Traveling with kids can be its own special kind of scary. Toddlers have a way of controlling the situation – if they make it easy, then it’s easy. But if they make it hard? Well, then it can be really hard.

That’s why you have to be prepared if you are going to travel with your toddler!

I have created a list of some necessities I’ve found in my travels with my almost-3-year-old over the past 6 months.

Toddler Travel Necessities

1. Travel Activities

It is absolutely vital that your toddler is entertained on your journey from point A to point B. And toddlers aren’t known for having the best attention spans.

With that in mind, you should have many options of activities for your kid to engage with as you travel.

Here are some of my favorite activities that I found really helpful while on the road and in the sky:

• Water-Reveal Pads: These Melissa & Doug activity pads are so much fun, and pretty much mess free. My son loves using the water brush to reveal what is underneath, and unlike traditional marker pads, he is completely able to do this on his own! The best part is that these pads are reusable, so your kids can enjoy them over and over again.

• Sticker Book: I don’t know about your kid, but my son LOVES stickers. He can sit for quite a while pulling up stickers and placing them haphazardly on a page. Sticker books have been great on trips! They are easy to pack and include everything your kid needs to be entertained for a bit!

• Tablet: I am a firm believer that screen time has a time and a place – and traveling is both of those things. A tablet should not necessarily be your first resort. But when your toddler starts getting restless (which is likely to happen after a bit), it is nice to be able to pull out a pre-loaded tablet and let them play games or watch TV. If it keeps them entertained for awhile, that’s a win in my book!

2. Pajamas (on your kid)

If you are traveling in the evening and there is even the slightest chance that your toddler will fall asleep in the car, make sure they are wearing something comfy that they can sleep in. Let me tell you (from experience) the worst thing is when you go to move a sleeping toddler from the car seat, and then have to wake them up for a full outfit change. It can really throw off your plans to sleep.

I now always dress my toddler in comfy pants when we travel. That way, he is ready to sleep whenever the time comes!

3. Good Shoes

Traveling is not the time for uncomfortable shoes. Whether you’re trekking through an airport or your destination involves some adventures by foot, you want your toddler to be able to walk as much as possible. Bringing comfortable shoes is a must so that you don’t get stuck carrying your kid everywhere you go.

Our favorite go-to toddler shoes are Crocs because they are so versatile. Have a lot of walking to do? Crocs work for that. Going to the beach? Yeah, Crocs can get wet. Need a pair to put on easily during road trip pit stops? Yup, sound

Things to Consider Before You Go

There are some additional questions you need to ask yourself as you plan for your trip.

• Where will your toddler sleep? Even though my kid sleeps in his own bed at home, he usually sleeps with us on trips.
• Will they need a car seat? This question is especially important to consider if you are traveling by plane.
• Is there anything you need to toddler-proof the space?
• What can you buy at your destination?
• Will you need a passport? This is something you definitely need to plan ahead for!

If you think through the details of your travel plans and pack accordingly before you go, you are sure to be much happier on your trip!

Check out my posts about infant travel necessities and airplane travel to make sure you are ready to go!