I think anyone will tell you the toddler stage of parenting isn’t easy so when we told people that we had decided to do a round the world trip with our toddler it is fair to say quite a few people thought we were crazy.
We took almost four months to travel the world with our toddler, taking in ten countries, crossing the equator twice and experiencing all the seasons on our travels. So now as we arrive back to normal life I think I am in a good position to answer the question “were we crazy to travel round the world with our toddler?”The answer of course is yes! It is pretty crazy to go travelling the world with a toddler in tow. But let’s face it trying to do anything with a toddler is crazy, even just little things like the weekly shop or popping out for a quick coffee is an insane idea with a toddler! But the real question we should be asking is was it worthwhile?
Again, the answer is of course yes again!
I can say that without doubt that this was one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my life and one I would do again in a heartbeat (and believe me I’m trying to shoehorn another in somewhere) and here’s why!
Why we loved travelling the world with a toddler in tow
We created memories!
From the start of our trip hiking the Great Wall of China to seeing geysers in Iceland at the end! I got to tick things off my bucket list with the best people in my life! They are memories I will always cherish! And while our little girl will never remember we will never forget!
New Experiences
At the same point, I got to experience things that I would never have done if I weren’t travelling with the toddler! From the zoos, Disney in three countries, the aquariums and the beautiful parks we did things that we never would have without her and we loved every second!
Quality Family Time
We got quality time as a family away from digital distractions and the everyday grind. Three and a bit months of pure family time! I feel very blessed that we got this time together!
Now I will admit, there were times that it was challenging and perhaps we didn’t do everything a place had to offer. I mean there was zero chance of experiencing the nightlife anywhere we went! But we loved and embraced the slower pace of travel!
Me time and Date time were practically non existent as our little one was too young for kids clubs and we traveled alone! So instead we embraced the nap time micro date! Whenever she napped we would find the nearest place whatever it was and had a forty minute date! From wine tasting in Monterey to a browse of a museum in Virginia or just simply having a cup of coffee together! Any parent struggling for couple time, I recommend the nap time micro date. It also made us try things we wouldn’t have done on other dates!
Now did we get everything right?
No!
What did wrong on our round the world trip with children
Our itinerary changed about five times as we travelled to make adjustments that we thought our little one would enjoy more! Suddenly our itinerary seemed to avoid cities and take in more national parks!
And there were places which we thought were fab but weren’t easy with a toddler (Hong Kong and Vegas I’m looking at you)! But I can’t say I regret travelling to any of our destinations, it’s just some were easier than others. Also there are defintiely some changes I would make to my round the world packing list next time.
So were we crazy to travel round the world with our toddler!
Of course!
Would we do a round the world trip with children again?
In a heartbeat!
For some of our tried and tested tips for travelling with a toddler click here!
What would you like to hear about from our round the world trip? Any tips, experiences etc? We’d love to know what kind of posts you’d like to see next
Hayley
Thursday 20th of July 2023
How did you plan the places to go? I don’t even know where to start but I would love to take my toddler around the world and experience different cultures and places. X
Wandermust Daddy
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
We actually used flight costs as a way to dictate where we went as we were very flexible. Otherwise I would pick a couple of must sees and then work out cost effective ways to get between as a starting point
Scriv
Thursday 3rd of October 2019
How did you find sorting out food for your toddler in these different countries/cultures? How did you manage with the timezone changes?
Thanks! (From a parent who really wants to travel but is hesitant due to know what a toddler in the UK can be like to look after)
Wandermust Daddy
Sunday 19th of January 2020
Sorry for the delay. I usually have a rough idea of where we are going and itinerary so I can plot some places where we can find restaurants that I know my little one will eat something. I also always carry handfuls of healthy snacks in case it takes a bit of time and if we are really concerned we will rent a place with a kitchen so we can make some of her favourites. But we are lucky that she isn't a particularly fussy eater
kajal
Tuesday 17th of September 2019
Kudos to you for taking such a daring step of making a world trip with your toddler. It really needs courage to think of and achieve such a remarkable feat. You're really blessed with a wonderful family. By collecting memories, you're enriching your life to the brim. After all, the family that travels together, stays together. I would love to read about your experiences of coping up with the challenges of traveling with your toddler, whether they are for coping up with the changing time zone, weather, food, and getting used to, though for a brief moment, with the new places.
Paula
Monday 25th of March 2019
This is super inspiring! Did either of you have remote jobs while doing this? That is what my husband and I are currently on the hunt for!
Best, Paula
Wandermust Mummy
Monday 25th of March 2019
Hello , my husband was consulting so worked on his own timetable and I had had a remote job for a whole. We were lucky that we didn’t have to search for them as what we do is very niche! What line of work do you do?
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi
Monday 7th of May 2018
This is so cool - and I think even travellers without little ones need to embrace the micro date!