When to Go Where: The Age-by-Age Travel Guide for Kids

How to plan the right trip at the right time - from toddlerhood to teen years.

Every parent asks it eventually: When is the right time to take my kid to ____? Or its mirror version: My kid is 7, where should we go now?

Because not every trip works at every age. And not every stage needs to be “waited out.” Some moments are made for wonder, others for independence. Some places shine at 5, others land at 15.

This is your age-by-age guide to traveling with kids. Built for real developmental stages, real family pacing, and real joy. It’s not about checking off countries. It’s about choosing the right trip for who they are right now, and who they’re becoming.

Ages 0–3: Easy Wonder, Gentle Days

What They’re Ready For: Short flights, routine-friendly days, stroller-friendly cities, simple pleasures (animals! pools! snacks!). Focus on calm environments and sensory joy.

Best Destinations & Types of Trips:

• Beach resorts with space to roam: Caribbean, Hawaii, Algarve (Portugal), Costa Rica

• Farm stays & nature lodges: Vermont, Italy, New Zealand

• Walkable cities with parks + playgrounds: Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, San Sebastián

• National parks with easy hikes + wildlife: Yellowstone (USA), Banff (Canada), South Island (NZ)

• Kid-friendly cruises or all-inclusives with childcare options

Why This Age Works: Traveling with a baby or toddler can feel like a lot, but it also unlocks a different rhythm. Slow mornings, midday naps, early dinners, and early bedtimes that leave time for a glass of wine with your partner. They're not making core memories yet, but you are. And you're building the family culture they'll grow into.

What to Save for Later: Long-haul flights, jet lag, safaris, museums that require quiet, ambitious sightseeing, tightly scheduled itineraries.

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Ages 4–5: Magic & Movement

What They’re Ready For: Bigger days, real excitement, and memory-forming moments. At this age, kids can walk longer, follow stories, recognize characters, and start to remember things in vivid detail. Attention spans grow, but so do the meltdowns if the pacing is too tight.

Best Destinations & Types of Trips: