An infant makes an excellent travel partner! They can easily be strapped into a baby carrier or stroller, will fall asleep virtually anywhere and overall will just enjoy being with mom and dad.
We love travelling with our baby as we scout out the best places to travel to with an infant.
Just because you have a new baby, it doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck at home. Now is a great time to make memories with your little one and travel the world!
Best Places To Travel With A 2 Year Old
Many families avoid travelling with kids younger than 6 because it is tricky. But if you plan now, your 2 year old can be an impressive travel companion.
Yes they will get tired and you will be constantly carrying them, but they are worth every moment and every ounce of effort. They will help you appreciate what you have and learn to love your home even more.
Also travelling at this age means that they don’t really have any memories of their life before you go. So you can mould their life experiences and develop their love for different cultures.
When our eldest was 2, we spent a few weeks in Vietnam. If we didn’t have to carry him, we would have visited more historical and cultural sites. We also learned that you really need to travel with a local who can help translate and navigate you through unknown areas.
It is also important to remember that while they will be with you, their little brains are absorbing everything around them. They can’t tell you about it, but you will be the one who helps them sift through it all.
3 Steps To Perfect Backpacking With Infants
Of course the best travelling experience is one that is prepared for well in advance. I know it is a lot of work and time to book all the travel and register for all of your toddler classes and activities. But, it is SO worth it.
We have researched the best places to travel with your infant, things to pack, and researched some fun activities that your 2 yr old toddler girl or boy would love.
Backpacking With Infants
Backpacking with infants is the ultimate family adventure. You get to see the world while spending every day with your children. I remember when my wife and I decided to take our daughter backpacking in Europe… It was the trip of a lifetime. We explored areas of the world that I never thought I would see.
But backpacking with infants and toddlers is a whole different beast.
You need to pack light and be prepared for any scenario. You have to consider that the little one is going to need you to stop and feed them every couple of hours, they will get tired faster than you do, and you will have to act like a taxi cab. But how do you prepare for the best trip of your lifetime with your infant without bitching about all of the extra work?
You start by doing your best to keep that child happy. Here are some tricks to keep a toddler happy on a 12 day backpacking trip.
Carry the Baby
If you find that you have a crying infant on your hands, do not let yourself become frustrated. Instead, take a deep breath and take care of the issue at hand. If the baby is hungry, change the baby, feed the baby, and walk around with the baby in the carrier. If the baby is tired, take a walk and hold the baby. If the baby needs a nap, find a central sleeping spot in a park or on a bridge.
No matter the situation… you need to keep yourself happy because if you do not keep yourself happy, you will not be able to handle the situation at hand.
Give the Toddler a Toy
If you are in a crowd or on a bus and you feel like your toddler is pitching a fit, give your toddler a toy. Bring toys to keep the toddler occupied while you are moving around.
Play an Activity Wise
If you are in a situation where your toddler has run out of things to do, or you finished a travel game, read an activity. I love these books, they keep the baby engaged and they are pretty cool for your two year old toddler girl or boy.
Ask Your Toddler Questions
If you are in a situation where the child is screaming and crying (because you are in a crowd or in a moving van)… stop and ask your toddler a question that they have not been asked in a while. For example, if you are in a public place, stop and ask them if they know the name of their favorite toy.
Give Your Toddler a Small Drink
If your toddler is crying and hysterical because they are thirsty, give them a drink. It is not easy to travel with toddlers, but you can find ways to make the toddler happy.
Set Them Down to Sleep
If you are in an airplane, train, or bus and your toddler is fighting sleep, set them down and let them sleep. You can either find a nap sack to let the toddler sleep more comfortably, or you can lay your baby down on a blanket in your lap.
Try a Cape Sleeping Bag
The cape sleeping bag is great for long car rides, train rides, and plane rides. The baby will feel cozy and enclosed, and you will still have freedom of movement to read, walk, talk to the people sitting around you, and plan the next few days of your trip.
A cape sleeping bag is money well spent.
If you are going to take your 6 month old on a big trip but you don’t want to spend thousands on airline tickets and travel gear, plan to fly to Europe and take the train or bus around the world.
Not only will it be cheaper, but you will have more flexibility to move on if your trip does not go as planned.
Arts District Houston
This product was recommended by Marci Dallas from Arts District Houston
This location down the street of Downtown Houston, TX, is a state-appointed Arts and Cultural District with a rich history that encompasses the First and Sixth Wards, two of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods. Any parent can take a stroll and visit Houston’s beautiful historic Glenwood Cemetery where the famed Howard Hughes was laid to rest or grab a coffee at one of the neighborhood haunts. Take in the expansive murals at Art Alley or check out Sawyer Yards, the historic MECA, or the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern which exhibits art in a former underground drinking water facility from the 1920’s. Arts District Houston is without a doubt one of Houston’s most dynamic places to experience art safely with a toddler. Walk, bike, or take a car tour of the 12 newest murals which tell stories of the people, nature and experiences you can find in the community.
Walt Disney World Resort
This product was recommended by Siera Duiser from Spreading Magic
I think one of the best places to travel with a two year old is the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Children under the age of three are free in regards to park admission so you don’t have to purchase a park ticket for them. They are also welcome to share off of an adult plate, including buffets, at no additional charge. There is so much for them to see and do throughout all four of the theme parks and the characters and magic is all so real at that age. I absolutely love the memories that I made taking my kids at two.
Rome
This product was recommended by M. Ammar Shahid from SuperHeroCorp
Rome is the best place to travel if you’re visiting for the first time with a baby or toddler. Rome is one of these fantastic cities where even walking the streets is an experience. It’s also an astounding place to capture beautiful moments with your newcomer.
Croatia
This product was recommended by Adrienne Carrie Hubbard from Hubbard Family Travels
It has stunning beaches, amazing sceneries, it has cities with fun, old narrow alleyways to explore and many national parks like “Plitvice Lakes National Park” which is one of the most amazing natural wonders. Very easy to go around with a 2 year old, very rich in toddler friendly activities like going to the beach, going to many national parks, enjoying boat rides in lakes and ferries, safe for long walks in old cities like Dubrovnik, last but not least it has amazing food!
Florida
This product was recommended by Adrienne Carrie Hubbard from Hubbard Family Travels
It has amazing beaches in the gulf coast where you can enjoy a day on the beach with your baby, it has lots of unique and memorable activities to do with a toddler like: enjoying a day in Disneyland, experiencing the interactive children museum, or spending an afternoon in SeaWorld Orlando. Florida also has many greenspaces and parks for families with play areas for kids. Has hundreds of miles of beaches, rich in culture and notable art scenes in Miami as well as, lots of amusement and theme parks in Orlando.
Greensboro, North Carolina
This product was recommended by Paislee Winkler from Greensboro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Be in the center of it all with your two-year old in Greensboro, North Carolina. Attractions for the young one include The Greensboro Children’s Museum complete with interactive exhibit for two-year old to play, learn and grow. The Greensboro Science Center that features a zoo, play area, natural history museum and the Wiseman Aquarium. New for 2020 the largest carousel in North Carolina – Greensboro Rotary Carousel. Stay at one of our 90 hotels that offer Baby Quip rental services. Play at our parks and gardens featuring Barber Park Spray ground and the Gateway Gardens the includes a playful children’s garden.
Ireland
This product was recommended by Suzanne from Mompowerment
One of the best parts for kids in Dublin and other towns is the greens. These are little parks throughout the city that often have playgrounds. We could do some sightseeing and then go play on a playground and then grab a bite and then do a bit more sightseeing and then play on a playground. It allowed all four of us to enjoy our time there. The boys didn’t get antsy and it wasn’t a trip only about our kids. (We try to plan our trips so that both parents and our boys have fun, often in the same places, even with our different perspectives.) The Irish people are kind and the restaurants are very kid-friendly. Ireland is also incredibly affordable for family travel in comparison to most Western European countries. The hotels we stayed in had an extra bed in what they called a family room. Also, travel by train and bus is easy. It also made the trip more fun for our younger son. There were lots of things to do. There is plenty of sightseeing throughout the country, as it has a long and rich history. Since our flight out was late in the day, we went to the Dublin Zoo in the morning to get the wiggles out. It’s a bit out of the way, but easily reachable via bus. It was an easy way to use up energy and let our boys see something different from all sightseeing we had been doing. If you ask our boys about their favorite part of the trip, they will tell you about having high tea in a castle in Adare near Limerick. The kids’ version of high tea included hot chocolate and kid-friendly treats like finger sandwiches with Nutella and strawberries. The boys loved it (so did we!)!
Loule, Portugal
This product was recommended by Emma Watson from Little Hotdog Watson
This picturesque town is a hop skip and a jump from the beautiful beaches of Gale and the main town of Faro. 30 minutes drive from the airport this pedestrianised and walkable town is full of local cafes and restaurants and remains relatively untouristy. Stay in the centre or better yet in one of the many villas surrounding the town centre. It’s warm, friendly and children are often in the restaurants and in the main square of weekend evening dancing with grandparents. We have visited with our eldest daughter from when she was tiny and have always enjoyed our trips.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
This product was recommended by Natalie Lloyd from Blissmersion
Riviera Maya is the Caribbean coastline in Mexico that includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, along with other lesser known towns. This part of Mexico is especially welcoming of small children and there are many resorts and hotels that have children’s water parks and baby pools.
Spain
This product was recommended by Leia Kalani from Tropical Topics
The great thing about Spain is the people. They are extremely family oriented and will welcome you and your toddler with open arms. There are plenty of affordable food options so you don’t need to worry about spending an arm and a leg on your little one’s dinner. It’s a great location to visit year round because of its Mediterranean climate. Winters aren’t too cold and the summers are hot and dry. There are beautiful beaches and a vibrant culture that will be perfect for when you’re traveling with your 2 year old.
Isla Palenque
This product was recommended by Anja Phillips from TropiQ Trips
The island is located near Boca Chica and can be easily reached from Panama City via a short domestic flight to David and a car/boat transfer from there. Panama is still widely unexplored and therefore an excellent destination for off-the-beaten path adventure and undisturbed relaxation for the whole family. The Resort of Isla Palenque has really mastered the art of a family tropical island adventure. There are 400 acres of private island and jungle to discover. The waters are safe and gentle – perfect even for the little ones. The beaches are long, ideal for walks and to collect rocks. While on Isla Palenque you are sure to see and hear howler monkeys, exotic birds, and the sounds of the sea. Daybeds and hammocks are perfect for the whole family to relax in while the Casitas offer all amenities. Designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind, families have all the extravagances they’d expect from a luxury hotel. Babysitting services and cribs are also available. The chefs are happy to prepare special baby and toddler food. And, Panamanians love children! Make sure to put Panama and Isla Palenque on your bucket list!
Taipei, Taiwan
This product was recommended by Nick Kembel from Spiritual Travels
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is one of the child-friendliest cities in Asia. To begin, Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world. The locals have a reputation for being incredibly friendly and hospitable to visitors, and this is especially true of visitors with young kids. Don’t be surprised to find that they often give little gifts to your children, or willingly give up their seats for you on public transportation. Speaking of public transportation, Taipei has one of the best metro systems in the world, making it a breeze to get around the city with young kids. The metro’s coverage is extremely comprehensive, getting you just about anywhere you want to go, and every station has elevators for passengers with strollers. Metro cars are also equipped seats designated for the needy, including passengers with young children. Last but not least, Taipei has loads of fun things to do with a two-year-old. Taipei Amusement Park is very cheap and has facilities suitable for very young kids. Dinosaur loving kids can see dinosaur displays at the Land Bank Museum as well as the excellent Taipei Zoo. Next to the zoo, young kids will also love taking a ride on the Maokong Gondola (at least mine did!). In winter, Spring City Resort has the best kid-friendly spa at Beitou Hot Spring, while in summer you can take your two-year-old to the Taipei’s best outdoor children’s pool and spray park, Water Country Park. National Taiwan Science Education Center and Taipei Astronomical Museum are the Taipei’s best kid-friendly museums, while the city is full of great parks and playgrounds, as well as both private and government-run indoor play centers. Even most of Taipei’s most popular tourist attractions, such as the 89th-floor Obervation Deck of Taipei 101, are great fun for kids, meaning that parents can also see the top sights of Taipei while keeping their two-year-old entertained.
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