If the thought of taking your toddler on a trip somewhere fills your mind with dread, think again. With careful planning and preparation, it can be an amazingly rewarding experience. This is the first time for them to see the world outside your home. If you let fear rule your decision, you’re denying them of the chance to learn about the world that they live in. It is your job to help them grow, and one of the best ways to widening knowledge is through travelling. While they are too young to take care of themselves, it is simply up to you to decide where to go.

The first thing you should consider is the temperature of the place you are going to. Avoid environments that are too hot, too cold, or too wet. The ideal temperature for a toddler is tepid. If you’re still not sure where to head off to, the beach is always the best bet. Children enjoy the ocean and take to splashing on the shore. Just make sure that you bring sunscreen so that they are kept protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. A good time for swimming is either early morning or late afternoon. Remember, no matter how much protection you slather on their skin, the sun is at its strongest at noon. Avoid it if and when you can so that you won’t need to worry about sunburn at the end of the day.

Moreover, babies invariably get bored during long trips. Fill the day before with a list of several activities so they’re more likely to sleep. In case they stay awake, have a book or an interactive toy in your bag so that you keep them occupied. If you travel by train, let your child look out the window to see the sights. If you’re on a plane, choose a travel time that fits right in their normal sleeping patterns. Have a music player within reach should they want constant noise. This could even be your chance to engender a love for music. Never count on an airline to feed toddlers to their taste. Pack your own food just in case they don’t like the food that is being served.

Toddlers can also be fussy about the sleeping arrangements during the ride. Bring their favorite pillow so that they won’t feel too far away from home. A cuddly toy helps too. You may find yourself bringing a lot of luggage just to make the trip easier for them, but this is a small sacrifice compared to the experience they will have at the end of the trip.

You also have to consider how you can manage to squeeze in some rest time. As the parent, it is important that you get a chance to recuperate and recharge your batteries. Remember, it won’t be much of a vacation if you’re constantly grumpy. You need to stay happy to make your little one happy. Consider bringing help so you can share with the duties. Nonetheless, you are the parent. This is a time for you to bond with them, not with another person. The good news is that most resorts offer daycare centers. Your child is kept entertained for a couple of hours while you do other things.