HE SAID, SHE SAID: TODDLER TRAVEL Q&A WITH MY HUSBAND

From packing chaos to tantrum tactics, we're sharing the highs, lows and laughs of family travel

Traveling with a toddler is an adventure like no other -- equal parts magical, exhausting and hilarious. As parents, we've learned that preparation is key, flexibility is essential and a sense of humor is non-negotiable. But behind every family trip, there's also a partnership that keeps everything running (mostly) smoothly. In this post, I'm sitting down with my husband to chat about what traveling with a toddler is really like --- from our biggest travel wins to those moments that make us question our sanity.

Grab a cup of coffee (or wine) and let's dive into a fun, candid conversation about travel life with a tiny human!

What’s the one thing you always forget to pack?

Mike: It's not that I forget to pack socks — it's more like I’m constantly paranoid about running out of them. Sam usually handles the packing, but she never packs enough socks. And when you're traveling with a toddler, socks are like gold. You’re walking, running, or chasing that little gremlin all over the place, usually in sneakers, and before you know it, you’ve gone through three pairs of socks and are wondering if you’ve got any clean ones left.

Socks are the unsung heroes of family travel—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Forget the snacks, forget the toys — just load up on socks. You’ll thank me later.

Sam: Definitely the sound machine. Thankfully, Mike also needs white noise to sleep so he already knows all the good apps to use. 

What was our most stressful moment traveling with our toddler?

Sam: Ha, Okay, I definitely think we’re going to have the same answer here. 

Mike: Most stressful? Easy. Definitely the time we were in Italy, about to board a plane, and everything went sideways. Picture this: we’re on a bus at the Florence Airport about to board our flight, we're driving to the tarmac, and my mother-in-law suddenly passes out. Just boom—down she goes. And I’m sitting there thinking, “Okay, here’s my big chance — should I just hop off the bus and make a run for it?” Because honestly, the plane was looking like the escape route of my dreams.

But then, reality hits. I can’t just ditch my family. My son, who was 2 at the time and already a full-time emotional support tornado, needs me. And then there's Sam, who’s also freaking out (just kidding). Plus, mother-in-law’s in the ER, so yeah, stress is pretty much my new best friend.

This whole situation was a masterclass in balancing rational thought (a.k.a. “Don't bail on the family, dummy”) with emotional attentiveness (i.e. soothing my son's meltdown in between worrying about my mother-in-law’s situation). And, of course, to cope, we took multiple trips to the playground across the street from our hotel and the sacred haven of McDonald’s. Because sometimes, in a foreign country, the only thing that can save you is a Happy Meal.

What has been your favorite destination so far and why?

Mike: Oh, there’ve definitely been a few standouts. I really loved Boston and Charleston — I’m a big history guy. Boston’s perfect if you’re craving seafood (I still remember that clam chowder!) and baseball vibes. 

And then there’s Charleston — great Southern charm and it’s like stepping back in time, but with great restaurants and delicious craft cocktails.

But honestly? As much as I love a good historical trip in the US, my heart belongs to the Cayman Islands. Sunny, sandy, and with the most clear water anywhere.

Sam: Totally agree with Cayman Islands. I love visiting new places, but I’ve been going to Cayman since my parents were traveling with me as a baby and it will always hold a special place.

How do you handle tantrums while traveling?

Mike: Are we talking about our son’s tantrums or mine?

Sam: Ha, yeah, sometimes I get to manage both. No, but honestly we handle them pretty much the same way we do at home – staying calm and trying to remain unemotional ourselves. Which is easier of course when you’re in a beautiful location with no cares other than the tantrum.

How do we find time for ourselves while traveling with a toddler?

Mike: Ah, the million-dollar question—how do you actually relax on vacation with a toddler? Well, here's my pro tip: you optimize nap time. That’s right. You turn those sweet, sweet 2-hour windows into your personal mini-vacation. One person’s on toddler patrol, and the other gets to live the dream—whether that's lounging on the beach or kicking back on the patio with a drink in hand.

And honestly, neither option is that bad. You’re still technically on vacation, after all. As long as you've got a cocktail, a decent view, and the sun warming your skin, you’re golden. Who cares if you're not on a full-on spa retreat? You’re still getting a tiny taste of paradise, one nap at a time.

Sam: Yeah, we love to divide and conquer. I honestly don’t mind kicking back with a book, a cocktail and a snack on a condo patio or in our hotel room.

What’s a dream destination we’d love to visit as a family?

Mike: Wally World. No, I’m kidding. You know, large vacations aside, traveling to big cities, beach vacations, whatever, I think the simplest, most effective way to travel with a family honestly is going to a local waterpark or (and we haven’t tried this yet) or a cruise would be the way to go because of the kids clubs.

Sam: I think Mike has said he needs a break from European travel with a toddler for a while based on the story above, but I’d love for us to visit Portugal or Switzerland. Or for a beach destination, the Seychelles have always been top of my list.