Travelling with a toddler is about more than whether they’ll remember it. Or so, I hope.
First of all, traveling or not, parenting is hard. Whether you love the idea of bringing your toddler to see the world or dread it, we all get nervous when it comes to planning a trip with a little one in tow.
Despite all the fun of discovering new places, I think we can all agree that travelling comes with its own set of headaches—the planning, packing, enduring long flights, and then dealing with the mess of unpacking when we get back… it’s a lot.
And when you throw a toddler into the mix? Well, it’s a whole new game ball.
It’s definitely not always the peaceful, idyllic kind you see in those perfect holiday reels on Instagram. But it can still be a meaningful experience that both you and your toddler can benefit from, and even look forward to.
The chaos and joy of travelling with a toddler
My husband and I took our son on his first overseas trip when he was just shy of 1 year old, a few weeks after travel restrictions were eased post-pandemic.
I’ll admit, traveling with a toddler is a mix of mess and magic. Yes, there are tantrums, sudden naps (or sudden cravings for fresh breastmilk) in the middle of sightseeing, and endless distractions that turn a quick walk into a lengthy adventure.
And yes, we’re constantly on edge, trying to keep our curious little one entertained, making sure he doesn’t slip out of our sight, all while hoping we’ve packed everything and can make it to the next stop without any drama.
But then there are those beautiful moments too—the breathtaking views, the one-of-a-kind attractions we can only find in that place, and the joy of experiencing something new together.
Will my toddler even remember any of that? Probably not. But I’d do it again anyway, because to me, that’s not the point.
It’s about the now
I think we put too much pressure on travel needing to be ‘memorable.’ But what about the joy of simply being in a new place together?
People love to point out that toddlers won’t remember the places you take them, as if that’s the only reason to go anywhere or do anything.
We don’t hang out with friends and share a meal just to remember every bite. We don’t listen to a song we love just to memorise every lyric. Some experiences are worth having simply because they bring joy in the moment.
Realise deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the now the primary focus of your life.
Eckhart Tolle
Even if he won’t recall the specific details, he’s still experiencing new places, new people, new ways of living. He’s tasting different foods (or at least poking at them suspiciously), hearing unfamiliar languages, and running through streets that look nothing like home.
For toddlers, everything is about the present moment. He doesn’t need to remember the details of our beach day to have felt the breeze and sand beneath his feet. He doesn’t need to recall the exact details of the fjord cruise we took to have enjoyed the ride.
Do the pros outweigh the cons?
When you think about it, all the tantrums, the constant demands for snacks, and the unpredictable nap schedules can happen at home too.
Sure, there’s a little more stress when you’re navigating a new place or trying to keep everything on track, but honestly, those moments of chaos are something we have to deal with anyway, whether we’re at a theme park or just running errands.
The difference is that when we travel, we get the added bonus of being somewhere exciting or experiencing new things together. After all, those challenges are just part of the journey.
There is so much more than just making memories
Travelling benefits both you and your toddler in ways you might not realise. Your toddler may not have clear memories of every trip, but the experiences still shape them.
I’m no expert in child development, but here’s why I think taking my toddler on trips is worth it.
There are reasons why experts stress the importance of infant stimulation and letting babies experience new things. These early experiences play a key role in their overall development.
Babies won’t remember the first lullaby you sang to them. Or even the first time they felt the sun on their skin. But we sing anyway, talk to them, kiss them, and bring them to the parks because we know those little moments matter. They help them feel safe, loved, and connected, even without forming concrete memories.
In the same way, travel exposes toddlers to fresh environments, different cultures, and new sensory experiences that help them develop adaptability and resilience, skills that will serve them well as they grow.
Even if they can’t recall where they’ve been, the sights, sounds, and the change in routine help expand their cognitive and emotional development. Much like their early milestones, the experiences they gain from travelling add to their rich tapestry of learning and growth.
Travel changes me too
Toddlers find joy in the simplest things, and they definitely don’t need to travel to grow. But for me, it provides a chance to refresh and gain new perspectives once in a while—something we all need to stay sane, parents or not.
Vacationing with a toddler is challenging, but it’s also shifted my perspective on what it means to explore. I’ve slowed down. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple things—the sound of waves at the beach, watching him laugh at the sound of birds chirping, sharing ice cream on a park bench, or simply enjoying a quiet sunset together.
I’ll remember the way his face lit up when the fireworks went off at Disneyland. I’ll remember how he spun around with the bubble wand, chasing the bubbles as they drifted by. I’ll remember how he was amazed by the night view from our hotel window as he pointed to everything.
And honestly? I’d rather have these moments than wait for some mythical ‘right time’ when he’s old enough to remember everything perfectly. Because let’s be real, by the time he is, he might be too cool to hold my hand in a new city or get excited over a simple gelato stand.
So even if he won’t remember these trips, I will. And I’ll keep taking him on them because those moments matter to me. These are the memories I’ll hold onto, and I know they’ll shape the way I see the world, too.