There’s a belief that travelling with young kids is a nightmare. That it’s all tears and tantrums, no sleep, no fun. Some parents assume it’s better to wait until their children are older, easier, more self-sufficient. They tell themselves, “One day when they can remember it. When it won’t be such a hassle.”
But what if that thinking is completely wrong? What if this phase—the chaos, the unpredictability, the tiny hands clutching yours in a new place—is actually the best time to go? What if waiting means missing out on the kind of memories that don’t need perfect recall to matter? The truth is, the “right time” to travel with kids isn’t some distant future. It’s right now.
Via Pexels
The Myth of “Waiting Until They’re Older”
Meltdowns? Oh, they’ll happen. At home, in the supermarket, on a train through Italy. That’s just kids. Whether they’re two or twelve, they’ll get hungry, overtired, overstimulated. But here’s the thing: parenting is a full-time job no matter where you do it. Might as well do it somewhere with a better view.
The danger of waiting? You never stop. First, it’s “Let’s wait until nappies are done.” Then, “Maybe once they drop the naps.” Then, “They should be old enough to really appreciate it.” Blink, and they’re teenagers, lost in their phones, sighing about how they’d rather be at home with their mates.
Kids don’t need to remember every detail of a trip for it to be worth it. They live in the moment, soak up experiences, take in the world without expectations. And isn’t that the best way to travel?
Travel Adapts—And So Do You
Forget how you used to travel. The late-night rooftop cocktails, the spontaneous all-day museum visits, the leisurely meals stretching into the night. It changes, sure. But it doesn’t disappear.
Now, it’s about watching your toddler chase pigeons in a sun-drenched piazza. Seeing your child’s eyes go wide at a street performer. Finding joy in the way they marvel at the simplest things—a plane taking off, the smell of fresh bread from a bakery, a colourful tuk-tuk weaving through traffic.
Love hiking? Strap them into a carrier and hit a family-friendly trail. Obsessed with food? Street markets, picnics, no-fuss eateries—these are your new best mates. Museums? Many have interactive exhibits designed for curious little hands. Adapt. Adjust. Keep going.
The Perks of Traveling With Little Ones
You might not expect it, but young kids make some things easier. Ever noticed how people are friendlier when there’s a baby around? Strangers chat. Locals smile. Flight attendants slip you an extra snack. It cracks open the door to conversations you wouldn’t otherwise have.
This all said - a couple of must-have items can make everything easier:
Having a solid travel pushchair? Absolute game-changer. It keeps your kid comfy, gives you a break from carrying them, and lets you keep exploring without cutting the day short. Nap time on the go? Sorted.
Medicine bags for everything and anything, melatonin for kids, for example, can be a lifesaver (check with your family doctor for more information)
White noise machine or app - great for over-stimulated, exhausted kids and parents.
Then there’s the practical perks. Priority boarding. Extra luggage allowance. Hotels bend over backwards to accommodate you. The world actually makes space for travelling families—if you let it.
Stop Waiting, Start Exploring
If you love to travel, don’t put it on pause just because you have kids. Their age isn’t a barrier; it’s a different lens, a new way to experience the world. Every stage of childhood brings something special to travel. Every trip, a new set of memories.
So, book the flight. Pack the snacks. Bring more wipes than you think you’ll need. Forget perfect. Embrace the chaos. And just go. You won’t regret it.