9 Essential Tips for Parents Traveling with Toddlers: Ensuring a Smooth Trip

Traveling annually with two toddlers has taught me a powerful truth: vacations with little ones aren't about perfection. They're about preparation, patience, and those magical, fleeting moments when your child’s face lights up in a new place. As a travel blogger, I’ve learned (and lived through) every high and low of toddler travel. Whether it’s a mid-air diaper disaster or a suitcase packed like Mary Poppins’ bag, I know how vital expert advice and real-life wisdom can be. That’s why I reached out to nine thought leaders who know what it takes to survive—and thrive—when traveling with toddlers. Here's what they had to say.

1. Master Toddler Travel with Smart Routines — Cory Arsic, Founder, Canadian Parent

Cory Arsic emphasizes the importance of routine: "Start by adhering to your home routine as far as possible for your toddler. That means regular meal times and sleeping times—even when you're 30,000 feet in the air."

He suggests booking flights during natural nap times and packing essentials like:

• A well-stocked diaper bag

• Extra outfits

• Fun distractions (toys, books, pre-loaded tablet)

• A travel pillow or blanket

• A lightweight stroller for those endless airport gates

Cory’s ultimate advice? Flexibility. Not every moment will go as planned—and that’s okay.

2. Slow Down and Pack Smart — Chinyelu Karibi-Whyte,  Budget Travel Enthusiast & Guide, Tripping Eagle

"Toddlers don’t care about your schedule. They want to explore, snack, nap, cry, snack again… and that’s okay," says Chinyelu.

Her advice is to:

• Keep your itinerary light (one major activity per day)

• Build in lots of time for transitions

• Rely on snacks, sticker books, and pre-downloaded shows

Her packing list includes:

• Lightweight stroller

• Toddler carrier

• Spill-proof water bottle

• Wipes (more than you think)

• Comfort item

• Toddler-friendly headphones

• Extra clothes—for everyone

"Give yourself grace, breathe through the chaos, and enjoy the magic in the little moments."

3. The 90-Minute Rule — Joe Hawtin, Marin County Visitor

Joe’s golden rule? "Never plan more than 90 minutes of activity without a real movement break."

He shared a Disneyland story where everything turned around once a 3-year-old got 15 minutes of fountain playtime. His other go-to advice includes creating a "sensory emergency kit" with:

• Noise-canceling headphones

• Fidget toy

• Calming essential oil

• Familiar snacks

• Emergency tablet

Want to go the extra mile? Make a toddler-friendly visual schedule with drawings or photos. Let your toddler move activities from "To Do" to "Done." This adds predictability and helps manage transitions.

4. Plan Around Their Schedule — Desiree Teng, Executive Assistant, Singapore Mummy

Desiree champions planning trips around your toddler’s rhythm—especially sleep. She also encourages parents to talk to toddlers about the trip beforehand: “Prepare them with simple explanations about what to expect.”

Her packing essentials include:

• Diapers and wipes

• Milk formula and bibs

• Toddler-safe toiletries

• Lightweight stroller and carrier

• Travel pillow

• Snacks and books

• Tablet with toddler apps and headphones

• Passports, IDs, and any essential medication

"Make it as familiar as possible, and you’ll notice fewer meltdowns and more smiles."

5. Potty Training Tip: Vommats — May Borras, Founder, Vommat, Inc.

If you’ve ever worried about nighttime accidents or hotel bedding, May’s got your back: "Bring Vommats. They’re eco-friendly, waterproof disposable sheets. Quiet, thin, and easy to pack."

They're lifesavers if your toddler is potty training or newly trained. No more midnight laundry or nervous bedtimes in new places.

6. Extra Time + Preparation — Georgi Petrov, CMO,AIG MARKETER

Georgi knows the power of buffer time. "Plan extra time for every part of your journey—security, boarding, bathroom breaks. You’ll reduce stress tenfold."

Entertainment is everything, too:

• Pack toys and books

• Download shows ahead of time

• Load up a snack bag with healthy faves

"And always pack a change of clothes for both you and your toddler. You’ll thank me after the first spill."

7. Plan Around Toddler Rhythms — Chris Brewer, Managing Director, Best Retreats

Chris stresses syncing travel with natural toddler rhythms: nap time and bedtime are your best friends when it comes to booking flights.

His other game-changers:

• Prepare your toddler by talking about the trip

• Practice waiting at home (like airport lines)

• Pack familiar snacks and offer them every 2–3 hours

• Bring simple toys and rotate them hourly

His pro-tip? Do a mini-test run with your full toddler kit on a local outing. "Learn what frustrates and what calms your kid before the real thing."

8. Flexibility is Everything — Mohammed Kamal, Olavivo

Mohammed reminds us that toddler travel is all about balance. He advises:

• Choosing family-friendly accommodations

• Keeping a flexible itinerary

• Leaving buffer time between activities

• Letting toddlers pick their snacks or toys for a sense of involvement

When toddlers feel like part of the journey, they're more likely to cooperate. That means smoother transitions and fewer battles.

9. Book Flights Around Nap Time - Amir Husen, Content Writer, SEO Specialist & Associate, ICS Legal

One expert’s golden rule? Book flights during nap times.

"Plan travel around their sleep. Use early morning or evening flights, and pack:"

• Snacks and water

• A favorite toy

• Extra diaper bag

• Wipes, diapers, change of clothes

• A mini first aid kit

• Travel potty if needed

• Tablet with toddler content

"A comfy toddler equals a relaxed flight." Simple, and oh-so-effective.

My Real-Life Toddler Travel Diary

As a parent who’s braved 12-hour flights, cross-country car rides, and multiple resorts mishaps with two toddlers in tow, I blend expert advice with hard-won lessons:

• Stick to your routines. Even if it’s just maintaining bedtime rituals—like reading their favorite story—you’ll notice a sense of calm.

• Don’t overpack, but don’t underpack either. Know your essentials (snacks, comfort items, diapers, meds) and streamline the rest.

• Always pack an extra outfit—for everyone. If you’re flying, place it in your carry-on. Milk spills, diaper leaks, and sticky fingers don’t care about your travel plans.

• Lightweight, foldable gear is gold. Stroller, carrier, backpack diaper bag—all should work with you, not against you.

• Expect delays and meltdowns. They will happen. Stay calm and be flexible.

Final Takeaway: You’ve Got This

Traveling with toddlers is not a picture-perfect Instagram reel. It’s messy, magical, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. You’re not doing it wrong just because your kid cried for 30 minutes in an airport lounge.

Lean into preparation, stay flexible, and choose joy—even in the chaos. With expert-backed strategies and a sprinkle of real-world grace, you can have a smooth, memorable trip.

Your toddlers won’t remember the airport tantrums, but they will remember being held on a beach at sunset, chasing pigeons in a new plaza, or falling asleep on your lap during a magical train ride.

Bon voyage, fellow traveler. May your snacks never run out, your stroller always fold easily, and your little ones embrace the adventure.

Follow @BitsStyleJourney for more family travel insights, self-care on-the-go tips, and the art of traveling well—chaos and all.