How We Travel as a Family Without Slowing Down

Yes, Even With a One- and Two-Year-Old

We get asked this all the time: “Do you still travel the way you used to now that you have young kids?”

And the answer is yes—with some smart adjustments.

At Jet Set Digest, we believe luxury travel and family life aren’t mutually exclusive. We didn’t stop traveling when we had kids—instead, we refined how we do it. We’ve taken our daughters abroad starting at just six months old, and we continue to explore Europe regularly with a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old in tow.

It’s not always easy, but it is absolutely worth it. And no, it doesn’t mean slowing down.

Fast-Paced… with Flexibility

While we used to do 2 days per city across multiple countries, we’ve added more flexibility now that we travel with little ones. Sometimes we still move quickly—especially in cities that are compact and walkable but we also love a hub-and-spoke model: choose one home base and take day trips by train from there.

We adjust based on the destination, the time zone, and the energy of the trip. The key is balance, not pause.

Our Favorite Family Travel Gear

To keep our hands free and our luggage light, we’ve found a few essentials that make all the difference:

• Carrier:
  
  • We use the Wildbird Aerial Carrier for our 1-year-old—it’s lightweight, stylish, and easy to pack.
    
• Stroller:
  
  • Our go-to is the BabyZen YoYo—it fits in an airplane overhead bin, handles cobblestone streets, and folds with one hand. It’s perfect for European city-hopping.
    
• Snacks:
  
  • This might sound basic, but it’s essential. We never board a plane or train without a stash of toddler-approved snacks. They’ve saved many a layover, meltdown, and museum visit.
    
• Suites Over Standard Rooms:
  
  • We always book suites, even on short stays. This gives our girls a quiet, dark space to nap or sleep while we unwind with a glass of wine in the living area. Everyone gets what they need.
    

Luxury, Still Within Reach

We still stay in 5-star hotels, but we look for ones that offer:

• Central locations (so we can walk or use transit)
  
• Spacious layouts or suite options
  
• Family-friendly services and flexibility
  

Whether we’re in Madrid, Vienna, or Monaco, we’ve found that luxury hotels are increasingly accommodating to young families—and the elevated service makes a huge difference.

Navigating Airports & Transit

• We travel carry-on only, even with kids, to avoid long lines and lost luggage.
  
• Public transit in Europe is incredibly kid-friendly, especially in cities like London, Stockholm, and Paris.
  
• We build in buffers for naps, snacks, and slower transitions—but we don’t build our entire schedule around the kids. Our belief is that kids adapt to the rhythm of travel if they feel safe, rested, and included.
  

Why We Do It

Our girls won’t remember every cathedral or café—but they are learning that the world is wide, beautiful, and full of people who live differently than we do.

We also love that many European cultures are naturally family-friendly. In places like Spain, Italy, and France, children are welcomed, not just tolerated. Waiters offer high-fives, locals stop to smile, and no one bats an eye when your toddler dances in the plaza.

You Can Travel Like This

We’re here to show that luxury travel with kids is not only possible—it’s wonderful. You just need a realistic plan, the right gear, and the freedom to let go of perfection.

Want help planning a family trip that balances luxury with logistics?

We offer VIP Concierge Planning for families who want to move through Europe with ease—and make memories that matter.