What is the Best Age to Travel with Kids? Tips and Insights From a Digital Nomad Family

Does the best age to travel with kids exist? In my opinion, it does!

Traveling with kids is fantastic, without a doubt! But it’s not without its challenges. Anyone who says they travel with their children just as they did alone, and that it’s always easy, isn’t being entirely truthful (or is at least convincing themselves otherwise).

The reality is: There is a perfect age for traveling with kids, and it depends on your travel style.

We’ve been traveling full-time since 2019. When we started, our oldest was 2 years old. In 2021 we welcomed our second daughter while being a digital nomad family. So I’ve been through every age of early childhood while traveling mainly southeast Asia and hope I can give you some insights.

Check out this article with tips on suitable vacation types and what to consider when planning your trip. Let’s go!

The Best Age to Travel with Kids: Age 0 – 1

My absolute favorite age to travel with kids is when they are still small babies. First, airline tickets for babies are extremely cheap, often requiring only a small fee for a lap infant. This can significantly reduce travel costs, allowing for more flexibility in your travel plans.

Additionally, babies under one year old tend to sleep a lot, which means they are likely to rest through long journeys, like long haul flights or road trips. They don’t care too much about set nap times or jet lag. Sounds like the best time, right?!

Less Food Stress

Another great advantage is that babies are fully supplied with breast milk and baby food, so you don’t have to worry about finding suitable food or dealing with low hygiene standards in unfamiliar places. This can be a huge relief, especially when traveling to destinations where you might be concerned about the quality of food and water.

Easy to Carry Around

Young babies are also easy to carry. Investing in a good baby carrier can make a world of difference, allowing you to navigate crowded streets, climb stairs, and explore new places without the hassle of a bulky stroller.

We found that avoiding a stroller and keeping things as simple as possible was a good choice and worked best for us. Babies at this age have no urge to move independently yet, which means they are content being carried and close to you.

More Contact With Locals

Moreover, traveling with a baby can often attract kindness and help from strangers. Many people are more willing to offer assistance or make accommodations when they see you traveling with an infant, which can make navigating airports, hotels, and other public spaces easier.

We had quite a few very sweet experiences in countries like Morocco, Thailand, and Malaysia. Local families and waiters often took care of our babies, playing with them and entertaining them while we enjoyed our meals in peace. This kind of warm hospitality is something we haven’t experienced in our home country, Germany.

Best Vacation Types For 0-1 Year Olds:

• Hiking vacations
• Camping trips
• City trips
• Long-haul flights
• Adventure trips
• Road trips (invest in a good car seat and a baby neck roll)

The Best Age to Travel With Kids: Age 1 – 3

Attention, attention! In my opinion, this is the most challenging age to travel with kids. At this stage, the little ones are mobile enough to run around (or run away), they’ve started eating real food, and they’re no longer so easy to carry (at least if you have chubby babies like I did). Their boundless energy and constant need for movement can make travel logistics more complicated.

When planning a trip with toddlers or young kids, it’s essential to choose a vacation that caters to their needs while still allowing you to enjoy yourself. The key is to manage your expectations and adapt your travel style to accommodate the little adventurers.

Don’t expect to go on big, grand adventures together. Instead, focus on the small, beautiful moments and situations that can make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

Choose the Right Destination

For instance, consider choosing destinations that offer a mix of activities suitable for both adults and children. Parks, beaches, and family-friendly resorts are great options as they provide ample space for kids to run around and play safely. Having easy access to playgrounds can be a lifesaver, allowing your child to burn off energy while you take a breather.

Sometimes, a simple coffee break at a playground can provide more relaxation and joy than trying to visit a museum or a fancy café where your child might feel restricted (and so do you).

Find Family-Friendly Accommodations

Accommodations also play a crucial role in making your trip smoother. Look for hotels or rentals that offer amenities like high chairs, cribs, and kitchenettes. Being able to prepare meals or snacks for your child can be incredibly convenient, especially if they are picky eaters or have specific dietary needs. Take a look at my blogpost on how to find the best accommodations while traveling.

Bring Familiar Items

Another tip is to bring along some familiar items from home, such as their favorite toys, blankets, or books. These can provide comfort and a sense of security in unfamiliar surroundings. We cannot travel with Lilas and Ruby’s favorite stuffed toys and the kids’ music player “Tonie Box”. Additionally, packing a lightweight stroller or a sturdy baby carrier can help manage those inevitable moments when little legs get tired.

Accept Your Child’s Pace

It’s also wise to plan for breaks and downtime in your itinerary. Young children can easily get overwhelmed by too much stimulation or a packed schedule. Choose slow travel! Allow for plenty of rest periods and be flexible with your plans. Sometimes, a spontaneous nap or an extra hour at a kid-friendly attraction can make all the difference in keeping everyone happy and stress-free.

How to Keep a Toddler Entertained on a Long Flight?

Best Vacation Types For 1-3 Year Olds:

• Beach vacations
• Camping trips
• Family-friendly resort vacations
• Short flights (If you choose a long-haul flight, try to keep an empty seat between you and your partner in the middle row. My personal experience: Chances are that it stays empty and your little one can take a comfortable nap.)

The Best Age to Travel With Kids: Age 4 – 5

At this age, children’s communication skills have significantly improved. They can express their needs, share their thoughts, and engage in simple conversations. This does make travel so much more interactive and enjoyable, right? When our youngest turned 4, we let out a massive sigh of relief. Everything seemed to get easier with that fourth birthday.

Walking with Confidence

Children aged 4 to 5 can walk confidently and enjoy physical activities. This means you can plan more varied and engaging activities that involve a bit of walking, such as nature trails, and interactive museums. Their ability to navigate different terrains also means fewer worries about carrying them constantly (especially if you have a heavy baby, which was very tiring to carry early on) though a lightweight stroller might still come in handy for longer excursions or when they get tired.

Desire for Discovery

At this stage, kids are incredibly curious and eager to explore their surroundings. Their enthusiasm for discovering new things is infectious, and they find joy in the simplest of activities, whether it’s building sandcastles on the beach, collecting shells, or exploring a new playground. Their excitement can turn even the most mundane activities into adventures.

Creating Lasting Memories

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling with children in this age group is the opportunity to create lasting memories. At 3 to 5 years old, children start to remember their experiences more vividly. According to a study by Patricia Bauer, a professor of psychology at Emory University, children between the ages of 3 and 5 show significant improvements in their ability to recall events. Bauer’s research indicates that by age 3, children can remember specific events from the past, and their ability to remember continues to improve with age.

For you as a parent that means that the places you visit and the activities you share will become cherished childhood memories that they will carry with them for years to come. Whether it’s their first time seeing the ocean, visiting a theme park, or experiencing a cultural festival, these moments will probably not be forgotten.

Interactive Learning

Traveling with children aged 4 to 5 is also a fantastic educational opportunity. This is a prime age for interactive learning, where children can absorb new information through hands-on experiences. Visits to aquariums, science centers, and historical sites can spark their curiosity and foster a love for learning. They can connect what they see and do with stories and lessons from books or school, making education fun and engaging.

Building Social Skills

Traveling also provides opportunities for children to develop their social skills. They meet new people, interact with other children, and learn to adapt to different social settings. These experiences help them become more adaptable and confident, preparing them for future interactions in school and beyond.

Best Vacation Types For 4-5 Year Olds:

• Beach vacations
• City trips with child-friendly activities
• Camping trips
• Easy hiking vacations
• Short and long-haul flights

The Best Age to Travel With Kids: Age 6 – 8

Welcome to the age where your child can start experiencing really cool “grown-up” activities with you! Kids aged 6-8 are more physically capable and mentally curious. This makes them even better companions for adventurous outings. They can handle longer hikes, navigate new places, and participate in activities that were previously out of reach.

Longer Hikes and Exploration

Children in this age group have the stamina for longer hikes and outdoor explorations. Whether it’s trekking through a national park, wandering through city streets, or exploring nature trails, your child can keep up and enjoy the journey. This opens up a world of possibilities for family adventures that involve more physical activity and exploration. Check out my guide on making hiking with kids a fun and enjoyable experience.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

At this age, kids are often ready to try snorkeling and other water activities. Their increased swimming skills and comfort in the water mean you can explore underwater worlds together. My husband and I are passionate scuba divers. We’re so much looking forward to our oldest turning 8, so she can make the “Bubblemaker” with PADI.

Cultural Discovery and Learning

Children aged 6-8 are also more capable of understanding and appreciating different cultures. Traveling to new destinations allows them to learn about various traditions, languages, and histories firsthand. I know many world-schooling families who visit cultural sites as part of their educational journey.

Affordable Adventures

One of the practical benefits of traveling with children in this age group is that they often still qualify for half-price tickets for many activities and attractions. This can make your adventures more affordable, allowing you to do more and see more without breaking the bank. From discounted entry fees to family deals on tours and excursions, traveling with kids in this age group can be financially advantageous.

Best Vacation Types For 6-8 Year Olds:

• Beach vacations
• City trips
• Camping trips
• Medium-level hiking vacations
• Resort vacations with kids animation (that they can do alone)
• Adventure trips
• Short and long-haul flights

The Best Age to Travel With Kids: Age 9 – 16

At this age, the tweens and teenage years, your child becomes almost an equal travel partner. You can evaluate together where to travel next, what is important to both of you, and what experiences you want to share. Their input can make your trips more meaningful and engaging for the whole family.

Independence and Personal Interests

One of the best parts about traveling with kids aged 9-16 is their growing independence. They are old enough to do certain activities on their own, giving both you and them some freedom. For example, your child can attend a supervised surf course while you go diving. This balance allows everyone to pursue their interests and enhances the overall travel experience.

Quality Time Together

Enjoy the time you have together. It won’t be long before your child wants to go on their own adventures. Use this time to share new experiences, and strengthen your bond.

Best Vacation Types For 9-16 Year Olds:

• Everything you want to do together (and that’s safe enough in your eyes)

Interesting Facts to Family Travel

Traveling with kids is a growing trend, with 85% of American families planning to travel together in the next 12 months, according to a survey by the Family Travel Association (FTA) and the NYU School of Professional Studies Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality​ (Travel Agent Central)​.

Another study by the Family Travel Association found that 93% of families are likely to travel within the next two years, emphasizing the increasing desire for family bonding through travel​ (Family Travel)​.

Additionally, a survey revealed that 71% of parents believe that traveling with their children is more educational than traditional classroom experiences (Travel Agent Central)​.

There is a growing trend towards unique lodging options. Families are increasingly opting for cabins, glamping sites, and beachfront accommodations to create memorable experiences (Gravitate Travel)​.

Also there is a notable rise in multigenerational travel, where trips are planned to cater to all age groups. This trend ensures that activities and facilities are suitable for children, adults, and seniors (Kids Are A Trip)​.

Final Thoughts on the Best Age to Travel with Kids

At the end of the day, the best age to travel with kids depends on your family’s style and preferences. Whether you’re planning a road trip, tackling long flights, or having an adventure holiday, every age has its own sweet spot.

From the easiest age of traveling with a baby to the fun adventures with elementary school kids, each stage offers incredible experiences.

As described above, I find the toddler age between 1 and 4 the most difficult. But honestly, I think that’s the most challenging even without traveling.

I would like to give parents one last piece of advice: Yes, it can be more difficult at some ages, but there is no reason not to travel! Have the courage, book the trip, and create those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Not traveling is not a solution either! Even if your little one won’t remember it, you certainly will!

What are your experiences? Did you find your personal best age to travel with kids? Let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

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