How to travel with a baby or toddler?

Holiday with a small child? It can be a calm adventure. If you’re planning a family trip or your first longer journey with your baby or toddler, you might have lots of questions—what to pack, how to manage the journey, and how to take advantage of employee benefits for accommodation or experiences. In this article, you’ll find practical tips for parents on the go.

What you’ll learn in this article:

When to start traveling with kids

Which season is best

How to choose accommodation

What to pack for holiday

How to plan the journey

Traveling by car

Traveling by plane

Traveling by train

How to use benefits

When to start traveling with young children?

You can travel even with the youngest infants, just a few weeks old. It mainly depends on the baby’s health and your comfort. If you want to ensure a smoother trip, go when they’ve settled into a routine—usually between 3 and 9 months old. 

Which season is best for travel?

If you're not restricted by older children's school holidays and can travel with your baby almost anytime, here are some tips.

Spring and autumn as the best times for first trips

Warm spring weather is ideal for traveling with the little ones—no harsh extremes and easy planning. Hotels and guesthouses are less crowded, so you have more options.

Autumn has similar benefits—fewer tourists, often cheaper rooms, and weather (depending on time and place) that’s still pleasantly warm.

And what about traveling in summer?

The advantage of summer travel is the wide range of activities. Toddlers who are walking and playing will stay entertained. But be careful of high temperatures, which can be harmful, especially where there’s no shade or air conditioning.

Where to go with the little ones?

Start with short trips close to home. This helps kids adapt to new environments and sleeping in different places. Once they’ve mastered Šumava, South Moravia, or the Highlands, you can venture further.

How to choose accommodation when traveling with kids?

Look for hotels and guesthouses labeled baby‑friendly or family‑friendly. These usually offer:

• A cot and a child’s high chair
• A play corner, pool, animation program
• Facilities for warming food and a microwave

How to find a baby‑friendly hotel on Booking?

1. Choose the location and dates for your holiday.
2. Set the number of guests—adults and children (even infants).
3. Use filters on the left side to show only suitable options. Look for:

• Family‑friendly accommodation
• Child’s high chair
• Family rooms
• Baby cots and beds

If you travel often with kids and use Booking, your last applied filters will come in handy.

What to pack for a holiday with a baby?

Essentials:

• Diapers, wipes, changing mat
• Feeding (formula, baby food, bottle warmer, spoons)
• Weather-appropriate clothes, spare outfit for car/plane
• Medicines, thermometer, diaper rash cream
• Favorite toys, pacifier, blanket

Special gear:

• Travel stroller – ideally foldable and lightweight
• Baby carrier or sling
• Travel cot (some accommodations provide it)
• Car seat – also useful for plane travel

Planning the trip – key to success

With a well-thought-out plan, you can avoid fatigue, hunger, or fussiness. Adapt the journey to the child’s routine and you’re halfway there. 

• Plan according to the child’s schedule – ideally travel during nap time.
• Allow plenty of time – don’t rush, build in buffer and it's okay to arrive late.
• Entertainment for the trip – books, sound toys, coloring books, favorite plush.

How to travel by car with a baby?

Plan the trip ideally during the baby’s sleep, take regular breaks (every 2–3 hours), and keep a bag handy with essentials (diapers, pacifier, drink, favorite toy). The child must always be in a properly installed car seat. Don’t forget comfort – use sunshades, dress in layers, and pre-warm the car in winter.

• Fuel: Start with a full tank to avoid stopping when the baby is asleep.
• Breaks: Stop every 2–3 hours so the baby isn’t sitting too long.
• Pacifier and toys: Keep the bag accessible. For feeding, always wait for a stop.
• Safety: Child must be in a securely fastened car seat, preferably with ISOFIX.

During breaks, don’t forget stretching and your own snacks to arrive safely.

Traveling by plane – what are the conditions for traveling with a small child?

• Age: Infants can usually fly from 2 weeks old, but most pediatricians recommend waiting at least 6 weeks.
• Boarding pass (ticket): Children under 2 often travel free or for a small fee—but without their own seat.
• Safety: Child sits on an adult’s lap, secured with a special belt. If you want a separate seat (e.g. for a car seat), you need to purchase it.
• Stroller: Most airlines allow a foldable stroller to be transported free (up to the gate).
• Luggage: Infants often are entitled to a carry-on bag or necessities kit.
• Changing: Most larger aircraft have a changing table in one of the toilets.

Tips for a comfortable flight:

• Breastfeed or give a bottle during takeoff and landing to prevent ear pain (pressure equalization)
• Dress the child in layers, as planes can be cold. Adjust layers based on current temperature.
• Pack a favorite toy and blanket for comfort.
• Arrive at the airport early—changing and stroller checks may cause delays.

How to travel by train with a baby?

Traveling by train with a baby is comfortable if you plan your connection, seat, and gear ahead. Long‑distance trains often offer more space, a changing table, and the option to book a family compartment. You can stroll, feed, and change your baby comfortably. Always check in advance if there’s space for a stroller and if you can reserve seats in a quieter section. Pack all essentials in your carry-on bag—from diapers to a favorite toy. 

Tips for traveling by train with a child:

• Comfort and privacy: Choose a train with a changing table or family compartment.
• Travel timing: Travel during the child’s nap, avoid peak times.
• Keep diapers, wipes, food, spare clothes, and a favorite toy on hand.
• Food and drinks: Bring a thermos with warm water to prepare milk or baby food.

How to use employee benefits for travel

If you use Edenred, Pluxee or UP, you’ll appreciate that part of your holiday or trip expenses can be covered by benefits.

What can be covered:

• Accommodation and stays (wellness, weekend trips, baby‑hotels)
• Experiences – tickets to zoos, water parks, rope courses, or playgrounds
• Travel portals that accept benefits

Where to use benefits

You can use employee points to pay for accommodation on Booking via the “Dovolená za benefity” portal. Just paste the selected listing link into the form and book.

You can also use Edenred, UP, or Pluxee benefits to cover other recreational activities – always check your point balance and list of partners in the app or portal. 

Traveling with a small child? It’s possible!

With a bit of planning, traveling with a baby or toddler can be pleasant and enriching. Choose the right timing, a suitable destination, and take advantage of the benefits your employer offers through benefit programs. The first trip might not be perfect, but it will definitely be unforgettable—and that’s what really counts.