Traveling with Toddlers: Realistic Expectations & Survival Hacks

Ah, traveling with toddlers—a phrase that strikes equal parts excitement and fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. If you’ve ever attempted it, you know it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, snack negotiations, and public meltdowns that somehow still result in cherished memories.

Recently, I took my three youngest on a spring break adventure (while my husband and oldest went on their own trip—talk about divide and conquer!). In the midst of the chaos, I had this realization:

“Wait, having kids rocks because you get to create your own little group of besties.”

Cue the heartwarming moment. Yes, traveling with toddlers is exhausting. Yes, it sometimes feels like doing normal life but with more sand, fewer naps, and an alarming increase in snack consumption.

But it’s also the stuff of core memories—those moments you’ll laugh about later (even if you were crying in an airport bathroom at the time). So let’s talk about how to make traveling with toddlers not just survivable, but actually (dare I say) enjoyable.

1. Adjust Your Expectations (A.K.A. It’s a Trip, Not a Vacation)

2. Plan Travel Times Wisely

3. Sleep: The Holy Grail of Traveling with Toddlers

4. Surviving the “Are We There Yet?” Phase

5. Let Go of the Picture-Perfect Travel Fantasy

1. Adjust Your Expectations (A.K.A. It’s a Trip, Not a Vacation)

You’ve probably heard this one before: “There’s a difference between a trip and a vacation.” If you’re traveling with toddlers, it’s a trip—meaning, it’s work. It’s all the same parenting responsibilities, just in a new (and probably more expensive) location. But here’s the kicker: it’s still so worth it.

Your toddler isn’t going to remember the Instagram-worthy sunset, but they will remember the time you let them jump on a hotel bed, the way their fingers got sticky from too many airport gummies, and how fancy it felt to eat at a real sit-down restaurant.

*Side note: We went to Olive Garden and split one entree four ways plus had leftovers, and they think it’s the epitome of luxury because they get to go to a sit-down restaurant.

See? It’s all about perspective.

2. Plan Travel Times Wisely

When it comes to travel, timing is everything. You could book a red-eye flight and hope your toddler sleeps the whole way, but that’s the kind of gamble best left to Vegas. Instead, consider:

Direct Flights:

Even if they’re a bit more expensive, they’re worth their weight in gold. A layover with a toddler is like adding an extra boss fight to an already impossible video game.

Nap-Friendly Travel Windows:

If possible, schedule your flights or drives around naptime. Worst case? They don’t nap, but at least you tried.

Arrival Timing:

If you’re traveling east, try to arrive close to your home bedtime so you can transition straight into sleep. If you’re heading west, brace yourself for early wake-ups and keep things dark and calm until a reasonable morning hour.

3. Sleep: The Holy Grail of Traveling with Toddlers

If you’re thinking, Oh, my toddler will just adapt to the new time zone, let me gently burst that bubble: they won’t. Or at least, not without some strategy. Here are some quick tips to keep sleep on track:

Bring Familiar Sleep Cues:

A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or even their pillow from home can make a new sleep space feel less foreign.

Create a Separate Sleep Space:

If possible, set up a pack ‘n play, SlumberPod, or even a makeshift fort with hotel chairs and a blanket to give them their own little sleep nook.

Adjust Sleep Pressure:

If they nap too long on travel day, bedtime might be a battle. Shorten or skip naps strategically to help them adjust without becoming a full-blown gremlin.

And if they do end up in bed with you? Don’t stress. You can bounce back to your normal routine once you’re home (your toddler isn’t suddenly moving into your bed forever—promise!).

4. Surviving the “Are We There Yet?” Phase

Long flights? Road trips? Endless security lines? You’ll need a survival kit:

• Snacks, snacks, and more snacks. There is no such thing as too many snacks.
• New and exciting activities. Sticker books, window clings, and surprise toys work wonders.
• The “$1 Per Hour” Trick. Give your toddler $1 per hour of good behavior to spend on a souvenir. They get motivation; you get (slightly) fewer meltdowns. For example, they might save up for a fun airport toy or a special stuffed animal from your destination.
• Low expectations. Travel days are survival mode. If screen time limits need to be temporarily ignored, so be it.

5. Let Go of the Picture-Perfect Travel Fantasy

One of the best pieces of advice? Take tons of pictures—but know you’ll only remember the good parts. When you look back, you won’t recall the diaper explosion at baggage claim or the epic tantrum in the rental car line.

You’ll remember the beach, the giggles, and your toddler’s face when they saw a real-life airplane for the first time. And if you do remember the hard parts? At least they make for great storytelling later.

Recap of Traveling with Toddlers

So yes, traveling with toddlers is a wild ride. It’s exhausting, chaotic, and completely worth it. Because one day, your little travel buddy will be an actual, easy travel buddy. But first, you’ve gotta put in the miles. Happy travels!

P.S. If you’re navigating the toddler stage and want more support (on sleep, tantrums, routines, and all the things), check out my Toddler Essentials Course! It’s packed with expert strategies to help you feel more confident and in control—whether you’re at home or on the go.