7 Top Tips for Travelling with Your Toddler Abroad
Travelling with a toddler abroad is a bit like packing up your home, your patience and your best hopes for a smooth holiday, and then throwing them all into a suitcase. You never quite know what you’re going to get. One minute, you’re sipping a coffee at the airport feeling organised and on top of the world. The next, your toddler is screaming because you won’t let them lick the terminal floor. Sound familiar?
That said, travelling with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right mindset and a bit of planning, it can actually be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. It won’t always go to plan, but that’s half the adventure. Whether it’s your first time taking your little one abroad or you’re just looking for a smoother journey next time round, here are seven top tips that can make all the difference.
1. Plan your travel times wisely
Toddlers and long travel days are not the best of friends. When booking your flights, think about your child’s usual routine. If possible, try to travel during their nap time or bedtime. Some parents swear by overnight flights, hoping their toddler will sleep through it. Others find a mid morning flight works best because it allows everyone to wake up at a normal time and head to the airport without rushing.
No matter when you choose to travel, give yourself plenty of time. Rushing through security with a toddler who wants to stop and inspect every bin and floor tile is nobody’s idea of fun. Slow down the pace and factor in time for nappy changes, snack breaks and the inevitable toddler tantrum when you won’t let them push the suitcase into the escalator.
2. Pack light (but smart)
You’ll hear a lot of advice about packing light. It’s good advice, but the truth is, toddlers come with stuff. The trick is to be clever about what you bring. Start with a list and think through the day from morning to bedtime. What do they absolutely need? What can you buy once you arrive?
Essentials usually include nappies (especially if you’re unsure of availability at your destination), wipes, snacks, changes of clothes, comfort items like a favourite teddy or blanket and entertainment for the journey. A lightweight travel buggy or a decent baby carrier is also worth considering, depending on your destination.
Avoid packing the entire toy box. Toddlers will often be more fascinated by a plastic cup and a straw than any toy you’ve brought. A few favourite books, sticker activities or a small tablet with pre downloaded episodes of their favourite shows can work wonders. Make sure all devices are FULLY charged.
3. Manage expectations (yours and theirs)
This one might be the most important of all. If you go into the trip expecting a relaxing break with long, lazy lunches and peaceful strolls through museums, you will be disappointed. Travelling with a toddler is different. It’s messy and unpredictable and often louder than you’d like.
But it can also be full of joy. Toddlers see the world with fresh eyes. A simple fountain in a city square can become the highlight of their trip. They don’t care about five star hotels or historic architecture. They care about having fun and feeling safe with you.
Lower your expectations a bit. Plan less. Leave room for spontaneous moments. You might not tick off everything on your travel itinerary, but you’ll create memories that mean far more.
4. Choose toddler friendly accommodation
When choosing where to stay, think toddler first. Look for accommodation that offers a bit of space to move around, a safe environment and ideally some family friendly features like a travel cot, highchair or even a little play area.
Apartments or self-catering accommodation can be a great choice. Having access to a kitchen makes mealtimes easier and a separate sleeping area means you don’t have to sit in the dark while your toddler naps or goes to bed early.
Check reviews from other families and look for places that understand the needs of young children. It’s also worth asking in advance whether they can provide any toddler gear, which can save you space in your luggage.
5. Keep meals simple and snacks plentiful
Meal times can be tricky abroad, especially if your toddler is fussy or you’re travelling somewhere with unfamiliar food. Don’t stress too much. Most places will have some kind of toddler friendly options such as pasta, plain rice, bread, fruit, and so on.
It helps to have a few trusty snacks in your bag at all times. They’re not just useful for when your child is hungry, but also brilliant for distractions on a plane, train or during long waits. Rice cakes, fruit bars, mini boxes of raisins and cereal puffs are usually safe bets.
A small, reusable water bottle is essential too. Keeping them hydrated especially in hot climates, is a top priority.
6. Bring a few home comforts
Toddlers love routine. It helps them feel safe, especially when everything else is unfamiliar. Bringing a few familiar items from home can make a big difference. A favourite cuddly toy, their usual bedtime storybook or even their own pillowcase can help settle them at night.
If your toddler listens to music or lullabies at bedtime, make sure you’ve got those available on your phone or tablet. White noise apps can also be useful if you’re staying somewhere noisy or just need to drown out new sounds. Download Bloom Toddler Beats HERE 
Try to stick loosely to your toddler’s usual routine where possible. Nap times might shift slightly but keeping some consistency around meals and bedtime can help them adjust more easily.
7. Be flexible and keep your sense of humour!
There will be moments on your trip when travelling with your toddler where things go wrong. Maybe you miss a connection, the hotel doesn’t have your booking or your toddler has a meltdown in the middle of a charming piazza. These things happen.
The best thing you can do is stay flexible. Have a backup plan for the day. Carry a bit of extra cash for surprises. And try to laugh when you can. Travelling with toddlers is rarely perfect but it’s full of stories you’ll be telling for years.
Remember, you’re giving your child the gift of experience new places, new faces, new smells and sounds. It may not always go to plan, but it’s all part of the adventure.
Travelling with a toddler abroad isn’t always easy but it’s far from impossible. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can make it a genuinely enjoyable experience for both of you.
These early years go by so fast. Yes, it’s hard work but it’s also magical to watch your child explore the world in their own unique way. They’ll notice the things you don’t. They’ll make strangers smile. They’ll remind you to slow down and appreciate the small things.
So pack your bags, bring your patience and get ready for the chaos and charm of toddler travel. You might not come back feeling rested (those days are over!!) but you will come back with a heart full of memories.
Happy travels!