If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I even bother traveling with a toddler?” you’re not alone.
People will tell you, “Don’t do it.” That it’s a waste of money. That your kid won’t remember a thing. That it’s too much work, too much stuff, and nowhere near relaxing.
And honestly? Some of that’s true.
But after traveling with my 2 kids across California, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. starting when they were both still in diapers, I can tell you: it’s not easy (life with toddlers rarely is). But it’s also so, so worth it.
Those trips gave us some of the most joy-filled, hilarious, and unexpectedly magical moments as a family.
I started this blog because I want other parents to know you don’t have to wait. You can still go! You just do it differently.
In this post, I’ll share why we keep traveling with toddlers, what makes it worth it, what challenges we faced, and when it might actually make sense for your family too.
Why People Say You Shouldn’t Travel With Toddlers
Let’s be real. If you’ve ever floated the idea of taking your toddler on a trip, someone has probably raised an eyebrow or said, “Are you sure about that?”
Here’s what they usually say:
“They won’t remember it”
Probably not. My daughter doesn’t remember the blue statues in London or the pancake boat ride ride in Rotterdam.
But I do.
I remember my 2.5-year-old daughter waving and saying “bye train” at every subway we got off in Paris. I remember her pointing at a photo of herself in London and, for the first time ever, saying “Serena” instead of “you.”
I remember my 1.5-year-old son gleefully sharing juicy mango slices with me at a night market in Vietnam, right before he knocked the whole bag onto the street. And I definitely remember how furious he was when I wouldn’t let him eat one off the curb.
They might not remember the details. But I do.
And those memories with them mean more to me than any souvenir I could buy.
“They’re unpredictable, and it’s not relaxing”
Nope. It’s not completely relaxing. But I’ve never found parenting a toddler relaxing anyway.
Sure, there are times when you wish you were lounging on a beach with a drink instead of wiping spilled smoothie off your shorts. But toddlers aren’t exactly zen at home either. They’re going to cry, whine, and throw their shoes no matter where you are.
I think the biggest meltdown my daughter had was actually outside a local coffee shop only 5 minutes from my house, not on a vacation.
In my experience, toddlers tend to do better on vacation because they’re excited to see all the new things around them, the fountains, the statues, the buses or motorbikes going by.
And every now and then, you can relax when you find them an open space of grass or sand or a playground. They can just entertain themselves. Even better, when there is 2 of them or even more kids their age.
And honestly? If I’m going to deal with a tantrum, I’d rather it be in a place that excites me too. A cool city. A new country. Somewhere I’ve actually been wanting to go.
“It’s too much work and too much stuff”
Okay yes. You will have to pack snacks, diapers and wipes, and backup clothes into a bag wherever you go, but don’t you carry a diaper bag to the park anyway?
Yes, you might be hauling a diaper bag, a stroller, a carrier, and sometimes a car seat onto a flight. But in my experience, you don’t need to bring the whole toy bin to keep your toddler happy. You really don’t.
At least with travel, there’s a reward: new experiences, different food, and the kind of chaos that makes the best stories later (oh and bonus when you get better coffee or craft beer).
And if the choice is between staying home and not traveling at all, or bringing my kids along for the adventure, I’m choosing the adventure every time.
👉 Get my best packing tips for traveling with a toddler.
Why Traveling With Toddlers Is Worth It
If you’re still wondering is it worth going on holiday with a toddler? or should I travel with a toddler at all?, here’s what I’ve found after doing it again and again.
1. You’ll Remember It, and That Matters
Your toddler might not remember the view of the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre museum, but you will remember the way they clapped for a street performer or fell asleep with a croissant in hand.
These trips break up the routine of parenting. They pull you out of the “wake up, eat, play, repeat” cycle and drop you somewhere new, together. Even when things go sideways, those are the memories that stick the most. And often, they become the stories you tell for years.
2. Because You Still Want to Travel
You don’t stop wanting to travel just because you have kids. I didn’t — and I’m guessing you don’t either.
Honestly, if my kid’s going to throw a tantrum, I’d rather it happen while I’m sipping a café au lait in Paris than while I’m reheating chicken nuggets at home.
And here’s the wild part: they actually love it. Kids feed off your excitement. When you’re thrilled to explore a park or food hall or try new foods, they get hyped too. It’s double the joy.
3. They’re excited to Be With You (And It’s the Sweetest)
Toddlers are in a stage where they want to be around you all the time. This is a short window when they still think you’re the coolest person on Earth. They’re excited to see you walk through the door. They’re pumped to go anywhere with you, even if it’s just the grocery store .
When you tell them what’s on the plan for the day, they light up. Sometimes, they’re even more excited than you are. They’re your biggest cheerleaders.
Traveling with them during this stage means sharing that joy and wonder side by side. You won’t always be this adored, so soak it up.
4. It Strengthens Family Bonding
Something shifts when you’re all in a new place together — you become a little travel team.
I’m not saying this because I read it somewhere. I’ve lived it.
After our first big 2-week trip to Europe with our 2.5-year-old, I felt closer to her in a way I didn’t expect. We weren’t just surviving the day — we were discovering side by side. I already felt like we were close (after all, I breastfed her and worked remotely with her at home), but during that trip, she grew so much closer to her dad too. It was perfect timing, since I was 7 months pregnant and about to spend more time with the new baby.
Then, during our 4-week trip to Vietnam with our 1.5-year-old son and almost-4-year-old daughter, my son suddenly became super attached to my husband — and still is at age 2.
Maybe dad’s just more fun on vacation. Or maybe it’s because he’s the one doing most of the carrying.
And in that trip, not only did our kids get closer to us, they got closer to each other, which is something I didn’t expect at all.
Even if they don’t remember the city or the day, they remember the feeling — of safety, adventure, and being seen. And that’s what really sticks.
5. It’s Actually Good for Toddlers
Wondering is traveling good for toddlers? Yep, turns out it really is.
Their brains are growing like crazy in the first five years. Every new thing, including sounds, textures, languages, foods, helps spark development. Travel teaches them to adapt, go with the flow, and problem-solve.
It’s not just good for you, it’s good for them.
6. You Save Money When They’re Little
Want a practical reason? Travel is cheaper when they’re young.
- Kids under 2 fly free on domestic flights as lap infants.
- On international flights, you usually pay just 10% of the adult fare for lap infants.
- Most buses and trains are free for kids under 5.
- Some attractions are free for kids under 2 or 3.
Once they need their own seat and tickets? The price goes way up.
7. No School Schedule to Work Around
One more practical perk: no school calendar to plan around.
You can travel in the off-season, skip the holiday crowds, and avoid those peak prices. Once your kids hit kindergarten, that freedom gets a lot harder to find.
My Favorite Travel Moments With Toddlers
Traveling with toddlers is never boring. Between the belly laughs and the meltdowns, you collect a treasure trove of moments—some that make you beam, others that test your patience.
Here are some of ours.
Serena in Europe at 2.5 years old
- Dancing on a wooden bench to live music at a food hall in Rotterdam—pure joy. We got so many smiles and compliments as she twirled in her little onesie.
- Waving at the bright blue statues in London. She adored them but wouldn’t go near them.
- Saying “bye train” to every subway that pulled away. Her tiny voice repeating it still melts me.
Huntington in Vietnam at 1.5 years old
- Eating ripe mango slices at a night market—until he knocked the whole bag onto the street and had a full meltdown when I wouldn’t let him eat it off the curb.
- Pooping mid-walk, right in the middle of an open night market. Toddlers have impeccable timing.
The landmarks were cool, sure. But it’s these sweet, weird little moments that have stuck with me the most.
Tips for Traveling With Toddlers
If you’re thinking, “This sounds nice, but how do I actually do it?”, here’s a quick peek at what’s helped us travel without totally losing our minds.
- Go slower than you think you need to. Toddlers aren’t built for jam-packed itineraries. Plan fewer activities, add buffer time, and let playground or park stops be part of the fun.
- Bring a carrier or stroller — your back will thank you. They’ll get tired. You’ll get tired. This one’s a lifesaver, whether you’re exploring a city or just navigating an airport.
- Don’t underestimate snacks, toys, and candy. Snacks solve everything. A couple lightweight toys keep hands busy. And candy? That’s your emergency plan for getting them to sit, stay, or stop screaming right now.
- Pick where you stay wisely. Walkability, a kitchen or fridge, and easy access to food and playgrounds or pools can make the difference between chaos and calm.
- Use screens strategically. Save tablets or shows for flights, delays, or long meals when you just need a breather — and download them ahead of time.
👉 Still anxious? Get more real-life, mom-tested tips that’ll help you survive (and maybe even enjoy) your next trip with a toddler.
My Real Challenges Traveling With Toddlers
At 2 years old, just trying to leave the cruise room
Huntington was in full meltdown mode yelling, “Daddy! I want Daddy do it!” My husband had already left with our oldest. No combo of sock/shoe negotiation worked. I ended up stuffing the shoes in my pocket and hauling him out like a sack of potatoes.
At 2.5 years old, in the Netherlands
Serena hated the toddler seat on the bike tour. After 10 minutes, she had enough and refused to stay in it. Bryan ended up biking with her in the carrier instead, so that we could continue the bike tour without yelling. Not ideal (and probably not the safest thing to do either), but it got us through.
At 3, in the Philippines
She completely lost it when there was no orange juice in the fridge. We were surrounded by family, and I felt every pair of eyes on us. I scooped her up, whispered “nap time,” and hid in a quiet room and turned off the lights until she fell asleep.
At 3.5 years old, mid-flight to Taipei
Ten hours into a 15-hour flight, Serena shouted, “OUT! I want OUT!” I stayed calm, acknowledged her frustration, and eventually distracted her with “I Spy.” Crisis averted—barely.
👉 Worried toddler tantrums will ruin your trip? This is exactly what helped us get through them.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It to Travel With a Toddler?
Yes! A thousand times yes.
Is it easy? No!
There will be tantrums when they’re overtired, skipped naps, spilled snacks, and moments when you seriously question your choices. But there will also be wide-eyed wonder, belly laughs, spontaneous dance parties, and that indescribable feeling of seeing the world through your toddler’s eyes.
The truth is, life with toddlers is already messy and unpredictable. You might as well be messy and unpredictable somewhere new and exciting. Somewhere you actually want to be.
You don’t have to wait until your kids are older to start making travel memories. You can go now. It’ll be different, but it’ll still be good. Sometimes better.
And years from now, when they’re big and busy, you’ll be glad you went. You’ll remember the train goodbyes, the food hall dance parties, the mango fiasco in the middle of the street.
They might not remember every detail. But they’ll remember how it felt to explore the world with you. And you’ll have all these wonderful memories with them that you can cherish and share with them again and again.
And honestly, that’s what makes it worth it.
👉 Want extra help to make the next trip fun and manageable? See my best tips for traveling with toddlers.
