The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Young Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
Why Travel with Young Kids?
Traveling with babies or toddlers can feel intimidating—but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do as a parent. While your little ones may not remember every detail, you’ll never forget those tiny sandy toes, first beach splashes, or bedtime cuddles in a faraway place.
With the right planning, you can skip the stress and enjoy a magical, memory-filled family vacation.
Best Destinations for Families with Young Kids
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to traveling with little ones. Here are our top picks that combine fun, ease, and magic.
1. Disney World or Disneyland
Rides with no height requirements
Baby Care Centers in every park
Perfect mix of comfort and kid-friendly magic
2. Beaches Resorts (Turks & Caicos or Negril, Jamaica)
Sesame Street stage shows
Infant & toddler care included
Splash pads, calm beaches, and all-inclusive ease
Want to learn which Beaches Resort is best for your family? Read our full comparison here.
3. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Resorts like Hyatt Ziva or Nickelodeon
Character meet & greets, kids’ clubs
Short transfers from Cancun airport
4. Family-Friendly Cruises
Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC
Clubs for babies 6 months+
Cribs, strollers, toddler pools onboard
5. Kid-Friendly Europe: Copenhagen or Amsterdam
Walkable cities with playgrounds and parks
Unique family attractions like canal rides or Tivoli Gardens
Baby-friendly transit and accommodations
What to Pack for Young Kids
Plane Essentials
Toddler headphones + tablet
Snacks (and backups!)
Change of clothes
Sippy cup, small toys, sticker books
Pull-ups, wipes, sanitizer
For the Trip
White noise machine + nightlight
Travel crib or SlumberPod
Swim diapers, meds, and beloved bedtime items
Lightweight stroller or carrier (or both)
How to Choose a Family-Friendly Hotel or Villa
Not all “family-friendly” properties are created equal. Here's what we look for when planning trips with babies or toddlers:
✅ Cribs and baby gear available
✅ Full kitchen or kitchenette
✅ Bathtub access
✅ Laundry on-site
✅ Ground-floor rooms or elevator access
✅ Babysitting or kids’ clubs
✅ Spacious layouts for naps + playtime
Pro Tip: Villa rentals are a game-changer for family space and flexibility.
What’s the Best Age to Travel with Kids?
0–6 months: Easier to transport, frequent naps
6–18 months: On the move! Bring distractions
18 months–3 years: Busy bodies with big emotions—schedule downtime
3–5 years: Curious and engaged—perfect for attractions and early adventures
Flying with Little Ones: Expert Tips
Babies need ID (passport or birth certificate)
Under 2s fly free as lap infants (but bring a car seat if you book a seat!)
Formula, milk, and baby food allowed in carry-ons
Strollers/car seats check free
Always take advantage of pre-boarding
Entertainment Ideas for the Plane
Keep boredom (and meltdowns) at bay with these travel hacks:
Rotate small toys every 30 minutes
Pre-load their favorite shows
Tackle box-style snack container
Window clings and drawing tablets
Bring a "surprise toy" for mid-flight magic
Keeping Kids Happy on the Road
Stick to regular nap/bedtime routines
Bring comfort items from home
Limit to 1–2 activities per day
Schedule breaks for unstructured play
Use blackout curtains or travel sleep pods
Real-Mom Pro Tips for Traveling with Kids
Pack outfits in gallon-size Ziplocs
Use a travel potty for toddlers on the go
Download all media ahead of time
Tackle box for snacks = fun + mess-free
Book villas for kitchen access and quieter naps
Should You Travel with Extended Family?
Absolutely! With the right setup, multigenerational travel is both helpful and memorable. We help you choose resorts or villas that keep everyone comfortable and connected—with enough space for alone time too.
Real Client Story: Disney with Toddlers
“Cait was recommended to me through a mutual friend and she didn’t disappoint. My family was so excited to have her guidance for our kids' first trip to Disney (5 adults/4 toddlers). She was so wonderful about checking in on us throughout the entire process—emails with helpful tips and tricks leading up to our trip, checking in with us on travel days, welcoming us to Disney and touching base throughout our day at the park.
She truly works all hours of the day. She was up late booking a hard-to-get Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique reservation for my daughter and the next morning she was able to secure a dining reservation at Cinderella’s castle. Both were the highlight of our trip! We also really appreciated her reaching out to us the morning of our departure date to let us know our flight had been delayed. She provided so much valuable information and gave my family the confidence to manage Disney with multiple toddlers. Cait was the driving force to our magical day at Magic Kingdom!” - Kate Kinard
FAQ: Traveling with Babies & Toddlers
Q1: Do babies need a passport?
Yes, for any international destination.
Q2: Can I bring formula or breast milk on the plane?
Absolutely. Just inform TSA. It’s exempt from liquid limits.
Q3: Should I bring a car seat on the flight?
Yes, if your baby has their own seat, it’s the safest way to fly.
Q4: Is it better to travel with a stroller or a carrier?
Both! Strollers are great for airports; carriers are ideal for sightseeing.
Let Us Take the Stress Out of It
Traveling with young kids doesn’t have to feel chaotic. With the right support, it can be easy, exciting, and unforgettable. At World of Wonder Travel, we help you pick the best destination, book family-friendly accommodations, and handle all the logistics so you can just enjoy.
Ready to Make Magical Memories with Your Little Ones?
Whether it’s Disney, a tropical escape, or a villa in Europe, we’ll help make your child’s first adventures joyful and seamless.