Travelling with Young Children: Why It’s the Best Time to Explore the World
As a parent of a 2-year-old miracle child, I’ve been blessed with the chance to share my love for travel with my son, Forrest, from a very young age. In fact, he had his passport the minute I got his birth certificate! While it may sound indulgent, travelling with young children is not just about escaping for a holiday; it’s about exposing them to rich history, different cultures, and new experiences that will shape them as they grow.
We don’t have piles of money or designer clothes. Instead, we prioritise our passion for travel. We don’t buy fancy cars or splurge on an expensive house; instead, we save for our trips, making every experience count. And while I often hear people say, “I can’t travel because I have a family,” I believe the opposite is true. Travelling with a little one is the best time to broaden their minds and give them the gift of cultural exposure. Why wait until they’re older? Now is the perfect time to begin exploring!
Why Families Worry About Travelling with Small Children
I often hear people get stressed about travelling with young children, but for me, it’s just another adventure. I make sure to plan everything out in advance so there are no surprises. For example, airlines like SunExpress and British Airways make things easier by allowing children to have the same checked-in luggage allowance. This means I don’t have to worry about sharing my luggage with Forrest, and David and I each get to carry our own hand luggage, leaving space for Forrest’s essentials.
When it comes to the pram, I always try to take it all the way to the plane, but I’ve learned to expect it to be taken off me at the plane door. It’s no big deal—I just hold Forrest on my lap until we land and get the pram back at baggage reclaim. However, if you get a pram that folds small, you can keep it with you at all times, which is super handy.
Pro Tip: Always check with the airline about their pram policies before booking. Some airlines allow you to keep the pram until you board, while others might have different guidelines. It’s always worth asking so you can plan accordingly.
Snack Time, Milk, and Airport Hacks
I always pack one hand luggage for Forrest’s snacks, fruit, and essentials, which I can easily buy near the airport. I also fill up a bottle with whole milk at the airport after passing through security. Baby food and milk are allowed through security as long as it’s in a baby drinking vessel, which makes life easier when travelling with a toddler. While baby formula is a good option since they offer hot water on the plane, I still prefer to bring fresh milk for Forrest.
Another idea: Invest in a compact, insulated bottle holder to keep milk or water cool for longer during the flight. This way, your child can have their milk at the perfect temperature without the need for the plane’s limited hot water supply.
We don’t rely on tablets or toys to keep Forrest entertained during flights. Instead, we choose flights that coincide with his nap time. If not, he usually falls asleep on the plane or in the car, as many babies do! This makes the flight much smoother for all of us, and I find that it’s easier to stay relaxed and enjoy the journey. Plus, this year, Forrest will have his own seat, meaning no one else can sit next to us on a 3-3 configuration plane!
A Small Bonus Tip: If your child is a bit older, you could bring along some quiet, age-appropriate activities like colouring books or a small set of puzzles. These can help distract them during the flight without causing too much noise for the other passengers.
The Art of Strategic Seat Selection
When we fly as a family, I’ve learned to use psychology to our advantage. On 3-3 configuration planes, where there are three seats in the aisle and three seats on the other side, I book David the aisle seat and me and Forrest in the middle, leaving the window seat free. This little trick helps discourage solo travellers from booking the solo seat next to us. If they see us in the middle and aisle, they often choose a different row. Most of the time, the window seat is empty, and we get the whole row to ourselves. It’s a win-win situation—Forrest gets his own seat, and we can relax with plenty of space.
A Clever Travel Hack: If you’re travelling with a larger family, look for the “family seating” option when booking. Some airlines offer special areas with extra legroom or dedicated family seating, which can make the flight much more comfortable for everyone.
Accommodation Hacks
Before we even set foot in our destination, I always call our accommodation to request a baby bed, ensuring Forrest has a comfortable place to sleep during our stay. It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference when you’re travelling with a little one.
Additionally, many hotels or holiday rentals offer other services like high chairs, bottle warmers, or baby-friendly toiletries. A quick call before your trip can save you the hassle of packing extra gear.
Bonus Tip: If you’re staying in an Airbnb or self-catering accommodation, make sure to ask if they can provide a childproofing kit or safety items like outlet covers and corner protectors. This will make your stay more comfortable, especially if your child is at the crawling or climbing stage!
Why Travelling with Toddlers is an Opportunity for Growth
I often hear parents express concerns about the challenges of travelling with a toddler, but I truly believe that this is the perfect time for them to experience the world. Not only does travel introduce them to new languages, foods, and customs, but it also fosters resilience and adaptability. Travelling as a family helps build memories that will last a lifetime, even if they don’t remember every single detail.
Forrest may not recall his early travels, but I know that these experiences are shaping him in ways I can’t yet imagine. Travelling with a toddler teaches patience, flexibility, and problem-solving, and it creates a bond between us as a family that is stronger than anything.
Conclusion
Travelling with young children doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little bit of planning and the right mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience that will provide lasting memories for your family. So, don’t let fear hold you back—embrace the adventure and explore the world with your little ones. After all, the best time to travel is now!
