Who says you have to put your travel life on hold when you welcome in a new family member? It might require a bit more planning and patience, but with the right destination, a baby-friendly holiday can still be an amazing experience – for both you and your little one.
How to choose the right destination for a baby-friendly holiday
Many travelling parents actually believe that the earlier you travel with your baby, the better.
The only thing you need to be aware of when choosing a destination is to avoid places with health risks like malaria and other tropical diseases.
It’s also a good idea to check the local infrastructure and healthcare system, just in case.
And of course, it’s a plus if the destination has a pleasant climate, a child-friendly local population, a good range of hotels, and plenty of experiences to ensure you come back home with wonderful memories.
Based on these criteria, we’ve selected 10 of the best places to travel with a baby. Happy travels and enjoy your parental leave!
The 10 best destinations for your baby-friendly holiday
From Norway’s fjords to Bali’s volcanoes, here are 10 destinations perfect for your first trip as a family with children.
Also read: The best city breaks for a romantic getaway with your partner.
1. Sicily, Italy
Don’t let a few hours on a plane put you off your first holiday with your baby – with a bit of prep, it’s often easier than you expect. Babies tend to sleep well with the hum of the plane, and most airlines let you board early and bring extra gear. Pack a few comforting toys or snacks to keep your little one going during the journey, and before you know it, you’ll be landing somewhere new!
There’s an abundance of wonderful and warm destinations within Europe that are perfect for a toddler-friendly getaway. Sicily in Italy is just one of many great Italian island beach destinations.
Besides golden beaches and a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Sicily’s food and hospitality are major highlights.
The island is full of agriturismos – small farms transformed into cosy, welcoming hotels. You can spend your days splashing in the pool or enjoying the spectacular natural surroundings.
Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to delicious homemade food, with views of almond, orange, or peach orchards decorating the landscape.
2. Norway
Who says a baby-friendly holiday has to involve sun and beaches?
Scandinavia offers a wealth of great destinations to visit during your leave.
We highly recommend a road trip in Norway due to its stunning landscapes, frequent rest stops, and fun activities like ferry rides, wildlife spotting, and Viking museums.
Norway is a fantastic destination when travelling with a little one. Language, healthcare, culture, and infrastructure are all easily accessible and top-notch.
Norway is such a beautiful country that everyone should experience at least once – why not do it with a baby?
3. Mauritius
The African island nation of Mauritius, located east of Madagascar, is a fantastic choice for parents dreaming of a tropical baby-friendly holiday.
It offers a perfect climate where you don’t have to worry about tropical diseases or dangerous animals.
Mauritius is famous for its endless palm-lined beaches, green sugarcane fields, colonial history, and the unique blend of Creole and French cuisine.
It’s a popular and exclusive charter destination, so prices are slightly higher compared to some other destinations on this list.
However, many tourists tend to stay at their resorts, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s nature and culture independently.
Mauritius is one of several great, toddler-friendly African destinations that many travellers with young children haven’t discovered yet. It’s a hidden gem for a first big adventure!
4. Seychelles
Next, head further north to more tropical East African waters. North of Mauritius and Madagascar, you’ll find the Seychelles, another perfect choice for a baby-friendly holiday.
The island nation offers crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, unique rock formations, and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Seychelles is malaria-free and has a rich and unique wildlife.
Here, you can encounter giant tortoises, the world’s smallest frog, and colorful birds.
Seychelles is also a great destination because the main island, Mahé, is roughly the same size as Washington, D.C., so you’re never far from new adventures — ideal when travelling with a baby who may not want to be out for long periods.
If you’re into biking, La Digue island is worth a visit – cars aren’t allowed there.
5. Thailand
Thailand is always a hit among families with small children.
Whether you prefer large resorts filled with other families or a more secluded beach hut far from tourist crowds, you’ll easily find a perfect spot in the Land of Smiles.
Thailand is packed with wonderful holiday islands, all offering fabulous beaches, warm swimming waters, and fantastic food.
Thais are incredibly fond of children, so your baby will definitely get a lot of attention. And if something happens, Thailand’s excellent hospitals are there for you.
Also read: Our pick of the best beaches in Sardinia.
6. Vietnam
If you love Thailand but want to explore a new country, you can head a bit further east to Vietnam.
This Southeast Asian gem offers many of the things that make Thailand such a favourite: luxurious and affordable resorts, a friendly population, stunning nature, beautiful beaches, and an amazing cuisine – the list of reasons to head to Vietnam for your baby-friendly holiday is endless!
Start with a few days in bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the south or the more relaxed Hanoi in the north.
Then finish your holiday with plenty of beach fun near breathtaking Ha Long Bay, straight out of a fairytale. Don’t forget to take a boat trip in the bay before heading back home!
7. Bali, Indonesia
We wrap up in Indonesia, brimming with beautiful island gems. The top favourite among families with small children is Bali.
Bali has it all: lush nature, wonderful beaches, idyllic rice paddies, fabulous hotels, good flight connections, and a fascinating culture.
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali’s laid-back vibe makes it the perfect place to turn off your phone and enjoy quality family time.
The island is compact enough for short day trips with a baby before heading back to the hotel for some rest.
If you have older children, Bali is also ideal, as its dry season coincides with the school summer break.
8. Sri Lanka
In recent years, visitors have discovered just how amazing Sri Lanka is as a baby-friendly travel destination. So, many now dream of spending their parental leave there.
Aromatic tea plantations, endless palm beaches, diverse landscapes, wild animals, a fascinating Buddhist culture, and a welcoming population are just a few highlights of a baby-friendly holiday in Sri Lanka.
Prices are much lower than in the US, and although Sri Lanka is gaining popularity, it still feels like a hidden treasure.
However, there are a lot of mosquitoes, so be sure to bring mosquito nets from home to protect your baby from bites.
9. Mexico
How about heading across to Central America for a tropical baby-friendly holiday? Mexico has some of the best destinations for travelling with a baby.
Mexico offers fantastic beaches, pleasant temperatures, and plenty of exciting experiences. You’ll also find hotels, resorts, and private villas to fit any budget.
Many Mexican resorts are very family-friendly, offering nannies, playrooms, and activities for children. This means parents can sneak away for an adults-only activity if desired.
Mexico isn’t just about beaches, vibrant cities, and ancient ruins – it also offers some of the world’s best opportunities for whale shark diving, cave hiking, and jungle adventures.
10. Florida, USA
If Asia and Africa sound a little too exotic, but you still dream of sun, beaches, and distant horizons, maybe popping across the pond to the states to soak up some sun in Florida could be just the answer.
The American Sunshine State truly has it all!
There’s sun and warm weather almost year-round, lively city life in Miami, fantastic beaches, the relaxed Florida Keys, and world-famous theme parks in Orlando.
Perfect if your newborn has older siblings who also need entertainment.
There are other reasons why Florida and the US are ideal for travelling with a baby:
virtually no tropical diseases, no language barrier, pushchair-friendly infrastructure, and a huge range of baby supplies available in giant supermarkets. Read more about US road trips here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Here are some of the best places to travel in March. Check out this article packed with tips and ideas for travelling with your baby. Fancy hitting the road with the whole family? Then consider these family road trip destinations.
