be adventurous .

We saw it as inspiration and started to dream of all the adventures we could take our little one on. Together, we dreamed about how we could open their eyes to the endless beauty and kindness around the world. And we talked about how traveling with a child would create core memories and forge a bond between us that we just couldn’t replicate at home.

Travel with a baby tips Glenfinnan Viaduct Scotland

We were excited about this new chapter, and confident we could forge our own path despite what anyone said.

That mindset came in handy because soon after announcing we were expecting a baby, we got a mixed bag of responses:

  • “Can’t wait to hear all your advice for traveling with kids!”
  • “You’re definitely going to be slowing down and traveling less now.”
  • “Travel while your baby is young, because as soon as they can walk, traveling will be over!”

The good, the bad, the well-meaning… we got it all.

We expected people to say how difficult it would be . And if I’m completely honest, those “you won’t be able to travel anymore” comments encouraged us to prove to ourselves that we could in fact travel with a baby. And thrive while doing it.

The truth is, we were prepared for people to tell us we couldn’t travel with a baby. Remember, we had stored up all that “proof” that we weren’t the only ones with these dreams. 

Thinking about taking an adventure with your little one?

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for traveling with a baby !  It’s packed with good suggestions and advice for what has personally worked for us on our travels with a baby.

Whether you’re getting ready for your first ever trip with a baby, or you’re a parenting pro just looking for a few extra tips, we hope this baby travel packing list will serve you well!

Baby Travel Gear Packing List

Why trust our advice about traveling with a baby?

For years, whenever we saw people traveling with kids, we’d look at each other and say, “Wow, that’s badass. Someday I want that to be us.”

And now we’re doing it which feels both surreal and like we’ve been training for this for years. Because we kind of have.

Prior to having a baby, we traveled to more than 50 countries together and built a business around the travel industry. So travel is something we are not only passionate about, but it’s something we feel very comfortable with.

We made it a point to bring our daughter on some epic trips during her first year of life. And we have so many more family trips planned for the future!

Travel with a baby tips toboggan sled Innsbruck, Austria

In Juniper’s first year of life, she:

  • took 19 flights
  • traveled to 9 countries 
  • visited 14 US states
  • explored 4 US National Parks
  • went on 2 overnight backcountry camping trips
  • lived in a campervan for 4 months

Juniper went on countless hikes, slept in many different places around the world, and made more friends than any other other 1-year-old we know!

She is growing into a very adaptable little human, and we feel so lucky for all of the memories we have already created together.

If you, too, want to travel with a little one, we’re here to share all of the things that have worked for us along the way. 

We hope you take the advice that resonates with you and feel empowered to plan and execute your dream family trips!

Travel with a baby tips campervan

Why are you here?

I imagine you’re here because you want to know more about traveling with a baby. Ding, ding, ding!!!

Okay, that was obvious. But the rest is a little harder to determine…

  • Perhaps you are already a parent , and you want to start adventuring more with your little one but you don’t know where to start.
  • Maybe you already travel with your baby a lot , but you’re constantly seeking new tips and advice. Everything helps, right?! 
  • If you are expecting, be sure to check out our list of the best babymoon destinations !
  • Or perhaps you aren’t even sure you want to be a parent , and you’re trying to figure out how much, exactly, having a baby would impact your lifestyle and dreams.

You might be feeling excited about the prospect of traveling with a baby. Or confused about how to even get started. 

Maybe you’re skeptical about the whole idea of traveling with a little one. Or you’re feeling defeated after being told many times that traveling with a baby is hard, and you’re just looking for some encouragement.

Feel all the feels. They are all valid.

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re feeling, my hope is that you’ll be able to find some nuggets in this article that will speak to you .

Everyone’s journey is different 

European Christmas Markets travel with a baby tips

In this article, we’re sharing tips for traveling with a baby that have worked for us. 

That last part of the sentence is important: These are the things that have worked for us , personally. 

I will say that we have been privileged that we haven’t had to deal with any major health issues. Our daughter is (for the most part) very easygoing and adaptable. Some of this we can attribute to things we have practiced and experiences that we have exposed her to. But I also know that some of this is pure luck.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. And every child is different. 

You know your child and your comfort level better than anyone. Plus, we all have different priorities and goals and dreams and lifestyles. (Remember, traveling is a big part of our job, so things may look different for you.)

Pick and choose the tips that will work for you. Ignore the ones that won’t.

Psst! After reading through all our tips for traveling with a little one, be sure to read my personal note at the bottom of this article.

Our best tips for traveling with a baby

Let’s dive into the things that have worked for us.

Scroll through them all (there are 40!), or jump to the sections that are most important to you:

  • BUILD CONFIDENCE: Feel confident about traveling with a baby
  • PLANNING: Planning your trip
  • TRAVEL TIPS: Tips for while you’re on your trip

Good to know: Most of these tips are geared toward babies and toddlers (aka under 2 years old). As our daughter grows and our experiences change, we will continue creating resources based on our personal experiences.

1. Start small with “mini adventures”

Snowshoeing Bend, Oregon with a baby

One of my biggest pieces of advice is to start small. And start early.

In my last weeks of pregnancy, we got out a calendar and made “mini goals” for each week after the baby was born.

They went something like this:

  • 1 week old: Go to your favorite coffee shop
  • 2 weeks old: Go on a long(ish) walk (we went snowshoeing because it was winter!)
  • 3 weeks old: Go to a brewery or event in town 
  • 4 weeks old: Spend the night away (we booked a cabin in the woods)

More ideas:

  • Mini road trip
  • Go to a friend’s house for dinner
  • Book a staycation in your own town or a nearby city
  • Find a nearby soaking pool (with water temperatures safe for a baby)
  • Picnic in a nearby park

Everyone will have different comfort levels, but do what feels good to you.

Having these “mini adventures” on our calendar brought some much-needed structure to our weeks after having a baby. And obviously we knew we could cancel if it didn’t feel right at that time. 

These little adventures gave us the confidence to slowly make the excursions bigger , so that we weren’t completely overwhelmed when it came time to board our first international flight.

Note: Even if your little one isn’t a newborn anymore, it’s never too late to schedule some “mini adventures” on your calendar. Base the excursions on the skills you want to practice and the type of trips you want to take.

2. Practice “baby skills” on the go

Diaper change while hiking Osprey Poco Plus

This kind of ties in with the “mini adventures” above, but make sure that you’re practicing some skills on the go:

  • changing diapers in new environments
  • napping on the go
  • feeding (whether nursing or bottle feeding)

Trust me when I say you won’t want the first time you change your baby’s diaper outside of your house to be at the start of a trip. 

Diaper change in public bathroom tips for traveling with a baby

Make a point to breastfeed or bottle feed on a walk near your house.

Change a diaper in the coffee shop bathroom instead of waiting until you get home.

Camping with a baby breastfeeding

It will feel uncomfortable at first. But since you’re close to home, you can always go back and start fresh another day if things don’t go as planned.

Doing this time and time again will make you feel more confident and know what to expect. Plus, it will help your little one get used to environments other than your house.

3. Master the art of napping on the go

Travel with baby Haystack Tock Cannon Beach, Oregon

Black out curtains, a humidifier, and a bassinet that rocks babe to sleep are great, but we personally knew that we’d be in lots of situations where these wouldn’t be available.

So we were proactive about practicing napping in different situations from the time Juniper was very young . 

At home, we had an ideal sleep environment in her room, but we also practiced napping in the living room, in a travel sleeper, and while wearing her in a carrier so she could be adaptable.

Travel with a baby tips napping on the go Glencoe, Scotland

Once we felt comfy with it, we practiced napping around town, and eventually on mini trips.

She quickly mastered sleeping just about anywhere:

  • her stroller
  • in a baby carrier
  • in our arms
  • in quiet places
  • and noisy ones too

Travel with a baby tips napping on the go Innsbruck, Austria

Being able to have her sleep in different environments has been a game-changer for us (especially in the earlier months!). It allowed us to get out of the house and not worry about being home at an exact time.

It also made the prospect of traveling with a baby seem so much more attainable when we were newbie parents.

One item that has been helpful for napping on the go:

  • Travel sound machine (if you forget this, there are apps and Spotify channels with white noise)

4. Refine your diaper bag

These “mini adventures” I keep talking about will help you realize what you need in many different situations, and what items never get used. 

Take note of these things and keep repacking your diaper bag until you have it down.

AKA you have all the essentials (and remember to restock the items that get used up, like diapers and wipes!) and none of the bulk .

Baby Travel Gear Packing List

5. Put the essentials in a fanny pack diaper bag

Diaper bag fanny pack travel with a baby tips

Your full-sized diaper bag will come in handy for bringing all the necessities on your trip, so don’t leave it at home. But there will be many times where you won’t want to lug a big backpack around all day .

Wandering historic cobblestone streets of European cities or walking beach trails on a humid island or a hike in the mountains will all be so much more enjoyable without your full-sized diaper bag.

Pack the essentials – diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a binky, medications, small snacks, etc. – into a fanny pack. You can also include any of your personal necessities for the day (chapstick, credit cards and cash, keys, etc.)

I have this fanny pack that is actually made for this purpose (there’s a wet wipes pocket), but you could use any medium to large size fanny pack ( like this one ). Usually, I just string it over the handle of our stroller so I don’t have to actually wear it. This way, we’re prepared but aren’t bringing the bulk!

Psst! This diaper bag fanny is much cuter than mine, but it’s 3 times the price.

6. Don’t buy all the things

As soon as you get pregnant, it’ll feel like you are constantly being bombarded with ads for all this “essential baby travel gear”. 

Plus, there are all these bloggers and influencers who share all the gear that they use (myself included).

And holy cow, it’s overwhelming.

There is just so much stuff out there and it can feel like you need it all. 

Spoiler alert: You DON’T.

It’s hard to know what will really make your life easier and what isn’t worth the money or space. 

Here’s the best way to really get a feel for what baby gear you need:

  • Take those “mini adventures”! I sound like a broken record at this point, but they are truly a low-risk way to find out what items you really need.
  • Find a handful of voices you resonate with and trust (a friend, a family member, a blogger/influencer). See what items they recommend and see if it sounds like something you definitely need.
Psst! One way to save money is to search for items on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing group. Many first-time parents end up with duplicate items or are keen to sell baby gear after it’s lightly used (since many things won’t be necessary as they grow older). We got so many baby items and nursery furniture this way (and we’ve sold/given a bunch of things away on these platforms too!).

7. Create routines that can be recreated anywhere

Travel with a baby tips campervan bedtime

While you’re at home, try to create routines that you can recreate anywhere. 

Maybe there’s a certain book you read to signify bed time. Or a song before naps. Or the routine of brushing hair and teeth.

These routines are simple and don’t require much, so you can give your little one the cues they look for even when you’re far from home.

8. Pick and choose the advice you follow

Hiking with a baby Central Oregon

As a new parent, it can be really scary even thinking about traveling with a baby for the first time. And it’s even scarier when people you know (and trust) tell you how hard it will be, or how that part of your life is over.

First things first: Tune those people out.

Take the advice that resonates with you, and ignore the rest. 

Our personal experience:

I remember when I was pregnant I kept hearing how hard parenting was. The advice came from people who meant well – and who were probably right in many ways – but it made me feel nervous and unequipped. 

In the midst of all the warnings, one of Ben’s cousins talked about how much fun being a parent was. She went on and on about how, “ yes, it’s work, but it is also the best thing ever!”

In that moment, I remember finally feeling excited rather than scared.

So I decided I would focus on the advice that lifted me up rather than the words that brought anxiety.

Now as Juniper is getting older, we get similar well-meaning advice from people who say things like, “Traveling when they’re this age is easy. Just wait until she is walking. Then, your work is cut out for you!”

The “just wait until ” advice doesn’t sit well with me. So now I just ignore it.

Take the advice that makes you feel encouraged, and leave the rest. 

Yes, that applies to this list . 

The tips we’re sharing are things that worked for us . If something doesn’t sit well with you, ignore it and listen to the pieces of advice that feel right.

Everyone’s parenting journey is different. You’re in charge of yours. Nobody else.

9. Work on your mindset

Travel with a baby tips Austria monastery Ettal Abbey

Read the sentence below and internalize it: 

People have kids in every country of the world. 

Unless you’re going to a really remote region or an active war zone, bringing your child on a trip isn’t anything unheard of. Other people have brought their children to the destination you’re dreaming about, so why can’t you?

If traveling with your child is important to you, you can make it happen.

10. Adjust your expectations

Cenote Azul Mexico with a baby

Traveling with our baby has been one of the most empowering and rewarding things we’ve ever done. 

But it has also included moments of exhaustion and frustration .

Like many people, we probably don’t share enough of those moments publicly on social media . (Although I’m trying to work on that!)

long term travel with baby

I truly think that for most people, traveling with a baby will be a wonderful experience as long as you have realistic expectations…

Think about what travel looked like before kids and what it will look like now. Consider what will be the biggest changes. 

This will help ensure your expectations are realistic and set you up for having amazing experiences with less frustration.

These are some of the differences for us:

  • Don’t worry too much though, the flight is just a small part of the journey and we have some tips for flying with a baby that will help a ton!
  • Traveling with a baby means we usually need to move more slowly , and we are able to do less each day than we would without a baby. 
  • Sometimes we need to cancel plans or turn around from a hike early because our daughter just isn’t having a great day. We’ve found we need to be a lot more flexible and be prepared for some plans to just not work out.
  • Good news: We’ve got practical tips for choosing accommodation with a baby ! 
  • We can’t just pop into a bar for a late-night drink if we feel like it. And there are plenty of cool bucket list activities that just don’t allow children . (Aka no more scuba diving together for a while!) Still working through my FOMO with this, but there are still plenty of epic things we can do, so I’m trying to focus on that.

11. Think about your why

Horses and baby in the snow in Garmisch, Germany travel with a baby tips

Between logistics and packing, traveling with a baby requires a whole different level of planning. And it can get overwhelming. Especially when you have family or friends who aren’t all that encouraging. 

When you start to get frustrated or overwhelmed, think about why you want to travel with your baby.

Is it to feel like yourself again and pursue a hobby you love?

Is it to create memories as a family? 

Is it to show your child the world and see it through their eyes?

All of the above?

Focusing on the why will make the process – frustrations and all! – much more bearable. 

Innsbruck Alpine Zoo aquarium with a baby

Here are some examples of why you might want to travel with a baby:

  • It fills your cup.
  • It shows your child to prioritize things that make them happy.
  • It shows them the world is so much bigger than your community.
  • It gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with people different from themselves.
  • It teaches them flexibility.
  • It creates lifelong memories.
  • It may introduce them to a forever hobby or skill.
  • It teaches them to cherish experiences over things.
  • You can grow and bond as a family.
  • You can push your comfort levels together.

And here’s one more that I’ll add to the list:

  • It’s easier than you think. (Hopefully this article helps make it feel more doable!)

Write your “whys” on post-it notes and stick them around your house. Journal about it. Set your phone screen to be a picture that motivates you.

Do whatever it takes to remind yourself of why you want to make traveling with a baby a priority.

12 Talk about what makes you nervous with your travel partner

Travel with a baby tips Cancun, Mexico

Still have some nerves?

That’s totally normal. In fact, I’d be a little worried if you didn’t have anything that you were nervous about.

It can really help to talk out these feelings with your partner. 

Maybe you just need them to listen to you and validate your concerns. Or perhaps walking through the scenarios that you’re most uncomfortable with together and discussing what you’d do in each situation will make you feel more prepared.

Whatever the case, getting your worries out in the open will help ensure you’re both on the same page and there for each other.

13. Don’t stress too much about the flight

Flying with a baby

The flight is just one (tiny) fraction of your trip. And in many cases, it will not be nearly as bad as you’re making it out to be in your head. 

Think of it this way: Most people on flights have headphones in (watching movies or listening to music) and won’t even notice if your baby is being fussy. 

That realization made me feel a lot better before taking our first flight with a baby! (Hopefully it helps you, too.)

We took 19 flights (legs) with our daughter before she turned one, and we gathered all our top advice and created an entire guide full of tips for flying with a baby that should help ease your nerves and make you feel confident about boarding that plane!

In short: Don’t let your nerves about the flight prevent you from going!

14. Start with a trip that’s within your comfort zone

Cozy Cabin with a baby

Just like we recommend starting with “mini adventures” near home so you can build your confidence, make your first trip with a baby one that is within your comfort zone.

Maybe this means you return to a place you’ve already been to.

Baby swimming pool travel with a baby tips

Or maybe this means you travel to a country where English is the native language (or widely spoken), so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.

Make the actual trip one that doesn’t stress you out or push your boundaries too much. This way, you can focus on getting the hang of this whole t raveling with a baby thang so that you can plan bigger, bolder trips for the future.

15. Pack as light as possible

Packing for travel with a baby tips

This is honestly a tough one because I truly think it comes down to finding a balance between packing light and making sure you have all the essentials (many of which are really freaking bulky).

We’ve got lots of advice on the best gear for traveling with a baby , but in general, less is more.  Make sure the items you’re bringing are going to be used and won’t just be dead weight.

And truly, bring as few toys as possible. You will thank me when you’re traveling around with ease because you ditched half the toys you thought you needed.

Psst! Want to know what baby gear we personally recommend? We’ve gotcha covered with our favorite baby travel gear.

16. Remember: you can get diapers everywhere in the world

Personally, I don’t stress too much about diapers because you can buy them everywhere in the world. 

Bring plenty of diapers for the plane and to get you through the first several days of your trip. But if you’re going to be gone for a couple weeks (or more!), don’t stress too much about packing the perfect amount. 

Just about every grocery store or convenience store should have diapers and wipes available.

If you’re having trouble finding them in your destination, ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

17. Choose your accommodation wisely

Airbnb with a baby Garmisch Germany

Something I’ve learned is that the type of accommodation we book with a kid is much more specific than when it was just the two of us .

There are a lot of other factors to consider, and what might have been a perfectly good hotel for you will be a disaster with a babe.

Lemme tell ya, we’ve learned the hard way what doesn’t work well anymore now that we travel with a baby.

Revolution Hotel Boston

There have been a few very uncomfortable stays and even an Airbnb that we left (already paid for) because it just didn’t work with a baby.

Psst! Read our tips for choosing a hotel with baby so you don’t make the same mistakes!

18. Book places with pack ‘n plays when possible

Airbnb pack 'n play travel with baby tips

If it’s an option, try to book hotels and Airbnbs that have a travel crib for your baby. 

Many hotels and many Airbnbs offer this, so keeping it in mind when you’re making your reservations is key. This means you won’t have to travel with your own, which is a huge space saver.

Their booking details will usually disclose if they have a crib available. If you don’t see anything about a crib, it doesn’t hurt to ask. We once asked an Airbnb host if she had a crib available, and she decided to buy one so that she could offer it to future guests.

Airbnb pack 'n play travel with a baby tips

If you’re not finding any good accommodations with cribs available don’t stress too much. It’s definitely possible to bring your own.

The Guava Lotus pack ‘n play is undoubtedly the best travel one on the market. Trust me, I spent a lot of time comparing, and it’s the smallest, most durable, and made without toxic materials. So if you’re looking at buying one for travel, the Guava Lotus is what you want. (This is the one we personally have.)

Even though it is compact, it is still bulky and another item to lug around. So if you can get away with not having to pack it, that’s a big win.

Our personal experience

During our 3-week European Christmas Market Trip, we stayed at 8 different hotels/Airbnbs, and all but one had a crib available, so we decided not to bring our own. We are comfortable with co-sleeping, so we did this on the nights that we did not have a crib available. 

However, there are some destinations where finding accommodation with cribs is much more difficult. For example, we’re currently planning a trip where we’re mostly staying at Airbnbs and none offer pack ‘n play, so we will be bringing our own.

19. You can rent things on vacation… (but you might not want to)

Lately I’ve seen a lot of articles and social media posts about renting baby items on vacation through platforms like BabyQuip .

In theory, it’s a great idea, and can be really useful in some situations . There’s a lot to be said for not having to lug around bulky gear, after all. 

Examples of items you can rent: 

  • high chair if you plan on eating lots of meals at the accommodation
  • bassinet or pack-and-play when your hotel does not offer this option
  • car seat when it is significantly cheaper than going with one through the rental car company
  • hiking baby carrier (if you have a big hike planned for on your trip)
  • beach toys if you are doing an ocean vacation but don’t have or want to pack the gear
  • so much more!

But here’s my word of caution…

These rentals can add up quickly , and before you know it, you might be spending hundreds of dollars. (Especially if you’re on a longer trip.)

The prices vary depending on what products you’re looking for and where you’ll be traveling, so calculate the total cost to help you determine whether this would be worthwhile service for you or not.

20. Invest in a compact stroller

Montreal compact travel stroller travel with a baby tips

One of our most-loved travel items is our compact stroller. It is one of the things we’d strongly suggest buying specifically for travel.

On our first international trip with Juniper, we lugged our normal stroller. This stroller was a hand-me-down from a friend and we love it for at home. But we quickly learned that it was an absolute beast to transport.

It was very heavy and still took up quite a bit of space even when it was collapsed.

After that trip, we bought a stroller that was made for travel . It folds up small to be able to easily fit in the overhead compartment on planes, making it a breeze for travel. 

We personally love our Colugo stroller (and have brought it all over the US and the world!) and would highly recommend it as a durable and affordable travel stroller.

21. …and a solid baby carrier

Boston Chinatown with a baby

Having a solid travel stroller is great, but there are places and activities where a carrier is far superior.

Here are just a couple of things to consider:

Stroller is better when:

  • it’s hot out and you don’t want to baby wear
  • the sidewalks are well-maintained and the streets are flat

Baby carrier travel tips

Carrier is better when:

  • you’re in a crowded place
  • the sidewalks are not well-maintained (or the streets are cobblestone)
  • you’ll be getting in and out of public transportation

We’ve had a lot of baby carriers, and we both agree that the Ergobaby Omni 360 is the best all-around baby carrier. It’s pricy, but lasts for a long time and is good in a variety of situations. Plus, it works for both of us to carry her, even though we have very different bodies!

22. Consider traveling in a campervan

Scotland campervan rental with a baby

We’re biased and this certainly won’t be for everyone, but we’ve found campervan travel to be wonderful with a baby , especially when Juniper was really young.

We had everything we needed with us at all times, and we could pull over at any minute to cook a meal, change a diaper in the comfort of our own van, or just hang out in our own private space.

In Juniper’s first year we:

  • spent 4 months living and traveling in our own campervan that we built from scratch
  • we rented a campervan in Scotland for a 2-week road trip (spoiler alert: it was amazing!)
  • plus, we rented a campervan in Ireland for 1 week too!

If you’re renting, you’ll really want to look at the space to figure out if it will work for your family. Most campervan rental companies will be happy to help you choose. We also have a whole list of USA Campervan Rental Companies you can choose from that we personally recommend.

Traveling in a campervan with a little one certainly requires a different mindset, and I wouldn’t recommend it as your first trip with a baby if you’ve never experienced vanlife before . But I think camping can be very special with a little one and a unique way to see a destination.

VanLife Baby Packing List - Two Wandering Soles

And don’t leave home without our VanLife Baby Gear Checklist . These are the things we always pack in our van that make our lives so much easier and keep our baby happy.

23. Get a baby passport ASAP

Baby Passport airport

If you plan on traveling internationally with your little one in their first year, we’d recommend getting the process rolling shortly after they are born so you are sure it’ll arrive in time. We applied for Juniper’s passport when she was just 3 weeks old, so it really isn’t ever too early.

This is actually very easy to obtain and we have a whole guide to getting a baby passport . 

Good to know: If you have Global Entry and want to continue using it, you will also need to apply for this for your baby. We learned the hard way when we were turned away at Global Entry. “Interview” time slots fill up very quickly, so schedule this as soon as you get the passport.

24. Get travel insurance 

Hopefully I don’t have to explain why here, but we get travel insurance for every trip we take.

Now that we have a baby, it feels even more important to be properly covered.

Need advice on how to go about getting the best policy for your situation? We’ve gotcha covered in this guide to choosing travel insurance .

25. Get an eSIM on international trips

If you are traveling internationally, it’s super helpful to be able to connect to cell service immediately upon landing.

This can be essential if you need to contact your transport or hotel. 

We love eSIMs because you don’t have to search for a physical SIM card (a hassle) and you don’t have to pay crazy international coverage fees from your home phone service.

Our favorite eSIM is Airalo .

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to get an eSIM here . 

26. Renting a car is usually a great idea

Road trip Garmisch, Germany

We love using public transportation on our travels, but having a rental car is a lot more convenient when you’re traveling with a baby.

You won’t need to carry around your car seat or luggage, and you can go at your own pace, making stops as frequently as you need. Plus, you won’t have to run so you don’t miss that train! (We’ve all been there.)

When in doubt, make it a road trip. And be sure to check out our tried and true 5-step plan for making your road trip a success !

Want some road trip ideas?

Here are our favorite road trips in the world:

  • Iceland Road Trip
  • Scotland Road Trip
  • New Zealand Road Trip
  • Australia Road Trip
  • Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip
  • Costa Rica Road Trip
  • Banff to Jasper Road Trip
  • European Christmas Market Road Trip
  • Oregon Road Trip
  • Oregon Coast Road Trip
  • Utah Road Trip
  • Idaho Road Trip
  • Washington Road Trip
  • Colorado Road Trip
  • New England (fall foliage!) Road Trip

27. Include family in your trips

Family travel with a baby Nicols Ledge Vermont hike

Again, this is a tip that may not apply to everyone, but you may want to consider including family in your travel planning.

This could be an opportunity for them to create special memories with your little one, and who knows – maybe they’ll give you the gift of a “date night” while they watch baby !

You could either plan a trip together (hint: book a big Airbnb for the most comfortable stay!), or plan a trip to visit friends or family who live somewhere you’d like to explore.

We’ve been lucky enough to take trips with both Ben’s family and mine, and we’re excited to plan more extended family vacations in the future.

28. Move around less

Baby swimming pool and sunglasses travel with a baby tips

If you’re used to moving around from place to place rather quickly on your trips, you may want to slow it down a bit (or a lot!) when you add a baby into the mix. 

You’ll be able to cover much less in one day, and you’ll need to consider what you’ll do during nap times and when babe needs to go to sleep at night.

You certainly don’t need to stay in one place the entire time (though that’s not a bad idea); but trust me when I say you don’t want to move to a new place every single night .

Our rule of thumb is we aim to stay in places at least 2 nights on trips, but 3-4 nights per place is ideal , in our opinion. 

(An exception to this is when we’re staying at an airport hotel the night before a flight, we only book one night.)

Psst! Read our tips for how to choose the best accommodation for traveling with a baby !

29. Get to major attractions early

Calton Hill Edinburgh with a baby

Take advantage of your little one’s early wake up call (sleeping in on vacation is something I dearly miss!) and when possible, get to those popular sights before the crowds get there .

Not only will you have a better experience without all the people around, but there will be less commotion and sensory overload for babe. Plus, without all sorts of people around you may feel less self-conscious if your kiddo starts to get fussy.

30. Plan on early dinners (sometimes)

Travel with a baby tips Pho Vietnamese restaurant

Not gonna lie, I’m a huge fan of late dinners. I like the buzzy atmosphere and I don’t usually get hungry until later in the evening.

But alas, there are many cases where it makes a lot of sense to do an earlier dinner when you’re traveling with a baby.

Popular restaurants tend to be a lot more family-friendly before the dinner rush really begins. That might mean making a 5:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. reservation . If you’re like me, you might be rolling your eyes, but getting there earlier means you won’t have to worry about disturbing the late-night dinner crowd with a baby that is overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds.

We don’t always stick to early dinners, but when we know a place is popular or on the fancier side (or if it’s a weekend night), we do like to go before the real dinner rush (aka sensory overload!) begins .

31. Take advantage of room service (or takeout & delivery!)

Takeout pizza hotel with a baby

Pre-baby, this was never something I’d do, but having dinner in your hotel or Airbnb can be really convenient (especially after a long day of exploring!).

We’ve gotten takeout/delivery a handful of times on trips and either have dinner as a family, or eat once our daughter has gone to sleep. It’s can be such a treat.

Money-saving tip: If you book accommodation with a kitchen, plan on cooking at least a couple of nights during your trip.

32. Cook some of your baby’s favorite meals

Baby Led Weaning travel tips

When possible, I like booking accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette so I have more control over what our daughter is eating.

We love having her try new foods on our travels, and overall she is a pretty great eater. But we’re not always able to get to a restaurant when she starts getting hungry. It’s nice to be able to whip up some easy and wholesome meals we know she likes at our Airbnb so we can carry them with us throughout the day.

Below are a few meals and snacks that have worked well for us. I specifically chose dishes that use few ingredients that are easy to find in most places around the world, as well as dishes that don’t require complex cooking equipment.

If your baby is eating solids, use these ideas or create your own list of their favorite foods that you can easily replicate on your travels. Use this list to determine what items you’ll need to pack from home.

Insider Tip: Bring reusable baggies ( like these or these ) to store food to easy eating on the go. You could even bring a small cooler so you can carry it with you during a day on the road.

Baby Led Weaning Travel Tips

Banana & egg pancakes 

Mash one ripe banana then add one egg. Mix until combined into a batter. Pour this in a skillet with oil (I prefer coconut oil), and cook on both sides, like a pancake.

I like to add a little nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon if I have access.

Insider Tip: Pack nut butter packets like these to be able to easily add it to different meals.

Smashed avocado

Super simple! You can add tomatoes too if you want. Serve as is or with rice crackers.

Oatmeal 

I prefer to bring my own premade mix from home in a large silicone baggie . Then I can cook small amounts at a time on the road. All you need is hot water.

You can make it however you’d like, but this is a combo I like:

Quick-cooking oats + hemp + flax + powdered coconut milk + chia + cinnamon + freeze dried berries.

Once it’s prepared, you can add nut butter as well as fresh berries if you’d like.

Baby Led Weaning travel tips

Chia pudding

This is a nutritious meal that is good to make if you’ll be staying in one spot for a while.

A simple Google search will show you plenty of recipes, but I like chia + milk (almond, coconut, or oat are my preferred milks) + a little maple syrup. I usually add a bit of cinnamon if I have it.

I sometimes pack chia seeds from home if I think they’ll be hard to find.

Scrambled eggs 

This is another go-to as eggs are easy to find just about everywhere. 

Bulk it up by adding other veggies, a sweet potato or avocado.

Rice + beans + corn

This is another easy one using ingredients you can easily find in most places. I’d recommend this one if you’re staying in a place for a longer period of time, as you’ll definitely have a few days worth of leftovers.

Alternatively, order rice and beans as a side at a Mexican restaurant and keep it in a takeaway container to store.

Baby Led Weaning Travel Tips

Pasta, peas, & pesto

Whole grain noodles combined with frozen peas and pesto is a quick and easy meal and it saves well for leftovers. You can add cherry tomatoes too!

Roasted veggies

If your accommodation has an oven, simply bake some veggies. Sweet potato is a favorite of ours!

Insider Tip: When you’re in a pinch, look in the prepared food section of the grocery store. We’ve found premade guacamole, what bulgar and veggie salad, fruit medleys, and lots more that has worked for us no matter where in the world we are. Check the frozen aisle too. We’ve found frozen falafel (or veggie burgers) and frozen veggies with hummus is an easy meal.

33. Find out where you stand on sleep schedules

Hotel pack 'n play travel with a baby tips

One of the most common questions people ask us is, “How do you stick to a sleep schedule while traveling with a baby.”

Our completely honest answer is: We don’t.

This may be somewhat controversial, but we realized early on that we didn’t want to be super rigid about bedtime while traveling. And we didn’t want to always need to go back to our accommodation for naptime.

This is something that has been gradually changing and adapting a bit as our daughter gets older and her needs change. But during her first year, we had a somewhat flexible bedtime and we did a lot of napping on the go. 

This doesn’t mean we were hitting the town until the wee hours, but we often gave ourselves a 1-2 hour window for getting back to the hotel and getting ready for bed. We got to know her cues pretty well and used them to inform our decisions. 

We also had worked on napping on the go so much that if she fell asleep while we were at dinner, we didn’t stress out. We’d enjoy our meal, head back to the hotel and transfer her into her sleeping space.

Important Note: Sleep schedules are one of the more personal topics when it comes to parenting. And we’re not saying our way is right for you. We’re simply sharing what has worked for us so you have somewhere to start.

34. Do your own research about co-sleeping

Hotel with a baby

Personally, once we felt our daughter was old enough, we practiced co-sleeping every once in a while so that we could use it as a tool if needed. This has come in handy several times on trips.

Ideally, Juniper has her own sleeping space in a hotel. However, in the case that she is having a rough night, isn’t feeling well, or we’re staying in a tiny room, we can co-sleep comfortably and with peace of mind.

We’ve also used this as a tool in our campervan on occasion. She has her own crib in our van, but if she wakes up in the middle of the night, we feel comfortable bringing her into bed with us so she is comforted.

Important note: Co-sleeping is another controversial topic. Do your own research and see how you feel so you can make an informed decision for your family.

35. Help your babe adjust to different time zones

Eibsee Lake winter Garmisch Germany with a baby

If you’ll be crossing time zones, here are 5 tips for helping your little one adjust easier:

Start shifting time zones at home

Before you leave for your trip, start to shift bedtime 1-2 hours to get closer to your destination’s time zone.

Start slow. A few weeks before the trip, make their bedtime 15 minutes later. Then 30. And so forth until you’ve shifted as much as you’d like.

This can help cut the adjustment time down once you get to your destination. 

Good to know: If you’re going to be changing time zones more than 2 hours, you likely won’t be able to fully adjust at home. But every little bit will help!

Hallstatt Skywalk winter

Maybe you don’t need to adjust at all

If it’s just 1-3 hours different from your home time zone, you may not even need to adjust at all. 

Let’s say you are traveling from Seattle to NYC. This means you will be 3 hours later than at home. 

Perhaps instead of a 7 p.m. bedtime, you allow your little one to stay on their normal schedule and go to bed at 10 p.m. (which will allow you to have extra time to explore the city in the evening). This will also mean later wake-ups which is always nice on vacation.

If this is just a short trip, this can work really well and will also cut down on the adjustment when you go back home.

While you’ll want to aim for the same amount of sleep they typically get at home, there’s no rule that says you have to abide by their normal bedtime hour.

Use daylight to your advantage

When trying to adjust to a new time zone, use outdoor activity and daylight to your advantage.

Your baby will realize this is daytime, and their body will start to adjust accordingly.

Travel with a baby tips Akumal Mexico

Expect jet lag to last one day per hour time change

There’s kind of a general rule that you should anticipate it takes 1 day per hour that you change time zones. 

So that means if you are going to be changing time zones by 5 hours, it will take roughly 5 days for you to feel “normal” and get over jet lag.

This rule is for both adults and babies, so use it as a gauge for your own travels.

Don’t plan anything big on the first day

If you will be shifting several time zones, we’d recommend keeping your first day (or two) relatively free. 

This will alleviate any pressure and will allow you and your little one to rest up after a long travel day.

Insider Tip: We like these homeopathic “No Jet Lag” pills when we’re traveling through many time zones. These are for parents (not babies), but being adjusted yourself definitely helps deal with helping your little one shift as well!

36. Book a family photo shoot

Hallstatt Family Photo with a baby

This is a fun one I wanted to throw in there just because!

Instead of booking a photoshoot at home (like many people do), connect with a local photographer on a trip for a photo session. 

On our European Christmas Market Trip, we booked this photo walk last minute, and were so happy we did. With a baby, it has become more difficult to get good pictures of ourselves. (If you know, you know!)

The pictures turned out amazing, and it was such a special souvenir from our trip. You will never regret having photos taken , after all!

We’re definitely going to continue this tradition in our future travels.

Want to do it yourself? Look on Airbnb Experiences . This is where we’ve found a lot of local photographers around the world. Some cities have more options than others, but it is becoming more and more common. Alternatively, you can try to find local photographers in the city you’re visiting on Instagram . Reach out to them in a DM or via their website to book a session during your trip.

37. Plan on some personal time

Seattle Hot Air Balloon | Two Wandering Soles

This might not be advice you take on your first trip with a baby or even on your fifth. But eventually, it might be something you and your partner want to consider.

What would it look like for each of you to be able to do one experience on your own while the other spent quality one-on-one time with your child ?

Maybe this would be something you used to do on trips in your pre-baby days, like going scuba diving or another adrenaline-fueled adventure. Or perhaps it would be a massage appointment to unwind.

I once did a hot air balloon flight next to Mount Rainier (babies aren’t allowed) while Ben and Juniper hung out in the campervan.

This might not appeal to everyone, but if you find yourself missing your old travel days, this might be just the thing you need!

38. You don’t need to limit yourself to only baby-centered activities

Zugspitz cable car travel with a baby tips

If you’re not keen on the typical baby-friendly trips or activities, like kiddie pools or zoos or chain restaurants, I’d like to pop in for a minute to remind you that travel with a baby can look however you’d like .

There’s no rule that says all your trips from here on out have to be at Disney or on kiddie-friendly cruises if that’s not your style. I know we didn’t like the idea of being relegated to only taking trips that were focused on babies from here on out.

We’ve found that while there are certainly some activities you just can’t do with a baby on vacation (scuba diving being the biggest thing we miss!), there’s a lot that you can do, even if it’s not marketed toward families.

Afternoon tea with a baby Edinburgh

Sometimes this means you’ll need to do more planning in advance, but in our experience it has been worth it to be able to continue traveling the way that feels best to us.

We usually research activities in our destination to determine which ones we personally really want to do. Then, unless it explicitly says children are not allowed, we think about what we’d need to do to make it work for us.

Cocktail bar with a baby

Here are some examples of what I mean:

  • Some cocktail bars only allow minors until a certain time, so we will plan to go earlier .
  • We pack lots of snacks and a good napping-on-the-go set up for walking tours or food tours (we’ve been on a bunch with her!).
  • Sometimes we might have to take turns at an activity , like snorkeling or snowboarding, while the other watches Juniper.
  • We might alter a hiking route to make it more doable with a little one.
  • Often, we’ll go somewhere with the mindset that we’ll leave if Juniper isn’t doing well . More often than not, she surprises us with doing great.
  • We still take public transport, but we’ll give ourselves plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.

It kind of becomes a puzzle of: how can we still do this activity?

Travel with a baby tips Edinburgh

Don’t get me wrong – there are times we turn things down because it’s not worth it to us to make it work. But for the most part, we’ve still been able to do most of the things we really want to experience.

And we’ve been able to take some pretty epic trips that are focused on our interests (even though we have a baby):

  • road trip around Scotland
  • backcountry camping at Cracker Lake in Glacier National Park
  • lived in our self-built campervan for 4 months
  • Christmas Market hopping in Europe

Cracker Lake Glacier National Park Backcountry camping

As our daughter gets older and has her own interests, the way we plan trips will likely change, but up until this point, this is what has been working for us.

Overall, I’m honestly surprised by how much our trips now are similar to the things we’d be doing before having a baby.

39. Get ready for some really special interactions

Travel with a baby tips

Something I wasn’t prepared for before having a child is the sweet interactions it would bring to our travels.

We’ve had so many different types of encounters – from servers at restaurants falling in love with Juniper (see pictures below) to people offering to help out when she’s crabby (this has happened multiple times!).

Travel with a baby tips

The last photo in the set above was taken at a Venezuelan bakery in Mexico where I was eating by myself with Juniper while Ben had dental surgery. She was just the slightest bit fussy, and the two sweet women behind the counter insisted that they would cheer her up while I eat my food.

Juniper is quite the conversation starter (she loves waving at strangers!), and has brought a whole new level of sweetness to our travels.

I’m so excited to watch Juniper grow up and experience kindness from different people all over the world.

*Excuse me while I go wipe my tears.*

40. Go ahead and book those damn flights! 

Travel with a baby tips

Here’s my last piece of advice (for now!):

Just book it!

Don’t let the voices in your head (or your well-meaning neighbor!) scare you away. 

If traveling with a baby is something that’s important to you, I know you can do it. And I’ll be your cheerleader rooting you on!

The first big trip with a baby can be daunting, but I have a feeling you’ll realize it’s not as scary as you’re building it up in your head to be. 

And you’ll feel like such a badass for turning your dream into reality. 

You might even find yourself daydreaming about your next big family vacation, which will feel a lot more doable since you’ve already got one trip under your belt.

Personal note from Katie

Europe Christmas Markets travel with a baby tips

I truly hope this article has been helpful to you and leaves you feeling encouraged about traveling with a baby and motivates you to start planning that dream trip. I also hope you’re able to take away some helpful nuggets that you can put into practice! 

I do just want to say that if you want more content on traveling with a baby, please let us know. 

I have been avoiding writing this article for a number of reasons (which I’ll go into below), but it was readers like you who encouraged me to ignore these thoughts and just write it anyway.

So why did I avoid writing this article?

Lemme spill the tea… 

Scottish pub with a baby

1. Giving parenting advice always attracts negative comments. 

Anytime I share things we do as parents, there’s always someone to point out why they would do something differently. Or why traveling with kids in general is just selfish.

I’m only human, and negative messages and comments are not fun to deal with. So avoiding the whole “traveling with kids tips” felt like an easy way to avoid the negativity. 

2. Traveling with a baby is very different for every single person. 

Everyone parents differently and there’s no way I could create an article that would resonate with everyone. 

This was kind of keeping me frozen in place, asking myself, “How do I give all parents advice about traveling with kids?”

And then I realized I didn’t need to. I just needed to share what has worked for us. I hope you’ve read this article with that lens. 

Some of these suggestions may not work for you or your child. You know your situation best, so pick and choose the ideas and advice that feels good for you.

3. This isn’t a family travel blog.

We decided very early on that we didn’t want Two Wandering Soles to become only about traveling with kids as soon as we had a baby.

At its core, TWS will always be about responsible and adventurous travel . And we aim to share the best things to do in locations around the world, regardless of whether or not they’re family-friendly. 

That said, we’ve realized that we can create family travel content without that being the only thing we write about.

4. Honestly, I don’t feel like an expert at parenting.

Beehive Loop hike with a baby Acadia National Park

We traveled to more than 50 countries before getting pregnant. 

We lived out of a backpack for years on end, and called many different countries “home” for an extended period of time.

We have years and years of experience, and very much consider ourselves experts in all things travel-related.

But the whole parenting thing is new to us. We have one daughter. And at the time of writing this article, she is just over a year old.

So there’s a part of me who kept delaying sharing our “baby travel tips” until I felt like more of an “expert” as a parent. 

But I’ve come to realize that parenting is something that we’re likely never going to feel like experts at . It is a continuous learning process, and as soon as we feel like we’re getting the hang of it, things change. 

I finally became okay with the idea of creating content about traveling with kids without feeling like an expert. Because with the exception of people whose profession is related to parenting, we’re all just doing what we feel is best for our children.

And that might be as “expert level” as you can get.

Want more advice for traveling with a baby?

  • Our top tips for staying at a hotel or Airbnb with a baby
  • Feel confident on your flight with these tips for flying with a baby !

Save these tips so you don’t lose them!

Pin this article so you can easily come back to it…

Travel with a baby tips

We want to hear from you!

We hope these tips for traveling with a baby are helpful!

What advice would you add? Any travel hacks that have helped you? What questions or concerns do you still have?

Note: Please be respectful with your comments. Remember, we are sharing tips that have personally worked for us .

Comments (10) on “ 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby ”

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences in such an engaging and relatable way. You’ve truly inspired me to create unforgettable memories with my baby. Keep the amazing content coming! Greetings!

Insightful travel tips with baby! I loved how you addressed the importance of booster car seats and how they ensure safety while on the road. Your practical advice on traveling with little ones is invaluable, especially for parents like us. As we plan our family adventures, we’ll be sure to consider the booster seat recommendations you shared. Thanks for helping us make our trips safer and more enjoyable for our baby!

Traveling with a baby can be a challenge, but having a reliable travel cot is a game-changer. It provides comfort and security for your little one, ensuring they have a familiar place to sleep and play. Investing in a lightweight and safe travel cot is a must for any parent on the go. Thanks for highlighting its importance in your informative article! -Baby Train-

I feel like I could tear up after reading this – what an invaluable resource! Thank you!

I have been following you both for quite a while & have been trying to implement the tips you’ve shared over the last few months. My baby is 4.5 months old & she is so chill. Maybe it’s her personality, but I also think it’s the way we’ve done things..which has a lot to do with the tips you’ve shared! She can sleep wherever. I’ve practiced changing her & feeding her in different places & she’s been to our local museums & coffee shops more times than I can count. Though I still get nervous about things (like her getting fussy in public, etc), she really makes it pretty dang easy. We’re hoping to spend a couple of months in Europe this summer, so I’ll probably be re-reading it & studying it so I can prepare us as best as possible.

Thank you again. <3

My children are older and I am still terrified of travel, I am so inspired by seeing you travel with Juniper! I am going to start being more brave!

So happy to hear this resonates. I totally get being scared – I am too hehe! Starting with small adventures near home has been so good at building our confidence and hopefully it helps you too. Wishing your family lots of memories and adventures in the years ahead!

As always, you nailed it with your advice and tips…and your honesty. I love what my father-in-law says that parenting is flying by the seat of your pants. So true! And I am a big believer that when you become a parent, you go with your gut because no one knows your kid like you do!

Juniper will grow up with a worldly perspective…what a gift you and Ben are giving her. Travel makes me joyful, too. I like what you wrote about being a better mom when you are happy…so true!

Last year my 21-yr-old daughter was so inspired by my travel blogging that she asked to take some trips with me. So we did and it was special! There is nothing better in this world than when your adult kids want to spend time with you…and in the form of travel!

What a wonderful foundation of love, adventure and joy you are building for your sweet girl.

I know this article will help a lot of traveling parents…and any negative comments you get…tune those right out! YOU are doing it right! Happy travels with your cutie pie baby girl!

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel. It means a lot! I bet seeing your kids grow into adults is unlike anything you can describe. And how cool that you get to share a passion with her! Thank you again!

This is amazing and such timely advice! My husband and I are due to have our first baby in May and we have been going back-and-forth about what kind of travel we want to do when he comes. This article has given me so much more confidence about the things that we can do with him and has really helped me see what is possible with a baby. Thank you so much for this! Keep the baby content coming! Your style of travel is so similar to ours and I love to see what you have done with Juniper so far!

Thank you so much, Stef, for the kind words. Truly just brought a smile to my face. So happy to know it resonates with you. And CONGRATULATIONS on this new and beautiful chapter. Wishing your family all the best!

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Tips for taking a long-term trip with kids

Apr 12, 2016 • 5 min read

long term travel with baby

Ever dream of quitting work, renting out the family home and taking off to explore the world long-term? It’s a step that plenty of parents would love to take but the thought of planning such a mammoth trip can be daunting – especially when it takes all your energy just to get the kids out the door.

It’s easier than you think. Determined to make your family travel dream a reality? Here’s our guide to the basics.

Take the plunge – you won’t regret sharing views like this with your kids © Shaun Egan / Getty Images

Make the decision and stick to it

There are positives and negatives to a round-the-world trip with kids at any age: travelling with babies or toddlers is cheaper – and there’s no school to worry about – but they’re unlikely to remember much about the trip; older children will form longer-lasting memories but you’ll need to keep up with their studies; and while teenagers can handle more intrepid undertakings, close friendships and looming exams may mean they’ll take more convincing.

Worry too much about the ‘right’ time to go and you might never take the plunge. Just choose a date and get planning. You won’t regret it.

Family watching elephants

Choose a travel style to suit your family

While travelling with babies and toddlers needn’t preclude adventurous travel, some destinations – Southeast Asia and the South Pacific , for example – are more tot-friendly than others. With older children and teenagers you could explore more challenging options such as a camping safari in the African bush  or hiking in the Himalayas.

Don’t forget: a round-the-world adventure needn’t involve a multi-stop plane ticket and a backpack; travelling overland in a campervan is a fun and flexible way to travel, or you could even try cycling across a continent or navigating the oceans in a sailboat...

Stay healthy on the road

Looking after your family’s health is of course a top priority. Before you go, arrange the requisite vaccinations and antimalarials in plenty of time, and remember that some jabs (eg typhoid) can’t be given before a certain age. Carry a good first aid kit and discuss in advance what to do in an emergency; comprehensive travel insurance is a must.

While it pays to be prepared, with all the fresh air and exercise you’ll likely be getting on the road, plus new, varied foods and plenty of mood-boosting family time, chances are you’ll all be healthier than ever while you’re away.

Packing light makes getting around so much easier © Greg Pease / Getty images

Pack light and stock up on the go

Will you be lugging around baby paraphernalia, or are you travelling with older kids who can carry their own stuff? Will you be backpacking or driving? Do you need to worry about seasons or will you stick to warm climates?

Whatever your plans, pack as little as possible. You can buy nappies, baby food and even clothes as you go along – and you may well need to anyway, given the rate at which most children grow.

Must-haves include a comfort object or two for small children, a lightweight sling for babies and toddlers, and a tablet or laptop loaded with games and movies for when the inevitable cries of boredom strike. A small backpack that young children can pack and carry themselves is a great way of involving them in the preparations.

You don’t have to spend a lot for five-star views © Johner Images / Getty Images

Budget, budget, budget

Running out of cash halfway across the world is best avoided, so work out a maximum weekly budget and stick to it – with money put aside for emergencies and occasional splurges. If you’re on a tight budget, spend the bulk of your time in cheaper countries. You’ll blow through money faster in North America and Western Europe than you would in Southeast Asia or India .

To save cash, try camping or staying in hostels (many of which are family-friendly these days), and cooking your own food rather than eating out for every meal. Couchsurfing ( couchsurfing.org ) or housesitting will save you money while allowing your family to experience life as the locals live it.

In between all the monkeying around, kids need plenty of rest stops © Smith Photographers / Getty Images

Get the kids involved

Letting the kids take part in the day-to-day decision making is all part of the fun. Ask them for their ideas of what to do and where to visit; encourage them to write or draw in a journal daily; or give them their own child-friendly camera to capture the world from their own perspective.

You may need to move slower than you did in your pre-children days. Most kids won’t take kindly to rushing around ticking off high-profile sites; it’s more relaxing for all involved to spend several days, weeks, or even months in each destination.

Arrange time apart

For everyone’s sanity, it’s a good idea to spend some time away from your kids once in a while. Take it in turns to watch them while one of you gets some alone time, hire a babysitter and have a grown-up night out, or treat yourself to a stay in a hotel with a kids’ club. Allowing your kids a break from each other can also save everyone some headaches.

Homework’s so much more appealing when it’s done from a hammock © Per Breiehagen / Getty Images

Let travel be their teacher

Travel with school-age children and you’ll have to educate along the way. As well as setting time aside for formal study, draw inspiration from the world around you. Learn about art and history by visiting museums and ancient sites; use a trip to the market as a simple maths lesson; study maps to understand the geography of the countries you’re visiting; or encourage your kids to interact in the local language.

There are numerous sites dedicated to homeschooling and many companies provide learning and teaching resources on their websites, including National Geographic ( education.nationalgeographic.org/teaching-resources/ ), NASA ( nasa.gov/audience/foreducators ) and the BBC ( bbc.co.uk/education ).

Of course, exploring the world is a positive learning experience in itself, and your kids are bound to gain valuable practical, social and language skills to show off when they get back home.

Take it easy upon your return

Adjusting to the usual routine may be difficult to deal with upon your return, especially when you’re used to being together 24/7 – so allow time for everyone in the family to decompress before jumping back into work and school.

If you and the kids are suffering from post-trip blues, create an album or scrapbook together, head out and have adventures in your local area, or get planning your next big trip… safe in the knowledge that you’ve given your babies the travel bug.

Want to take a shorter family trip before you take the plunge? Download our free ebook, 25 City Adventures for Families ,  for inspiration!

https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/lonely-planet-kids-travel-book-1

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Baby Travel Essentials

long term travel with baby

Jilly is a Neonatal Nurse, Lactation Consultant and mom of two.

Baby Sleep Made Simple 5 5-12 months sleep tips 5 Travel tips 5 Baby Travel Essentials

Cute baby and travel essentials in suitcase lying on blue bedspread

Your first flight or road trip with your baby can be scary, I know.

But having flown dozens of times with my 2 kiddos under age 5, I have good news for you. Flying (or driving) with an infant is honestly not that bad. You just need to be prepared and have the right mindset.

There are a lot of ways to make your trip easier. And that’s what this article will share with you. (Plus a few things you should never do.)

These tips on baby travel essentials and the best baby travel products will help you enjoy traveling with your baby.. rather than wishing you’d stayed home!

This post contains affiliate links .

free guide why your baby doesn't sttn

Your Ultimate Guide To Traveling With Babies & Toddlers

The good news about traveling with baby, lessons learned from traveling with babies, general tips for traveling with baby, tips for car travel with baby, what to pack when flying with baby, survival tips for flying with baby, hotel tips when traveling with baby.

The best part about traveling with a baby is that babies are (usually) pretty adaptable. Really!

As long as you provide the essentials — a quality sleep environment, regular meals, lots of cuddles — most babies barely seem to notice their change in environment.

Additionally, a lot of babies find car or plane trips very soothing , and can (sometimes) sleep through the majority of the flight or drive.

I was insanely nervous for my first flight with my 10-week-old baby. Obviously, I was ridiculously overpacked. We could have been stranded in the airport for a week and we would have been fine. 

Luckily, despite all my worries, my baby slept nearly all of the 5-hour flight! It was the most peaceful flight I’ve ever had with a child. And it laid the foundation for a life of travel for our family.

  The second time I flew with my baby, we forgot to bring her ID and they wouldn’t let us board the flight.  (Lesson learned: Bring baby’s ID, even for domestic flights.)

Then there was the time I flew alone with my toddler while I was 14 weeks pregnant with violent morning sickness. The flight was delayed five hours and I spent the entire time chasing her around the airport.  (Lesson learned: Bring a toddler leash. #noshame)

Or the time I dangled my breast over the car seat to feed my baby rather than getting caught in a blizzard somewhere between Lake Tahoe and Salt Lake City? (Lesson learned: Get comfortable with public nudity, breastfeeding mama.)

I guess you could say that I’m something of a baby travel expert.

Or perhaps, a case study in What Not To Do.

Let my mistakes be your guide. After four countries, two kids, and more planes, trains, cars, and ferries than I can count, I can confidently say that I’ve got this travel-with-baby thing figured out.

long term travel with baby

How Soon Can I Travel With Baby?

It’s best to avoid traveling until your baby has their first round of vaccinations (about 6-8 weeks). this protects your newborn from germs in the airport, and from the new people and places that you visit..

You should also delay travel until you’ve recovered from birth. You don’t want to be lifting luggage 3 weeks after a c-section!

How Can I Keep My Baby Healthy While Traveling?

Nothing puts a damper on vacation more than a sick baby. 

First, I recommend baby-wearing   as much as possible. (Tip: Wear your baby facing inward.) This deters curious strangers from touching baby’s cheeks or hands, potentially spreading unwanted germs. 

Second, Lysol and anti-bacterial wipes are always on my baby travel essentials list and in my carry-on. I have no shame about sanitizing my baby’s eating and sleeping surfaces on planes. The nods of approval from flight attendants tells me the tray tables and arm rests are very rarely cleaned.

How To (Quickly) Sanitize Your Airplane Seat

When flying with a baby, always take advantage of pre-boarding. This gives you time to set up and clean your area.

Quickly spritz the seatbelt and other fabric areas (the seat cushion and the floor) with Lysol . Then, use antibacterial wipes to disinfect the tray table, seat belt buckle, armrests and window (you never know what your baby will lick!)

Pack a Mini First Aid Kit

Being an ER nurse, I like to be prepared. I recommend packing a mini first aid kit in your luggage, which should include:

  • a thermometer
  • baby Tylenol
  • snot sucker and saline
  • diaper rash cream
  • baby nail scissors

Trust me, you want to have the essentials when it’s 2 am and your baby wakes up with a fever. 

Baby Sleep Essentials While Traveling

The same principles that help your baby sleep at home will help them sleep while traveling.

Set up your baby’s sleep space to mimic their sleep area at home.

  • Bring a portable white noise machine (or use an app on your phone.)
  • Darken the room. A dark blanket tucked into a curtain rod can provide an instant black-out. Or use clips to hold together curtains that tend to gape. You can also bring these lightweight blackout film s for the windows.
  • Bring a travel crib (like the Pack n Play ) and 2 fitted crib sheets . (Hotels never have them.)
  • Use baby’s familiar sleep props (sleep sack, swaddle, pacifier, etc.)

Also, be sure to examine the area closely to make sure baby can’t reach any dangling cords or electrical sockets. 

Do your best to stick to your regular sleep schedule. This may mean you plan driving time between sightseeing to coincide with nap time. Or schedule family downtime every afternoon back at the hotel while baby naps.

Prepare an “On-the-Go” Baby Sleep Bag

Most babies can handle an occasional late bedtime to accommodate a special event. But for long-term travel, try to stick to your typical sleep schedule.

What helps my family of four maintain good sleep while traveling is to bring a tote bag with on-to-the-go sleep supplies ( portable white noise , baby monitor , Pack n Play , pajamas , sleep sack .)

That way, we can set up a sleep space at grandma’s without feeling rushed to get back for bedtime.

What Time of Day Should I Travel With Baby?

Honestly, don’t spend too much time stressing about the perfect time of day to travel with your baby . Babies are more adaptable than we give them credit for. Plus, the high cost of air travel means most of us parents don’t have much control over our flight schedules.

The one thing I focus on is arriving at my destination with enough time to settle my baby and have a normal bedtime routine.

For example, my baby’s bedtime is 7 pm. 

So, I want to arrive at the hotel by 5 pm to have time for dinner, bath, set up baby’s sleep space, and say goodnight in a leisurely way. 

To accomplish this, I count backward.  How much time do I need to pick up our luggage, get the rental car and drive to the hotel? That’s when I want my flight to arrive.

The same principle works for car travel.

When we moved from DC to Boston, I knew that the drive would take 8-10 hours. We planned 12 hours of travel time to allow us enough time to eat meals, stretch our legs, and respond to any baby cries. That meant we needed to leave at 5 am to allow enough time to settle in before bedtime.

This works like a charm, every time.

What About Switching Time Zones?

When traveling only 1-2 hours difference in time zones, don’t worry too much about shifting baby’s schedule.

For example, when we fly to see family (one hour ahead of us), I simply put baby to bed at 8 pm instead of 7 pm. 

But, if you’re traveling with your baby or toddler across many time zones, then it’s absolutely worthwhile to change your baby’s schedule gradually.

It takes about one day per hour of time difference to acclimate.  In other words, you’ll need roughly one week to transition to a 7-hour time difference.

To help your baby acclimate, expose them to late afternoon sunlight to help reset their circadian rhythm. And watch their daytime sleep carefully so they don’t try to make up for missed nighttime sleep during the day.

See Jilly’s 3-Day Guide on Surviving Baby Jet Lag Here.

Most importantly, try to keep a sense of humor. The acclimation process doesn’t last more than a few days (sometimes a week.) You will survive, I promise!

I would choose car travel with a baby over flying with a baby, any day. First, you can stop whenever you like. Hungry? Need to stretch your legs? Poop explosion? Just pull over at your nearest McDonald’s. Easy peasy.

Plan extra stops into your itinerary

While many babies will happily sleep through a long car trip, you still want to plan for extra stops.

Plan about 1 extra hour for every 4 hours of drive time with a baby. Lunch stops take longer when you need to nurse or change an outfit. And you usually need to stop every 2 hours so everyone can stretch their legs (and parents can caffeinate!)

Should we leave early in the morning? Or drive through the night?

Personally, we prefer leaving early in the morning since baby is still sleepy. You can get in a few hours of driving before breakfast!

Also, I prefer sitting in the back seat entertaining my baby during a daytime drive than dealing with a fussy, tired baby that can’t sleep during a night drive.

Driving through the night can also be dangerous for the driver , who is likely to be sleepy. First things first – take care of yourself so that everyone gets to their destination safely.

Also, having young infants sleep in car seats for extended periods of time may result in low oxygen levels .

How to entertain baby in the car

Babies don’t need special toys or games for car travel. Honestly, most toys will be thrown to the ground within minutes. You don’t want to spend the entire drive retrieving toys from under the seat! (Particularly if you’re driving solo.)

Instead,  make a music playlist for your road trip.  Make sure to include calm, soothing music for nap time and fun dance music to sing along to when your little one starts getting restless.

Sometimes I distract my little ones by rolling the windows down . The sound and feel of fresh air soothes them and snaps them out of restlessness.

Snacks during car trips

Avoid giving snacks or meals while driving, unless there is an adult sitting next to the baby to watch for choking.

Babies should be rear-facing until they max out the height and weight limit of their car seats. (Until age 2, if possible.)

If your toddler gets “hangry” and you’ll can’t yet pull over, give a pouch to tide them over. Older toddlers can eat meltable baby puffs , which are relatively safe.

But that said, you should still be monitoring them and there should be an adult who can watch the child while they have their snack.

long term travel with baby

In case you’re making a baby travel essentials checklist these are some of the best baby travel products (and personal favorites).

Items for Carry-on:

  • Baby’s carseat (or check this item if not taking on the plane)
  • Baby carrier   ( The Maya ring sling is my favorite! )
  • Backpack  with extra diapers, wipes, and 2 changes of clothes for baby
  • A few small toys and activities
  • Snacks for baby & sippy cup/bottle
  • Pacifiers and pacifier clip
  • Lovey (if baby uses)
  • Lightweight muslin swaddle blankets — don’t expect the airline to provide a blanket!

Items to Include for Mom:

  • Phone charger
  • C hange of clothes (at least a shirt — trust me, you’ll want to freshen up if baby vomits on you or dumps their milk all over your lap.)
  • Plastic bags (for soiled/wet clothes)
  • Dramamine & Tylenol (adult versions – no Dramamine for baby!)
  • M agazine or small book

Items for Packed Luggage:

  • Portable white noise machine
  • Travel black-out curtains
  • Mini first aid kit  
  • Enough c lothes to cover several days until you have access to laundry
  • Travel crib – I love the Guava Lotus

RELATED: How to Help Your Baby Sleep Great While Traveling

There are many ways to make flying with a baby easier.

  • If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking a seat for your baby and bringing their car seat. Especially if you’re flying alone with baby. Otherwise, you’ll never be hands-free.
  • If available, book the bulkhead seats. I’ve gone back and forth on this over the years, since you don’t always have a place to put your bag when you’re in the front row. But the extra legroom makes up for this inconvenience. Plus, you get a mounted bassinet for long-distance travel.
  • If possible, schedule take-off around baby’s nap or bedtime. If your baby manages to sleep (just a little) they’ll be rested and calm when you’re going through baggage claim or racing to catch your next flight.
  • How to manage the security line. Getting through security is one of the trickiest parts of air travel with a baby. Getting the diaper bag, purse, stroller, car seat AND baby through security can be a lot to handle.

First, don’t panic. Everyone behind you can wait, so take your time.

If I don’t have the car seat with me, I bring a lightweight baby carrier. I LOVE my Maya Ring Sling because it’s easy to put on and it packs down super small.

I wear baby while I get through the security line and then quickly hold baby while we walk through the metal detector. Baby goes right back in the carrier while I re-assemble all our stuff. Whew!

  • I recommend using a backpack instead of a traditional diaper bag. I bring my normal purse with the essentials (changing pad, snacks, a toy, small pack of wipes) and the rest goes in the backpack. Once I’m on the plane, I put the backpack in the overhead bin and keep my purse at my seat.

This system allows me to have a normal purse for outings and the backpack keeps my hands free and allows me to carry back-up supplies. It also doubles as a daypack for hikes or long sight-seeing days, so it’s a win-win. To see exactly what are the baby travel essentials that I pack in my carry-on when I fly, see my post on flying with toddlers .

  • Definitely bring the stroller. If you also bring the car seat, this is an easy choice — bring the stroller too! Travel system strollers make it so easy to take your car seat right to the plane. Plus, I love having a safe place to put baby while I use the restroom in the airport or haggle with the gate agent about an upgrade. ?

The stroller also carries your bags during layovers, and is a napping station for baby while waiting for your next flight.

If you don’t bring your car seat, then I highly recommend bringing an umbrella stroller that you can close with one hand.

We like our Maclaren Quest umbrella stroller because I can close it with one hand while balancing the baby on my other hip. Plus, it has a tether strap so I can sling it over my shoulder. And it’s lightweight and suitable for newborns. It’s a great stroller for day trips where you’ll be taking busses or metros.

For babies over six months, I’ve heard great things about the Pockit stroller . And I drool over it whenever I see someone using it.

I recommend visiting your local baby store to try out a few different models and practice closing the stroller while you’re holding the baby. See which works best for you.

long term travel with baby

What if I need to breastfeed on the plane?

Then breastfeed! If you’re uncomfortable, throw your muslin swaddle blanket over your shoulder.

I worried a lot about this in the beginning, but once my baby started fussing, I stopped caring about the guy in the business suit next to me. His reaction is his problem, not mine. (Remind him that he was probably breastfed…) 

Nursing comforts your baby, particularly during take-off and landing when the elevation change can cause ear discomfort. (Sucking helps clear the pressure in baby’s ears, like chewing gum for us). Plus, your baby needs to eat! You can do it mama, I promise.

How to Entertain Baby on a Plane

I don’t bring a lot of toys and activities for plane trips.  Too much hassle. 

I bring a tiny pack of stickers, stacking cups , one book with touchable features (think Pat the Bunny ), and a tiny stuffed animal for make-believe play. All of this packs down into a single ziploc bag. If I can’t easily fit it into my purse, then I don’t bring it.

Instead of toys, I entertain baby with finger plays, storytelling, peek-a-boo, and other games. It’s really not that hard to entertain a 1 year old on a plane. You just have to be creative.

I don’t pack any other toys in my luggage, as there are always plenty of new items to explore wherever we’re staying. (Like Auntie’s puppy or a box of tissues at Grandma’s house).

What To Do If Baby Cries On The Plane

First, don’t sweat it. Babies cry.  Then, take your time using your normal soothing techniques — a snack, distraction, swaddling, a pacifier or the breast, or walking the aisle.

Most people are kind and understanding. The rest are jerks and they aren’t worth your time.

Book a suite

When I travel with my babies, I go to great lengths to find hotels with a suite. Better yet, I book an AirBnb so we have the whole house. When you have a baby that goes to sleep at 6 pm, it can be really rough on the parents if you’re all sleeping in the same room. And older kids with later bedtimes provide even more of a struggle.

I know suites are more expensive, but it is so worth the price. And remember, this age doesn’t last forever! 

Get creative

If you can’t find a suite or Airbnb within your budget, get creative with baby’s sleeping space. We’ve used closets, bathrooms and spare offices to create a dark, quiet sleeping area.  Just make sure there’s good airflow.

If the weather is warm, consider booking a room with a balcony or a garden area (for the adults, not the baby!) Then the adults can sit outside and talk at a normal volume instead of tip-toeing around in silence.

If you have a baby monitor with good Wifi , you can put baby to bed in the hotel room and then head to the hotel lobby to relax.  With a little ingenuity, you can create a safe and quiet baby sleep space just about anywhere! 

Bring your own crib

I have relied on the hotel’s crib on a few occasions, and without fail, they’ve been dingy and dirty. I absolutely love our Guava Lotus travel crib . It packs down super light, it’s easy to assemble, and it even has a bassinet insert for newborns. It’s so lightweight that it’s easy enough for c-section mamas to move around the bedroom. Trust me — this is one baby item that is worth every penny.

have-baby-will-travel-tips

I absolutely love traveling with my kids. While my little ones may not remember exactly which countries we visit or what sites we see, travel helps them become more open-minded and flexible.

When they grow up playing tag among ancient Mayan ruins or spending time exploring local artisan markets, they grow up knowing that the world is big and beautiful and wondrous.

We are a family who travels. By extension, our kids are growing up as little world explorers. With that in mind, the only question is — where do we go next?

long term travel with baby

Author Bio:

Elizabeth provides motivation and inspiration to families who are interested in worldschooling and learning through travel. She is a former ER nurse who now blogs about homeschooling, intentional living, parenting, and life overseas on her website, www.SimpleTenderJoyful.com . 

Elizabeth is a “trailing spouse” who currently lives in Guatemala City with her Foreign-Service husband, her four-year-old, and her one-year-old baby.  In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys reading sci-fi novels until the wee hours of the night and going on potentially ill-advised road trips with her kids.

Follow her on Instagram and Facebook .

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Tula Baby Carriers

Great list!! All these products are essential if you’re planning to travel with baby. Keep blogging I’d love to read more from you!!

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Thank you so much! Kindest regards, Ingrid BSMS Support Team

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Very useful advices. I’ll recommend this to my wife to read. It can help us to have a good trip to Central Asia.

Thanks to https://samarkandtours.com/turkmenistan/turkmenistan-tours-packages/ For organizing this trip. It was cheap and fast.

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long term travel with baby

Long Haul Flight with a 1-Year-Old (A-Z Guide for Parents)

I have a one-year-old son who has been on 14 flights so far (domestic and international) with another long haul flight coming up next week. And just one week ago, we flew across North America with him to visit family — this isn’t the easiest age to travel with a baby but it doesn’t have to be terrible either, trust me!

This is a comprehensive guide with all of the information you need to make your long haul flight with your budding toddler smooth and more enjoyable. There are no guarantees when traveling with a baby/toddler but we can do the very best to increase the likelihood that we’ll have a great flight! Let’s do this!

long term travel with baby

In this guide, you’ll find the following topics covered:

One-year-old babies fly free (unless you want your car seat on board), where to sit on the plane with your one-year-old, documents you need for your one-year-old to travel, how to pack for you and your one-year-old for the flight, gate check your stroller and car seat for free, how to navigate the airport with your one-year-old, tips for boarding the plane with your one-year-old, how to keep your one-year-old baby entertained on the flight, how to get your one-year-old to sleep on the flight, how to spend your layover with a one-year-old.

long term travel with baby

First, you’ll have to decide whether you’re going to buy a seat for your baby or if you’re going to have them sit in your lap for free (or for a fraction of the regular price). Until babies are 2 years old, they count as a “lap infant” and you don’t have to buy them their own seat.

If you’ll be buying a seat for your baby, you can either have them sit in the seat or bring their car seat on board for free. *Car seats also get checked for free on most major airlines.*

If you’re going to bring your baby on board as a lap child, the obvious advantage is that it’s cost-effective, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, you won’t be able to bring your car seat on board. You can ask if there are any empty seats on your flight, in which case the flight crew might accommodate your car seat, but there’s no guarantee. You’ll have to be prepared to have your baby in your lap the whole flight — which can be challenging for a long haul! But doable!

For take off and landing: On many international airlines, you’ll be asked to put a baby lap belt on, which is a seat belt extension that loops around the adult seat belt and then around your baby’s waist. Babies have to be seated in your lap facing forward and wearing this lap belt for takeoff and landing.

On US carriers, they don’t do infant lap seat belts– Instead, you’re asked to hold your baby facing toward you for takeoff and landing.

long term travel with baby

There is great debate between travel moms about where is the best place to sit on an airplane with a baby or toddler, which I wrote about and highly recommend you check out to figure out which seat and part of the plane are best for your family specifically.

However, the consensus seems to be that the window seat, the bulkhead row, and the back of the plane are the best places to sit when flying with babies or toddlers. These areas offer the most privacy, space, and safety, according to many moms who travel with their littles ones.

The bulkhead row is the row usually located in the first row (or the first row after a separator), faces a wall and has a bit more legroom. This row is great to choose for babies because you can request a bassinet if you want.

There is an age/weight limit for some airlines so check with them first. Our son was 22 pounds and over a year old when he last used one.

I’m not sure how much I love the bassinet to be honest. I’m sure some other babies sleep very well in them (especially younger babies), but my son lasted about one hour out of our entire long haul flight. The rest of the time, the bassinet was just kind of awkwardly in our way — although it was useful for holding a bunch of our stuff!

I do like the bulkhead row for the extra room and not having anyone in front of us to disturb. The cons of the bulkhead row are that you can’t put the arm rests up, and there is no underseat storage in front of you. All bags need to go in the overhead bins for takeoff and landing.

The window seat with a baby is obviously great for using as a distraction and to have something to lean against, especially if you’re breastfeeding. The big con is having to ask the person/people sitting next to you to move every time you need to change a diaper, walk up and down the aisle with your baby, etc.

long term travel with baby

The back of the plane is a popular place to sit as well, because it tends to be quieter, darker, and if the flight isn’t full — less populated. It’s also usually closer to the bathrooms.

On my most recent long haul flight with my one-year-old, we opted for the bulkhead row with the bassinet. But in hindsight, I think I would have rather had a row near the back instead. Here’s why:

Our flight wasn’t full so we could have had a whole row in the back to ourselves to put the arm rests up and stretch out. It was much quieter and darker back there. Sitting in the bulkhead, there was so much noise and activity with the flight attendants preparing food and coffee and assisting other passengers. Our baby had a tough time sleeping through all the noise and light.

If your child is a lap infant, the options for sleep are:

  • They sleep in your arms
  • They sleep attached to you in a baby carrier (but it can’t be used for takeoff and landing)
  • They sleep in the baby bassinet in the bulkhead row
  • They sleep lying across you and your partner’s laps
  • You are lucky and have an empty seat next to you so you can lay them there or use your car seat!

long term travel with baby

Domestic flights

To fly domestically within the United States, you officially don’t need to bring ID for your baby but I would recommend bringing your baby’s birth certificate anyway just in case, for two reasons:

  • You may need to prove your baby’s age for them to qualify as a lap infant (under 2 years old)
  • You may need to prove that you are the legal parent (not likely but I have heard of rare cases)

You may also be asked for a physician’s note with a clean bill of health if your child is a newborn. Many airlines don’t allow you to travel with a baby under 7 days or 14 days without a note from a doctor.

You may need a boarding pass for your child — or at least to make sure that your child is connected to your boarding pass (basically, the airline needs to know that a baby will be coming on board, even if they are a lap baby).

International flights

We started traveling with our son when he was 3 months old and the same documentation that we needed then is needed for him at one-year-old. It will depend on your exact circumstances, but here is a list of the 6 documents that you may need for traveling with your baby:

  • Birth certificate
  • Boarding Pass
  • Vaccination record
  • Physician’s note
  • Notarized parental consent letter

Not every document will be necessary on every flight. To find out the details and exceptions for each item, please read the article I wrote all about baby flight documentation . This all applies to infants who are US citizens, but much of it is relevant to babies from around the world.

long term travel with baby

We have to bring so much more stuff with us than we used to now that we have a baby. But I have to say that we’ve gotten MUCH better at packing with a baby than we were when we first started traveling with him at 3 months old.

We’ve streamlined things for sure, and this process takes some trial and error just because every family and baby’s needs are a little bit different. We’ve personally become better at leaving a lot of stuff behind and then hitting up Facebook marketplace for items that we need in our destination (or going without).

There are also rental companies that you can just rent baby items from (like high chairs, toys, etc.) if you don’t want to lug everything with you.

In total, we usually pack (TO CHECK):

  • Our car seat (to gate check)
  • Our stroller (to gate check)
  • A larger suitcase with mom and baby’s clothes/stuff (to check)
  • A large backpack with dad’s clothes/stuff (to check)

And we usually pack (TO CARRY ON):

  • A diaper bag (usually doesn’t count as one of our carry-ons, but depends on the airline )
  • A carry-on backpack for mom
  • A carry-on backpack for dad
  • A baby carrier to use while navigating the airports (our son has always really liked being “worn” and still does at one year — much more than the stroller)

I’ll go a bit more in depth for what to pack in your carry-on bags below.

As far as checked luggage , this will probably depend on your destination (will it be hot, cold, rainy, etc.) and how long you’re staying (how many pairs of pants, shirts, etc. will you need).

My recommendation would be to pack as light as possible where you can still be comfortable and happy with the clothes you’ll have (easier said than done, for sure!).

Carry-on Packing Checklist for Your One-Year-Old

For a PDF version of this checklist and a detailed explanation, please take a look at my complete guide to packing for you and your baby .

Make sure the activities you pack for your baby are something new (can be dollar store objects). I also have a list of 20+ cheap and easy activities for one-year-olds on an airplane that you should definitely read before you go!

long term travel with baby

Here is what I pack for my one-year-old in his carry-on bag/diaper bag (after many flights of trial and error!):

  • Diapers (x8)
  • Wipes (1-2 packs)
  • Changing pad
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Pajamas (x2)
  • Light hoodie/sweater
  • Baby blanket
  • Light, breathable muslin blanket (to cover up for breastfeeding)
  • Pacifier (x2)
  • Pacifier/toy leashes
  • Portable sound machine + extra batteries
  • Water bottle
  • 1 sippy cup/bottles
  • Formula/milk
  • Baby Tylenol
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Baby nail clippers
  • Snack catcher
  • Lots of dry snacks
  • Mini first aid kit
  • Ziploc/wet bag for soiled or wet clothes
  • Activities for the plane
  • Basic mini travel size toiletries (baby soap, toothpaste, toothbrush)
  • If walking, soft stretchy shoes

Carry-on Packing Checklist for You

It’s equally important what you pack for yourself on the plane. This list is what I always pack in my carry-on bag when flying with my baby.

You probably won’t have much time to sleep on the plane, if any, so make sure you’re packed days in advance so that the nights before traveling you can just concentrate on getting some REST before the big day.

  • An extra outfit (including underwear)
  • Headphones/ear pods
  • Phone charger
  • Adult Tylenol
  • Plug converters for your destination
  • Lap top/tablet
  • Camera + batteries
  • Snacks for you
  • A folder with all of your  important documents  (passport, visas, birth certificate, copy of your travel insurance, etc.)
  • Ziploc bags
  • Baby monitor
  • Breast pump (handheld)
  • Basic mini toiletries (soap/shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, glasses/contacts, etc.)
  • Fanny pack (to wear in the airport)

long term travel with baby

As I mentioned above, most major airlines will check your stroller and car seat for free . If you absolutely know that you don’t want your car seat or stroller on the plane, you can plan to check them right away when you arrive at the airport.

If you want to try to bring your car seat on the plane for your lap baby (in hopes that there will be an empty seat next to you), you can carry it to your gate and then gate check it if it doesn’t work out.

Remember that if you’re going to be carrying your car seat through security and through the airport all the way to your gate, I recommend having a plan for carrying it along with all your stuff and your baby. It can be overwhelming trying to juggle a bunch of stuff, and trolleys aren’t allowed starting at the security line up.

We usually use our stroller as a trolley! And then we simply gate check it before we get on the plane.

long term travel with baby

Think about how you’ll be carrying your baby through the airport (stroller, carrier, etc.) and how you’re going to carry/move your carry-on bags as well. This is especially important when you’re traveling solo with your baby.

I made the mistake of not thinking this all through beforehand exactly ONCE — the time I first flew solo with my son. I ended up having to carry way too much stuff on my own through the airport and it was tough. It’s much more manageable of course if you’re flying with another adult who can help.

Here’s what we usually do:

  • Check our car seat right away (we don’t bother trying to use it on the plane because our son has never liked sitting in a car seat anyway)
  • Carry our baby in our wearable front baby carrier (we’ve always loved our Lillebaby carrier)
  • Put all of our carry-on bags that will fit into the stroller and push it through security to our gate!
  • Gate check our stroller

We’ve tried boarding a couple of different ways and the best way to board has ended up being this: Split up! Usually my husband boards early when they ask for families traveling with young kids to board. He takes all of our bags, stows everything away, and sets up our seat.

I try to get my baby tired out until the very last minute and board with the final group — the plane door shutting behind us!

This usually works out really well for us, as we can avoid our baby being stuck in a small contained space for too long. Also, if the timing is right, he falls asleep just in time for takeoff.

While you’re waiting for your flight, it’s so helpful to find an airport playground area for kids and get your toddler’s energy out as much as possible before boarding!

long term travel with baby

Keeping our one-year-old baby entertained on the flight has become more challenging as he’s gotten older. A newborn baby is actually easy peasy on the plane in comparison! But you also don’t have to overthink it.

I’m going to make some recommendations below for what to bring, based on my own experiences (and the advice of many other travel moms I surveyed). But please rely heavily on your gut when packing, because you know your child best as to what is likely to keep them entertained.

Some great activities for a one-year-old on the plane:

  • Sticker books
  • Masking/painter’s tape
  • Dollar store (cheapy) toys
  • Pill boxes filled with snacks
  • Sensory/busy boards
  • Buckle pillow
  • Downloaded videos on a tablet or phone + toddler headphones
  • Coloring book and crayons
  • Empty spice containers + pipe cleaners to pull through the holes
  • Old wallet or travel wallet filled with plastic “credit cards” (old memberships cards, bus passes, etc.)
  • Pipe cleaners and uncooked pasta to string
  • A small empty water bottle with the bottom cut off + colorful pom pom balls to put through the hole
  • Anything with zippers or strings
  • Window cling stickers
  • Window suction spinners
  • Magnet toys
  • Water Wow books
  • Mobi Zippee Silicone Pull Toy
  • Pop it or fidget toys

long term travel with baby

Ah, sleep. It’s hard enough to come by on normal, non-travel days with a baby so how are we supposed to get our one-year-olds to sleep on a plane?

Again, I’ll offer some advice but your baby is their own special little person so remember that different tricks work for different kids, of course!

Some tips for getting your one-year-old baby to sleep on a flight include:

  • Bring your car seat on board if they’re used to sleeping in it.
  • Ask to be seated in the bulkhead row and request a baby bassinet
  • Bring an inflatable baby travel bed on board and place it in the seat next to you
  • Bring a light muslin blanket to block out light
  • Bring a portable sound machine to block out announcements and other passengers
  • Walk the aisles to put your baby to sleep (with your baby in a carrier if you use one)
  • Tire them out before boarding and try to fly at their nap/bedtime
  • Bring their comfort items (stuffed animal, blanket, pacifier, etc.)

Every baby is different. We’ve walked the aisles with our son, put him to sleep in his carrier, and more recently he falls asleep while breastfeeding only (when on the plane). And I find that a comfort item (his blanket) and playing lullabies very quietly on my phone has helped a lot to put him to sleep.

I would say mimic as closely as you can what you might do at home to put your baby to sleep — as far as sounds, light, motion, and comfort items.

long term travel with baby

A direct flight, however long, is probably ideal for most people traveling with a baby. But that isn’t always an option, unfortunately. If you have a long-ish layover ahead of you, I have two recommendations for making it more enjoyable for you.

The first one is a bit fancy. We’ve done this twice with our baby and that’s to use one of the priority lounges . You can basically go hang out in a nicer part of the airport with comfy seats and “free” food and drinks. It’s awesome.

We have a certain number of passes that come with our credit cards every year. Or you can just buy a pass for the day. If you can swing it, it makes your layover experience with a baby MUCH more enjoyable, especially after a long flight… on your way to another long flight!

My second recommendation is to bring items in your carry-on bag to camp out . Bring a couple of blow up camping mats, lightweight blankets, snacks, and “camp out” in a dim area on the floor of the airport. When you’re prepared for this, it can actually be kind of cozy and fun to hang out in your little “spot” for a few hours.

Choose a spot near a kids area/playground or plan activities for your airport time for your baby as well (not just for the plane).

If you can, take this time to trade off getting some lay down rest — Or try to get your baby to sleep and ALL of you get some rest before your second flight.

Good luck! YOU GOT THIS! 🙂

Brittany is a Wayfaring Human who loves to adventure with her husband and son. When she's not having adventures, she's taking pictures of them and writing about them.

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Go to Your Baby's Age

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Travelling with a baby

Travel with a baby during maternity leave isn’t just for the intrepid — it can offer up bonding time, be cheaper to live in another country and satisfying to see your little one take in new sights. with a bit of preparation, it can be immensely rewarding..

Travelling on maternity leave can be a rewarding experience

We’re 15 minutes into a two-hour flight and three-year-old Charlie is already bored. His snacks were guzzled before boarding and the iPad has been discarded. He flings one of his toy cars and it whacks a disgruntled passenger ahead of us. One-year-old Maxi — ever the ball of energy — pelts up and down the aisle. At one point I lose him as he snakes beneath one of the rows, picking sticky popcorn off the floor. This is getting stressful. And then it occurs to me: I may have missed a trick — why didn’t we fly more often when the boys were tiny babies? When they could be perched on my chest, sleeping and feeding and not much else. The fact is, it can be much easier travelling with a young baby than a toddler. Tiny babies hardly move. They (generally) sleep anywhere. Hell, I’ve heard they even sell nappies overseas. 

Blogger Karen Edwards wasn’t daunted by the prospect and saw her maternity leave as an opportunity for a family adventure. She found tenants for her house, sold the family car, and, after giving herself a few weeks to learn the ropes of being a first-time mum, she hit the road with her husband Shaun and 10-week-old Esmé for a 10-month trip. Living off her maternity pay and savings from Shaun’s job as a landscape gardener, they ticked off Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and Shaun’s home country, New Zealand. “It was hard being away from my comforts as a new mother,” she says.

But the Irish native relished the trip, so much so that when her second child, Quinn, was born, the family had no qualms about upping sticks from London again when he was just 11 weeks old, but this time to Central and South America.

“Travelling with a baby can be the best time — it’s quality bonding time and seeing your little one take in the new sights, smells and sounds is amazing. I’ll never forget visiting Machu Picchu. I was breastfeeding Quinn at one point and Shaun had to rescue Esmé who was being chased by an alpaca for her cracker.”

As a family, they’ve zip-lined through Ecuadorian forest, cycled through Hoi An in Vietnam and paddled off the Balinese island of Nusa Lembongan; when Quinn was just a few weeks old, he was suited up in a baby lifejacket, lying in the bow of the canoe, as they rowed around Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. 

Trials & tribulations 

The idea of a maternity gap year is still pretty novel — even stats on family travel are few and far between and as yet, there’s little data to suggest this intrepid travel trend is on the rise. That said, industry experts are starting to sit up and take notice of the idea. 

“We’ve recognised it’s a growing trend as seen by our members over the past year or so,” says Jack Sheldon at flight deal finder Jack’s Flight Club . “For one, it’s become a more accessible thing to do for new parents — not only due to the emergence of companies such as us, which allow for more affordable flights, but also due to the likes of Airbnb . It’s become much easier for people to rent out their properties while away, thus reducing their costs. It can often be cheaper to live in another country if you can avoid paying rent in the UK at the same time.”

Jack also credits the fact it’s something that’s flaunted across social media, too. “Platforms such as Instagram help showcase maternity gap years as an option.”

In Karen’s case, she’s amassed an Instagram following of 105,000. However, she reveals, life on the road with a baby can be far from simple, despite the rose-tinted shots on social media. The couple have had to cook sweet potato in a kettle and hide away from Esmé’s cot in a bid to get her to sleep, all in the name of backpacking with a baby. “Yes, we’ve pulled chairs into the bathroom, with a can of beer and one ear of an iPod each. I thought this was hilarious, Shaun wasn’t impressed — having a beer in the bathroom at 7pm!” 

There’s no doubting a baby gap year isn’t for everyone. Being at home with a baby is tough enough: from torturous sleep deprivation to breastfeeding complications — even the idea of boarding a train with your little one can instil heart palpitations in some women. Neuroses aside, one of the biggest concerns for most is the health of your baby — taking your little bundle miles away from the familiarity of a UK medical practice is pretty daunting.

In the absence of specific guidelines for travelling long-term with a baby, the NHS recommends avoiding countries where vaccinations are necessary — for example, babies younger than six months can’t receive a vaccination against yellow fever because of the risk of developing encephalitis, while babies younger than two months can’t take anti-malaria tablets. So you might want to give trekking through the Amazonian rainforest a miss. Karen suggests looking at UK-based site Fit for Travel — a great resource that can help you decide the high-risk areas to avoid. And it goes without saying you must meet with your GP or travel health adviser well in advance of your trip to discuss vaccinations and precautions, too.

There are also no hard and fast rules about flying with a baby, so your best bet is to check with an airline, as some allow two-day-old babies to board; others stipulate they must be at least two weeks. Dr Rachel Tomlinson, an online GP at Push Doctor , asserts the need for babies to have their newborn vaccinations before you flee overseas, usually given at eight, 12 and 16 weeks. “Fill up a first aid bag, too, with over-the-counter meds — painkillers, antihistamines, insect repellent and hydration solutions. Give baby a bottle, breast or dummy to suck on while taking off and landing. And always remember to take out comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind before you go.”

Preparation is key 

The question remains, however: how do you consider financing an epic travelling trip? The good news is that travelling with a baby or very young kids has its financial perks. Most airlines charge just a small fee for lap infants, and travel by bus or train worldwide is generally free for them; while on the whole, hotels don’t tend to charge for little ones. And here’s the thing about maternity leave — when else are you given (up to) a year off from work, nine months of which is paid for? Since the shared parental leave rights came into effect in 2015, giving both parents or carers the chance to take time off work in their child’s first year, a partner could have the right to paid paternity leave at the same time.

Husband and wife Daniel and Preethi Harbuck have braved a whole bunch of trips with their brood of four kids, now eight, six, four and one. Their intrepid escapes all started when their eldest was just four months with a trip to South Africa. “I vividly remember one game drive with him wrapped onto me in a baby sling, nursing away as our vehicle went bumping along.” Since then, they’ve tallied up a number of trips, from Australia and New Zealand, to the Middle East and the Balkans, and more recently, a three-month jaunt around Europe, Southeast Asia and India with all four children after her husband managed to secure three months’ paternity leave.

“Travel with kids isn’t easy, but then, being at home with kids isn’t easy,” says Preethi. “Maybe we just have really low expectations, but kids almost always handle travel better than we expect. My advice is to plan — few things are more stressful than being starving and not knowing where to go; or wandering aimlessly trying to figure out what sights to see. Do your research beforehand, but be willing to change plans if the situation dictates.”

She also recommends packing light. “You will be tempted to pack your entire house. Don’t. Minimise as much as possible. Consider house rentals that have washing machines and bring lightweight baby cots and pushchairs, or find out if your destination can provide them. Remember that babies live all over the world and most necessities are easily accessible.”

Karen agrees, suggesting the most essential item is a baby carrier. “I have so many other tips, but in a nutshell, plan your trips at a much slower pace — usually one big activity a day is plenty; and take turns with your partner to do things you used to enjoy, whether it’s a massage or diving. And, if you can, breastfeed for ease and for passing on immunity. With a changing environment, breastfeeding was a solid reassurance and familiar comfort with my two little ones.”

If the idea of long-haul freaks you out, Europe is always going to exceed expectations. You don’t necessarily need to fly either. Esme and Tom Lawy headed to Spain for two months when their son, Emile, was just eight months, campervanning their way through the Picos de Europa mountains and the Costa Verde, visiting the towns of Oviedo, San Sebastián and Hondarribia, and stopping in the Rioja wine region. The travelling trio then headed west to the Sierra de Guarda, pitching up besides the Rio Vero for dusky river paddling, before driving back to the UK through France. 

“I was still on paid mat leave and Tom had come to the end of his contract so it seemed like a natural time to go. We put our flat up for rent in London and headed off with the aim of visiting as many sites as possible from a ‘wild swimming Spain guide’.”

How did the campervan work out with a baby? Esme insists they cracked it: “It’s great with kids as you can be really consistent with their sleeping arrangements. It’s a proper little home from home for them. Yes, there were stressful moments and there were tears (mostly but not exclusively Emile’s) but that’s part of the adventure. Every time we got him down to sleep in the van and then were able to relax with a glass of wine in the sun, we felt so pleased with ourselves.”

So successful was the trip that the family are finalising plans for several months campervanning in the Algarve and Andalusia with the addition of 11-month-old Rafa later this year. 

Jade and Simon Johnston , another intrepid duo who backpacked around Europe for six months with their newborn, are convinced a maternity leave gap year is a no-brainer. “Travelling with a little baby is actually pretty easy. At the time of our adventure, he couldn’t walk or talk. All he wanted was to be snuggled up all day — which is exactly what he got being carried in the baby carrier most of the time. 

“Everyone will want to help you, too. You will get to skip queues (in many countries). Locals will be more engaged and will want to interact with you. And in our experience, we were less of a target for pickpocketing or petty crime, especially in countries where family values are sacred.”

It makes you think. With a little more planning, research and creativity, maternity leave could be a hell of a lot more than baby music classes, sedate coffees and afternoons cosied up at home.  

Five baby-friendly destinations

Bali Indonesians shower little ones with attention. Many hotels have all the baby gear parents or carers need, the island has plenty of home rentals, and as long as you avoid the rollicking nightlife of Kuta, you’ll all be hunky dory.

Tulum This boho chic enclave in Mexico is synonymous with hippie hotel hideaways, spectacular beaches and a laid-back vibe. No one will bat an eyelid if a baby is breastfed and most hotels offer all the necessary baby paraphernalia.

Chicago As a whole, the USA is a dream with babies — but the Windy City excels as a cultural hub where the little one can just tag along, from free pushchair tours at its major museums to family festivals.

Puglia Parents can feel smug drifting around Lecce’s streets, receiving adoring glances from passing locals — Italians love babies. Adding to the appeal are al fresco lunches while baby snoozes, excellent child-focused accommodation and Porto Cesareo’s beaches. 

Thailand Revisit a 20-something backpacking trail with baby on board and there can be surprising relief. Southeast Asia remains cheap, Westernised medicine is widely available, and the cuisine and culture never get boring.

Published in the May 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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Flashpacker Family is a family travel blog sharing adventures and tips on travel with kids.

Long Term Travel with Kids: How Do We Do It?

Long term travel isn’t for everyone. I get that. Add kids to the mix and it becomes a less desirable option for many people. The goal of my blog isn’t to encourage you to quit your job, pull your kids out of school and travel full time. I’m here to inspire anyone who wants to travel , with their kids, whatever their budget. There’s value here for travellers without kids too. Just read my posts on how to travel smarter . My goal is to get parents with children out of the house, give them the skills and courage to travel with their kids , no matter how long that’s for.

But for those who do want to know how we travel long term with our kids, this is the post for you. Our lifestyle is wonderful. It’s not easy some of (okay, a lot of) the time, but on the whole, being on the road full time with our children has great benefits. We’re passionate about travel and we want to share it with our children .

Long-Term Travel with Kids: How Do We Do It?

Lee Working on the Road, Park City, Utah

How We Make Money

I’m not one of those people who has a problem talking about money. Up until now, I haven’t talked about how we generate our income on this blog as it’s a travel blog, not a digital nomad blog. How we make enough money online to travel the world is an important part of this post however.

Our income can vary greatly from month to month. It’s hard for me to give a dollar value on what we make each month because it varies greatly. The key to creating an online income is to have lots of small income streams feeding into a larger river. Sometimes one stream will do really well and, bam, it’ll be gone overnight. In order for us have enough to travel we have to build each of those streams and constantly think of new ways to create income.

Our income sources are:

  • Advertising on Flashpacker Family and our other websites  – Sometimes this is a really great source of income for me, sometimes it is incredibly quiet. A lot of this depends on the time of year, client budgets, what Google is doing, how site traffic is doing. There are many variables to how much this pulls in.
  • Consultant work – Our most stable form of income, Lee works as the online marketing and web development consultant for a family business.
  • Web design & development – Lee picks up web design & development work from time to time. Usually for clients at home in New Zealand. It’s sometimes hard to manage clients from abroad so he doesn’t do this often.
  • House rental – Our house in New Zealand is currently rented out but the costs of mortgage, insurance, property management fees don’t leave us with much of a profit. As long as the house takes care of it’s self, I’m happy.

The Kids Making Themselves at Home in Our Airbnb Apartment, Waikiki, Hawaii

The Kids Making Themselves at Home in Our Airbnb Apartment, Waikiki, Hawaii

How We Spend Our Money

Travel makes you realise how much just living costs. We estimate that our life on the road in the USA costs about 70% of what it does for us to live at home in New Zealand. I don’t keep detailed track of our spending but I know roughly how much we are spending. I’ve just started tracking our spending daily using an app called Trail Wallet. Stand by for budget breakdowns per trip. We try hard to balance out our spending. If we have something expensive coming up like a cruise or Hawaii, we’ll spend a few months before and after in cheaper places. The same goes on a weekly basis. If we have a very spendy day, doing an expensive activity or making a big purchase, we’ll even it out with free activities for a few days after that. I’d like to do a challenge where we spend $0 one day a week.

I go to great lengths to minimise our travel costs. I spend a lot of time and energy finding reasonably priced vacation rentals, getting amazing deals on hotels and scouring the internet for cheap flights. All my little smart travel tricks mean that our travel costs a lot less than it would for other people. For example, we found it incredibly hard to find a cheap vacation rental in Park City over the ski season so we negotiated with a condo owner to take a condo for two months but to vacate during the two holiday weekends over that period so he could generate extra income. Or if we’re in Las Vegas for a week we hotel hop between three or four hotels so that we’re getting the best rate we can. Priceline has become my best friend.

We aim to spend under $3000 USD per month on accommodation costs. Here in America this gets us nice two-bedroom apartments on Airbnb or a good deal on a four-star hotel. A lot of the time, when we’re road tripping, we’ll spend less and stay in $50 a night hotels. Sometimes we’ll splurge for a night or two and spend up to $200 a night for something really special.  Want to try out Airbnb? Click here to get a $25 off coupon.

Our food costs are high. Probably too high . One of our favourite activities is eating out at restaurants. We ate through a lot of money when we were in Las Vegas for two months by spending $40-60 a day on restaurant meals in addition to $40-60 a day on groceries from Whole Foods. Now that we’re in Park City we realised just how much we were spending on eating out and have curbed that spending. We probably only eat out once a week here, preferring to cook most of the time. If we’re road tripping, we’ll fill our cooler with ham, cheese and yoghurt and do picnic lunches. On average I’d say we spend $60 a day on food. Remember that is for four of us, including one very picky four-year old with specific needs, and eating mostly organic food.

As we’re road tripping around the USA, our only transportation costs at the moment are gas and insurance. Gas is really cheap here in Utah, only $1.85/gallon, that’s about a quarter of what we paid for gas in New Zealand! Our car insurance on the other hand is wildly expensive. For the first six months we had our car here in the US we were paying $425 a month for insurance. This is due to having a foreign license. We’ve just changed insurance providers and managed to slash that by $200 a month. In New Zealand our car insurance was only $50 a month.

Interested in what other people spend on long term travel?  I know everyone doesn’t have or need the same comfortable budget we have. Here are some other posts that give budgets for long term travel:

  • Two Scots Abroad – This post has lots of long term travel tips and daily spend amounts for countries in South America, North America and Europe.
  • Travel Junkies – Their site has detailed budget posts on what they spent per month for a two-year round the world trip with one child.

On Plane, Auckland to Honolulu, Flying with Kids, Family Travel

Flying from Auckland to Honolulu

How We Plan Our Travel

We have learnt, from experience , that planning our travel more than a few steps in advance doesn’t work for us. We both have personality types that make us comfortable operating this way. We feel happier when we’re not locked into something months in advance.

Usually we know the general direction we are headed in and have some ideas about what we’re going to do but nothing is booked very far in advance. The furtherest in advance we book onwards flights and our recent cruise is about six weeks. If we’re road tripping, we like to have flexibility to go with the flow, sometimes only booking a hotel the night before or the morning we need it.

Through trial and error, we’ve worked out that about 4-6 weeks of fast travel followed by 4-6 weeks in a fixed location works best for us. After around four weeks, everyone starts to get a little scratchy. We get sick of living on top of one another in a hotel room. We miss quiet time, alone time and even get overstimulated. We also have to build time into our itinerary to allow ourselves to work. Especially if Lee’s got a big project that he’s trying to get across the line. Conversely, if we’re in one place too long, we get bored. My kids need outings at least 5-6 days a week. Sometimes Hazel is literally banging on the front door requesting to go out by 9am! If we’re in one place to long we simply run out of things to do with them.

Travel planning is 100% my role. I look to Lee for input on options I’ve selected but all the booking falls on me. It’s a big job when you’re travelling it full time. I estimate that I spend an hour a day planning onward travels. 

Websites we use for travel planning:

  • Google Flights is my favourite way to search for flights. I usually book direct with the airline. Here’s a tutorial on using Google Flights .
  • Hotels.com is my go-to site for booking hotels mostly because I like collecting the Welcome Rewards. You get one free night for every ten booked, based on the average rate for the past ten bookings. We’ve had three free nights in the last couple of months at $175, $155 and $60.
  • Priceline really helps us save a lot on our accommodation costs. We use the Express Deals often which doesn’t let you know what hotel you’re booking before you pay, and have gotten very good at working out which hotel we’ll get before we book.
  • Airbnb is a huge factor in how we manage to travel full-time. We’re learnt that we can feel at home really quickly by renting an apartment. There’s only so long we can spend in hotels. A kitchen, washing machine and separate bedroom for Reuben makes a huge difference to our comfort and sanity.
  • VRBO is always worth checking for vacation apartments too.
  • Google Maps is essential for road trip planning.

I try to pay for all our travel with Paypal to avoid maxing out our credit cards and losing money by withdrawing funds from Paypal to our NZ bank accounts.

Reuben in Valladolid, Mexico

Reuben in Valladolid, Mexico

What We Pack

We travel with one suitcase. Yes, that’s right. Just one. It’s easier for us to manage one big suitcase than it is to have several smaller ones. When we’re in airports, we need one parent to handle luggage and one to handle children. We each have a different colour packing cube for our clothes to keep us organised. We have a mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes and use a large Ziploc bag for toiletries. We have one backpack for our laptops, other electronics like Reuben’s iPad and our Apple TV, as well as our passports. It has lots of pockets to keep things separated and organised.We’ve got a diaper bag, an Ergo baby carrier and a stroller for Hazel. The kids each have one small case full of toys and books as well as a small shared backpack. If we’re travelling via plane we limit the toys to the small backpack. Road tripping has meant we’ve accumulated a bit more stuff on the way, things like two car seats, a cooler, a bag of groceries and some big bottles of water. We have another big canvas bag stuffed with our ski gear and winter clothes. And three snowboards. Our winter gear won’t be coming with us after Park City but I’ve got no idea what I’m doing with it!

Read more: How to pack for a family with just one suitcase

On the Beach, Hanalei Bay, Kauai

On the Beach, Hanalei Bay, Kauai

What About Insurance?

We bought a year-long travel insurance policy from Travel Insurance Direct before we left New Zealand in August so we’re good through to the beginning of August this year. This is one of the only companies we found that would allow you to a) extend a policy after 12 months and b) purchase insurance from overseas. (World Nomads does too but TID has vastly better coverage. You can read a comparison post here.) Our travel insurance costs $1667 USD per year.  So far we’ve only had to claim on it for a couple of minor illnesses for Hazel.

Reuben Relaxing in Hammock, Cancun, Mexico

Reuben Relaxing in Hammock, Cancun, Mexico

How We Parent

Travel makes us happy and I think we’re better parents when we’re on the road because of this. Our parenting style is pretty easy going. We’ve never been super strict on bedtimes, mealtimes or chores. Again, our personality types mean that we’re comfortable this way. As are our children. We do recognise that they have a limit to how long they can travel for and when they need to settle in for a little bit. Luckily they’ve both learnt to be “home” anywhere.

Meltdowns can and do occur. These are little kids we’re talking about after all! For some reason, it’s always when we’ve travelled a long way to do something special or spent a lot of money on entrance fees to an attraction. It’s just the way things are. Little kids have tantrums, they’d do it if we were at home! It’s no excuse not to travel.

Bedtime is the Same Every Night, No Matter Where We Are!

Bedtime is the Same Every Night, No Matter Where We Are!

How We Educate Our Kids

At the moment our kids are too young to attend traditional school. That doesn’t mean we’re not educating them already!

We are with our kids all the time which I think has great benefits in itself. We’re always talking to them all the time. Reuben is always asking us questions about what things are and how they work. Travel presents lots of opportunity to talk about different things. For example, on our road trip around the Pacific Northwest we talked at length, every day, about trees, forestry, logging trucks and skunks. If Reuben is interested in a topic, we talk about it or teach him about it. What other four-year olds are getting Photoshop lessons at their own request? It’s child interest-lead and unstructured which I guess makes it unschooling or worldschooling. While Reuben has always had at least an hour of stories every night, he’s only just now expressed an interest in learning to spell and read so we’ve bought a Leapreader, flashcards and downloaded some apps to help.

We’re not against the idea of schooling. I can see us turning to school for some of our children’s education. I just don’t see it being a traditional school back home in New Zealand.

Swimming in Cancun, Mexico with Grandparents

Swimming in Cancun, Mexico with Grandparents

How We Manage Family Relationships

Our extended family are very important to us. We connect with many members of our family on a daily basis via Skype, email and Facebook. The time difference between the US and New Zealand & Australia can make it hard to talk on Skype especially with early bedtimes for little children.

My sister lives in Las Vegas which is part of the reason we go there often. Lee’s parents are keen travellers and have run their family business in the UK location-independently since they moved to New Zealand in the late 90s. We just spent a month with them in Mexico and even managed to have Christmas together. My mother likes to travel and meets up with us somewhere in the world when she has holidays from work but not as often as she or we would like.

We’re lucky in that most of our family members are understanding and supportive of our choice to travel full time. We do get complaints sometimes from family at home that we’re not around for important events or that they miss the children.

Got Questions?

I’ll gladly add and answer your questions into this post. Just leave them for me in the comments.

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Thank you for all the information in your post, I am a single Mum with a 7 year old son. I have always wanted to travel long term but never have done. I don’t think I could earn anything close to the amount you generate but I am hoping this won’t stop me from taking off. My plan is to begin to travel on a volunteering basis (like woofing for example, none of those volunteering holidays you pay thousands for), I am fixing and tidying everything in and around my house so I can soon rent it to generate some income. I am an artist, last year I earned summertime cash by doing henna tattoo and some face painting. Do you think this would be a skill I can take to the streets? Also, if you know of any Mums who travel alone with their kids, could you please put me in touch? I would love to know what works for them. I think you are giving your kids the best education ever, well done! Lia

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Thanks for reaching out! I think your plan sounds really good. You definitely don’t need to generate as much income as we do in order to travel full time. Many single parents do this full time travel thing with great success. I’d say you could take you skills to the streets in an impromptu way but I don’t think you’d be able to get official street stall permits in countries that require those kinds of things without a proper working visa. If you’re an artist, what about finding work online doing logos or painiting to order on Etsy etc? There are a million different ways to make money online.

Where do you think you’ll start out? New Zealand is a great place for Wooofing but it’s so pricey in general I don’t think I’d recommend it. If you’re in the UK, you could start out in Eastern Europe or Turkey on a trial basis. The easiest place to travel on a budget is SE Asia and there are LOTS of full time family travellers there to connect with. If you send me an email or FB message I can chat to you about a FB group we have set up to connect and communicate with each other.

Look forward to hearing more from you!

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Gosh – There’s so much info here for just travelling, full stop, let alone the kids part! I think what really comes out of this is that as you say, anyone can do it, but it does need a degree of organization – not necessarily planning – more a keeping track of what’s working best for you so you can work out future trips to fit within your parameters, what you’re spending so your money will take you the furthest, what suitcase configurations are the most comfortable when on the move and for finding what you need when you stop – Great post 🙂

Thanks Linda! I think that being mindful of things like your spending, income, what works for you in terms of pace, luggage etc is the key. We’ve honed in on what we really need in every way but it’s taken a lot of practice. When we took our first long term trip of five months with Reuben we had SO MUCH gear, spent way too much, ate like were on vacation & gained weight, and just did a lot of stupid things. But all of that taught us and each trip we’ve gotten better and better!

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Pleas could I join the group you mentioned of as well ? X

Hi Hanna! Yes for sure. Our Facebook group for family travellers to connect is – https://www.facebook.com/groups/familieswholovetravel/

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What great advice – and especially bout 0$ travel days – they definitely help when you want to spend more. Thank you!

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Excellent post! I don’t have kids yet, but hope to be able to travel with them for long periods of time. Thanks for your honesty (and all the great flight search sites!)

You’re welcome Cat!

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Wow, this is certainly inspiring. I’m not sure how you manage to earn enough income to cover 70% of the living costs of back at home, but well done! And even more amazing is that you have one suitcase! And I think the idea of a month of fast travel followed by a month stopped still somewhere is great. Thanks for joining in #wednesdaywanderlust, I hope to see you back again!

Our income is the same whether we’re travelling or at home, it’s just that being on the road costs us about 70% what it does to live at home because living in New Zealand is SO expensive. I hope that makes sense.

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This was a really good post Bethaney. I have two boys, 7 and 11, and although I love traveling with them, can’t really see myself doing it all the time. I liked reading how you do it with your own and are sustaining yourselves.

Thanks Tawanna. This is just to show how we manage to pull it off but really, travel with kids can happen in so many different ways!

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When you’re planning your travels being as strategic as possible with your money is just going to mean you have more of it to spend on fun stuff once you actually have your boots on the ground. I just don’t know how you manage just one suitcase! I know I can have a tendency to overpack.

Thanks Donny. Our boots are always on the ground, so to speak! I’m a big believer in minimal packing. Have a look at Travel Fashion Girl for lots of inspiration on planning a travel wardrobe. There are posts on their for guys too! The key is to make sure everything works with everything else.

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We don’t travel with children or full time but there is still a heap of useful information here for anyone who wants to maximise their travel time and experiences.

That’s right Toni. I’m all about encourage any parents to travel with kids, no matter what the time frame. This is just how we manage to pull it off full-time

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I think you guys are doing a great job travelling with your kids and that it’s probably gonna be something that will help them too in the future. I’ve always loved seeing family on the road. I think the world is a great place to educate children and open their minds. My parents use to take me backpacking since I was very little but not for long term travel like you guys but I’m thankful that they did do that and showed me something new and amazing. I wish you all the best and hope that you can keep on going for a long time!

That’s great that your parents used to take you backpacking as a child Marie-Carmen. I hope our children see the benefits from all this travel in the long term too.

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I have the utmost respect and admiration for you guys. What you are doing is incredible. I must say that this story is not only for family travelers. I have learned so much reading this story. Bookmarked all the sites you use for travel. Thank you so much for inspiring us.

Thanks! My aim is to help anyone who wants to travel whatever their style. This is just how we choose to do it!

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I’ve always wondered how families travelled and maintained an income at the same time. And it finally just clicked – It’s all down to bloody hard work! Much respect 🙂

Oh yeah! Hard work is right. Balancing our time between work, blogging, travel, travel planning and children is the hardest part to manage.

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This gives me SO MUCH hope, excitement, and inspiration for our travel future as our family grows. Thanks for these practical tips!

Thanks Lillie! That’s what I’m here for!!!!

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Wow you only spend 60 a month on food for 4? And organic? I’m one person and I can easily spend 30 and sometimes more per day, which is WAY TOO MUCH. How the heck do you do that? I did find some great tips here even for someone who does not travel with kids. I’ll be checking out Google Flights Soon.

$60 a DAY!!!!!! Lol.

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I’m so happy that you have figured out what works best for you and your family. I think every situation is different and you seem to have found the right balance. Thanks for sharing and giving us insight into how to travel long-term with kids. I think your points will resonate with most travelers regardless of their specific situation.

Thanks Mary. It definitely is about what works for YOUR family. That is key! It’s taken us a few goes to figure out this full-time travel with kids thing but now we are really in a groove.

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Sounds like you definitely are well into the swing of things! It’s so great you’re able to travel with the kids so successfully. I love that shot of Reuben in Valladolid – it’s incredible!

Thanks Alli! That is one of my favourite photos! It’s not easy getting a four year old to stand still for a picture though. 😉

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Wow This is an amazing post! while I’m not a parent and won’t be for many years to come, I’ve always wondered about traveling as a family. My family hardly ever travels and I’m the only one in my family to travel outside the USA. I can imagine how worldly your children will be (and already are)! It’s so cool that your kids are already asking lots of questions about the world around them and are interested in learning – especially about photoshop. What a truly valuable skill that is!

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Thank you for being so open about your current way of living. I’ve to admit that I’m one of the people wondering how people travel permanently with children. I think you need a lot of courage to do what you guys do, since you’re not just responsible for yourself, but you have your children with you. Thank you as well for some very convenient links, I definitely will use on my next travels. One question I still have is after reading this post, is it easy for your oldest to get into contact with other children of his age while you’re traveling? Kids who don’t travel for such a long time obviously get into contact with children of their age during their time at a day care centre, pre-school or primary school, but it is different for you. And if he makes friends, does he find it hard when he has to leave them again?

Thanks for your comment and your interest in our travel lifestyle. I’m glad I was able to give you some insight into how we travelling families do it.

To answer your question, at the moment our son is 4.5 year old which means lots of his peers are still at the playground, not in school. We don’t find it too difficult to find opportunities to play with other kids. We usually spend some time each day in a playground, indoor playground, children’s museum etc so there are always plenty of kids his age around. He is also very adept at befriending people of other age groups. He has no problem playing with and talking to younger kids, older kids and even adults.

Hope this answers your question!

Hi Bethnal,

Thank you for you reply. And yes, it does answer my question 🙂 I’m glad to hear your lifestyle provides plenty of opportunities for that too. Traveling can get lonely at some point. It’s great that you pay attention to that as well!

That was meant to say Bethaney obviously!

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Great pot Bethaney!

I thought my travel days would be over when I have kids in a few years. Nice to read success stories and know that doesn’t have to be the case!

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Wow, so much detail & same great tips (we use our rental income to cover our mortgage as well)!

We used Paypal regularly as well until an incident on this trip.

I’d always found Paypal to be a secure site, but somehow on the road, my account details were either stolen or hacked & suddenly we were finding flights being booked through our account!

Thankfully Paypal were prompt in their action so the money has been refunded, however we have encountered an issue in getting my account unfrozen.

They will only clear the block via a conversation through the phone number linked to the account.

As I do not travel the world with my phone, this is an impossibility, so we’ll be unable to use my account for over a year…

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Great summary of how you do it! I’m sure you could go pretty deep into explaining each sub-topic. I think the most surprising thing to me is the one suitcase! I can’t imagine! 🙂

Everyone seems fascinated by that Tracie! I’m going to do a post with photos and videos on how we pack.

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You’re giving your kids the best education! We traveled with our kids a lot when they were little, but only in school vacations, since I’m a teacher and my husband’s profession (dentist) is tied to one place as well. I’m curious about the fact that you don’t book hotels till last minute. I’ve never done that because I worry that they’ll all be booked up and I’d hate to end up homeless for a night with kids. Is that really never a problem?

Thanks for your comment Rachel! We’ve never had a problem booking at the last minute although I do look in advance to see if there are any special events going on that might make it difficult. For example, we are in Nashville this week but I booked our accommodation about a month ago because it’s fashion week here. I noticed all the hotels were really expensive or unavailable so we made the decision to stay longer and get an Airbnb. Generally, if we’re booking an Airbnb we book further in advance because it’s not instant like booking a hotel. There is usually a bit of discussion that takes place between yourself and the owner first.

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I have met so many people travelling with children. It is definitely hard, I can just about organise myself but you guys make it look easy! I love a 0$ travel day 🙂

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Bookmarked for when I have my own family and kids as well. This is beyond inspiring! 🙂 It’s difficult but you manage. Salute to the whole family! 🙂

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so happy to have found your blog and I look forward to following your travels more! As we also have a young family (2 and 4 year old boys) it’s nice to find others in the same situation!

That’s great Lindsay! What are your plans?

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I love the photo of dad reading to the kids before bedtime. Like you, bedtime is the same for us, anywhere we go. Kids learn to rely on the routine and that family is there and the rest being ‘new’ doesn’t interfere with bedtime.

Travel is educational as you said! I write educational eBooks for the kids when we travel and then I make them available on my website. Beyond the obvious practicing reading and writing, the kid really enjoy learning about the history and story behind the art. It makes the journey even MORE fun for everyone.

Thanks for all the tips! Natalie, The Educational Tourist

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$3,000 a month for lodging is pretty pricey, though it does come down to $100 a night, which all in all is cheap. Let me know if you ever want to swap your house in NZ for a house in the suburb of Boston some time 😉 That will save you some money on lodging.

Other than that, we’re different in our traveling habits in that we cook at home, not eat out, but $60 a day for food sounds quite reasonable, actually.

Good for you for traveling full time. My hubby would like us to do it, but so far I’ve been saying no. We’re a bit too rooted in our community to pull out.

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I really enjoyed this post, thanks for sharing. We don’t do long-term travel but we’ve lived abroad ever since the kids were born (they were all born in a different country) so while we’re not on the road all the time, I guess we live our own kind of nomadic lifestyle. It was great to hear how you make it work and I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids. Love the fact that your kids have meltdowns just when you’ve booked a big treat or travelled to somewhere that you think they’ll really love – this has happened to us so often!

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I love your site and the term “flashpacker”! Now I have something to call us. Even though we often travel only with backpacks to make us more mobile, I’ve always felt a little guilty calling us “backpackers” because we are able to stay in nice casitas and sometimes will even give up on adventure for a week to sit on the beach and be pampered at an all inclusive. Flashpacking rocks! 🙂

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WOW you are living the life we dream about ! We did a nice road trip with our 2 yrs old daugther from Quebec to puerto Vallarta and we miss that all the time! She is now 8 and since she attempt school we are wondering how to travel again every winter (with new baby as well!) . Our job allows us to do it!!! But I wish that she still goes to school when we get back. ( we would like to leave 1 month or 2) Do you have any info on that ? Or a website that can be helpful? Thx !!!

I would absolutely talk to your daughter’s school about pulling her out for a couple of months over the winter. If she’s 8, I’m sure they will be fine with it and you can ask what skills she needs to keep up with while you’re away. Or perhaps talk about finding a place in a local school for her abroad. I know of a couple of schools that will accept “worldschooling” students as they pass through for a few months. If your jobs are flexible, you should just go for it! Happy to chat more if you like on FB.

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What an inspiring and motivating read. My husband and I did a lot of travelling before having our children and I have felt like a frustrated traveller since having our three sons ages 4, 8 and 9! However we have done a few mini adventures in Europe for the last two years and are planning to back pack with them for two weeks next Summer in Italy! Fingers crossed it’s a success. I love the idea of the long term travel but can’t see that happening until we retire! Will you continue to travel a lot when you children reach school age? ?

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definitely a business model in there for you guys. Are you playing with snapchat and periscope yet?

I’m on Snapchat = FlashpackerFam. I’m also on Blab = https://blab.im/FlashpackerFam

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I would love to learn more from you about how my partner and I can make this our life. I’ve been working part time to have some income, but the mere thought of going back to a full-time office job has really been depressing and bringing me into a huge rut. I have always felt that I was meant to travel the world, and was on my way to saving to do that when we got pregnant (not planned – but life is such and I wouldn’t change a thing!) I know that there’s no way I would be able to make what you guys make and travel constantly, and working abroad can be difficult with Visa requirements and whatnot, but I think once we get a good chunk of money saved and take our first extended trip we would figure it out as we go. We’ve taken her to Cuba at 6 months, and she’s really adaptable to any surroundings. She’s a very easy going child, and now that she’s 18 months I feel like we give ourselves a year to save, and then embark on our journey! I have friends in Denmark, SE Asia, AUS, NZ, San Francisco etc. I think the biggest thing for us is to find ways to make money while traveling. Finding freelance work can be hard (I have a Public Relations degree – I’m a writer and could see myself doing exactly this type of thing as a means of income if I knew how to get started). I’m past the age limit to do a working holiday in AUS (you also can’t do this with a baby).

Any suggestions as to where to start would be great! I was thinking AUS or SE Asia would be a good place to start – I’ve been to Thailand and the cost of living there is a big factor attracting me there. I feel that once we get to another part of the world, we can take it from there. We’re in Canada and eager to head to Europe, Asia, AUS or South America. We’re really laid back people, my boyfriend is an avid surfer, skier and musician. He can teach surfing, and has lots of serving experience. Hopefully by the time we plan to leave he will have a Sustainability degree completed. Any information would be great! I have read tons of things on your website and I think what you guys are doing is great – we would, however, have to do things on a much tighter budget as we don’t have a home to rent. Thanks so much for your time and you guys are really inspiring! All the best of luck with your future travels 🙂

Hi Suzanne! Thanks for getting in touch. I would be happy to chat further to you about making your travel dream a reality. SE Asia is a perfect place to start because it’s affordable, easy and great for families. You could definitely pick up work online through sites like Upwork or Elance especially if you have skills in writing. Freelance writing is a common way travel bloggers/full time travellers make ends meet while on the road. I’d probably suggest getting to SE Asia and setting up a cheap base somewhere to give yourself time to get some online work, adjust to life on the road etc. Chiang Mai is a popular place to live for digital nomads because it’s really affordable. It’ll cost you so much less than trying to save up money at home. You’re better to just take the plunge and work it out from there.

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This is a great blog. I have 4 kids and often think of packing it all up for a year and taking the time out to travel with them – it is the finances that stop me though!

Thanks Taryn! You’d be surprised at how much it costs to travel the world… less than you would think!

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I’m so glad that I took the time to dig into your website tonight. I’ve been following you on facebook for a while now but don’t often read a whole post. This one post answered most of the questions that I have. Okay, the one question that I have – about schooling your children. I do believe that traveling presents many great opportunities to teach kids but I always worry about not providing her with enough education to get a college degree – if that’s something that she chooses. She is almost 6 and I want to make sure that she has every opportunity available to her. My husband and I have often talked about taking life on the road. He’s currently in school for 3D animation, so the ability for him to earn an income from anywhere will definitely be there. He will finish school in December, then he’ll probably work for a bit to save a starting chunk of money. I will follow more closely and start the research process now so that in a year or so, we might actually be ready to make this a reality.

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Thanks for the great info…. Your Blog will definately come in handy over the next few months. My partner and I live in NZ currently and we have a 18month old son. My partner currently works in the oil and gas industry so flies in and out of aust to nz. He works two weeks in two weeks off. I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry fulltime. We have decided in three months I will resign from my job and we will relocate at this stage to Bali. We also have another family who are doing it with us. This will be our starting point for travel. I would like to attempt to generate an income while we are there also. At this stage until we are able to generate an income to cover our travel costs my partner will continue to work FIFO. We also have a home here which we will rent out. Do you have any further advice on generating an income? Do you have any thoughts on travel at this time with the state of terrorism etc? Have you noticed any changes whilst traveling?

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You are my hero! We are taking off to London for the summer and will travel as much as we can in Europe each weekend! We are contemplating staying for a week at the end of July in South France or Dubrovnik, any thoughts on either with our 3 and 5 year old? Going to add your blog as MY NEW FAVORITE!

Hi Rachael! Thanks so much for your kind comment! We really enjoyed the South of France. We spent four days in Nice and could easily have stayed more. Here’s my post on Nice with kids. Dubrovnik is beautiful too. I haven’t visited Croatia with my kids but did visit with my Mum about 10 years ago. My friend Sharon went to Croatia with her little kids last year. You can read her post here . I’ve got a couple more posts on Europe with kids which might be helpful like this one – Europe with Kids . Let me know if you need any more help!

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Hi there brilliant stuff! We are embarking on a shorter version for 6 months. We live in the UK , my husband and I and 4 kids, but I am from Canada and are renting the house and hitting the road from Toronto to….where the sun keeps shinning basically! No fixed plan but want to go East to West, then down California and to Mexico. We are keen campers and I am wondering if you have any long term experience with the tent/ trailer / moter home lifestyle. Also…travel with a dog..

Hi Joanne! 6 months is a great amount of time. Before we travelled full time we used to do 6 months travelling then 6 months at home. Worked out great if we were able to rent our house out. We did a lot of road trip in America but only car + hotel/Airbnb. We have friends that RV though if you want to connect with them. They travelled with their dog also. Her name is Jen and her blog is http://silverlininglife.com/

Are you part of our Facebook group for families who love travel? If not, you should join! Just send me a Facebook message so I can approve your request. There are quite a few RV families in there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/familieswholovetravel/

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Hello! Thank you for all your tips and advice. Myself, partner and my soon to be 3 year old daughter are setting off for Australia (as soon as our house sells) to travel the East coast for 6 months (maybe more). We are from the UK. Excited is not the word! However, I am finding it hard to deal with people’s comments on the decision we have made to sell our house and quit our jobs. Ive been called selfish and that I do not have my priorities in order and that our house is a safe place for our daughter. I know I should’nt care what people think but it does make me question my own sanity, i keep asking myself why i am doing this and is it because im not happy with the way my life is at the moment? So im just wondering if there were times you ever felt this way? Most people we have told are really excited for us but the people closest to us are the ones with all the concerns. my parents say they are happy for us but then when they are with our daughter they keep saying they dont want her to leave and can they keep her! (apparently they are joking) They are very very close with her and live on the same street as us – we see them nearly everyday! So all of these comments just keep making me feel panicky and question everything! sorry for the rant! xx

You just have to go with your gut on this one. You are the only one that knows what is right for your family, not other people. If people haven’t travelled extensively then they often think that travel is scary or dangerous. You could spend some time educating them to show that, actually a lot of the time, it’s safer in these “third world” countries. The perception people get from the media on what is dangerous is actually quite warped. Or you could just brush it off and not listen. But, I mean, you’re going to Australia which is one of the most civilised places on earth!

I often found myself not telling people our whole story because it was difficult to explain we were going away without plans, not knowing where we’re going exactly or when, not formally educating our children etc. It was often just too much for people to wrap their heads around!

With your family, I think they are just worried about not feeling close to your kids or losing their connection with them. It’s important to Skype regularly and have the kids keep connected with them. Grandparents can do story time on Skype with no problem. You could also invite them to visit you at a certain points in your trip if you like.

The fact is, that by spending 6 months or more travelling with your kids full time you are spending 100% quality time with them. Not racing off to work or school or appointments and just “getting by”. You’re actually building strong, quality family memories. That is NOT selfish! And it’s not unsafe. What’s the quote I’m trying to think of??

“Birds born in a cage think flying is an illness.”

I think that sums it up perfectly. People who are happy and content in their lives at home will always think there is something odd about wanting to be free. You can’t help that. That is firmly THEIR issue and not yours.

Good luck with your trip! Your should join our Facebook community of family travellers so you can find people to connect with that are doing the same thing. There are a huge number of us who are just passionate about family travel and see it as a great tool for raising our kids. You could definitely pose the same question there and see what others have to say. Just send me a FB message to join – https://www.facebook.com/groups/familieswholovetravel/

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Hi Bethany! I really enjoyed your post. My husband and I have done a lot of shorter-term travel with our kids over the years but are considering going much longer / indefinitely. I am very curious about what clothing you take – particularly what’s in your ONE (!!) suitcase. Could you please share what your essentials are? I am rather daunted by the idea of what to actually take. Thank you!

I actually don’t have a full post on what we pack for long term travel. I should really do that! Here are a couple of quick tips for travelling long term with kids:

1) Picking the right bag. We have one big bag that has lots of sections. This is the exact one we have – http://amzn.to/2caNzPr As you can see if has lots of sections, pockets, zip up bits. It’s also sturdy and travels really well, never tips over etc. 2) We use packing cubes to organise our luggage. One colour per family member so it’s easy to grab someone’s clothes without digging through a bag. I also have two other packing cubes that have everyone’s PJs and swimming gear in them so when we’re ready to swim I can grab one packing cube and get everyone’s gear out in a one go. 3) We just take regular clothing. No special fancy travel clothes. When you’re travelling long term it’s more like everyday life than a trip. You really don’t need anything special. If you think about what you wear on a weekly basis, you kind of just wear the same clothes over and over again don’t you? Look at capsule wardrobes on Pinterest for ideas but basically you just choose a small amount of clothing items that all go with each other. It’s pretty easy. For the kids, it’s the same but I usually pack twice as many clothes for them because they are little and get messy and often need a change of clothes throughout the day. You only really need 7-10 days worth of clothing for any length of trip. 4) In addition to our main suitcase we have some carry on bags. We have a laptop backpack that Lee carries – http://amzn.to/2cn9VMW I have a carry on backpack that can be used for carry on only travel if we’re doing short trips from a base, e.g. on a cruise etc. This is the one I have – http://amzn.to/2cA72uY . I can actually get a week’s worth of stuff for our whole family in that bag! Reuben has a small backpack for toys and Hazel has a Trunki – http://amzn.to/2cgvAdg . 5) We also have a bunch of snowboarding gear which we leave at my sister’s house in the US. There’s no way we could drag this around! 6) When we were road tripping in the US we also had a few other bits and pieces like a cooler, a box with plastic bowls, placemats and a blender, a canvas shopping bag of food etc. It’s easier when you’re travelling in a car!

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions! You can message me on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/flashpackerfamily

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So happy I found you! Before I got married I was a passionate traveler things have really slowed down with two boys and a husband. I miss backpacking, and feel caged at times.This blog has breathed some life back into me and given some much needed hope. We agree with your lifestyle so much the only thing holding us back in the money. My husband is a big fan of his job here in Wasilla Alaska FedIx isn’t the most exciting job around but its a stable income.

I would love to see a picture or even youtube video of how you pack. We are considering a trip to Thailand with 6month old and a 4 year old, thats how I found you. Any Thailand advice would be great. Love to be there in november for the lights.

Yes I really need to made one of those videos! I will definitely so it next time we are packing up for a big trip. 🙂

I have some Thailand posts but I’ve been so many times that I haven’t written about it all! If you’ve got any specific questions I’m happy to answer them! How long are you thinking of going? It’s definitely a great place to begin travelling with kids because it’s so easy!

Here are all my Thailand posts – https://flashpackerfamily.com/category/thailand/

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Hi Bethaney, we have just started a year of travel with our only just 2yr old and our 6 month old. We’ve travelled for up to a month with Lauren before, but she’s just that bit older now and starting to say she wants to go home etc and being very clingy. It’s breaking my heart a bit. She’s happy enough in the day, but at night at cuddle time she’s always asking about “home home” and saying she wants to go there (she’s an extremely verbal kid so she chats a lot and expresses herself very well even on fairly complex topics). Did you have this at the start and how do you deal with it? Will she get over it out be scarred for life? We are 2 weeks in to our trip and been in one place the whole time. But the last 2 months or so were quite unsettled with packing up our house etc. I’m trying to just give lots of extra hugs and cuddles and explain that we are on a long holiday but we will go back home in a year and she will see all her friends again…

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Thanks so much for your posts! They’re so helpful and informative?! Our family is considering taking an extended trip around the world and all of us are so excited about the possibility. The biggest hurdle we need to resolve before embarking on such an adventure is determining how we would keep our online based business connected via internet on almost a daily basis. The nature of our business requires that we MUST have some form of internet access daily. And it’s got to be a bit faster than “dial up” speeds. How do you and your husband stay connected & overcome potential challenges with wifi? Do you happen to have any tips, suggestions, insights or recommendations you could provide? How do you keep your information secure & safe online as you travel? We’re looking into sattelite types of internet for more remote places, but we’re not sure what we really need. Any valuable feedback you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

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Hi Bethaney!

I love your blog and came across it while researching traveling with young children. My husband and I are planing a trip with my daughter, who will be 14 months when we go on our trip, and my biggest concern are the physiological effects it may have on her. We plan to backpack to at least 4 different countries within a 6 month period but I am most worried about her feeling insecure with all of the changes that this will bring to her. From the pictures it looks like you traveled with your children while they were still infants. Did you notice any concerning changes in behavior/have a difficult time keeping them on a routine?

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Wow! Your travels and lessons are amazing.. I’m expecting in oct and have a two and a half year old and a one and a half year old.. and two dogs.. we are buying a Mercedes sprinter van and plan to travel the us. For at least 6 months.. then if it goes well, just keep on going! I’m a photographer and a yoga teacher so hoping to catch some gigs along the way for a little income but I’d love to talk to you more about routes and kids!! Thank you so much for sharing!

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Love the site. Super informative. A few years back, my wife and I did a year long – 26 country trip before kids. We had the time of our lives (we spent the first 6 weeks in New Zealand and fell in love with the country). 3 years and 2 kids later, we have the bug to do it again, albeit less countries. At the time of wanting to leave in January, the boys will be 28 months and 3 months. How old were your kids when you left? Had you ever enrolled your kids in any kind of programs during your travels? Do you look to connect with other families while you’re gone (either locals or travellers)? Our older kid loves the programs he’s in at home (sports, swimming, gym, music, etc.). Even though he is super, super, super adaptable, a fear of mine is taking him away from those programs while we’re gone along with him not being around other children. Our plan was more along the lines of “let’s go to 4-5 countries (by the way, we plan to spend the last 6-9 months in NZ) over 18 months and try to live rather than simply visit”. The reason for this aside from less moving around is to give my son some familiarity and normalcy by finding local families, programs, etc.

What are your thoughts and experiences regarding this topic? As I mentioned, my older son is really adaptable, but also really, really mature for his age in many ways.. Am I making a bigger deal of this than I should be? Do you ever worry about your kids not being social or around other kids regularly?

I know it’s personal preference, but based on your experience, do you prefer to move around more rather than picking a city and settling there for a few months or so?

Thanks! Jason

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Hi! Inspiring posts and lots of good tips 🙂 I’ve traveled all my life and lived on several continents but now that we finally are getting a chance to go on a three months trip with our toddler (now 2.5) and infant (now 3 mo), I’m a bit stumped. “All” Swedes who take parental leave in a tropical climate seen to go to Thailand, which is an option, but where would you go? We are so tired after 3 years of limited sleep that I can’t wrap my brain around anything complicated but we still have always preferred less touristy experiences. We want beaches, not crazy heat, possibility to afford some babysitting and good, simple food. Thailand, Mexico (but where!?), Caribbean (what island…), NZ/AU and Hawaii have been considered. The latter feel expensive as we can’t rent our our city flat in Stockholm and will be going during peak season nov-feb. Any tips? Thank you ??? Ps did you enjoy park city? It’s our second home destination, hope to have a house there in coming years!

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Life Kit

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We asked, you answered: Parent-approved tips on traveling with kids under 2

Becky Harlan headshot

Becky Harlan

Photograph of a baby sitting next to an open carryon suitcase filled with clothing and other travel items, all against a light pink backdrop.

Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips they wish they'd known before taking a big trip with a little one.

Reading through these responses, it became clear there's no magic hack that works for every kid. Some parents swore by sticking to their kid's sleep schedule on a trip, others said their vacation was smoother when they let the usual routine go. Some sang the praises of the overnight flight (so their child would sleep on the plane), others said their child has never slept more than 10 minutes on a plane no matter the timing.

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

I flew to Japan with my baby. Here's the travel advice that helped me survive the trip

A few pieces of advice held true throughout. A hungry kid is an unpleasant kid, and children are messy. So packing lots of snacks, extra diapers and a change of clothes ranked high on the list of must-dos. Almost 40 of over 200 responses suggested packing extra outfits in your carry-on for your kid and for you. (If your charge spits up, throws up, blows out or spills it will also get on you!)

So here's a non-exhaustive, impossible-to-be-comprehensive, but-hopefully-still-helpful round-up of your top advice for traveling with little kids. These responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What to pack

A stroller that can be stored in the overhead bin. It's a game changer to not have to check clunky strollers at the gate or check-in counters. —Amy P.

A change of clothes for yourself. If the baby spits up or has a blowout, there's a high likelihood that the mess will end up on you too, especially if you're holding them. Also, be sure to bring a bag to put messy clothes in. Reusable waterproof bags are great and they keep the smell in! —Jenna Yount

Extra diapers. You think you will be fine but if something comes up it's not a good situation to be in. —Jeanna Limtiaco

Overnight diapers. Fewer diaper changes in transit makes everyone happier. —Samantha Warren

Snacks. Remember, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration allows for any size baby food [and baby or toddler beverage], so pack those pouches! —Clara W.

Meds you and your kids might need in flight. That includes chewable Tylenol, Imodium, Dramamine, Zofran, ginger chews, Band-Aids and alcohol wipes. —Paige Ellis

A dark-colored bath towel. It's a blanket, it's for tidying up, it's a tablecloth, it's a sun cover, it shields bottoms from hot slides, it dries off swings. It's a multi-tasking powerhouse. —Judith Heise

Consider what may make sense to buy, rent or borrow upon arrival. You don't need to stuff everything into your suitcase. Buy some of your diapers and snacks at your destination. See if you can borrow or rent large, bulky items like car seats or travel cribs from Facebook Marketplace or your hotel or Airbnb. —Jocelyn Newman

How to get through the flight

Get to your gate an hour before boarding. It gives you time to feed your child, change their diapers, have a cup of coffee and fill your water bottle. It can also help your kid let out their energy before they have to sit on the plane. —Shelly C.

Check the airport for family friendly spaces. Use nursing spaces or pods and family restrooms to reset as needed. Check lounges for nursing and play rooms. —Sara Conger

Take an early morning flight. Those are least likely to get delayed, which is important when traveling with kids. —Carina Ochoa

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Parenthood Is A Shock To The System. These Tips Can Help You With The Transition

Board with your partner separately. If you're traveling with two caregivers, have one go on the plane first with all the stuff and do the gate-checking of the stroller while the other hangs back with the kids until the last minute. It gives kids more time to run around! —Andrea De Francesca

Get a plane seat for your kid. Even though many airlines allow kids under 2 to fly for free as a lap baby, if you can afford to get them their own seat, it is worth it. It is recommended for safety to have them in a car seat, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, and the extra space for them to move around is nice. —Nicole Shelledy

Be ready for motion sickness. We were not prepared for how easily some little ones get motion sickness on an airplane. Have throw-up bags handy at all times. —Tiff Bankhurst

Prevent ear discomfort. Sucking during take off and landing may help relieve ear discomfort. My babies have flown with me from 4 weeks onward and never had a problem as long as they had a bottle or sippy cup or straw to suck on. —Shelly Ransom

Don't plan on them sleeping on the plane. It's great if they do, but if it doesn't happen, you'll be frustrated. —Colleen Mayerhoff

Don't worry too much about your kid "bothering" other people. The vast majority of people don't care, and many have been in the same situation you've been in and feel nothing but empathy for you. As for those who do care, they are not guaranteed a child-free existence in public. Kids are part of society too, and they are also allowed to take up space. —Jenna Yount

Make friends with the flight crew. They're going to help, they've got more experience than you, and they also want the flight to be pleasant. —April Graham

Save the screens for the flight. If you're using a screen, wait until you're on the plane. While you're waiting in the terminal, let them move as much as possible. Find an empty gate and play Simon Says, see who can jump in one place the longest, do animal charades. Let them go wild. —Paige Ellis

Download age-appropriate shows for your child on an iPad. (But know that if your kid is under age 2 they'll mostly just want to push the buttons.) —Chantel Dockstader

Travel hacks

Find a lodging close to a grocery store and a park. It makes it easy to buy last-minute things and burn off their energy easily at a park. —Gillian Molina

Dress your young kids in bright, matching shirts. I once traveled alone when my kids were 2, 4 and 6. We all wore matching yellow shirts so people could see we were together. —Emily Hernandez

If you want to let your little one crawl around , bring a pair of socks that you can put over their hands. Then you don't have to worry about dirty hands afterward. —Shannon Geraghty

Hire a photographer. You'll have photos with everyone in them, maybe get to see some scenic parts of the city you hadn't seen before. Dress up, wear matching outfits, be extra! They're only little once. —Tina Doyle

Helpful mindsets

It's not a vacation. It's a trip. You're just parenting in a new place. Set your expectations accordingly. —Laura Henriquez

The airport/train/bus/car is not the time to enforce the normal at-home rules. Do you want Doritos at 7 a.m. at the airport? OK. Do you want to watch 20 episodes of Blippi on the plane? No problem. There are no rules when traveling. This also makes traveling fun for kids because they get to do something different. —Meg Houston

Build in extra time to do things. It will decrease the chances of you and your child getting into stressful situations. —Cori DeLano

You're not going to get as much done as you think with a kiddo in tow. Think about things like nap schedule, traveling with a stroller, meltdowns, diaper changes. On my most "successful" trip with my kiddo, we planned one big activity a day and left the rest of the day open with some general ideas and left room for flexibility. —Whitney Winters

They might not remember, but you will. —Nina Hartman

The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visual editor is Beck Harlan. We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

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Tips for a Road Trip With a Baby: How to Survive the Long Drive

tips for a Road Trip With a Baby Car Seat

Setting off on a road trip with your little one? I know – it sounds like a mission. Trying to figure out nap times, packing enough but not too many toys, dealing with sudden mood swings (and that’s just from the parents!) – it’s enough to give anyone a slight headache. “Will my baby be okay? How on earth am I going to keep them calm? Did I pack enough diapers?” These questions whirling around in your head are perfectly normal, and I’m here to help with my tips for a road trip with a baby.

Over the years, I’ve taken my kids on so many road trips, I’ve lost count. Short weekend jaunts, epic cross-country adventures, you name it. And you know what? Every single one was a learning curve. Sometimes, it felt more like a rollercoaster than a curve, but that’s parenting for you. I’ve had my share of forgotten essentials and messy surprises, but each hiccup has helped me perfect my road trip routine.

Don’t worry – by the end of this blog post, you’ll be a lot more confident about hitting the road with your little partner in crime. You’ll know what to expect, what to pack, and how to handle those inevitable bumps along the way. I’ve done all the hard yards, the late-night packing, and the frantic roadside diaper changes. Now, you get to benefit from my road-tested wisdom and plan a trip that’s all about the fun stuff.

Table of Contents

Road Tripping With an Infant FAQs

road trip with baby toddler

I know how different it is to take your kids with you on a long drive compared to a fun and spontaneous road trip as a couple . Especially if you’re taking a baby with you. And if it’s your first trip as a family, you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed and nervous . 

Jumping in the car to explore the country can be such a fantastic memory-making experience. Plus, showing your kids (even the teeny tiny ones) magical places is part of what all parents dream of doing. 

So to calm your worries and help you plan a fabulous vacation, I’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions and answered them as best I could. 

Have another question? Or a tip for new parents about to hit the road? Let us all know in the comments, and keep the support going!

What to Expect When Traveling With a Baby

baby road trip mirror

The question most parents would love to be able to answer with a crystal ball; I promise, even if you have a few hiccups on the road, at the end of the day, the memories will be worth it. 

A road trip with a baby under 12 months isn’t the nightmare that some may make it seem, as long as you prep properly . Your baby has their usual routine, space, and expectations in their daily life—all of which go away once you put them in the car for an extended period of time. 

You definitely should expect them to be a little fussy , possibly get bored, and very likely make a bit of a mess . With a few important steps, you can ensure the ride is pleasant for the baby and parents. You want to make fun family memories , which means enjoying the journey just as much as the destination .

I’ve been using Roadtrippers for years to help me plan out my trips and find fun stops along the way. Use my code “BTR5QTP” for $5 off when you sign up!

What is The Best Age to Road Trip With a Baby?

This depends on your baby, of course. Generally, it’s best to start planning your family road trip only once your baby is about three months old. Between three and six months , babies are in their developmental stage and will begin to gain more head and neck control. 

This means they can sit in a car seat and be comfortable for slightly extended periods. They’re also typically on better sleeping schedules at this age, allowing you to plan accordingly. 

You can entertain your baby between three and six months with bright, colorful, and noisy toys. They’re interested in the world around them but not yet crawling or walking , so they won’t be too antsy to get out of their seat for the whole ride.

Also taking Fido? Here are some tips for a road trip with a dog .

How Often Do You Have to Stop With a Baby on a Road Trip?

road trip with baby tips sleeping

When you’re planning a road trip with a baby, your stops will need to be planned around their routine . You’ll likely need to stop for feeding, diaper changes, and as they get fussy . You may find that a stop is needed as they wake up from a nap or before they fall asleep. 

On average, I would say plan for a stop every two to four hours . Try not to go longer than this, for the whole family’s sake. Although, if you’re driving overnight and your baby sleeps through, you may be able to extend this a bit. 

The shorter driving times when you’re traveling with a baby may just give you the perfect excuse to stay over in more small towns. Driving four hours and then retiring for the night at a quaint hotel or BnB only adds to the entire road-tripping experience is one of my best tips for a road trip with a baby.

How Do You Occupy a Baby in a Car?

Unlike older kids, babies are not going to be interested in games of I Spy or a traveling trivia quiz . So how do you keep them busy for the ±four hour stretches of driving?

One way is to play music in the car — not the latest pop songs, but nursery rhymes and calming tunes. Sing along and make it a fun time for the baby. Give them a rattle to play with as well, as this will help stimulate them. This is ideal when on a road trip with a baby and toddler, as it can entertain both of them at the same time (I used this trick many times on drives).

You can also set up a sort of mobile in the car, with animals and colorful toys for them to look at and grab. If their heads can’t reach the windows, give them a plastic handheld mirror or position a mirror to help them see the fun sights outside. 

If all else fails, chatting with your baby is normally always a winner. Play peek-a-boo , describe your journey, and tell them where you’re going. Even if they don’t seem to understand it all, your attention and the sound of your voice are often enough to keep them engaged. 

Make sure to reserve your rental car ahead of time! I love using Discover Cars for my trips.

Can You Give a Baby a Bottle While Driving?

The short answer is no. 

It might be perfectly fine to have your older kids snacking while driving, but the risks are too high for an infant. You shouldn’t have a baby drinking from a bottle without your attention being fully focused on both the baby and the bottle . 

Even if you are breastfeeding, it’s not safe to do so while the car is moving . So it’s best to plan your stops according to the baby’s feeding schedule . 

How Do You Calm a Crying Baby on a Road Trip?

There’s always a reason why your baby is crying. First, check that they’re not uncomfortably hot, cold, or perhaps have a dirty diaper . It’s also good to check that they’re not hungry . 

If their basic needs are met, and they are still crying, they may just not be enjoying the drive as much. Try playing soothing music, talking to them, or giving them a toy to distract them . If none of that works, then it may be best for everyone to stop the car at the next safe spot, get out, and cuddle the baby until they are calm again . 

Are Car Seats Uncomfortable for Babies?

As long as your car seat is properly installed and has all of the right cushioning, it should be comfortable enough for your baby to sit in during a drive. Sitting in one for too long for a more extended, cross-country drive with a baby can become uncomfortable . 

Staying in one position for extended periods of time will agitate anyone, and babies are no different. There are a few ways you can ease this discomfort until you stop, though:

  • Keep the car’s temperature pleasant. 
  • Give the baby a little extra cushioning where you can. 
  • Distract them with toys and excitement. 

How Long Should a Baby Be in a Car Seat on a Trip?

Even though babies can’t walk around yet, they still need to stretch during road trips . If you’re doing longer newborn travel by car, you should aim to take them out of the car seat every two hours or so (a very important tip for a road trip with a baby). 

If your perfectly planned road trip falls within the three- to six-month sweet spot, then two to four hours is fine . Be sure that when you’re stopping, you’re taking the baby out of their car seat and letting their bodies stretch in different positions for a bit. 

What Do I Do If My Baby Hates the Car Seat?

So, your baby cannot stand when you put them in a car seat — are your dreams of a family road trip over? Not necessarily. 

First, I would check with a doctor if anything makes the baby hate sitting in the car seat. If there are no medical concerns, then it may just be personal preference. You can slowly introduce long road trips with a baby and make the experience more pleasant. Both my kids hated drives at first, but they got used to it the more I traveled with them.

Don’t begin right off the bat with a 15-hour trip from LA to Lake Tahoe ; begin with an hour-long drive and gradually increase the time and distance . Doing this will allow you to test out a few soothing options and hopefully find one that works. Driving while the baby sleeps is also an option. 

What Should I Pack for a Baby on a Road Trip?

bento box kid road trip

You can read my full family road trip packing list for a more detailed list , but here are a few essential items to include that are important road trip with baby tips: 

  • Extra diapers — Pack a little more than you think you’ll need. It’s better to be overprepared with a little one than scramble to find a grocery store while on the road. 
  • Wipes and rash cream — These should be with your diapers, but again, pack a little more than you think you need in case of emergencies. 
  • Extra sets of clothing — This is standard when going anywhere with kids and babies. Make sure you have extra clothes for messes as well as enough clothing for all kinds of weather. 
  • Their favorite blanket — Keep babies comfy and soothed with whatever blankie they would use at home. This will help them sleep better in the car and may keep the tears away on the drive. 
  • A few fun toys — There isn’t much space in the car, so you want to make sure that the toys you bring along will entertain the baby for long periods. Choose colorful toys, squishy ones, and even ones that make a bit of noise — just remember, you don’t want to have a distracted driver. 
  • Bibs and utensils — Quick meals on the side of the road or at a gas station may be necessary. Pack in any mealtime essentials so you’re not left in the lurch if you need to make an emergency dinner stop. 
  • Sippy cups and bottles — Ensure you have enough of these with you so that even if you can’t wash them out for a few hours, there’s still a clean one to use until you reach your hotel. 
  • First aid kit — Always keep a car first aid kit on you. Include things like pain syrup for little ones, bandaids, and any medication your baby usually takes. Also, bring sanitizer, mosquito repellant, and a thermometer. 
  • Baby car rier — Pit stops and impromptu hikes will be much easier and more enjoyable if you can comfortably carry the baby around. 
  • Milk and snacks — While you can find food along your route, you definitely want to pack some easy-to-eat snacks and enough milk to avoid a hangry baby. 
  • Bin bags — You’re going to want to keep the car clutter-free and as clean as possible. This will eliminate frustration, help you quickly find what you need, and make the drive more enjoyable. Keep plastic bags to throw trash in and discard them as soon as possible once you’ve stopped. 

What Food to Carry for Babies While Traveling?

We’ve mentioned packing in food and snacks, but what else can you take that won’t make too much mess or require any prepping? Some great options to keep in the car for emergency snacking include:

  • Extra milk and/or water – I always warn parents against packing juices for road trips because they’re sticky and can get everywhere if spilled. Pack milk for the ride if your baby is too young for water. 
  • Sipping yogurt – Driving may take away the baby’s appetite. Sipping yogurt is easy to eat in the car, will fill them up a bit, and often tastes good enough to entice them to eat. 
  • Finger foo ds – Beef jerky, cheese puffs, finger sandwiches. These are all ideal for packing into a lunchbox in the car and handing over if your little one starts to complain about tummy grumbles. 
  • Pre-packaged & single-serve baby food pouches – What you don’t want to do is try and handle large amounts of anything to dish anything out in the car. It might be a little more work, but getting pre-packaged snacks before you set off makes eating and sharing easier on the drive. 
  • Pre-cut fruit – Cut up apple slices, pears, or oranges, as these will be a fun, sweet (but healthy) snack to keep the little mouths busy for a while. 

Read more in my post with 101 road trip snacks for kids .

How Do You Pack Baby Milk for Travel?

If the baby is still exclusively on milk or only just starting on solids, you’ll want to bring quite a bit of this with you on your road trip with an infant. Keeping it fresh is important; no one wants to drive for hours with a car smelling like spoiled milk. 

If you’re pumping breastmilk to take with you, keep it frozen before you leave . Then when you pack the car, put the milk into a well-insulated cooler box to stay cool and frozen during the drive. If you’re packing formula , pre-pack servings in either bottles or secure containers/bags is an easy way to do it. Then have a flask or bottled water to mix it up.

Sterilize your bottles before you pack them and again when you stop at your nightly accommodation. 

My Top Tips for Long-Distance Driving With a Baby

road trip with toddler snacks

If this is your very first road trip with a baby, just remember that it can only get easier from here. I’ve found that getting the kids used to traveling and being on the road from an early age means it becomes a splendid experience as they get older. 

Besides keeping the car organized (and booking any accommodations you’re going to need well in advance), here are some other things I’ve found helpful when taking a 0- to 12-month-old on a road trip. 

Check the Car Seat Before You Go

Most importantly, ensure that your car seat is safe , follows regulati ons , and is properly installed. 

A car window safety shade is another must-add for a baby’s comfort and safety. Having the sun pelting down on their faces is a sure way to end up with a miserable baby. 

Plan Your Route Carefully

Know where you’re going (as well as possible detours in case of roadworks, etc.) and how long you have between each possible stop. Know where you can stop to walk, where you can get gas, and where there are shops to top up on essentials . 

This will give you a bit more control over how long to keep baby busy, when nap time should be, and where you can get out and stretch your legs if needed. You can also plan any activities along the way. 

Make a Note of Doctors and Hospitals Along Your Route

While planning your trip, keep a log of hospitals, emergency doctors, and medical care units in each town and city you’ll be passing through . Hopefully, you won’t need to use this list when going on a long drive with a baby, but if you have a feverish kid or an unfortunate accident, it’s better to know where to go. 

And on that note, be sure to keep important medical records on you while driving . From vaccination cards to allergies, bring anything that may be important in the event of an emergency. 

Keep Essential Travel Items Packed in The Front of The Car

You don’t want to take up too much leg room, but you also don’t want to have to stop the car just to reach a pacifier. Before you pack the car, separate items for the drive from things you’ll only need when you stop or reach your destination . 

On the other hand, don’t put items that you won’t need while driving in the front of the car. Keep extra clothes, bulky toys, and similar non-essentials in the boot instead. 

Stick to Routine as Much as Possible

This may seem harder once you’re actually on the road, but if you can keep to regular nap times and feeding times , it will help your baby stay regulated and feel secure. Similarly, taking some of their personal items with you to put into hotel rooms can help them feel at home. 

Get your free road trip packing list here!

Have Someone in the Back Seat

If you can, have one adult in the back seat with the baby if there’s a need for snacks or a quick drink. If you’re stopping often enough for food and drink, having an adult sitting at the back might still be helpful to talk to and entertain the baby . 

Of course, if older siblings take up space in the back seat, try to get them to play nicely with and speak to the baby. 

Look After Yourself Too

Just as it’s important to remember everything needed for the baby, it’s equally important for parents to stay happy and comfortable on long drives . Not only is it good for the parent driving, but it’ll also help keep the car’s atmosphere pleasant and calm . 

Stop when you are feeling uncomfortable, too. Pack in a few of your own favorite snacks. If the baby is fast asleep, take the time to play some of the music you used to play on long drives. You can’t take adequate care of your baby unless you also care for yourself.

Again, these tips for a road trip with a baby are from my real-life experiences, so I hope you feel more confident to plan that drive you’ve been putting off!

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Marissa Pedersen

Marissa is a passionate road trip enthusiast who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada via car and continues to go on new trips every year to explore more of the country. Her love of road tripping has given her a unique perspective on the best routes, hidden gems, and must-see attractions along the way.

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Nikki On Her Way

Nikki On Her Way

Travel more, travel better.

Our Once In A Lifetime 6 Month Trip Itinerary

28.07.22 | Nikki Gibson | 5 Comments

In August of 2021, my husband and I left for 6 months of travel through Europe and Asia. We made it to 18 countries on our itinerary, and lived out our dream of traveling the world together! It was amazing, and sometimes it truly feels like a dream to me.

I’m going to detail our eventual 6 month travel itinerary, how long we stayed in each place, how we decided where to visit, and the method that we used to plan our trip. 

When we left, we did not have a solidified itinerary for the countries we would visit. Armed with a list of potential destinations, we flew to Turkey as our first stop, and made it up from there! 

long term travel with baby

If you ever decide to do something similar to us (which you totally should 😉 ), you can use this information to help create your own itinerary! 

When we left, many borders were closed or very difficult to get through *ahem thanks virus ahem*, so we stuck mostly to Europe and ended up in Asia at the end of our trip.

But, that being said, we were able to stretch the $30k we had saved in 1.5 years over about 6 months for two people!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

long term travel with baby

The 18 Countries We Visited In 6 Months of Travel

Table of Contents

Turkey – 2 Weeks İstanbul – İzmir – Selçuk – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia

Bosnia & Herzegovina – 2 Days Sarajevo

Croatia – 2 Weeks Dubrovnik – Trogir – Šibenik – Zagreb

Spain – 15 Days Mallorca – Soller \ Barcelona – Zaragoza – Bilbao – San Sebastian – Madrid

Italy – 3 Weeks Naples – Rome – Florence – Montaione – Cinque Terre – Ortisei – Fie allo Sciliar – Venice \ Lake Como – Milan

Vatican City – 1 Day

Slovenia – 4 Days Ljubljana – Lake Bled

Hungary – 3 Days Budapest

Czech Republic – 1 Week Prague – Karlštejn – Cesky Krumlov – Jiřetín pod Jedlovou

Austria – 10 Days Vienna – Salzburg

Germany – 11 Days Berchtesgaden \ Cologne – Baden Baden

Ireland – 9 Days Dublin – Donegal – Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle – Cashel

France – 6 Days Paris – Blois – Amboise – Le Havre – Étretat 

Scotland – 11 Days Edinburgh – Inverness – Isle of Skye – Fort William – Glencoe – Glasgow

The Netherlands – 3 Days Amsterdam – Breda 

Belgium – 1 Day Bruges

Switzerland – 8 Days Chur – Lucerne – Bern – Engelberg

Thailand – 1 Month Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Phi Phi – Krabi – Khao Sok – Koh Samui – Koh Tao 

This list is in chronological order of where we visited on our 6 month travel itinerary , with a few exceptions. We went to Italy, Spain, and Germany twice, but I’ve listed each of those countries based on the first time we visited. I’ve separated the visits to those countries with a \ between locations. 

READ ALSO: Why We Decided to Quit Our Jobs and Travel What 6 Months of Travel to 18 Countries Cost Us Travel Camera Gear – What’s In My Camera Bag | Travel Blogger Edition

How We Planned Our 6 Month Travel Itinerary

People always balk when I tell them we only planned the first 2 weeks of our 6 month world trip. And honestly, I can admit it does sound kind of chaotic.

Before we ever left for our trip, we had actually done a ton of planning for our 6 month travel itinerary. Just, not necessarily for our destinations or the daily activities we would do.

Rather, our pre-trip planning was mostly financial in nature (like setting up our Charles Schwab debit card that reimburses us for ATM fees anywhere in the world and racking up credit card points to use for free flights).

The rest of our trip was spent planning as we went. 

The planning process on the road looked a little something like this:

We would sit down after a day of exploring and talk about where we wanted to go 5 days from then, do some research about where to stay, what to do, and how to get there. 

Then, we would book our flights, trains, cars, hotels, etc. once we knew where we wanted to go.

It really was that simple! Sometimes you need to plan further ahead than that and book tickets for major tourist attractions or popular activities. But, usually you don’t need to plan very far out! 

As someone who has dealt with anxiety her whole life, I understand the need to over-plan or be hyper prepared. 

But, I will share with you that I felt less anxiety while we traveled than ever before, even when I didn’t know where we would be sleeping the following night. I found some sort of freedom in the flexibility we created.

6 months of travel itinerary list of countries

How We Decided Where To Visit on Our 6 Month Travel Itinerary

Most of what drove our decisions of where we would go next was money and convenience. 

When we were ready to move on to the next destination, we would look at the map, notice nearby cities or countries, and then look up train or flight prices to get there. Likely, we would choose the cheapest option or the closest one, and go from there!

Easily the most important factor that determined our 6 month travel itinerary was cost. The cost of transportation, the cost of food, the cost of accommodation, all of it. 

We made a spreadsheet pretty early on into our planning where we collected all of our research about what it would cost to visit x country. I ended up putting some pretty estimated costs because it can be pretty hard to tell how much it costs to travel a country based on other people’s stories. Everyone travels differently, so you have to take it all with a grain of salt.

It’s better to overestimate how much it’ll cost to travel long term than to underestimate how much you’ll need.

I put in the estimated daily cost, multiplied by 2, and then multiplied again by the number of days we might want to travel there in order to give us a general idea of how much we might need for 6 months of travel.

This process helped immensely in visualizing the money aspect of our trip. I was able to see how quickly the cost could add up and how being frugal in certain places would save us money and help us to travel for even longer.

READ ALSO: What 6 Months of Travel to 18 Countries Cost Us 14 Simple Tips To Make Your Next International Flight A Breeze

long term travel with baby

Transportation

We traveled by train to a lot of places, just hopping to the next country over. For example, Slovenia and Hungary share a border, so we took a train from Ljubljana to Budapest.

Traveling by train in Europe is one of the best ways to get around, and is often very cost-effective, too. 

My favorite ways to search for available train routes and tickets are Omio and Google Maps .

Sometimes, flights can be very inexpensive, but you just need to look at the itinerary. Most of the time, those €15 flights are a horrible itinerary. Other times, flying was a great option for us, so it just depends.

There were some times that flying was our only option, like when we traveled to Ireland or Scotland. 

In other instances, where we traveled to next was determined by our family coming to visit us. We met up with my dad and stepmom in Spain, Colton’s parents in Austria, and my mom, stepdad, and siblings in Switzerland. We planned around those meetups and tried to make it a logical progression of our trip.

Make A Logical Travel Itinerary

You can decide where to go next based on a number of factors, but I believe the easiest way is to approach it logically. Not only will this be the easiest way to plan, it will also probably save you money.

Instead of flying around Europe in a path that resembles a 2 year old’s scribble drawing, travel in one direction and do short hops from one place to another. You’ll spend less time on trains or planes, and more time exploring. 

You’ll likely save money by doing this as well, as longer flights tend to cost more, as well as train tickets. 

If you’re traveling to multiple continents and doing a full round-the-world trip, the best idea is to decide a travel direction. Like, East to West, or vice versa. 

Traveling that way isn’t always possible and sometimes an awesome flight deal can be too good to pass up on, so don’t beat yourself up about it. 

It’s just going to make your travel planning that much easier, and will likely be the most cost-effective method of traveling. 

Bucket List Points of Interest

Before you ever leave on your trip, have an idea of your must do activities and must see locations to help guide you. 

We had a master list of places we were open to visiting, plus some must-do activities, like a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, the thermal baths in Budapest, or the Bernina Express in Switzerland.

Having an idea of what you want to experience on your travels will help guide your decisions about where to travel to!

If you’re looking for some incredible experiences to add to your bucket list, check out these blog posts and our YouTube Channel .

READ ALSO: A Magical 10 Day Trip to Turkey How to Get Around The Five Villages of Cinque Terre One Of The Best Things To Do In Switzerland: Bernina Express Train

long term travel with baby

If you’re planning to travel long term, you’re likely to run into a few different seasons and climates. 

We traveled with these carry-on suitcases , so we initially packed for one season and type of weather: warm. Because of that, we stayed in the Mediterranean climate as long as we could before Fall arrived. 

When we met with Colton’s parents in Austria, they brought us a suitcase with our cold weather clothes, and that’s when we made the switch to colder weather.

If we wanted to, we could have designed our trip around chasing the warmer weather, but we knew we wanted to experience Fall and Christmas in Europe. 

Not everyone will have people that will come visit and bring them a new wardrobe, but you can purchase clothes along the way and leave other items behind. That’s what we did during the transition season of Fall. 

You could also pay to have a family member ship you some clothing items in order to make the change between seasons, but I really think you can find good, cheap clothes in most places abroad, so make the switch that way!

Building an itinerary with the climate and your wardrobe just makes sense, and jumping back and forth between warm and cold just won’t work!

Once we decided we were going to Thailand in January, we sent clothes home with my family at Christmas time, and bought a bunch of clothes in Bangkok!

READ ALSO: What & How To Pack For Long Term Travel Packing For One Week In Europe, Summer & Winter 10 Tips to Pack Efficiently in Your Carry-On 10 Essential Items To Pack For A Trip to Europe

How To Get Around While Traveling Full Time

Transportation to, within, and from each country you visit will be different everywhere.

You may fly to one country, then take a train to another. For us, we made those decisions based on price. You may value comfort or convenience more, so you should make your decisions with that in mind.

In Europe, train travel is not only cheap, it’s also easy and efficient. That makes traveling by train one of the very best ways to get around in Europe. We also traveled by ferry, scooter, taxi, and by foot. Planes, trains, and automobiles!  

While in Asia, we found that flying is affordable and convenient, and often much more efficient and comfortable than other modes of transportation like buses or trains. That being said, we also traveled by tuktuk, scooter, ferry, van, and taxi.

Apps like Rome2Rio or Omio are super helpful when trying to determine the best way to travel to your next destination. They’ll show you what routes are available, likely cost, and transportation providers to book with.

In Ireland, we decided to rent a campervan , while in Scotland we rented a regular car for our one week Scottish road trip . While in Slovenia, we traveled to Lake Bled on a bus. In Thailand, we took a ferry to Koh Tao . It all just depends on your needs and your budget!

You’ll need to look at how you want to travel and what type of travel is available to you, then make your decision from there.

long term travel with baby

Plan Ahead Or Make It Up As You Go?

Your greatest asset when traveling for a longer period of time is flexibility. 

Now, some people need to have a plan in order to feel secure, and that is totally fine! But, I want to give you some reasons why I think you should not plan your long term trip out entirely before you leave home.

We chose not to set our itinerary before we left for our trip for this reason alone: we wanted the flexibility to change plans if we wanted or needed to. 

Imagine you booked a hotel for 5 nights, and about $600 in Barcelona, 6 months from now. You’re currently in Positano, Italy and flights are looking to be $300 one way. For some reason the price of flights has gone way up!

But, you have an ‘appointment’ in Barcelona with that hotel you booked months ago! You have no choice but to spend the $300 a person for your flights, or cancel your booking and not get your $600 back. 

If you left your itinerary open, you would be able to take a train to Florence for so much less and get to explore Italy more, then travel on to Barcelona later when it’s cheaper.

This may seem like a trivial example, but that’s just one of the reasons flexibility is important when traveling. 

I promise you’ll be able to find a place to stay even if you book at the last minute. There were plenty of days where we didn’t book a hotel for that night until the day of. And it was fun to be so spontaneous!

READ ALSO: How to Save Money for Travel – Budget & Save for Your Next Trip Travel Camera Gear – What’s In My Camera Bag | Travel Blogger Edition

travel planning for 6 months of travel on laptop in Turkey

Resources To Use For Long Term Travel Planning

Google Drive is my best friend and second brain when it comes to travel planning. I create tons of spreadsheets, dump my chaotic thoughts into Keep, track bookings with Google Calendar, and share all of it with Colton so we can be on the same page. 

For flights , I always use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best deals. They make it easy to search, and you can even track flight prices on your phone using their apps to keep an eye on the routes you’re interested in.

To book hotels all over the world, use Booking.com . There is no better website that does it all. In Asia, you can also check Agoda , but Booking.com is how we booked all of our accommodations in Thailand. It’s so easy to book a hotel right in the app the day of and have all the information you need right there. For unique accommodations, use Airbnb .

For travel planning , Wanderlog is my favorite website to keep my thoughts organized. You can plan a very in depth trip, or use it to brainstorm ideas and keep them organized. It’s free to use, and there is also an app you can download to your phone. 

For transportation planning , use Omio , Rome2Ri o, or Google Maps . You can find available itineraries, transportation options, and prices. Plus, Omio and Rome2Rio will show you what types of transportation are available to you from point A to point B, how much it would likely cost, and what provider to book with.

Of course, blogs, YouTube, and TikTok are also fantastic resources for planning and learning about travel!

If you’re planning a 6 month travel itinerary, or longer maybe, drop any thoughts or questions you have in the comments!

long term travel with baby

About Nikki Gibson

Nikki is a traveler, photographer, wife, and blogger. After she and her husband left their jobs and took a 6 month sabbatical trip to Europe and Asia, Nikki is writing about their travel experiences and sharing travel guides, tips, and tidbits.

Reader Interactions

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February 12, 2024 at 4:44 am

Hi Nikki, My husband and I are planning to travel to Europe for 6-9 months in around 2 years. We are already planning and talking about what we want to see and do and which countries. We are torn between actually renting a base flat somewhere (Netherlands or Italy) and then do trips for a day to 3 days to different places. Or another plan is to have a base for 2 months in three different countries and do our day trips as planned. What are your thoughts on this sort of planning? We will be (60 and 61 at the time we plan to leave) This way we can also immerse ourselves in a few countries for longer periods. I would love your thoughts on these ideas.

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February 13, 2024 at 8:01 pm

Hi! Sounds like an amazing trip you’re planning! I like the idea of having bases as you go that you can travel out from. I think it makes this style of travel much more sustainable. I would think that having ‘regional’ bases would be a good way to do it! That way you aren’t spending a bunch of time backtracking if you are getting further and further away from your one base. Rather, you can go in sections. Sounds amazing! You are also welcome to email me if you’d like to chat about it more at [email protected]

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How You Should Spend 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain

How to RV With Babies on Board

RVing has always been an activity that is perfect for families and has been shown to increase family bonds and create lasting memories. It’s no wonder that many RVing parents like to introduce the world of RVing to their little ones early on. Doing anything with babies takes preparedness and patience, even more so when you bring an infant along on an RV road trip. Here is some of our advice on RVing with babies , along with some tips for baby proofing your rig before your adventure.

What You Need to Know About RVing With Babies on Board

Exceptional care needs to occur when securing a child while traveling in any vehicle and infants need even more care while traveling in an RV. If you are using a towable, you likely won’t need to change your car seat options in the tow vehicle, but you need to be careful when traveling with your child in a motorhome. Follow all rules you would follow when securing a child in an RV seat. Follow these guidelines when securing a child seat in a motorhome:

  • Ensuring the car seat is made for the place it is attached to.
  • The car seat is never in the front seat of your motorhome.
  • Never seating the car seat in a side facing seat.
  • Making sure there are no loose objects that could harm your child in their seat.
  • Making sure that the seat is bolted to the chassis and not the interior of the RV
  • You may need to invest in a different car set for your motorhome, so refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and the safety restrictions of your car seat for further details.

Babyproofing an RV

RVs are small enough without having an onboard nursery, but you need to find a secure area where your baby can sleep and explore when joining you on your RV adventures. Luckily, parents often give small children way more room than necessary, and many RV cabins will be large enough to accommodate an infant or young child.

You need to find a crib that is suitable for your RV’s interior, and luckily there are portable cribs that are designed for families on the go. Check measurements and dimensions for your crib space in the RV to make sure it will fit. Consider installing softer carpet in your RV for when your baby begins to crawl and walk. Block off areas you don’t want your baby to get into, such as the back room in a toy hauler.

When you think about it, many RVs are already baby proofed for the road. Items, drawers, and fold outs need to be secure while on the road, and so they often come with security latches, soft sides and other features that parallel baby proofing. Take a thorough walk around the RV’s cabin to identify any dangerous areas, especially if the child is already walking and curious. Fill in the gaps with traditional baby proofing methods where necessary.

Expect the Best, Plan for the Worst

We always encourage careful preparation while planning an RV trip and bringing a baby takes it to a whole new level. Make a specific list of everything your baby could need including backup bottles, diapers, formula, sheets and more. It is also helpful to detail your exact route and includes nearby pediatricians and or hospitals in case something goes wrong. It may not even be a bad idea to bring along your current pediatrician’s information as well as any pertinent medical information should someone need quick access to them.

Pro Tip: Try to travel known routes instead of back roads. The chances you will need to pull over for any number of reasons increases when RVing with infants and children.

RV travel with a baby will usually add a deal of time on your journey. Plan for this. A two-hour trip could take three to four hours or a half day trip could take an entire day. If you expect this, you will be better prepared for delays with your travel plans. Flexibility is the key to traveling with children in general, no matter their age.

Pros of RVing With Babies

  • RV travel is a more affordable option for families looking to travel and see North America year-round.
  • RVing is a fantastic way to create lasting memories, even if you children don’t remember them. There are always pictures.
  • If you have family across the country, visiting them and taking breaks during long trips is much easier – and cheaper! Plus, they get to spend more time with your little one.
  • The biggest pro of RVing with a baby is the experience. RVing, especially for younger travelers, has opened a world of adventure and possibilities. RVing with babies has never been easier, and once you ensure you know what you’re getting into, even full-time RV travel with a newborn or older child is possible no matter the destination.

Cons of RVing With Babies

  • You may need to invest in a bigger RV if your current model is too small to accommodate a new child and everything that comes with it.
  • If you need some alone time on your travels, you may not get it. Finding a babysitter or someone you can trust to watch your baby is easier said than done.
  • If your baby gets sick, you’ll need to visit an ER, which can be costly depending on the issue. Make sure you’ve checked how your insurance works out of state and while traveling to ensure you have the right coverage.
  • The biggest con of RVing with a baby is the costs involved in getting your RV ready for your adventures. This could mean anything from investing in a larger RV model to renovating the inside to accommodate for a child. RV space is limited, so adding a crib, storing a stroller, or even having enough space for diapers, formula, and more can be challenging.
  • Take the time to do a thorough inventory of the space in your RV and see what it can and can’t accommodate. From there, it’s a matter of deciding whether buying a larger RV is worth the cost or if you can make changes to the interior of your rig to make life more comfortable on the road for you and your child.

RVing with babies takes care, patience, and plenty of planning. If you plan, there is no reason that a baby needs to stay home while you’re enjoying the open road. Using RV forums and talking to other RVing parents is a terrific way to get useful advice and helpful tips so both you and baby can have a great trip.

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CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations

Recommendations are easier to follow and help protect those most at risk

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 1, 2024 Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286

CDC released today updated recommendations  for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers. CDC is making updates to the recommendations now because the U.S. is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV.

“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”

As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies:

  • Staying  up to date with vaccination   to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
  • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Taking steps for cleaner air , such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. CDC’s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 in particular have changed.  While it remains a threat, today it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease.  Importantly, states and countries that have already adjusted recommended isolation times have not seen increased hospitalizations or deaths related to COVID-19.

While every respiratory virus does not act the same, adopting a unified approach to limiting disease spread makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.

“The bottom line is that when people follow these actionable recommendations to avoid getting sick, and to protect themselves and others if they do get sick, it will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses, and that will mean fewer people who experience severe illness,” National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director Dr. Demetre Daskalakis said. “That includes taking enhanced precautions that can help protect people who are at higher risk for getting seriously ill.”

The updated guidance also includes specific sections with additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, including people who are immunocompromised, people with disabilities, people who are or were recently pregnant, young children, and older adults. Respiratory viruses remain a public health threat. CDC will continue to focus efforts on ensuring the public has the information and tools to lower their risk or respiratory illness by protecting themselves, families, and communities.

This updated guidance is intended for community settings. There are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings.

### U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC’s world-leading experts protect lives and livelihoods, national security and the U.S. economy by providing timely, commonsense information, and rapidly identifying and responding to diseases, including outbreaks and illnesses. CDC drives science, public health research, and data innovation in communities across the country by investing in local initiatives to protect everyone’s health.

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Watch CBS News

Miami Beach is "breaking up with spring break." Here are the rules they're imposing and why.

By Caitlin O'Kane

Updated on: March 7, 2024 / 12:33 PM EST / CBS News

Vacation hotspot Miami has "broken up" with spring break , imposing new rules for visitors in hopes of preventing chaos. Still, travelers across the U.S. are expected to come out in droves for the annual spring fling, with travel volume ahead of spring break up 6% compared to the same time period in 2023, according to the TSA. 

Here are Miami's new rules – and other travel tips for spring breakers.

Miami spring break commercial

While the South Florida hotspot is usually a mecca for spring breakers in mid-March, the city released a video breaking up with the annual event. The video pulls up old headlines about violence and arrests during past spring break weeks. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis stopped by Miami Beach this week with a message to visitors: "If you're coming here to enjoy Florida, and to have a good time, fine. If you're coming for these other reasons, if you're committing crime, causing havoc, you're going to pay the price."

He is also sending support to law enforcement agencies in places that attract spring breakers. 

Despite the changes and warnings, CBS Miami found people having a good time in the city. "It's vibrant, it's alive, it's so good," said Cassandra Ropert.

"The vibe has been amazing! I mean the people are friendly, the food is really good and obviously as you can see behind me, the party never stops," said Louis Waller.

"It actually has been kind of calm, cause I've been to Miami Beach during spring break and that was in college so I know what the crowds look like then," said Waller. 

Miami is imposing spring break rules for visitors — but some don't apply to residents

The city of Miami Beach is instating curfews and DUI checkpoints. The city is also closing parking lots and will be doing bag checks at beach entrances. And police will be making arrests for drug possession and violence. 

Each Thursday-Sunday in March, beach entrances will be limited to 5th, 10th and 12th Streets, which will close at 6 p.m. Items like coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects are not allowed and the entrances will include bag checks. Playing loud music without a permit will be restricted. Alcohol and cigarettes are always prohibited on Miami beaches, according to the city's website. 

Parking fees in busy garages and lots will be increased to a flat rate of $30 for visitors, except for March 7-10 and March 14-17, when they will be closed. For Miami residents, or employees and permit holders who need to park in these lots during busy spring break weekends, (March 21-24 and March 28-31) the flat fee does not apply. And some lots will only be open to local residents, according to the city's website.

Visitors will also face towing rates that are double the normal cost. They will pay $516 if their car is towed on South Beach and a $30 administrative fee.

The Miami Beach Police Department has also created a new traffic plan that will start at 6 p.m. each Thursday through Sunday in March. The restrictions mainly affect major roads, but local access to some city streets will be restricted to try and prevent traffic. 

People who are running illegal short-term rentals like Airbnbs and VBROs may be fined $1,000 to $5,000 a day, according to the city's website.

The street side cafes along Ocean Drive will also be shuttered during the second and third weekends of March, according to CBS Miami. 

Where else to travel 

Orlando is expected to be the top destination for spring break,  according to AAA , which analyzed travel booking data. 

Miami and Fort Lauderdale are expected to be popular for people getting on cruises. Booking for cruises is up 28% in March and April 2024, compared to last year. Cruises departing from Florida increased 60% during this time. 

But Florida isn't the only hotspot. International flight bookings are up 20% and hotels are up 37% in March and April 2024 compared to last year, according to AAA. London, Paris, Rome, Dublin, and Amsterdam are the most popular destinations. 

Spring breaks usually kick off at the end of February and last into April. But another major event may be contributing to travel in April:  The solar eclipse  on April 8.

Expedia found that travel to Dallas is up 95% for eclipse viewing between April 1 to 8, which is historically a busy time for spring break travel. Travel to Austin is up 90% during this week. 

Most spring breakers are heading to traditional vacation spots. Travel to Orlando is up 60%, Punta Cana is up 60%, Mexico City is up 55% and Cancun is up 30%, according to Expedia. 

However, the U.S. is  warning against traveling to Mexico during this time.  "Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations," the U.S. Mission to Mexico  said  in a news release last week. 

The advisory warned travelers to leave potentially dangerous situations and be particularly careful in the downtown areas in locations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. 

They said to be especially careful after dark and warned against using synthetic drugs, unregulated alcohol and counterfeit medication, which have been linked to the deaths of U.S. citizens in Mexico. 

Spring break travel tips

TSA Administrator David Pekoske said the agency is working to maintain its usual wait times of 30 minutes in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA precheck lanes. 

Tranportation Security Administration officials advised spring break travelers  in a release to account for extra time in "traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security screening and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight." 

TSA officials say to be patient – and those who are unruly at the airport or on their flight "may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges."

As always, they recommend travelers follow the rules when packing liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in carry-on luggage and remember to check alcohol and unloaded firearms. To get through checkpoints smoothly, officials recommend having your ID and boarding pass ready and to talk to a TSA officer if you don't want your photo taken by the facial recognition cameras used to detect fake IDs in 30 airports.

Other options to speed up your time with TSA: Passengers 18 or older can enroll in TSA precheck, which helps you skip long lines in the standard lanes. You can also call ahead for additional support like walking assistance and you can message TSA on social media if you have questions. 

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Caitlin O'Kane is a New York City journalist who works on the CBS News social media team as a senior manager of content and production. She writes about a variety of topics and produces "The Uplift," CBS News' streaming show that focuses on good news.

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A mom had her first baby at 25 and her second at 42. There were big differences.

  • Angela Lambert got pregnant at the age of 25, raising her child as a single mom.
  • She had her second child at the age of 42 with her partner of nine years.
  • The mom said the experiences were different in some ways and similar in others.

Insider Today

Angela Lambert was near the beginning of her nursing career when she found out she was pregnant at 24.

"I was in a casual relationship," she told Business Insider of the surprise news in 2004.

She said her boyfriend reacted by saying "he couldn't be bothered" to have a baby, and she barely saw him again.

But her family rallied around her. "My mom, dad, two sisters, and brother were amazing," she said.

Lambert described her daughter, Jasmin, now 18 and in college, as a "kind, smart introvert" and thought she would always be an only child.

But, after Lambert met her partner, Mark Lockitt, she realized she wanted another baby. Their daughter, Alyssa, was born in 2022 — more than 16 years after Jasmin.

Lambert, who was 25 when she had Jasmin, was 42 when Alyssa arrived. She said she was often asked what it was like to revisit diapers and nursing after such a long break.

People were also interested in the contrast between being a young, first-time, and mature second-time parent.

The 43-year-old described the differences, including the ways her body coped with pregnancy and birth at different ages.

The earlier pregnancy was easier

Lambert told Business Insider she had a simpler ride during her first pregnancy than her second.

"When I was expecting Alyssa, I remember phoning my mom, saying, "Why am I so tired all the time?'" she said.

"Mom is a very blunt speaker. 'It's because you were 24 when you had your last pregnancy, and you're not that age anymore,' she replied."

The biomedical scientist said she suffered bouts of morning sickness both times. But she " bounced back much faster" in the mid-2000s.

"I'd vomit and then just get on with things, as if nothing had happened," she said. "But, 16 years later, I felt constantly exhausted."

She said that she put on nearly twice as much weight with Alyssa than Jasmin — and the pounds had proven harder to shift as an older mom.

But, she said, she doesn't beat herself up about it.

"I belong to groups on Facebook for older moms dealing with pregnancy," Lambert went on. "We share the same concerns and can discuss them freely."

Related stories

She said social media made her feel "more supported" and "less alone" as a mom in her 40s in 2024. She said she was reassured by statistics that showed more women than ever were having babies in their 40s, creating a community for older moms.

Lambert experienced birth complications as an older mom

The mom said that she was in such little pain when she had Jasmin, she fell asleep "in the middle of pushing."

The labor lasted about 26 hours, but her 25-year-old body took it in stride.

"She was three and a half weeks early and only weighed 5 five pounds," Lambert said. "I was very lucky because everything went smoothly."

She recalled how the midwife "shouted 'Wake up!'" when the baby was crowning. "It didn't hurt at all until that point," she said.

The second time — when she was considered a " high-risk pregnancy " because of her older age — was more complicated.

"They monitored my blood pressure closely and saw that I was at risk of pre-eclampsia ," Lambert said. She experienced dizziness, headaches, and swollen legs and feet.

The doctors induced her at 39 weeks, and the labor lasted around six hours. Alyssa weighed 9 ounces more than Jasmin at birth.

"Mom was my birth partner with Jasmin, and Mark stepped up this time," Lambert, who had an epidural and "breathed through the contractions," said.

Lambert doesn't want her baby to look at her older sister as a parent figure

Lambert said her experience as a single mom was "unusual" because she moved in with her parents during her pregnancy. She stayed until Jasmin was 13 months old.

She said her mom, dad, brother, and older and younger sister surrounded them with "love and security." It helped because her two younger siblings were over decade younger than her. As a result, her mom wasn't "as far past" the diaper stage as she might have been.

Lambert said the veteran nurse from Hong Kong seized the opportunity to teach her daughter parenting techniques she grew up with .

"She would bring Jasmin to me to breastfeed and we established a regular sleep pattern ," the mom said. "The baby had her own bedroom at 6 months old. There were so many times in the middle of the night when my mom would just get up and go deal with her rather than me.

"Jasmin was an easy baby. When we moved out, I said to my mom, 'You were right about everything.'"

Lambert said that she and Lockitt, a 46-year-old IT worker, followed much of the same advice when Alyssa was born.

As for Jasmin, Lambert said she didn't want the teen to feel like she had "a responsibility" to "take care" of Alyssa because she was old enough to be her mother at the age of 18.

"When I was pregnant, people would say, 'Oh, you've got a built-in babysitter ,'" the mom said. "I'd correct them and say, "No, I want her to be a sister to her. Not a parent figure.'

"There's a big age gap — but I just want them to be friends."

Do you have a powerful story to share with Business Insider? Please send details to [email protected] .

Watch: This family is using their parental leave to travel the world with their baby

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  • Main content

Disneyland plan for long-term major development in Anaheim clears crucial hurdle

Dubbed DisneylandForward, the plan is not specific about what exactly Disney plans to build.

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Disney officials cleared one of the final hurdles Monday for its theme park expansion plan, which they say would jump-start at least $1.9 billion of new development at the Anaheim resort over the next 10 years.

The DisneylandForward project was approved Monday night on a 5-1 vote by the Anaheim Planning Commission after almost three years of reviews and analysis. The project next will go before the City Council.

“I want to thank each and every person who came tonight to speak their minds, whether you agreed, disagreed or were neutral,” said commission Chairperson Lucille Kring. “I want to thank Disney for bringing this to us. Make us proud.”

“Together we are unequivocally making history, just like Walt Disney did almost 70 years ago with the city of Anaheim and Disneyland,” Ken Potrock, president of the Disneyland Resort, said at the meeting before the vote. “It’s a tremendous responsibility for all of us and a privilege to be a steward of this vision for this very, very special place.”

The requested changes to the park’s zoning would allow Disney — a dominant figure in Anaheim politics — more flexibility to reimagine its existing 490-acre footprint in Anaheim over the next few decades, mixing new attractions, theme parks, shops, restaurants and parking to “provide for continued, long-term growth of The Disneyland Resort,” the latest city report said.

Dozens of disgruntled Anaheim residents and Disneyland fans alike attended the meeting to voice their opinions about the proposal.

John Noteboom, an Anaheim resident for 27 years, lives on the western edge of the Disneyland Resort with his wife.

“As some of the closest neighbors to the proposed theme park district of Disneyland on the west side of the park,” he said, “we’ve had nothing but cooperation from Disney anytime an issue has come up.”

However, not all the comments from residents were positive.

Jeanine Robbins, who has lived in Anaheim about half a mile from Disneyland for 33 years, brought up a class-action lawsuit that was filed against Walt Disney Co. last week, alleging that Disney underpaid hotel maintenance workers.

“When they can take care of their existing employees, then they can come back with this ridiculous proposal,” she said. “If you pay your employees so little that they require food stamps and rent assistance and homeless shelter beds, then you are not a job creator. You are simply a moocher on the public dime.”

Margaret Patino, who has lived near Disneyland for 45 years, raised concerns over Magic Way, a street near the resort, being privatized for the potential project.

“Restricting the foot traffic on Magic Way for only Disney guests who will have their keycards is unfair,” she said. “Neighboring hotels, motels will not have access, leaving the surrounding residents to deal with increased traffic on Ball [Road], Katella [Avenue] and losing the access to the 5 Freeway.”

Anaheim officials approved plans during the 1990s that led to the growth of Disneyland Resort in the newly formed Anaheim Resort area, according to the DisneylandForward website .

“And while those plans resulted in major improvements to the entire Anaheim Resort,” the site says, “their ‘traditional’ district/zone approach does not allow for the diverse, integrated experiences theme park visitors now seek, severely limiting Disney’s ability to continue investing in Anaheim.”

The project doesn’t include specific plans for new attractions, but Disney officials have offered a vision for possible additions, such as immersive Frozen, Zootopia, Tron or Peter Pan experiences similar to those at Disney’s locations in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The project promises a minimum $1.9-billion investment in the theme park, lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining within a decade, according to city officials.

Dubbed DisneylandForward, the plan is not specific about what exactly Disneyland plans to build, but it asks Anaheim to relax zoning rules and give Disney flexibility to construct new rides, hotels and stores alongside one another.

Disneyland’s new vision includes up to $2.5-billion investment and a plan to take over city streets

Disneyland’s plan to reimagine the theme park into a more “immersive” experience may require up to $2.5 billion and a plan to privatize some Anaheim streets.

Jan. 27, 2024

The city of Anaheim’s staff report on the project recommended the Planning Commission’s approval. The proposal now requires final approval from the City Council, likely in mid-April. Even though the new zoning has been approved, individual projects are still subject to city planning approval.

The proposal outlines an increase of 4,376 theme-park-related parking spaces, as well as a variety of traffic improvements, including adding bike lanes and pedestrian bridges and absorbing some local roadways into Disney’s oversight.

The expected development by Anaheim’s largest employer would generate significantly more economic output and tax revenue , according to an analysis commissioned by the Walt Disney Co. The new agreement, if approved, would also have Disney pony up $30 million for affordable housing within five years, $40 million for street and transportation improvements and $10 million for sewer upgrades.

“The DisneylandForward Project is expected to generate additional revenue to the city that will increase the city’s general fund to be used for a wide variety of public benefits, including funding police and fire personnel and resources, local school districts, parks, libraries, and capital improvements,” according to the city’s staff report.

Disney announced a proposal to overhaul its Anaheim resort with new attractions, shops, restaurants and entertainment. This rendering shows the additions of attractions and shops around the resort's Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.

Disneyland says renovation plans could bring $253 million annually to Anaheim’s economy

While Walt Disney Co. laid out a robust economic pitch to the city of Anaheim for plans to redevelop its existing theme park footprint, the company did not specify what exactly it wants to build.

May 18, 2023

The project’s environmental impact report found that the construction phase would have significant, unavoidable effects on noise pollution, air quality and greenhouse gas emissions in the surrounding community, but Disney officials cited mitigation measures, including installing 12-foot-tall noise barriers.

Many nearby residents and businesses have expressed concerns throughout the lengthy review process about noise, traffic, increased crime or pollution — but there was also much support for the project at a city workshop last month .

Some have also called on Disney to invest more in the community, given the scale of this project and how many of the company’s low-wage workers struggle to make ends meet.

Duane Roberts, the editor and publisher of website Anaheim Investigator , pointed to the massive Walt Disney Co.-funded 1,400 unit affordable housing project near Disney World in Central Florida, calling the promised $30 million for affordable housing in Anaheim “puny.” He said he wasn’t necessarily opposed to the DisneylandForward project, but wanted city officials to push for more local support from Disney.

“Why are we getting so little as compared to Florida?” Roberts asked city officials last month. “Do we not, like them, have a housing crisis in this state?”

More to Read

Anaheim, CA - January 26: The main castle is seen during a 100 year celebrations focusing on the Walt Disney Co. turning 100 at Disneyland on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 in Anaheim, CA. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times).

The 3-day SoCal resident ticket returns to Disneyland, starting at $75 per day

Nov. 28, 2023

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 18: Disneyland on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Anaheim, CA. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

California Supreme Court ends Disneyland’s fight against Anaheim wage law

Oct. 25, 2023

ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 18: Disneyland on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Anaheim, CA. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Disneyland announces another round of price hikes in time for the holiday season

Oct. 11, 2023

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long term travel with baby

Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchy’s publications, including the Sacramento Bee. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. In her free time, she enjoys hikes, skiing and a good Brooklyn bagel.

long term travel with baby

Grace Toohey is a reporter at the Los Angeles Times covering breaking news for the Fast Break Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Sentinel and the Advocate in Baton Rouge. Toohey is a Maryland native and proud Terp.

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IMAGES

  1. 11 Genius Airplane Travel Tips for Traveling With a Baby

    long term travel with baby

  2. 13 Essentials For Traveling With Baby

    long term travel with baby

  3. Long Term Travel with Kids: How Do We Do It?

    long term travel with baby

  4. How To Travel With a BABY!

    long term travel with baby

  5. How to travel overseas with a baby

    long term travel with baby

  6. Top 10 Tips For Traveling With A Baby in 2023

    long term travel with baby

COMMENTS

  1. How I've kept traveling -- even after having a baby

    Extra clothing for both you and your baby (yes, trust me, you need a backup outfit just in case). Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures can vary). Pacifier and clip (and backup). Comfort toy or blanket. Extra diapers (enough for an unexpected delay). Formula/breast milk/pump.

  2. 33 Essentials for Traveling with a Baby (& what to leave at home)

    Try to sneak in an on-the-go nap every once in a while instead of laying your baby down for a nap. Stroller naps, car seat naps, carrier naps and even boob snoozes are all good ways to practice nap flexibility! For longer trips: plan to stay somewhere with a laundry machine and dishwasher every week or two.

  3. Flying With a Baby

    A passport for international flights. All U.S. citizens, including newborns, need their own passports to fly internationally. To obtain one for your baby, you'll need to use the DS-11 form and apply together in person, so plan ahead. For domestic flights, babies and children under 18 don't need a passport or an ID. Her birth certificate.

  4. Ultimate Guide to Travel With a Baby: Including Expert Tips

    Best Time to Travel with a Baby by Age (3 Months to 1 Year) Traveling with a baby can be a rewarding experience, but the best time to travel largely depends on your baby's age. Traveling with a 3-month-old Baby. At three months old, babies are starting to develop a routine, and their immune systems are becoming stronger.

  5. Traveling With An Infant: What To Expect?

    Congrats on the great news! it's fairly easy to travel with lap infants actually-- for long international flights, many airlines have bassinet seats in business class, which helps a lot when baby is less than 6 months old. I used LH and Swiss business class when my daughter was a lap infant.

  6. Air travel with infant: Is it safe?

    Answer From Jay L. Hoecker, M.D. Air travel is typically safe for most healthy, full-term infants after the first few weeks. Air travel may not be a good idea for babies born before their due date, called premature or pre-term. Babies born early may still need time for their lungs to mature. So check with a healthcare professional before flying ...

  7. 37 Tips for Traveling with Infants & Older Babies

    Whether traveling with your infant, older baby, or toddler by car or plane, double-check any car seats you use for safety. Look up the expiration date to make sure the seat hasn't expired, and ensure that it's properly installed. 9. Keep Feedings and Sleep Schedules Consistent.

  8. How to pack

    Here's a list of items you may want to keep in your carry-on bag: Extra clothing for you and your baby. Layers of clothing or blankets (plane temperatures are often extreme). Pacifier and clip (and backup). Comfort toy (s) or blanket. Extra diapers. Formula. Breast pump. Snacks (for you and your baby).

  9. Baby Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with an

    Protect Your Baby's Sleep. If you're staying in a hotel, make sure you utilize a "do not disturb" sign during your baby's naps. That way, your child won't wake up if someone knocks on the door. If ...

  10. Everything You Need to Know About Traveling With a Baby

    JetBlue will allow infants as young as 3 days old to fly, but between three and 14 days you will need a doctor's letter of approval. However, it is generally recommended that you wait a few months ...

  11. 40 Practical & Encouraging Tips for Traveling with a Baby

    31. Take advantage of room service (or takeout & delivery!) After a long day of exploring Portland with a baby, takeout pizza was just what the doctor ordered! Pre-baby, this was never something I'd do, but having dinner in your hotel or Airbnb can be really convenient (especially after a long day of exploring!).

  12. Tips for taking a long-term trip with kids

    Arrange time apart. For everyone's sanity, it's a good idea to spend some time away from your kids once in a while. Take it in turns to watch them while one of you gets some alone time, hire a babysitter and have a grown-up night out, or treat yourself to a stay in a hotel with a kids' club. Allowing your kids a break from each other can ...

  13. 10 Benefits of Traveling with a Baby

    To see the long-term benefits of traveling with a baby, hop over to our Family Can Travel blog to see that we still love to travel the world as a family, even as the kids grow older. Baby travelers grow to be great big kid travelers! (Cartagena, Colombia) 6. Learn to be Flexible.

  14. The Best Baby Travel Essentials Guide

    The Good News About Traveling With Baby . The best part about traveling with a baby is that babies are (usually) pretty adaptable. Really! As long as you provide the essentials — a quality sleep environment, regular meals, lots of cuddles — most babies barely seem to notice their change in environment.. Additionally, a lot of babies find car or plane trips very soothing, and can (sometimes ...

  15. Long Haul Flight with a 1-Year-Old (A-Z Guide for Parents)

    We started traveling with our son when he was 3 months old and the same documentation that we needed then is needed for him at one-year-old. It will depend on your exact circumstances, but here is a list of the 6 documents that you may need for traveling with your baby: Passport. Birth certificate. Boarding Pass.

  16. What to Pack When Traveling With Baby

    Wipes, lots of them. A changing pad. Diaper cream (no more than 3.4 ounces if you're flying by plane) Two bibs. Three baby blankets that you can use as burp cloths or to cover yourself up with while breastfeeding. Two bottles (if you use them) Change of clothes for your baby.

  17. 6 Expert Tips to Travel With a 2 Year Old

    2. Backpack Diaper Bags are a Must. They still can hang off the stroller, but after a long day of sightseeing, with possibly baby wearing on top of that, a backpack diaper bag rather than a one strap messenger style bag, is a lifesaver (ok maybe just a back saver, but I love it.) 3.

  18. Travelling with a baby

    In the absence of specific guidelines for travelling long-term with a baby, the NHS recommends avoiding countries where vaccinations are necessary — for example, babies younger than six months can't receive a vaccination against yellow fever because of the risk of developing encephalitis, while babies younger than two months can't take ...

  19. Long Term Travel with Kids: How Do We Do It?

    Long term travel isn't for everyone. I get that. Add kids to the mix and it becomes a less desirable option for many people. The goal of my blog isn't to encourage you to quit your job, pull your kids out of school and travel full time. I'm here to inspire anyone who wants to travel, with their kids, whatever their budget. There's value ...

  20. 29 parent-approved tips on traveling with babies and toddlers : NPR

    Last month, Life Kit asked parents to share their go-to advice for traveling with babies and toddlers under age 2 as part of an episode we did on the subject. Over 200 folks responded with tips ...

  21. Best Tips for Long Term Travel with Kids

    For families taking off for a month (or more), here are some useful tips for pulling off long term travel with the whole crew!

  22. Tips for a Road Trip With a Baby: How to Survive the Long Drive

    Pack milk for the ride if your baby is too young for water. Sipping yogurt - Driving may take away the baby's appetite. Sipping yogurt is easy to eat in the car, will fill them up a bit, and often tastes good enough to entice them to eat. Finger foo ds - Beef jerky, cheese puffs, finger sandwiches.

  23. Our Once In A Lifetime 6 Month Trip Itinerary

    Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Koh Phi Phi - Krabi - Khao Sok - Koh Samui - Koh Tao. This list is in chronological order of where we visited on our 6 month travel itinerary, with a few exceptions. We went to Italy, Spain, and Germany twice, but I've listed each of those countries based on the first time we visited.

  24. How to RV With Babies on Board

    RV travel with a baby will usually add a deal of time on your journey. Plan for this. A two-hour trip could take three to four hours or a half day trip could take an entire day. If you expect this, you will be better prepared for delays with your travel plans. Flexibility is the key to traveling with children in general, no matter their age.

  25. CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations

    CDC released today updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers.

  26. Miami Beach is "breaking up with spring break." Here are the rules they

    Still, travelers across the U.S. are expected to come out in droves for the annual spring fling, with travel volume ahead of spring break up 6% compared to the same time period in 2023, according ...

  27. Average long-term US mortgage rate declines

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — Home loan-borrowing costs fell for the second week in a row, pulling the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate to its lowest level since early February — good news for ...

  28. Assessing the Value of Travel Insurance for Your Trips

    Travel insurance costs can range from 4% to 12% of your total trip cost. Travel insurance is best for trips that are long, expensive, nonrefundable, and international. Vacations can be very expensive.

  29. Experience of Late Pregnancy After a Long Gap: What It's Like

    But, after Lambert met her partner, Mark Lockitt, she realized she wanted another baby. Their daughter, Alyssa, was born in 2022 — more than 16 years after Jasmin. Lambert, who was 25 when she ...

  30. Disneyland plan for long-term major development in Anaheim clears

    Disney officials cleared one of the final hurdles Monday for its theme park expansion plan, which they say would jump-start at least $1.9 billion of new development at the Anaheim resort over the ...