Question 1

What’s the best age to start traveling with kids?

Accepted Answer

There’s no perfect age — just different trade-offs. Babies are portable but unpredictable. Toddlers are fun but need more structure. We started early and adjusted our expectations.

We started traveling with my daughter at 2 months on her first road trip and my son as a newborn, and we’ve done trips with both a baby and a toddler in tow, and then eventually 2 toddlers.

Every age has its own kind of chaos, but also its own kind of magic.

Question 2

How many activities should we plan per day?

Accepted Answer

Our magic number is two to three: one toddler-friendly activity, one or two meals out, and maybe a little something for the adults. Leave room for naps, snacks, and wiggle time.

Question 3

How long should our family trip be?

Accepted Answer

Usually 3 days to 1 week is usually our sweet spot. Long enough to settle in, short enough to not feel totally wiped out. If you're visiting multiple places, build in recovery days. You’ll need it.

Question 4

Do we need to pack a stroller and a carrier?

Accepted Answer

If your child can’t walk for 30 minutes straight without complaint, I’d bring a stroller, carrier, or both.

Depends on your destination and travel style. For cities with cobblestones or lots of stairs, we prefer carriers. On road trips or long days of walking, the stroller wins.

Question 5

What’s the best way to handle naps while traveling?

Accepted Answer

Be flexible. We've done naps in carriers, strollers, on buses, or just skipped them. Some sleep is better than none, and tired kids will crash eventually.

If they're way too overtired and cranky, reset back at the hotel or vacation rental.

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