Making Summer Travel Plans with a Toddler in Tow

As summer makes its arrival, plans for travel are on the mind.

It used to be so easy. One suitcase. Go where we want and we’re off.

Travel and luggage

Nowadays, it’s not so easy with a toddler in tow. There’s the additional suitcase and car seat. There’s the need to plan the schedule accordingly, factoring in an appropriate time for meals and rest so we don’t wind up with a cranky and restless toddler. Extra time must also be taken to plan the itinerary so that it includes kid-safe and -friendly activities.

And, if you’re traveling internationally, there’s the additional time needed to get all the legal documents ready. Fortunately, we’re set with the passport. We took care of that from an earlier trip to Canada a year ago, but it wasn’t easy at all. It was a last minute kind of trip. I was also traveling with my toddler alone (without my spouse) and additional documentation was needed to indicate approval from my spouse to travel with my child. It’s simply a precaution taken to reduce child abduction scenarios and related situations of that sort from happening.

Make sure you check the regulations that come with visiting another country in advance. Not only is there the passport you need ready, but in certain country, it also requires a notarized letter indicating permission from the other parent. You may find it helpful to read this article on “How to Travel to Canada With a Minor Without the Other Parent.”

While traveling with a toddler means there will be additional luggage to carry, more time needed to plan and research and, of course, more expenses, the experience of traveling together are always everlasting and priceless.