Do you need a reason to travel with young kids? This might just be your sign.

I know what you’re thinking — travelling with toddlers sounds a bit like signing up for chaos. And honestly? Sometimes it is. One minute your kids are adorable little explorers, the next they’re screaming banshees because you opened their banana the wrong way.

But if you’ve been on the fence about whether it’s worth it… I’m here to say: it is.

For us, choosing to travel full-time while our children are little isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list — it’s about choosing presence over work/ home life pressure. Team parenting. Core memory making. And making the most of the precious years before school routines and packed lunches take over.

“But my partner isn’t sure…”

Trying to sell the idea of travelling with young kids to your significant other? Here’s your pitch — full of practical reasons and examples of why not to wait. Also, a little food for thought; You might already be on maternity/paternity leave — why not spend it exploring instead of stuck at home?

Here are 9 reasons to travel with your kids when they are young:

1. Kids Stay Free (or Cheap!)

– Most caravan parks don’t charge for children under 2–4.

2. Babies Fly FREE

– Kids under 2 fly for free or at a big discount when seated on your lap.

– Many airlines let families board early, and staff tend to be extra helpful when you’ve got a baby in tow.

3. They Eat Less & Share Meals

– You’ll save money because they don’t eat much and often just share your plate.

– Lots of family-friendly spots offer kids eat free meals or your kids can eat from the kids/ entree menu which is always cheaper than a main meal.

4. Free or Discounted Attractions

– Under 4s often get free entry to zoos, aquariums, museums, and theme parks.

– Public transport (like buses, ferries, and trams) is often free for young kids.

– Nature’s playgrounds like beaches and bush walks are free and often one of our littles ones favourite activities out of everything. Travelling is the ultimate sensory experience as they are taking in new sights, smells, animals, textures, languages, and people sparking natural learning and build confidence.

5. It Slows You Down (In a Good Way)

Nap time = your break too. Whether it’s in a pram, carrier or the van, naps give you time to read, relax, or sneak in some “you” time.

One of our favourite memories was when our son was sleeping in the caravan parked quite literally on the beach. Shaun and I would go swimming or fishing during his nap time and it was like a little date between the two of us as we got some “alone time” together.

6. Teaches Resilience & Flexibility

Your kids learn to go with the flow — new beds, new food, new people. That adaptability? It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.

7. They Don’t Need Much

– Toddlers pack small.

– They don’t need fancy tours — just a park, a puddle, or a beach.

– If they get fussy, you can still pick them up and walk away (can’t say the same for a moody 13-year-old!).

8. People Go Out of Their Way to Help

One of my favourite hacks? Take a child with you to check into a caravan park — people are just nicer and they go out of their way to find you a better camp site than they normally would (trust me on this one guys!)

9. Core Memories Are Being Made

“But your kids won’t remember it” – This is a comment we get on the regular and I get it, your kids won’t remember BUT YOU WILL. Travelling with young kids will shape your entire family, your core memories, your resilience, your family dynamic – that’s what matters in the end – a happy mum and dad – a happy life.

Put it this way, your child probably isn’t going to remember the book you read them to sleep tonight so would you choose not to read them books until they can remember them? Probably not, so do what you love to do and your children will thank you later.

Final Thoughts

I know it’s not always easy. But I also know this: the days are long, but the years are short.

Travelling with our kids (currently aged 1 and almost 4) has brought us closer together, helped us live more intentionally, and shown us that you don’t need a perfect plan — just the courage to say yes.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to hit the road with your little ones, this is it.

Come along for the ride as we prep for our 6-month motorhome trip around New Zealand — starting later this month!

📩 Want tips, tools, and behind-the-scenes family travel inspo?
Grab our FREE family van life packing checklist here!

❤ Britt

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