Tips for Planning Your First Family Vacation with a Toddler

Traveling with a toddler can be a fun and enriching experience, (note that we said "can be"...) but it also requires careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly (Hopefully). Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for your first family trip with your little one:

1. Packing Essentials

• Pack Smartly: Bring along plenty of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and a small first aid kit. Include a few familiar items like a favorite toy or blanket to comfort your toddler during the journey.
• Travel Gear: Depending on your destination, consider packing a lightweight stroller, a baby carrier, or a portable crib. These can make accommodations and sightseeing more manageable.

2. Choosing the Right Destination

• Kid-Friendly Locations: Opt for destinations known for being child-friendly. Look for places with activities that can engage toddlers, such as beaches with shallow waters, parks, or children’s museums.
• Accommodation Considerations: When booking accommodations, ensure they are suitable for toddlers. Hotels with amenities like a pool, a playground, or services like babysitting can be very beneficial.

3. Traveling by Plane

• Airport Strategies: Allow extra time for everything, from security checks to boarding the plane. Bringing a lightweight stroller can help navigate through large airports. We've found that a stroller-wagon works great for transporting the kids, or when they aren't in it, all the other items you need to bring, like carseats, diaper bags, etc. 
• In-flight Comfort: Keep your toddler occupied with small, quiet toys, coloring books, or a tablet loaded with games and movies. Don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks to keep them satisfied, especially for longer flights.

4. Keeping a Routine

• Maintain Routines: Try your best to keep your toddler's eating and sleeping schedule as regular as possible. This familiarity can help reduce fussiness and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
• Flexible Itinerary: While it’s good to have a plan, be flexible and ready to adjust based on your toddler’s needs. Sometimes, a rest day might be necessary to let everyone recharge.

5. Entertainment and Activities

• Interactive Apps and Books: Load a tablet with educational and interactive apps suitable for toddlers. Pack some favorite books that are not only great for bedtime but can also be a good distraction during downtimes.
• Outdoor Adventures: Choose activities that allow your toddler to explore and move around. Simple things like a visit to a zoo, a park, or a simple nature walk can be exciting and engaging for them.

6. Safety Measures

• Childproofing: Once you arrive at your destination, take some time to childproof the room. Check for any potential hazards and secure things like electrical outlets and loose cords.
• Identification: Have your toddler wear a bracelet with contact information, or keep a card in their pocket with your phone number and accommodation details, just in case.

7. Patience and Flexibility

• Stay Calm: Traveling with toddlers can be unpredictable. Keeping a calm, patient attitude will help you handle unexpected situations more effectively.
• Hotel pro-tip: if you're staying at a hotel and have children like us who sleep in complete darkness, bring a roll of black painters tape to cover up all those frustrating glowing lights from tv's, alarm clocks, thermostats, etc. Trust us, it's save you a lot of sleep.

By following these tips, your family can enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience. Remember, the key to a successful trip with a toddler is thorough preparation and the flexibility to adapt as needed. Happy travels!