From Backpack to Baby Bag: How I’ve Kept Traveling with a Toddler (and Loved It… Eventually)

I used to be the kind of traveler who could live out of a 35L backpack for months. I would sleep in $10 hostels and decide at breakfast where I’d go that afternoon. I thrived on spontaneity. I’d arrive in a new country with no plan, no accommodations, and just a vague idea that “something interesting” would come up.

Then I had a child.

When our son was born two and a half years ago, I honestly thought my traveling days were over—or at least on an extended pause. My husband and I joked (nervously) that our next adventure would be navigating a trip to the grocery store without forgetting the wipes. But somewhere deep down, I wasn’t ready to give up the part of me that found so much joy, freedom, and perspective in travel.

So, we kept going. With much trial, plenty of error, and more snacks than I ever thought one suitcase could carry, we’ve managed to travel to eight countries in the last two years. I’m proud to say we’ve not just survived but actually enjoyed every trip.

Here’s how we did it—and how you can too, even with a pint-sized travel companion in tow.

Where We’ve Been (With a Toddler in Tow)

1. Portugal – Our first international trip with a baby. Lisbon’s trams were a hit, though they proved a challenge with a stroller. We learned quickly that nap time in a carrier while sipping coffee in Alfama is a parenting win.

2. Japan – Clean, efficient, and incredibly child-friendly. We stayed longer in each city than we would have pre-kids. We found joy in quiet mornings at playgrounds and convenience store snacks.

   
   

3. Italy – Toddlers and pasta? A match made in heaven! We based ourselves in smaller towns like Lucca and Bologna, opting for day trips instead of hopping cities every two days like we used to.

   
   

4. Canada – Vancouver and the Rockies offered fresh air and forests, providing plenty of space for our toddler to run. We rented a car and stayed in family-style accommodations with kitchens.

   
   

5. Thailand – This one was ambitious but so worth it. We stayed in a quiet resort just outside Chiang Mai and planned one big activity a day—or sometimes just a pool day. Bonus: Thai people love kids!

   
   

6. New Zealand – Perfect for slow travel. We bought a secondhand car seat, rented a campervan for a week, and took things slow. The freedom was incredible, and our little one loved being outdoors constantly.

   
   

7. Greece – Crete was particularly magical. We booked an Airbnb with a pool and a washing machine, luxuries I didn’t appreciate until becoming a parent. We stayed for nearly two weeks—less packing, more playtime.

   
   

8. Spain – We enjoyed Barcelona and then a quiet beach town outside the city. Tapas at 9 PM with a toddler? Not quite. We embraced early dinners and playgrounds outside nearly every café.

   
   

Things We Had to Adjust (and You Probably Will Too)

Before Kids:

• Land at 10 PM? No problem.

• Sleep in a 16-bed dorm? Sure!

• Eat street food standing up? Obviously.

  
  

After Kids:

• We aim for midday flights.

• Accommodation must have doors that close—hello, bedtime routines.

• Meals are now seated, slow, and often revolve around food my son will eat. We even pack peanut butter just in case.

  
  

Tips That Have Saved Our Sanity

1. Slow it way down. We plan one or two activities a day at most. Did you know toddlers move at their own pace? This has helped us notice and appreciate more.

   
   

2. Book accommodation that makes life easier. Having a washing machine, separate sleeping spaces, and a kitchen is worth every penny.

   
   

3. Pack light(ish)—but smart. We still try to pack carry-on only, even with a toddler! We include essentials: a compact travel stroller, lightweight carrier, and snacks—so many snacks.

   
   

4. Stick to routines—flexibly. Bedtimes and naps matter, but don’t be afraid to go with the flow. A missed nap isn’t the end of the world (usually).

   
   

5. Involve your child. Even at two, our son “helps” pack his bag, picks out toys for the plane, and gets excited about the airport. Giving him a sense of ownership has helped a lot.

   
   

6. Embrace different kinds of magic. It’s not the same magic I felt watching the sunrise from a temple rooftop in Myanmar. But seeing my son’s face the first time he saw snow in Canada? That’s a different kind of wonder.

   
   

Future Adventures Await

Traveling with kids isn’t easy, but it is still possible, and it can be wonderful. If you’re in the thick of toddler life, tired, and convinced that hopping on a plane with your little one sounds like madness—I understand.

We’ve experienced flights where everything went wrong. We’ve tackled jet lag, dealt with blowouts in airplane bathrooms, and faced meltdowns in customs lines.

But we’ve also enjoyed beach days in Greece, mountain hikes in New Zealand, and unforgettable train rides in Japan. We’ve built sandcastles on four continents and made friends with strangers who helped us carry a stroller up stairs in various languages.

Travel with kids can feel daunting, but it’s still accessible. You might just need to swap your backpack for a baby bag and your fast-paced itinerary for something slower. Yet, the adventure? It’s still there—waiting for you both.

Have you traveled with your little ones? Drop your tips, stories, or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear from fellow wanderlusting parents!