Why You Absolute Can Travel with Toddlers: Lessons from a Multi-Country Mom

Have you ever announced a pregnancy, only to hear a chorus of: "Enjoy your freedom now, because you can't travel with kids. It’s just too much of a hassle!"?

I heard all the comments. But as someone who fell in love with exploring at 18, looking out the window of my very first flight from Montreal to Florida with my dad and grandmother I knew I couldn’t just stop. That first take-off was the beginning of something truly special, and I refused to believe that motherhood meant grounded flights.

If you are currently staring at your baby or toddler and wondering if you'll ever see a runway again, I’m here to tell you that traveling with young children is not only possible, it is incredibly rewarding.

My First Time Flying with a Baby (To Berlin!)

My oldest son was born during the beginning of COVID-19. Like the rest of the world, we were on lockdown, and my itch to explore only grew stronger. The moment restrictions lifted and our family was vaccinated, I booked our very first family flight.

Destination: Berlin, to visit my brother-in-law.

My son was just 11 months old. Airports were chaotic, and I was about to take him on his first flight against almost everyone's advice. Yet, I felt a total sense of calm.

Looking back, I am so proud of myself for not giving in to the negativity. I approached this trip exactly like my old city breaks. I didn’t overpack; I brought only what we truly needed his favorite toys, a few comforting books, and just enough formula and nappies for the flight (remember, you can always buy more when you arrive!).

Flying with low budget airlines meant that luggage space was a premium, so I packed our 10kg bag meticulously. It paid off. He handled the car ride to the airport smoothly, slept on the plane, and played contentedly while we waited in the dreaded vaccine check lines at BER Airport.

4 Incredible Life Benefits of Traveling with Children

By the age of three, my son had taken way over 10 flights. Watching him grow on the move taught me that children are far more resilient than we give them credit for.

If you are on the fence about booking a ticket, here are a few science-backed reasons why toddler travel is a massive building block for their development:

1. It Sparks Early Curiosity and Language Skills

Travel is the ultimate form of play-based learning. Because he was exposed to different cultures and environments early on, my son regularly asks questions about architecture, points out local foods, and wants to learn new languages, things I never expected a toddler to care about! This active engagement boosts creativity, imagination, and early linguistic skills.

2. It Builds Lifelong Resilience

A study by The Travel Effect found that kids who travel regularly tend to have above-average grades, higher educational attainment, and even 12% higher-than-average incomes as adults! While children thrive on routine, stepping out of their comfort zone teaches them how to adapt. It forces their little brains to engage in higher-level problem solving, analytical thinking, and resourcefulness.

3. It Teaches Personal Responsibility

Another unexpected benefit? Responsibility. My little guy loves being involved in our travel decisions, including packing his own toddler backpack! (Even if I do have to sneak in later to remove a mountain of toys and downsize a year’s worth of underwear).

4. It Normalizes Diversity from Day One

The most rapid brain development occurs in the first five years of a child’s life. Exposing your little ones to people, places, and cultures different from their own during these formative years completely normalizes diversity. It helps them grow into empathetic, open-minded global citizens.

"What If We Can't Afford to Fly?" (How to Travel Without a Plane Ticket)

I completely understand that travel isn’t feasible or affordable for everyone. I was raised by an incredible single mother who didn’t have the means to fly three kids around the world. My very first flight wasn't until I was an adult!

But my mom still found beautiful ways to weave exploration into our everyday lives. She took us on road trips to nearby cities whenever she could. Most importantly, she read us books about different places and cultures.

You don't need a passport to expand your child's world. Open a picture book, explore a new neighborhood park, or cook a meal from a different country together. Exploration is a mindset, not a price tag.

Embracing the Chaos: From One Child to Two

Now, with two kids, I won’t deny that traveling looks a little different. But it is still far from impossible. My oldest has become a seasoned travel expert and now lovingly shows his little sister the ropes.

Of course, there are challenging days and sleepless nights on the road. But let’s be entirely real: those hard days happen at home, too! The only difference is that when you travel, the background changes to Spain, Italy, France, or Australia.

Yes, my life changed when I had children, but I didn’t stop living. I am so grateful to share the beauty of this world with my family, and I hope it inspires you to pack that 10kg bag and take the leap, too.

Keep the Adventure Going at Home!

Looking for a way to get your little one excited about exploring new places, cultures, and languages?

Check out Noah's Berlin Adventure, inspired by my son's very first flight! This beautifully illustrated, inclusive picture book is the perfect way to spark your child's curiosity about the world right from your living room.