Your Toddler’s First Holiday: What to Pack & How to Prepare

So you’ve booked the holiday. Now what?

Let’s be honest – going away with a toddler isn’t exactly restful. The phrase “a change is as good as a rest” doesn’t really apply when your suitcase is 90% snacks and the only thing you’re sunbathing under is a toddler’s wet towel.

But you will make memories. You will laugh. And with a bit of prep, it can even feel like a break.

Whether you’re heading for a beach in Spain, a countryside lodge or a budget-friendly staycation, here’s our no-nonsense guide to toddler travel – what to pack, how to plan, and what actually helps.

Let’s talk about the packing

Packing for a toddler is a fine art. Not enough and you’re panic-buying swim nappies at the airport. Too much and you’re dragging a suitcase the size of a small car through cobbled streets. So, we need to aim for somewhere in the middle – the sweet spot.

The trick isn’t in packing everything – it’s packing clever.

Parents we know swear by these sanity-saving swaps:

• A night light or portable lamp so you’re not sat in total darkness at 7pm whispering over crisps.
• Cheap pound shop beach toys – buy them at home and ditch them at the end. No one wants to fork out £15 for a plastic bucket abroad.
• A blackout blind or foil/blackout curtain clips if you’re staying somewhere bright.
• A reusable wet bag for soggy swimsuits, unexpected accidents or mystery dampness.
• Calpol, plasters, and plenty of sun cream – just in case.

And don’t forget that one soft toy, blanket or dummy that helps them settle!

Holiday life hacks we love

As you know, toddlers can be wild cards. But a few good habits can make all the difference when you’re on holiday.

Pack snacks like your holiday depends on it- because it probably does. Raisins, breadsticks, fruit pouches, mini cheese portions… Even just giving your toddler a snack to hold can sometimes buy you precious time in queues or restaurants.

On the plane? If your little one’s still on milk, offer a feed during take-off and landing. It helps equalise the pressure in their ears (and may even help them snooze). If you’ve not brought milk, a fruit pouch or water bottle with a straw works too. You can also find extra tips from easyJet’s guide to flying with toddlers.

Don’t forget a few small toys or books wrapped like gifts. Not only do they make brilliant plane distractions, but you can stagger them across the trip – one surprise a day keeps the tantrums at bay – well, hopefully!

And finally, if you’re staying in a hotel room or lodge, think about how you’ll unwind once your toddler’s asleep. That’s where a tiny travel lamp or portable light earns its keep – you don’t want to be fumbling around with a phone torch when all you want is five minutes with your book (or a sneaky biscuit).

Sun safety without the stress

We’re big believers in outdoor play at Kids Planet – from our outdoor classrooms to beach schools and forest-inspired learning. But when it comes to sunshine, toddlers need a little extra help staying safe.

• Aim for shade between 11am and 3pm
• Dress them in loose, long-sleeved clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
• Apply SPF 50+ regularly (water-resistant is your friend)
• Keep drinks flowing – juice, ice lollies, watermelon, or good old water
• Watch for signs of overheating: flushed skin, irritability, less energy

If you need a bit more guidance, the NHS sun safety advice for children is a great resource, and we’ve also put together a handy Kids Planet guide to summer safety for toddlers!

Rainy day? Here are some things you can bring with you:

Even the sunniest holiday locations can have their soggy moments. But that doesn’t mean you need to resort to endless screentime (if you don’t want too!).

Pack a few low-effort, small in size, boredom busters:

• Reusable sticker books or busy books
• A little bag of sensory bits like ribbons, fidget spinners, stacking cups or squishy balls
• Colouring pads and crayons (that are washable and don’t mark the furniture!)
• Your go-to nursery rhyme song playlist so you can release the toddler energy with a dance party.

And if you’re after more inspiration, we’ve got loads of fun early years outdoor activities that work just as well on a balcony, terrace, or even a hotel room floor.

Sometimes, the best holiday moments are the slow ones – snuggled up reading, watching the rain, or just having a giggle about how chaotic things feel.

You’re not doing it wrong. It’s just… holidays with a toddler

There’s a phrase we love (and let’s be honest, live by when holidaying with little ones): “It’s just parenting in a different location.”

That means you’ll still be wiping noses, saying “don’t climb that” and trying to coax them to nap. But you’ll also see their wonder at the sea. You’ll notice their confidence grow.

You’ll catch their joy in the little things – ice cream for breakfast, sand between toes, a new word shouted from a balcony.

And if it’s not always relaxing? That’s okay too. You’re making memories that will shape how they explore the world.

So go on – Pack the socks. Bring the snacks. You’ve got this!

And if you’ve not quite decided where to go on your summer holiday this year, check out our blog on child-friendly summer holiday ideas for a bit of inspiration.

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