How to travel with 2 toddlers (and NO HELP?!)
Traveling with kids is not for the faint of heart, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do as a family. In this episode, Juancho and I share our latest adventure: a nine-day trip to Sydney, Australia, with our two toddlers and no help at all!
What makes family travel worth it?
Bringing kids along for the ride is never the easy choice, but it’s always the right one for us. Travel gives our kids the chance to learn patience, build character, and experience the world firsthand. For us, it’s not just about sightseeing but about building lasting family memories.
How to make family travel smoother
1. Set expectations early
We give our kids pep talks before every trip about listening, helping, and even cleaning up after themselves. Kids thrive on structure, even while traveling.
2. Delegate roles as parents
Divide and conquer! Juancho and I make sure we know who handles what, so no one is overwhelmed. Teamwork keeps stress at bay.
3. Choose budget-friendly options
Sydney can be expensive, but cooking in our Airbnb saved us money and kept meals healthy. Eating out once a day was more than enough.
4. Keep your expenses in check
Don’t let vacation mode ruin your budget. We planned ahead for groceries, transport, and treats so we could enjoy guilt-free.
5. Practice patience (with kids and with each other)
Travel is unpredictable. Lowering expectations, extending grace, and focusing on what really matters helped us enjoy the journey instead of stressing over the small stuff.
“We really had to remind ourselves to slow down and be patient not just with the kids, but with each other too. When you pause and remember you’re a team, everything feels lighter.
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How to see challenges as blessings
1. Build your kids’ character
Waiting in long airport lines or following small instructions teaches discipline, patience, and responsibility.
2. Focus on experiences, not perfection
It’s okay if your kids throw a tantrum or your itinerary changes. These messy moments often make the best stories later.
3. Strengthen your marriage
Traveling without extra help pushes us to rely on each other. It reminds us that marriage is a partnership and not just at home, but everywhere.
Encouragement for parents traveling with little ones
1. You’ll learn as you go. No family trip is ever perfect, but every trip teaches you something new.
2. Start small, then go big. Even short getaways help build your kids’ confidence in traveling.
3. Don’t compare your journey. Every family has their own pace and style. Own yours.
4. Remember the why. It’s not about Instagram-worthy photos but about making memories with your kids.
“If you’re scared to travel with toddlers, do it anyway! Yes, it’s tiring, but it’s so worth it. Our kids learned so much, and so did we. You’ll never regret the memories you build together.”