Travelling with a baby or young children

1. Choosing a destination suitable for babies and young children

Before booking, take the time to evaluate several key factors: safety, climate, local culture, language, geography, tourist attractions, and access to medical care.

• Avoid destinations with extreme heat. Long journeys or a lack of age-appropriate activities can make travel very challenging for toddlers.
• Research the local cuisine. In Costa Rica, for example, children often enjoy rice and bean-based dishes.
• Other destinations like Mexico, Greece, Portugal, and Italy stand out for their strong family culture and warm hospitality.

Tip: Check out our Guide to choosing an all-inclusive family resort and our Travelling with family section to find deals and advice tailored to young travellers.

2. Planning your travel budget in detail

Prepare a comprehensive budget that includes: transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, and even souvenirs. This will help you manage your spending and fully enjoy your vacation stress-free.

First, the good news: children under 2 years old fly free on a parent’s lap, regardless of the airline.

For accommodation, prioritize family-friendly hotels or resorts with kids’ clubs, where babies and children stay or eat for free or at a reduced rate. These options are especially valuable when travelling with multiple children.

Tip: Combine your reward points with all-inclusive offers to reduce your overall costs.

3. Packing smart when travelling with a baby

Plan the contents of your luggage carefully. You can choose to bring everything (diapers, formula, baby food) or purchase what you need at your destination. With the exception of Cuba, most basic baby products are readily available abroad.

If your child has special needs (soy-based formula, food allergies, or intolerances), pack your supplies in your luggage. Don’t forget to include a first aid kit suited to your children’s ages. It should contain: bandages, a thermometer, sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic medications to prevent or treat minor issues.

Heading south? A UV-protective beach tent is essential for shielding young children from the sun. Finally, choose the stroller best suited to your travel itinerary.

4. Preparing for your flight with young children

Before purchasing your tickets, contact the airline to understand its policies: carry-on luggage allowances, strollers, car seats, priority boarding, allergen-free meals, and more. Your travel counsellor can also help you navigate these details.

Bulkhead seats are convenient—they allow you to set up the bassinet provided for babies, though armrests are sometimes fixed and legroom can be limited. Most airlines will allow you to keep your stroller right up until boarding.

For a comfortable flight, pack:

• a blanket
• headphones
• a change of clothes for the whole family
• a few entertainment options (tablet with downloaded movies, books, or colouring supplies)

For feeding your baby on board, pouch-style baby food is ideal: it’s easy to transport and simplifies getting through security.

5. Where to stay for a good night’s sleep when travelling with young children

For a budget-friendly and practical stay, consider renting an apartment or vacation rental. You’ll benefit from separate bedrooms, a kitchen to prepare meals and formula, space for the kids to play, and a balcony to unwind. Just make sure children are welcome.

If you prefer a hotel, check the following before booking:

• Is it a family all-inclusive resort?
• Do children stay and eat for free?
• Are there additional charges starting from the third child?

Tip: Visit trusted websites like Kid & Coe for family accommodations and BB Jetlag for parenting travel advice.

6. Travel insurance and family safety

Travel insurance is a must when exploring the world as a family. Make sure your entire family is properly covered. If you have group insurance or coverage tied to your credit card, verify that it covers all household members.

Compare available plans: Some travel insurance policies are specifically designed for young families. Don’t forget to include coverage for children’s care and repatriation—essential if one parent falls ill abroad.

7. Finding the right pace for a successful family vacation with young children

Travelling as a family is, above all, an exercise in adaptability. Children can be thrown off by jet lag, long journeys, or changes in routine. Adjust your itinerary according to everyone’s needs.

Be patient, flexible, and even keep a sense of humour. You’ll enjoy a vacation that’s both restful and unforgettable, while meeting the specific needs of every family member.

8. Preparing your travel documents

Make sure every family member has a valid passport. Did you know that CAA-Quebec Travel Centres are the only ones to offer passport photo services for babies? Plan ahead and take advantage of our exclusive services to travel with complete peace of mind with your little ones.

FAQ – Travelling with a baby and young children

1. At what age do children get reduced airfare?
Children under 2 years old generally fly free on a parent’s lap. Between ages 2 and 11, many airlines offer a reduced fare depending on the destination and cabin class.

2. Which countries are recommended for travelling with children?
Top family travel destinations include Mexico, Greece, Portugal, and Italy—all well known for their warm hospitality and activities suited to young children.

3. How do you travel with a stroller or baby carrier?
Most airlines allow you to keep your stroller until boarding. A baby carrier is also practical for layovers and sightseeing, especially in less accessible areas.

4. Should you bring a car seat on the plane?
A certified car seat can be useful and installed on board if your child has their own seat. Otherwise, most airlines allow you to check it for free in the hold for use at your destination.

5. How do you help a young child adjust to jet lag?
Maintain familiar routines: regular mealtimes, a favourite comfort toy, short naps, and calm activities during the first few days. Most children adjust naturally within two to three days.