Travelling with a baby or toddler takes more planning, but it is very doable. The key is choosing an easy destination and keeping expectations realistic.
Choosing a destination
Good first choices have short flights, good healthcare, familiar food and easy transport:
- In India: Kerala, Ooty, Coorg and Goa.
- Abroad: Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia, where hotels and malls are well set up for families.
Avoid high altitude, long road journeys on winding roads and destinations with health risks for young children. Check with your paediatrician about vaccinations.
Documents
- Infants need their own passport for international travel.
- Carry birth certificates and, for domestic flights, ID as required by the airline.
Flights
- Request a bassinet seat for infants on long flights when booking; availability is limited.
- Feed during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure.
- Pack a change of clothes for the baby and for you in hand luggage.
- Baby food and milk are usually allowed in reasonable quantities through security; check the airport's rules.
Hotels
Ask for:
- a cot or baby crib
- a fridge for milk
- a bathtub, if you need one
- a ground-floor room or lift access
We request these and confirm them in your quote.
Getting around
- Bring a lightweight, foldable stroller.
- Car seats are not always available with cars and drivers in India; request them early or bring your own.
Food
Pack familiar snacks and formula. In Singapore and Dubai, supermarkets stock international baby food brands.
Daily pacing
Plan one main activity per day around nap times. Choose hotels with pools or play areas for downtime.
Health kit
Pack the baby's medicines, thermometer, rehydration salts, nappy cream and sunscreen suitable for children.
See Family holidays for family-paced itineraries.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go