Travelling with toddlers
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Travelling with toddlers. Part 1
Travelling is always and adventure, but travelling with toddlers is a challenge. There are several points to take into account. The following list is not exhaustive but will help to plan a family vacation.
- 1) Decide on the place. When you are travelling with toddlers you can take liberties on your destination. You do not need to choose Disneyland or theme parks as they are too young to enjoy all the attractions. It is a good time to choose "easy destinations" . For example, a beach holiday can be a good option, especially to a club that includes activities for young children and a crèche service. Mountain trips are also fun for toddlers and parents. Cities are more difficult, especially the crowded ones. However, if you choose a city, include in your itinerary plenty of parks and the zoo. We visited Rome with our 2 year old daughter and we all had a great time visiting outdoor attractions like the Roman Foro; we also visited the Roman zoo and plenty of lovely parks. It is the perfect opportunity to mix with the local parents and learn about the culture.
- 2) Your plane trip. Most airlines are very helpful if you let them know in advance that you are travelling with toddlers. You can get special seats and extra space to accommodate your angels. You can also request when booking your ticket special "baby meals". If you are having a long flight, is better to choose a night flight, that way your children will sleep for most of the trip.
- 3) Pack light on nappies, baby food and toys. You do not need to pack loads of nappies and baby food. In most places (yes, even in third world countries!) you will find an equivalent of the nappies and baby food that your children eat at home.
- 4) Pack plenty of clothes for your children, they will get dirty and you do not want to be doing any washing up when you are on holiday.
- 5) If you are travelling by car, invest in a car video player for the children. Last year we travel the whole of Italy from North to South with our 5 and 2 year old children and they did not mind at all the long journeys as they were entertained watching their favourites DVDs.
- 6) Meal times can be a problem, but this does not mean that you need to eat Mac Donalds every night! For me the best part of travelling is to taste the regional cuisine. Unfortunate with young children this is difficult. In France, Spain and Italy most restaurants do not even have baby sits, so it would be a good idea to travel with your own. We bought a portable baby sit from Mothercare -it doubles as a handbag- and it has been great. Also, children's menus in Europe can be very different to the food your child is used to -i.e. children in France are use to eating green beans instead of chips- but most restaurants will make allowances and prepare a small baby dish if you request it.
Travelling with toddlers and young children can be as stressful or enjoyable as you make it. A little bit of planning and knowing your child can make a world of difference.
Beach vacations with toddlers
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Rough Guide to Travel with Babies & Young Children
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Baby's Day Out in Southern California: Fun Places to Go With Babies and Toddlers
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Backpacking With Babies and Small Children: A Guide to Taking the Kids Along on Day Hikes, Overnighters and Long Trail Trips
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Comments
Great advice. When my children were toddlers, we didn't venture far from home fearing so many things!
Hi Kenny, we have gone to the other extreme and taken our children around Europe and America... they are already on their second passport and they are only 6 and 3 !
Love this. Thanks! Traveling with a little one can be a challenge. I'm also enjoying your hubs on France.
Good hub! I also have an article about traveling with children, but it's about a specific place I traveled to. Yours is actual tips. Nice job!
Great hub Princessa! Hey, have you taught your kids any new languages these days?
Seamus: You are right, travelling with children can be a challenge to say the least!
NateRider: I read your hub, it has some great places to visit with children.
WeddingConsultant: thanks for the comment. I am not teaching the children any new languages. I think they have enough for the moment coping with 3. However, they keep picking up some Italian from our trips to Italy. So who knows... maybe they will teach themselves Italian!







kango says:
8 months ago
Princessa. thank you for the tips on planning family trips with toddlers. I like the beach idea which both the parents and kids can have a great time.