Why We Choose to Travel with Little Kids (And Why You Should, Too!)

Think traveling with little kids isn’t worth it? Think again. We’re breaking down the myths and sharing why we choose to travel with our toddlers, along with tips to help you feel confident doing it too.

Why We Choose to Travel with Little Kids (And Why You Should, Too!)

There’s a really funny picture of me and my then 20-month-old in the subway system in New York City. We’d just survived our first flight with him and our 3-month-old and he was dragging. It was a big day on his little legs and we were running up against nap time! It was in that moment, seeing both of our faces, that I realized just how difficult traveling with little kids is. Despite the difficulty, we’ve continued to push the boundaries of travel with our littles. Why? Because we earnestly believe in it as a staple for our family – and I think you should, too.

Myths, Debunked

Myth 1: It’s Too Stressful

Listen, I hear you on this one. The stress in my face and the exhaustion in my son’s face in the NYC subway photo speaks volumes. While a trip with littles can be extremely stressful (nap times, new timezones, different surroundings and food… the list goes on), it comes down to embracing the challenges – and laughing about it. When we found ourselves caught in a torrential downpour without umbrellas or rain gear, we could have stressed out. But we chose to literally dance in the rain! Embrace the suck, as my dad used to say – your trip will be better for it.

Myth 2: It’s Too Expensive

Traveling with kids doesn’t need to be a luxury resort or a 10-day Disney adventure every time. If you can and want to afford that, awesome! But if you don’t want to or can’t, that’s OK. Travel comes in all sizes and budgets. We love long weekend trips and even tent-camp with our babies! We understand everyone’s budgets are different – and we believe there are trips for every budget.

Myth 3: They Won’t Remember It

Ahhh this is my favorite. But they won’t remember it, they say! Sure, maybe they won’t remember the details if they’re really little. But they will remember how you and the trip made them feel. They will remember the adventurous spirit you are building in them. And they will remember the fun feelings they had throughout their childhood. Need I say more?

My Best Tips (So Far)

Traveling with little kids can be a rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning to keep things smooth and stress-free. Start with preparation and packing—make a checklist of essentials like snacks, toys, extra clothes, and any comfort items that help your child feel secure. Don’t forget the basics like diapers and wipes!

When it comes to choosing kid-friendly destinations, look for places with family-oriented activities, easy access to amenities, and flexible schedules. Destinations with parks, interactive museums, or beaches often provide the perfect balance of fun and relaxation for both kids and parents.

Maintaining your child’s routine while traveling can be key to a smooth trip. Try to stick to their usual nap times and meal schedules as much as possible, even if it means taking breaks or planning activities around these key times. Bring familiar items like a favorite blanket or bedtime book to help maintain a sense of normalcy in new environments.

Dealing with Challenges on the Road

When challenges arise, because they will, we believe you can overcome them! Take them one step at a time and try to view them from the lens of your inner child. What would a child think about a delay in the airport? More time to play! What would a child think about sickness on a trip? Wow, I’m so lucky to have my mommy to cuddle me all day and take care of me. It’s all about perspective.

Adventure awaits.

I’d also suggest (from experience) talking out the struggles as they happen! If you’re an external processor, like me, call a friend up and tell them about it. They might have some good suggestions – and maybe even be able to laugh about it with you. Managing kids on vacation is no joke, but we believe you can do it, even with any hurdles it may throw your way.

Wheels Up, Baby!

There’s no doubt about it. Traveling with kids is straight up HARD! But family adventures and making life-long memories together are so worth it. Embracing the challenges that come your way and ignoring the lies that society tells you about traveling with little kids is key. Together, with your friends at Kidgo, you can do this. Say it with me – you can do this!