Traveling internationally can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, filled with fascinating sights and intriguing cultures. Still, there’s a lot to consider when planning a trip with small children in tow. From deciding where to go, to what you’ll pack, to finding the right destination for your child, traveling with little ones can be one of the most rewarding but challenging experiences you’ll have!
While traveling with little ones can be challenging, it’s no reason to forgo life on the road. If you want to travel internationally with your toddler or young child, you’ll need a plan — and we’re here to help. The first step is identifying your priorities. Is it having easy access to beaches and other leisure activities? Is it visiting the world’s best kid-friendly attractions? Do you want a range of nightlife and activities to keep the whole family busy? Or is it getting a taste of local culture and cuisine? We’ve got all those bases covered below!
In addition to the usual concerns, you would expect from traveling with a toddler, such as which kid-friendly attractions will be on your itinerary and what you’ll need to pack when traveling internationally with your little one. In addition, you’ll need to consider the destination’s safety, security, health care system, and preparedness for any potential medical emergencies.
Here’s our list of 10 international destinations for parents with toddlers.
1. Australia
This is a good option for families looking to escape the winter weather, with its pleasant temperatures and absence of biting insects. The nation’s laid-back lifestyle is relaxed and easygoing, catering well to families with young children. Toddlers will love the beaches, amazing wildlife, and kid-friendly theme parks, while parents will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere, abundant cafes, and bars to enjoy a well-earned drink.
The only downside of traveling to Australia with toddlers is that they’ll need to travel on their own passport until they are 18 years old.
2. The Caribbean
Many islands in the Caribbean make for ideal family destinations. The climate is great for kids all year round, with fewer biting insects than some regions of the world, which means no scratching all night long! There are endless white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to explore and leisure options, including snorkeling and scuba diving sites.
Most tourist areas in the Caribbean cater well for kids, with a range of activities on offer to keep them entertained, including water parks and theme parks.
The only downside is that some parts of the Caribbean can be very expensive during peak season.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand’s stunning scenery and safe environment make it a fantastic choice for families traveling with toddlers. The mild climate means there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy that won’t be restricted by the weather, while its range of natural attractions, including glaciers, mountains, and volcanoes will be sure to keep the whole family entertained.
In terms of things to see and do, New Zealand has a lot on offer for kids with a wide range of activities on offer from glow worm caves to stunning beaches and award-winning animal encounters.
4. Canada
Canada is another great choice for families looking to escape harsh winter weather. While it can get cold, particularly in northern areas, this doesn’t mean the weather limit you at any time of year.
Canada offers a range of activities for kids, including great hiking spots and fun animal parks. A strong economy means that many attractions are well-maintained and offer good value for money.
5. Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a unique tropical holiday, complete with stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, then this is the destination for you! Costa Rica’s popularity means that there are plenty of amenities catering well to families. In addition, its small size makes it easy to get around, while its extensive transportation system provides lots of options for getting around.
The high quality of medical facilities in Costa Rica is one of the big draws for families, particularly those who are worried about their child’s health while abroad.
6. France
France offers a range of kid-friendly attractions sure to delight toddlers, including castles, museums, and many fun outdoor parks that are picturesque in any season. The food is delicious, with many restaurants offering kids’ menus, while the backstreets are peppered with patisseries perfect for a mid-morning treat. The lack of a language barrier makes it easy for families to get around, even if it’s their first time in the country.
The downside of traveling to France with toddlers is that it can be very crowded, particularly in the high season.
7. The United States
America is a great choice for families with young children as it has something for everyone! There’s plenty of kid-friendly attractions such as zoos and theme parks, while the cities themselves offer a range of activities, including historical tours and family-friendly museums.
It is not one of the cheap international places to travel with toddlers; however, it is one if the most flexible place to travel with young kids.
8. Thailand
Thailand has long been a popular holiday destination with families, thanks to its unique culture and abundance of family-friendly amenities. Toddlers will love the many elephant parks and opportunities for visiting local temples, while the delicious food is sure to be a hit at dinnertime.
The weather in Thailand can get hot and humid, so be sure to pack carefully and drink plenty of water.
9. Singapore
A modern metropolis where cultures from across the world come together, Singapore is another great destination for families with children. The city boasts many family-friendly attractions, including museums, zoos, and kid-friendly shopping areas. The modern buildings and ultra-modern cityscape are balanced by lush green parks, making it an appealing destination for city-dwellers.
Singapore is a very safe destination; however, it can get hot and humid, so be sure to pack appropriately.
10. Norway
If you’re looking for a family holiday with great hiking and stunning scenery, then Norway is the place to go. The cities are compact and easy to navigate, while the culture is refreshingly authentic and free of commercialism. Food options are plentiful, and restaurants offer an affordable option for dining out.
Norway can get chilly, especially in the winter months, so be sure to pack your thermals!
Conclusion
While it may seem like a dream to take your baby or toddler on an international holiday, it isn’t always as easy as it seems. This is why it’s important to carefully research the destination of your choice and be prepared for any challenges that may arise.
If you do your research and plan ahead, then you will be able to relax and enjoy every minute of your exciting adventure!
There are plenty of affordable and kid-friendly destinations to choose from, so you can get your wanderlust fix without breaking the bank. We hope our guide to the best international places to travel with toddlers has given you some great ideas for your next family holiday!
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