Now that there are three of you, your trips will never be the same—because traveling with children is one of the most enriching experiences you can have. Of course, planning may be a little more complex now, but don’t worry: we’re here to help. From choosing the right destination to the essentials to pack for vacation, here’s everything you need to know.

The most suitable places for families

First of all, where should you go? The sea, the mountains, a lake, a city? Let’s start by saying that no place is off-limits to children (except for extreme locations, of course!). The important thing is to understand what type of vacation you want, which season you’ll travel in, and to bring the right gear to make your stay at your chosen destination as comfortable as possible.

Certainly, if you love to relax, it’s best to avoid destinations that require constant movement, such as big cities with lots to see or road trips. For holidays with infants just a few months old, summer is generally recommended for mountain trips at not-too-high altitudes. This is because the mountains usually offer mild temperatures in summer, and if you live in the city, higher elevations are a great way to escape the heat.

The sea isn’t contraindicated either, even during the hottest months. It’s preferable to go in June or September, and if you really can’t choose a month other than August, it’s essential to take children to the beach only very early in the day and late in the afternoon, after 5 pm.

What should the perfect tag for holidays with young children be like?

Password: comfort!

To avoid stress for your little ones (and for you), it’s best to choose comfortable destinations and, if possible, stay in facilities such as family hotels. They’re equipped with everything needed for family vacations and can offer travelers with children the most protected and relaxed experience possible. If your accommodation is well equipped, you can leave bulkier items at home, such as travel cribs, baby food warmers, or similar. A great advantage!

For your vacation, it’s also best to choose a destination that allows your child to maintain their routines.

What to bring on a trip

Depending on their age, children need different things. As mentioned earlier, what you pack also changes depending on the destination. However, there are some essentials that are always good to have with you:

Flying with children

Traveling by plane with children requires preparation. Before boarding, there are many checks to get through, your child to look after, and stress can be just around the corner. With a bit of organization, though, nothing is impossible.

First of all, keep everything you need within reach: Documents and airline tickets should be accessible, so you don’t waste time rummaging through your backpack or bags. . Also, it’s best to change a diaper before boarding , to reduce the chances of having to do it in the narrow space of the aircraft bathroom.

And what about once you’re in the air? First of all, don’t panic if your child starts crying—it happens! Are other travelers complaining? Remember, they’re adults; they can tolerate a young child crying. To help your little one settle, stay calm: it’s essential to convey a sense of security. Once they start to calm down, pull out books or their favorite toys. They’re relaxing, right? Now you can enjoy the trip.

And for long trips by car or train?

The same rules apply as for air travel, with the advantage that in a car you can stop for more breaks and, thanks to the rear seats, you’ll always have a changing surface available. Ideally, on long trips, one parent can sit in the back with the child (if possible) to entertain them more easily and offer a few cuddles during the toughest moments. Train travel has its advantages too: there’s more freedom of movement and the chance to enjoy a smile from a friendly fellow passenger.