How to travel with a toddler: 40 helpful tips

40 helpful tips from mums, dads and mummy and daddy bloggers to help you plan, book and get the most out of your next family holiday with a toddler.

1. How to travel with a toddler 38 Photo credit: @ theblondenomads Helpful tips from Mums and Dads

2. Embrace slow travel Travelling with kids is very different to travelling alone or as a couple. We used to squeeze as much as we could into each day, but now we have to slow it down a little and stop and smell the roses, pick them… and maybe even make a fairy garden with them! When travelling, remember that everything is new and exciting for your little adventurers and it’s not just about your destination but all the fun activities you can do along the way.  Tracy Morris from The Blonde Nomads (Ziggy and Marli’s Mum) #1

3. Make it easy for them When we’re at home, my toddler is mostly beyond sitting in a pram and is happy to walk. I always take a pram when we travel though because kids can get tired quickly, there’s sometimes jet lag, often long nights, and new experiences. I take a pram so that she can chill out and rest her little legs while we explore. Chantelle Ellem from FatMumSlim (Mum of Lulu and Lacey) #2

4. Baby carrier Packing tip We always pack using re-usable large Ikea snap lock bags. We place everything Reid will wear each day in its own bag.  This saves so much time going through the suitcase looking for socks, underwear and the rest of his outfits. Jarrad from @ the_real_dads_of_Melbourne (Reid’s Dad) #3

5. Holiday magic A toddler still interacts with the world and other people with such pure innocence. It humbles you and helps you believe in magic again. You’ll delight in their curiosity, their playfulness, their friendliness, and willingness to explore. Craig from YTravel Blog (Dad of Savannah and Kalyra ) #4

6. It’s the simple things Toddlers love exploring new worlds and while they like to be busy, they also love to take their time to explore. They will feel new texture with sand between their toes or digging in the dirt. Learn new words like “moo” when they see their first cow up close on a farm stay. Have a piggy back ride with dad on a bushwalk or just splash in the water. You will create memories by keeping it simple. Diana (Mum of Hugo, Timothy & Joshua) #5

7. Babies versus toddlers? If you've been traveling with your child since they were a baby, you'll find that it's now possible to pack in more activities than before. You'll be able to engage your toddler in theatrical shows, hikes or tours around markets. My two-year-old daughter absolutely loved watching traditional dances in Bali and seeing giant Buddha statues in the temples of Laos. It can be so much fun taking short walks in the countryside with kids at this age, pointing out plants and animals to them and seeing their reactions. But still, I recommend taking things slow and not packing in too much as toddlers still need their daily nap and down time. You won't need to pack as much now as before, but I advise taking along snacks that they enjoy and items that are particularly close to them (like a stuffed toy) just to make them feel more comfortable and at ease. Nellie from Wild Junket (Mum of Kaleya ) #6

8. Beach is best Keep it simple with a beach break; wherever there’s water, there are always happy toddlers. The new sensations of sinking their hands and feet in sand, waves breaking across their toes and floating in the calm waters of a sheltered beach is all a toddler needs between nap and meal times. Don’t overthink the itinerary, simply swim, sand, sun and repeat. We have had some wonderful worry free family holidays by Queensland’s family friendly beaches near the Whitsunday’s Whitehaven Beach, Fraser Island’s Lake McKenzie, Stradbroke’s Cylinder Beach and Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island . Rene Young from Together We Roam #7

9. Mini me time Make some "little me" time. Just like adults connect with our environment and need moments alone to appreciate and breathe it fully in, kids need some me time too. Find a moment where your little one can be safely alone to immerse themselves in nature. Pop them on a grassy knoll overlooking the sea, a safe distance from the water at the beach or under a big shady tree and just let them be for a while. It will do wonders for you both. Narelle from @ alittleatlarge (mum of Baylee and Tiah ) #8

10. Junior Explorers Follow a give and take formula. If they need to sit still on an aircraft or bus allow for some energy burning play before and after. Remember, toddlers are not designed to be sedentary. They are explorers and movers. Allow extra time for play, movement and activity when possible.  Kylie Camps from The Sleep Mama @ thesleepmama #9

11. Long drives Island time for toddlers If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef for the first time with a 1-3 year old then visit an island . Island hopping on the Great Barrier Reef is best because it gives them a break from the boat action and a chance to burn some energy and run around. There’s a greater chance of them popping their head underwater with a mask or goggles to see some reef life. Kids learn the art of snorkelling and ducking their head underwater better with their feet on solid ground. If you can’t get them snorkelling then there’s always the sand to play with. Kate Richards (Josh and Charlie’s Mum) from Adventure Mumma #10

12. Flying with toddler I still swear by ‘Fly Legs Up’ the flight hammock. If your toddler needs a nap they can sleep on a flat surface and if they want to play there is room for their toys without picking them up off the ground every two seconds. Katie (Oxley’s Mum) #11

13. Slip, slop, slap Having two redheads and living in Queensland my primary concern is around sun safety, because the beach and pool are where you want to be and the kids love it. Be prepared with a large beach bag, a sun umbrella or shelter, reusable swim nappies, broad brimmed hats with a cord and long sleeved rashies and swimmers (if you like to match check out Babes in the Shade ). Don’t forget a large beach towel or picnic mat, hooded beach towels for the littlies, water bottles, snacks, snacks, snacks, beach or pool toys and your phone or camera to capture the special moments. Alex (Edward & Daniel’s Mum) #12

14. When 4 wheel driving use a small towel rolled up to help keep sleeping toddlers’ heads steady in their car seat. There is something special about 4 wheel driving on Fraser Island, the motion ALWAYS puts my kids to sleep.  Louise and Jenni from Paging Fun Mums #13 Location: Champagne Pools, Fraser Island

15. #14 Pack a favourite item from home. Wherever we travel we always pack our favourite pillowcase washed in lavender water. The smell, the sleep signals and the deep, blissful rest is part of a good holiday experience for everyone. We don't leave home without ours. If lavender is not your thing, any essential oil can be used as a laundry wash or pillow spray. Narelle from @ alittleatlarge (Mum of Baylee and Tiah ) Location: Gambaro Hotel, Brisbane

16. BYO Baby Sitter Invite the grand parents or super eager aunties and uncles along for part of your holiday so you can enjoy some time with your other half or just to yourself. Isaac (Hugo’s dad) #15 Location: Brown Lake, Stradbroke Island

17. Splish splash Choose a hotel or resort with a kid-friendly pool. Your toddler will love splashing around the shallow end.  Christine Knight from @ adventurebabyblog #16 Location: Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort and Spa , Gold Coast

18. Flying with toddler Offer your little one a new toy or book when you begin the journey. We bought Animal Airport for Bonnie and she loved it! Stella from Kumpas Yoga (Bonnie’s Mum) #17

19. Be sure to pack a camera with a 'sports' mode for capturing images of a busy moving toddler. Even better, bring a tough camera that they can use to capture some photos from their perspective. Louise and Jenni from Paging Fun Mums #18 Location: Champagne Pools, Fraser Island

20. Start them early Toddlers get used to travelling. Starting them young means they’ll adapt and grow into better travellers. Both of our girls are excellent travellers and very independent. Craig from YTravel Blog (Dad of Savannah and Kalyra ) #19

21. You know what they say about "terrible twos"? Don't believe them. They're the best age to travel with! We just returned from a three-month trip around Southeast Asia with our two-year-old daughter and we had the best time. In all honesty, traveling with a toddler is much more rewarding and fun than traveling with babies. It's such a magical time: they're now walking, talking and interacting with you and other people. They react to people who are smiling at them, their eyes widen at the sight of big mountains, and they are just soaking up everything like a sponge. In short, they've become their own person and are experiencing the world just as we are. Nellie from Wild Junket (mum of Kaleya ) #20

22. #21 Freebies for mini mes Make the most of the free entry. One of the most brilliant things about toddler travel is that they often gain free entry to theme parks and attractions. Your toddler is not too young to go. They love to explore, play and see new things just like you do. Generally, they will just be happy just to be with you. Make the most of this, the older they get the more input kids will have into your itinerary. Paula Geinitz from Jet Setting Kids

23. Pre-pack a momento . Whether you are spotting dolphins off the headland at Cooloongatta , swimming with turtles at Lady Elliot Island or whale watching in Hervey Bay, littles have BIG expectations, so just in case you don't see what you came for, pack the toy version instead. Works to keep them happy and as a great souvenir to take home too. Narelle from @ alittleatlarge (mum of Baylee and Tiah ) #22

24. Before you go Talk to your toddler about the upcoming holiday and travel. Little ones benefit from understanding what will happen next. If it's the first time flying or travelling by boat, it's a great idea to use story books to chat about the mode of transport. Taking the time to explain what happens next can set your little one up for success such as, “After lunch we will take a bus to the airport, then we will collect our tickets for the plane trip". Letting your son or daughter know the sequence of events can help him or her to feel safe in a new space.  Kylie Camps from The Sleep Mama @ thesleepmama #23

25. Pick flights that appear to be less popular than others. That way you have a better chance of getting that extra seat (until you have to pay for it). Popular flights almost always end up being the worst – especially when you haven’t flown with your little one for some time and realise that actually, a squirmy 22 month old is actually too big to have on your lap for 2.5 hours and all they want to do is hang off the seat in front and jump. Chelsea from @ daisywalkmee (Mum of Frankie) #24

26. Playing doctors and nurses Don’t forget the medicine. Create a toddler travel first aid kit that includes paracetamol, teething gel, thermometer, nasal spray, travel sickness bags and any other usual medications. Jess from Travel with Jess (mum of Ripley and Trillian) #25 © Jessica Palmer Location: Scarness , Hervey Bay

27. Toddler floaties for peace of mind For us, the inexpensive back float was the absolute essential item for our 1 and 3 year old in the water. It’s no surprise that a toddler can find the deepest end of the pool or chance across that section of the beach where the ocean floor has dropped beneath them, in a blink of an eye. With floaties strapped securely on our toddlers we were much more at ease and able to enjoy our beach surroundings. Particularly handy when there are multiple young kids in the water. As little swimmers grow more confident in the water, you can adjust the back float for buoyancy.   Rene Young from Together We Roam #26

28. Take a little bit of home with you When traveling you can’t take everything with you, but it’s sometimes nice for toddlers to have some home comforts. I pack a little bag (and I mean little) of her toys so she can have downtime and have a play. If I have enough room, I’ll also take her pillow because it means she sleeps better. Sometimes it’s worth the extra luggage. Chantelle Ellem from FatMumSlim (Mum of Lulu and Lacey) #27

29. Travel light and ditch the pram. You’ll probably only need it a fraction of the time and toddlers like to ride ‘up top’ or all by themselves. Chelsea from @ daisywalkmee (Mum of Frankie) #28

30. Baby carrier More packing tips Pack a power board as hotels never have enough power points for all the electrical devices we have to recharge these days. Jarrad (dad to Reid) @ the_real_dads_of_melbourne #29

31. Baby carrier Born Adventurers Toddlers are super active. Back when they were babies, they were happy to sit in the pram but now they are keen to walk themselves and explore. Choose destinations with wide open and safe spaces to walk like beaches, boardwalks, parks and rainforests. Julia P (Alexander, Curtis and Thalia’s Mum) #30

32. Road trip rules Food can be a great distraction in the car, on a plane or waiting in a queue. Little packets of sultanas can be strung out for a long time if needed, handed diligently out one at a time in a line or when we pass the next tree on a drive. Diana M (mum of Hugo, Timothy and Joshua) #31

33. Washing clothes on holidays is a good thing Choose accommodation with a laundry. Whether you have a laundry in your room, or a communal laundry, it’s great to be able to wash clothes because kids will be kids and that generally means mess. Chantelle Ellem from FatMumSlim (Mum of Lulu and Lacey) #32 Location: Turtle Park, Bargara

34. Invest in a toddler carrier The Ergobaby carrier is great for younger kids. However, when they are more independent, the Piggy Back Rider is a fantastic alternative as they can hop on and off as they please. Jess from Travel with Jess (mum of Ripley and Trillian) #33 © Jessica Palmer Location: Glasshouse Mountains , Sunshine Coast

35. Research what items may be available for hire in the location you're visiting. There are a lot of hire companies that work with resorts, campgrounds and even AirBnB places that save you from having to lug your portable cot, walkers, swings, prams and so on. You can even hire toys and beach toys!   Louise and Jenni from Paging Fun Mums #34 Location: Daydream Island, The Whitsundays

36. Use your holiday to try new things you wouldn’t at home. Eat at a restaurant, try your mini me on new foods, use the surroundings to keep them entertained. You may be pleasantly surprised. My little one is terrible at restaurants but we took him to the sushi train down the coast and now it is a weekly date. I am obsessed with sushi, Oxley is now a keen bean for sushi and enjoys the experience of going there with us each week. Win win ! Katie (Oxley’s mum) #35

37.   Bring a set of Crayola washable crayons and wipeable and reusable colouring books. They are easy to carry and are a big help when we are out and about, even at a coffee shop. My little one even loves using a wet wipe to clean it. Peta (Mum of Ebony) #36

38. Keep your toddler's attention by rolling out the activities one-at-a-time. Flashcards, finger puppets, stickers, multi-coloured post-it notes... even a photo book of familiar faces will all help to occupy your curious toddler. Store activities in the one ‘bag of tricks’ and keep this close to you. Always pack a fresh set of activities for the trip home and plan a new activity for every 60 minutes of travel. Save electronic devices for when you have exhausted all other entertainment options. Paula Geinitz from Jet Setting Kids Location: Caloundra , Sunshinie Coast #37

39. Dirty deeds Have a spare set of clothes in the glovebox or your bag. Toddlers are attracted to both mud and water. Jess from Travel with Jess (mum of Ripley and Trillian) #38 © Jessica Palmer Location: Woodgate Beach, Bundaberg North Burnett

40. Check out the Queensland Blog for more family-friendly holiday tips.