When many travel enthusiasts become parents for the first time, they may start to feel like their best days of exploration are behind them and only a homebody lifestyle awaits for the foreseeable future. But while traveling with kids poses new challenges, travel can be very feasible and fun with even the youngest of children. To help your little one develop a love of travel from an early age, here are some of the best travel destinations with a baby for your bucket list.
London, United Kingdom
The city of London consistently ranks as one of the top places around the world to travel with a baby because of the ample facilities for changing and nursing. It’s easy to get around with a stroller or baby carrier, especially on public transportation. You can find many restaurants in the city that are family-friendly, and young children are often admitted for free to various venues to help you stay within your travel budget.
Barcelona, Spain
Spain is another wonderful destination to visit, both before and after you have kids. The architecture, sights, and sounds here are all very visually stimulating for babies. Summertime is a great time to be in Barcelona with a baby so that you can maximize your outdoor time in the local parks. You can get around town on foot and by public transportation really easily here so you don’t have to worry about taking taxis or having a car seat.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan is a great place to travel if you have a baby because of the great accommodations that are budget-friendly and baby-friendly. In addition to cat cafes and hedgehog cafes, you can actually find baby cafes in Tokyo that have playrooms, nursing areas, books, and toys. There are lots of pharmacies scattered all of the city too if you need any medications or supplies for your baby. Baby carriers, rather than strollers, come in handy on the crowded streets of Tokyo. Public transportation is clean and reliable in Japan too for navigating around.
Jamaica
For plenty of time of relaxation on the beach, plan to take a trip with your baby to the paradise of Jamaica. One of the best places for babies here is Runaway Island, which is very family-friendly and has many resorts with larger rooms and baby-focused amenities. Consider choosing a kid-friendly Jamaican resort that offers babysitting services so that you can get in some adult time and relax knowing your baby is in good care. When kids reach the toddler age, it’s fun to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Cove, explore Turtle River Falls and Gardens, and splash in the shallow waters at Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay.
Singapore
Singapore is also a family-friendly destination that has easy public transportation and works well to get around with a baby stroller. It is a bit more expensive than other destinations in Southeast Asia but offers lots of things to a baby to experience, such as gardens, zoos, and parks. Sentosa Island has some nice beaches for families too.
Montreal, Quebec
For a little culture and fun sightseeing with your little boy or girl, consider making a trip to Montreal, Quebec in Canada. Unlike more crowded cities or places with questionable sidewalks, Montreal is a great place to bring your stroller to push your baby around. Plan your trip for Montreal in the summer around a local festival, such as the international circus arts festival that features really impressive entertainment acts. You can also check out the Montreal Botanical Garden with its expansive grounds and greenhouse, explore outdoor public markets, and cool off at splash pads and wading pools in the summer.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re looking for somewhere exotic yet affordable and accommodating to travel with your baby, then consider Bali. There are lots of hotels and resorts in Bali that have baby offerings, such as cribs and high chairs. Some of the best areas to call your home base are Ubud, Canggu, and Legian. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach and also enjoying some luxury without spending a fortune. Baby gear rentals and babysitting services are more affordable in Bali than many other destinations.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
A top destination in Mexico for families, Puerto Vallarta is great for traveling with a baby because of its resort culture that takes care of all the little details. Some resorts here have baby-specific programs that include welcome toys, outfits, and pool floats. Things to do in this area with kids include the botanical gardens, beaches and pools, the river walk, and the shops along the El Malecón Boardwalk. Another great Mexico destination for baby-friendly travel is Tulum because of the baby-friendly hotels and beaches. Tulum is a safe destination and has relaxed activities for families, as well as hotels that offer baby gear if you don’t want to bring your own along on the plane.
Tuscany, Italy
It can also be really fun to visit Italy with your baby and spend time in the lovely small towns of the Tuscany region. The Boboli Gardens and Leaning Tower of Pisa are top attractions to see with your little one. It’s also pretty easy to find family-friendly hotels throughout Italy to make your trip more convenient. Recommended things to do with kids in this area include seeing the dolphins in Viareggio, visiting the Pistoia Zoo, and simply watching the fireflies light up the night sky in the summer.
Queensland, Australia
It’s easy to travel to Australia with a baby because of all the family-friendly services. Restaurants often have high chairs, and sidewalks are often well-suited for strollers. The Queensland area is a top pick for parents with babies, especially the city of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast beaches. Walks in the rainforest and the Noosa Heads area are fun to check out with a baby along for the trip. Tasmania is also popular for parents and baby travelers because of the availability of stroller rentals and scenic outdoor places to check out.
