Some of the world’s best places to travel with an infant
Planning a vacation with your newborn can be daunting, especially if it’s the first time you’re traveling with an infant. But don’t let that stop you from taking a family trip with your little one. There are many baby-friendly destinations around the world, where there are lots of events and activities geared toward young children, and strollers are welcome on the streets, in local attractions, and on public transport. Here are a few recommendations for great getaways for new parents and their little one, along with some tips for traveling with babies.
Where to go for great vacations with infants
Whether you’re thinking of a beach getaway, a Scandinavian sojourn, or a big-city adventure, there’s a fantastic destination that’s ready to welcome you and your baby. You’ll also have plenty of family-friendly vacation rentals to choose from. Specific features and amenities you’ll need will depend on your child’s age. You might want a vacation home with no stairs—or ones that can be gated—if he’s already mobile, for instance. In any case, it’ll be great to have on-site laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchens.
Take your little one to London
London is one of the greatest cities in the world, and it’s very infant-friendly, too. Kids below age 5 travel for free on all modes of public transport, for starters, and breastfeeding in public is A-OK. Whether you’re looking to tick off world-famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Piccadilly Circus, or go on leisurely strolls along the Thames, you can navigate the city easily by downloading a map of the Underground’s step-free stations—that means stations with escalators or elevators.
Have some family fun in Florida
If you’re thinking of a Florida getaway, there are plenty of family-friendly cities and beaches you can choose from. Consider a beach vacation with your little one in Clearwater, whose 3-mile beach is popular for its sugar sand and stunning sunsets. It’s easy to combine Clearwater with other stops in Florida—Tampa is only a 35-minute drive away, while Sarasota, another laidback Gulf Coast destination that’s great for families with babies, is about an hour and a half away by car.
Stroll with baby around Stockholm
There’s no shortage of child-oriented attractions in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, and bus rides are free if you’ve got a stroller in tow. Eating out isn’t a problem, either, as many restaurants are stroller-friendly. On leafy Djurgarden, you can visit Skansen, touted as the world’s oldest open-air museum, and check out the historical buildings and the zoo with Nordic animals. Langholmsbadet, a shallow, sandy beach on the island of Langholmen, is perfect for some beach time with your baby.
Check out Chicago’s infant-friendly offerings
One of the biggest cities in the US, bustling Chicago offers lots of things to see and do for new parents and their little bundles of joy. Many of the city streets are suitable for strollers, and attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Chicago Botanic Garden even have scheduled stroller tours. You can also explore Millennium Park, which hosts a variety of free family-friendly events throughout the year, and Navy Pier, a lively shopping, dining, and recreational hotspot on Lake Michigan.
Montreal makes for a low-stress family trip
Montreal is a very stroller-friendly city, which takes a lot of difficulty out of sightseeing, whether you’re exploring Old Montreal, Downtown, or Parc Jean-Drapeau, a vast park occupying 2 islands in the Saint Lawrence River. Green spaces like Parc Laurier and Parc Jeanne-Mance have playgrounds specially designed for toddlers, as well as wading pools that are free to splash in during summer. The warmer months also usher in a ton of family-oriented festivals, too, so check event calendars before you go.
A few tips for traveling with an infant
Vacations with infants entail extra steps in the planning, such as a visit to your pediatrician for a complete check-up and necessary vaccines—the shots needed may vary between destinations, but it’s always good to make sure your baby’s vaccinations are up-to-date. When packing for your trip, it might be a good idea to spread out your infant’s necessities among your suitcases, just in case of lost luggage. Don’t forget to pack a “busy bag” with snacks and lightweight toys or books to keep your little one entertained on the plane. Additionally, contact your airline to ask if they provide a bassinet, check whether your vacation rental comes with baby-friendly amenities, and see if local attractions you want to visit provide stroller rentals. It never hurts to ask about infant facilities, and it might save you from the trouble of bringing some bulky baby items.
