Why We Take the Trip: Lessons from Life with a Toddler

I’ve always loved having something exciting to look forward to — a little adventure on the calendar, a change of scenery to shake things up. Even though I thrive on routine about 80% of the time, travel is part of what keeps me feeling inspired and energized. It reminds me that life isn’t just about work and laundry and grocery lists — it’s about experiencing something new, together.

But early in Logan’s life, travel felt almost impossible. Between my extended postpartum recovery, the fog of depression, and the sheer daily grit it took to survive working motherhood, travel fell off the radar entirely. And if I’m honest? That nearly broke me.

One of my lowest moments came right after Logan turned one. My in-laws kindly offered to meet us at an Airbnb in the mountains of Georgia and take over toddler duty so Jordan and I could enjoy some much-needed couple time. Unfortunately, just three hours into their visit, my mother-in-law tripped, badly sprained her ankle, and they had to head back home. Suddenly, we found ourselves isolated in a mountain cabin not at all equipped for a just-turned-one-year-old. The romantic getaway unraveled into logistical chaos, and we cut the trip short. I had a mini meltdown. It felt like the universe was screaming, “Nice try, but not yet.”

But things change. These days, Logan is four — and while traveling with kids still requires flexibility and patience, I’ve learned to embrace it. We haven’t taken on international flights (yet), but we’ve tackled plenty of multi-hour car rides and domestic flights. And I’ve picked up a few strategies along the way that help make the most of it.

Why Travel With Young Kids Can Be Surprisingly Awesome

There’s a common saying that traveling with kids is just parenting without your usual tools. But I’d argue that, with the right prep (and realistic expectations), it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here’s why:

1. You Can Travel Year-Round (Before School Calendars Rule Your Life)

One of the biggest perks of having young kids is the ability to travel whenever it works for you. Weekend getaways in the middle of the school year? Totally doable. This flexibility lets you take advantage of off-season rates and lower crowd levels — huge wins when you're already juggling nap schedules and snack demands.

2. Shorter, Frequent Trips Work Better Anyway

The truth? Some trips with toddlers will be total flops — thanks to unexpected fevers, teething, or epic meltdowns. That’s why we opt for more frequent, shorter getaways rather than saving everything for one expensive, high-pressure, once-a-year vacation. Living in North Carolina makes it easy for us to do beach, mountain, or city weekends without a ton of planning or cost.

3. If You Can, Get a Separate Room for Your Toddler

This one is huge. Sharing one room means every nap and bedtime becomes an all-hands-on-deck situation. We’re big fans of Residence Inn-style suites — separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and free breakfast. You save money (and sanity), can heat up leftovers, and still relax after bedtime. Airbnb or VRBO rentals can also offer great layout flexibility.

4. Pre-Order Groceries for Pickup at Your Destination

Nothing kills a vacation vibe faster than wrangling a toddler through a full grocery store run. I order groceries for pickup near our Airbnb or hotel before we even arrive. That way, we just swing by, grab the essentials, and head straight into vacation mode.

5. Book a Place With Laundry — It’s a Game-Changer

Having a washer/dryer at your rental makes packing so much easier and lightens the stress around accidents and outfit changes. I just throw a few laundry pods in a Ziploc and we’re set. Bonus: Less laundry when you get home.

6. Many Activities Are Free or Discounted for Kids Under 3

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth calling out: lots of attractions, museums, and theme parks are free or heavily discounted for kids under three. If you're on the fence about taking a trip — go before that 3rd birthday hits!

7. It’s Okay to Secretly Enjoy the Kid Stuff

Let’s be real: playing with pretend food or building Legos can actually be really fun. Some of our favorite travel moments come from kid-focused places that gave us the chance to play and laugh together, no agenda required.

Some people say traveling with kids is just parenting with more baggage — and sure, there’s some truth to that. But I believe that with the right setup and a little expectation adjustment, it’s totally possible to have meaningful, fun, and even restorative trips as a young family.

Even if the logistics aren’t always perfect, the memories are always worth it.