2024 Travel Trends with Toddlers

The new year is here, and it’s time to talk about 2024 travel trends with toddlers. 

Traveling with toddlers can be an adventure like no other, but it can also be a daunting task for parents. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide where to go and what to do. However, now that the new year is here, it’s time to start planning for the future. 

In this blog, we will explore the top 2024 travel trends with toddlers, making it easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable for the whole family. From sustainable tourism to tech-savvy accommodations, we will cover everything you need to know to plan the perfect family vacation in 2024. 

So, pack your bags, grab your little ones, and let’s start exploring the exciting possibilities that await us in the world of family travel. 

How to step up your travel game in 2024

• Points and Congress with credit cards
• TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, or CLEAR (Car to Gate in 10/15 min)
• Book for best fares, not brands
• Airtags 
• Educate before you go. Read reviews, read blogs, watch YouTube.
• Have a good toddler travel system

Points and Congress

Last year, Points were a big topic in Congress and with Credit Card Companies. 

If you have acquired credit card points over the years, you will want to start looking into using some of the points wisely this year. 

Lounges are also changing status requirements, and point values are seeing a massive drop in value. While lounges have had some major overcrowding in recent years, the adjustment to entry fees and required yearly charges on the card it is almost unachievable for a family. 

TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, or CLEAR: Streamlining Airport Processes for Stress-Free Travel

In the realm of 2024 travel trends for families with toddlers, investing in programs like TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, or CLEAR has become paramount. These services are akin to golden tickets, allowing families to breeze through security checks with ease. 

Picture a stress-free journey from car to gate in just 10 to 15 minutes. With toddlers in tow, this time-efficient process significantly reduces the hassle and ensures a smoother transition through airport procedures.

Book for Best Fares, Not Brands: Prioritizing Budget-Friendly Travel

In the current travel landscape, the focus has shifted from brand loyalty to securing the best fares. Families are now more budget-conscious, opting for cost-effective options without compromising on quality. 

Travel-savvy parents are leveraging various online platforms and apps to compare prices, ensuring they get the most value for their money. This shift reflects a strategic approach to family travel, where affordability takes precedence without sacrificing the overall travel experience.

Many people use the online travel site Expedia, but Google Flights is also a great way to find cheap flights. 

Another way to save a little money is to be less specific on dates and more flexible on rates. 

Airtags: Enhancing Toddler Safety and Peace of Mind

The advent of Airtags has revolutionized the way parents approach travel with toddlers. These small, location-tracking devices can be discreetly attached to belongings, offering an extra layer of security. 

For families navigating crowded airports or bustling tourist spots, Airtags provide peace of mind by helping keep tabs on belongings, minimizing the stress of potentially misplacing essential items in the midst of family adventures.

Educate Before You Go: The Power of Research in Hassle-Free Travel

In the digital age, information is key, especially for families embarking on journeys with toddlers. Travel-savvy parents are dedicating time to educating themselves before departure. 

This involves reading reviews, exploring blogs (thank you!), and watching informative YouTube content. Armed with insights from experienced travelers, families can make informed decisions about destinations, accommodations, and toddler-friendly activities, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable travel experience.

A Good Toddler Travel System: Efficient Planning for Seamless Adventures

Crafting a solid toddler travel system is a cornerstone of family travel trends in 2024. This encompasses everything from well-thought-out itineraries to packing essentials that cater to the unique needs of toddlers. Parents are investing in lightweight strollers, compact car seats, and versatile travel-friendly gear to make on-the-go parenting more convenient. A well-organized toddler travel system sets the stage for seamless adventures, allowing families to focus on creating cherished memories rather than navigating logistical challenges.

Our Top Choices

Our favorites right now are the WAYB Pico Portable Carseat as well as the Graco SlimFit/Milestone 3-in-1.

Stroller-wise, it really depends on where you are going and for how long. Here are some of our favorites. GB Pocket Stroller, BOB Jogger, Nuna MIXX and PIPA, and The One Stroller by Colugo. 

2024 Travel Trends With Toddlers and Families

• Large Multi-generational Trips
• Slow Travel
• Movie and TV Show Inspired Travel
• Dupe Travel
• Work Travel 
• Top Places in 2024

Large Multi-generational Trips are gaining major popularity. 

As travel rebounds from the pandemic, families are particularly eager to reconnect and make lasting memories with one another again. Multi-generational trips have become one of the biggest travel trends of the year and are set to be one of the biggest travel trends in 2024.

This will be the vacation of choice for various reasons, and this big trend has nothing to do with pricey destinations or coming up with a new destination.

It’s as simple as packing the back of a station wagon and heading out west. ;) Obviously, picking fun spots that the entire family will enjoy is essential, but more on that later. 

We love renting a beach house through Airbnb or VRBO, packing what we need, going grocery shopping, exploring the towns, and spending time together as a family. 

Beaches during the slow season often have fewer people, and these small towns really show their authentic experiences and local communities, unlike peak season. 

There are some really great beach towns in California and lots of things to do besides hanging out on the beach.

Great California Beach Towns

• Bodega 
• Malibu
• San Diego
• Monterey
• Capitola

Great Beach Option in the US 

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Gulf Shore, Alabama
• Destin, Florida
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

They are calling it Slow Travel

It sort of piggybacks off the immersive City idea. Slow travel is less structured, and there is downtime to enjoy the pool, experience local culture, and really immerse yourself in the area.

It’s not so much the touristy “Instagram” worthy locations and busy booked itineraries that we have seen in the past. Residual effects of social distancing have left people wanting to slow down and be a little more to themselves and not so “close” to others. 

While in previous years, top destinations would be at the top of the list, those might be a piece of the trip; it is no longer the focal point for travel. 

Travelers want to contribute positively to destinations by supporting local economies as well as encompassing the local culture, indigenous cuisines, and heritage. 

Some are also opting away from the five-star hotel experience and looking for more affordable places to extend their dollar. 

TV show-inspired travel. 

Thanks to shows like Emily in Paris, white lotus, and many other TV shows and films, specific destination travel is going to pick up in 2024. 

We watched one recently. Wonka was filmed in Britain, and the architecture and imagery are wild. There is and will always be a steady demand for iconic destinations, especially when they are centered around Characters and Shows we love. 

TV Shows and Movies

• Wonka – Britain
• Wednesday – Romania
• Emily in Paris – Paris 
• Lord of the Rings – New Zeland 
• Harry Potter – England
• White Lotus – Thailand
• Squid Games – South Korea
• Briderton and The Crown – England, UK

Dupe Traveling 

I like to call this finding a gem for a deal. Many people are on the hunt for affordable alternatives. While thrilling adventures are still and will always be a part of the travel industry, staying in the most popular destination for it is not. 

The places that are similar to the tried and true places people already love, these little hidden gems are usually more affordable and less populated than other destinations with the same delightful charm. 

United States Trends

• Asheville, North Carolina
• Portland, Oregon
• San Antonio, Texas
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Savannah, Georgia
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Boise, Idaho
• Buffalo, New York
• Tucson, Arizona

Global Trends

• Taipei (dupe for Seoul)
• Pattaya (dupe for Bangkok)
• Paros (dupe for Santorini)
• Curaçao (dupe for St. Martin)
• Perth (dupe for Sydney)
• Liverpool (dupe for London) 
• Palermo (dupe for Lisbon) 
• Quebec City (dupe for Geneva)
• Sapporo (dupe for Zermatt) 
• Memphis (dupe for Nashville) 

For Those Work travelers 

Us for many years. And it’s still pretty present today and provides unique trip opportunities we wouldn’t often opt for. Most work trips require you to go to specific destinations for conferences or bonus trips for work achievements and sales goals. 

Add extra days for personal while you are on work trips. It’s a REALLY great way to tack on extra days to fun destinations and include your family. 

Our household is a little split between adding the bonus days before or after the work activity. But figure out what works for your family. 

Top Places and Things To Do

Atlantis Bahamas is still a top choice for family destinations, this is on our list in a few years when our toddler is a little taller. She is an adventure kid with massive FOMO, and we believe this will be a better place when she is taller. The minimum height requirement we noticed was 48″, and they still have TONS of things to do for the entire family besides the water slides. 

We are massive theme park people. And I’m big into solo trips. I see you mommas planning them already. so second on the list is a big one for us. 

Theme Parks

Disney World ranks second on the 2024 travel trends with toddlers list, but to be honest, being on the West Coast alone is a major factor in it being lower on our list. 

It is a little more difficult to get to and can cut massively into your family vacation budget, so we highly suggest Disneyland & Disney’s California Adventure, Knotts Berry Farm, and Universal Studios Hollywood as great alternatives. 

We find trips to these theme parks more affordable more often. While the magic of Disney is unmatched, the flip side is lower crowds and more bang for your buck. 

These are theme parks located in Southern California that have rides for the entire family, wonderful imagery, great food, and fun beverages. California actually has close to 33 theme parks of a variety of sizes. Texas and Florida are the other two states with a decent number of parks. 

For toddlers specifically, you will want to check out Universal Kids Resort, Sesame Place, and Peppa Pig Theme Park.

A great option for discounted theme park vacations and tickets is using an approved 3rd party platform like Get Away Today or Undercover Tourist for discounted tickets. We discovered them a while back and still use them today on our normal ticket purchases. 

Top Theme Parks For Toddlers

Cruise Ships 

The Cruise industry was something that was hit hard during the pandemic and actually came out the other side with more overall demand. Oceanic cruises are a bit of a hit-or-miss for many people. Cruise ships are a great way to spend quality time together, enjoy a romantic escape, or even combine multiple vacation destinations with one route.

Cruise ships are a great way to incorporate multi-generational travel.

Disney is one that has not slowed down when it comes to new ships and setting sail. Disney Cruise Line’s sixth ship, The Disney Treasure, will set sail in December of 2024. This new cruise ship features the Haunted Mansion Bar, which everyone is hyped about. 

With not only Disney launching new ships but also Carnival and Royal Caribbean, it’s no shock this will be one of the new trends that will pick up speed in the coming months. 

Other Great Ships Sailing in 2024

• Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Sea
• Princess Cruises Sun Princess
• Cunard Line Queen Ann
• Viking Cruises Viking Vela
• Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas

Beaches 

Beaches have always been a popular travel destination, and it looks like they will continue to be a top contender on the 2024 travel trends with toddlers list. When planning a trip with a toddler, beaches provide a perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment. 

Not only do beaches offer stunning ocean views and opportunities for sunbathing, but they also provide a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore. 

With the abundance of family-friendly resorts and activities available at many beach destinations, rest assured that. your little ones will have a memorable and enjoyable vacation. 

Great California Beach Towns

• Bodega 
• Malibu
• San Diego
• Monterey
• Capitola

Great Beach Option in the US 

• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
• Outer Banks, North Carolina
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts
• Gulf Shore, Alabama
• Destin, Florida
• Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

Resorts

These days, resorts are increasingly catering to families with young children by offering a wide variety of activities and amenities. 

Toddlers will love the pools, water parks, and children’s play areas, while parents can relax and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. In addition, many resorts offer childcare services, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time while their little ones are in safe hands.

we loved one in Arizona this past year called the Arizona Grand Resort.

The resort boasts a beautiful 18-hole golf course, a full-service spa, multiple swimming pools, including a thrilling water park, and several dining options to suit any palate.

With its convenient location near many of Phoenix’s top attractions, the Arizona Grand Resort is the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

Great Resorts For Families

• Beaches Turks & Caicos – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos:
  • An all-inclusive resort offering a variety of activities for all ages, from water parks and supervised kids’ camps to teen lounges.
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Orlando, Florida:
  • Located in Walt Disney World, this luxury resort caters to families with its proximity to theme parks and enchanting Victorian-inspired architecture.
• Atlantis Paradise Island – Paradise Island, Bahamas:
  • Known for its iconic water park, marine exhibits, and diverse dining options, Atlantis is a family-friendly destination with a wide range of activities.
• Club Med Sandpiper Bay – Port St. Lucie, Florida:
  • As an all-inclusive resort, Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers sports academies, family-friendly entertainment, and a dedicated children’s club.
• Great Wolf Lodge – Multiple Locations:
  • With various locations across the U.S., Great Wolf Lodge is renowned for its indoor water parks, themed suites, and a host of family-friendly activities.
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Oahu, Hawaii:
  • Combining Hawaiian culture with Disney magic, Aulani offers a beautiful beach setting, kids’ clubs, and character meet-and-greets.
• Woodloch Pines Resort – Hawley, Pennsylvania:
  • Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Woodloch Pines provides a family-friendly atmosphere with activities like water sports, zip-lining, and themed events.
• Tyler Place Family Resort – Highgate Springs, Vermont:
  • Known for its all-inclusive family vacations, Tyler Place offers a variety of age-specific programs and activities in a beautiful lakeside setting.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – Amelia Island, Florida:
  • A luxury resort with a family-friendly touch, offering a children’s program, beachfront access, and multiple dining options.
• Franklyn D. Resort & Spa – Runaway Bay, Jamaica:
  • A boutique, all-inclusive resort with a unique vacation nanny service, ensuring personalized attention for families with young children.

Top Places To Use Your Passport

While this is not something we have embarked on, many families have no issues heading out around the World with their littles. 

A lot of travel agents and travel experts feel that Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean will continue to remain the top destinations overall in the industry.

Top Tips for Kids

Pack Essentials

Pack a well-stocked diaper bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes. Bring comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to provide familiarity in new environments.

Travel During Sleep Times

Schedule flights or long drives during your toddler’s nap or sleep times to minimize disruptions to their routine and make the journey more comfortable for everyone.

Utilize Technology

Load a tablet or device with toddler-friendly apps, games, or videos to keep your little one entertained during travel. Don’t forget headphones to minimize noise disruptions for fellow travelers.

Screen time 

We are a tech-forward family. Educational and fun. First. Then mundane YouTube kids, but don’t get me started on that rabbit hole 🕳️ 

I’ve put together some top apps for toddlers. It will be getting a 2024 refresh soon, but for now, these are tried and true apps that work with no internet on airplanes. 

We utilize an old cellphone and a Kindle Fire for our daughter’s technology devices.

For non-screen time, parents and other Toddler options

• Magnetic puzzles and other toys
• Snacks
• Books like ispy, child favorites 
• Coloring pages
• Old-school wax string
• Stickers 

Bring a Lightweight Stroller

A lightweight, compact stroller makes maneuvering through airports, crowded attractions, and city streets much more manageable. Ensure it’s suitable for travel and complies with airline regulations.

Consider Accommodations

Choose accommodations with toddler-friendly amenities, such as cribs, childproofing options, and space to play. Vacation rentals or suites with separate sleeping areas can provide more comfort.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is key when traveling with toddlers. Be prepared to adjust plans, take breaks when needed, and go with the flow to accommodate your child’s mood and energy levels.

Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart

Keep your toddler hydrated, especially during flights, and pack a variety of healthy snacks. Familiar snacks can be a source of comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.

Safety First

Prioritize safety by childproofing your accommodations and being vigilant in new environments. Consider using child safety harnesses in crowded places to prevent wandering.

Engage Them in the Journey

Involve your toddler in the travel experience by letting them choose a small toy or activity for the trip. Narrate the journey and make it an adventure to keep them engaged.

Check for Toddler-Friendly Services

Research and utilize services catered to toddlers, such as family lanes at security checkpoints, priority boarding, and family-friendly seating on planes.

Wrapping up the 2024 Travel Trends With Toddlers

As we embark on the journey of 2024, the realm of family travel undergoes a delightful transformation, ushering in a wave of exciting possibilities for parents with toddlers. 

The evolving landscape of travel caters to the unique needs of young adventurers, offering streamlined experiences and enriching destinations. 

Whether it’s embracing the convenience of TSA Pre-Check, exploring budget-friendly gems, or immersing in the wonders of Airtags, the key to unlocking the full potential of 2024 travel trends with toddlers lies in thoughtful planning and a willingness to embrace the dynamic offerings of the present moment. 

So, as you plan your family escapades, may the 2024 travel trends with toddlers guide you toward unforgettable moments, creating a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. 

Happy travels!