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About The Author
Avdar founder, mom of two, passionate traveler and storyteller. Curious by nature, I love exploring cultures, design, and the little details that make everyday life meaningful.
Becoming parents doesn’t mean putting your dreams of exploring the world on hold. Quite the opposite — traveling with kids opens up a whole new dimension of discovery. For children, every trip is a chance to grow: unfamiliar smells, bright colors, new flavors, the hum of a busy airport or the stillness of a forest trail — all of these impressions nurture their curiosity and adaptability.
Every time after a trip, I notice a new leap in our kids’ development. When they were babies,often led to new milestones like sitting or crawling. After our last journey, I was amazed to hear improvements in my 5-year-old daughter’s pronunciation. She had been struggling with certain sounds, but the change of environment and new experiences made a real difference.
Of course, traveling with little ones has its own rhythm. Sometimes it feels like you’re packing half the house into a suitcase, and sometimes you wonder if the journey will ever feel relaxing. In the moment, family travel can feel tiring, but later I always feel grateful for every single memory we created together. With a few simple strategies, the road becomes smoother, lighter, and filled with joy.
Plan with heart, not just with maps.
I always try to balance what excites us as adults and what delights our children. Kids love spontaneity — a sudden stop for ice cream, a cozy coffee shop, or a picnic by the road. Also one of my favorite part when planning is to look local authentic parks and playgrounds. Kids are endlessly fascinated by new playgrounds and it’s also a good opportunity to make new friends with local children, which might something very interesting. So a half-day at a playground becomes our rest day between busier adventures.
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Flying with toddlers and young kids. Airplanes can feel intimidating: the noise, the ear pressure, the sense of being strapped in. A little “pretend play” at home helps — let them be the pilot or the steward. During takeoff, sipping water, breastfeeding, or even a sweet lollipop can ease discomfort.
Invite them into the adventure. Even letting them choose where to have dinner, or allowing older ones to pick a sight from the guidebook, turns them into participants rather than passengers.
Pack peace of mind. A small first aid kit can save you from stress in an unfamiliar town. I always take medicine for fever, stomach relief, and runny noses, plus a nasal spray and an electronic thermometer. If your child has experienced febrile seizures, like mine, this can be a real lifesaver.
Add a touch of surprise. The secret is timing. After the first 20–30 minutes of a flight or train ride, when the initial excitement fades, I pull out something new: stickers, puzzles, or a fresh toy. It feels like a gift in the middle of the journey.
