Before the birth I thought that the topic of traveling would be put on hold for the time being. Because I couldn’t imagine how that would work – with a baby, with a lack of sleep, with a thousand new things on my mind. Now, three months later, I’m tingling. We have already booked tickets to Brazil and will soon be visiting my partner’s family. This also awakened my desire to travel again! And more than ever.
Travel blog on andysparkles
Traveling with a baby isn’t impossible – it’s just different
Sometimes I sit on the sofa in the evening with Google Maps and am already planning our first small (and large) trips as a family in my head. Five countries ended up on my list that I would like to introduce to you here. Some very close, some a little further. But everyone with the thought: This could work really well – even with a baby. And without illusions. But with an honest look at strollers, ease of breastfeeding, infrastructure and a good gut feeling.
1. Slovenia
Slovenia is a country that is far too easy to forget – even though it is actually perfect. Especially for a first family vacation. You can get there quickly, you can even take the train or (if you absolutely have to) drive.
What excites me: nature. Lake Bled, quiet Bohinj, waterfalls, mountains and forests. Everything in a manageable size. Ljubljana is one of the most child-friendly cities in Europe – car-free, lots of parks, cozy.
I imagine us strolling through the old town, with a stretcher or stroller, having a coffee somewhere with a view of the river. The accommodations are often family-run, many holiday apartments – so there is space for us and no stressful hotel etiquette.
Also when it comes to medical care and infrastructure: Slovenia is super solid. And that’s a big point for me now. Adventure, yes, but not at the expense of my nervous system.
2. Portugal – mild climate & lots of babies on the way
Portugal has my heart anyway. I’ve been there several times and of course my friend also speaks Portuguese. I particularly loved the Algarve and Madeira, and now the Azores are also on my wish list.
Why? Because Portugal simply loves children. You see families with small children everywhere, there are changing facilities, baby beds, and breastfeeding is easy – without any awkward looks.
Also good: the flights are not too long. From Berlin about 4 hours – doable, especially with a night flight or if you plan well. Many small, family hotels or apartments.
3. Georgia – adventure, but doable
I’ve never been there – but I can’t stop Googling it. The pictures, the stories, the people who were there all agree: it is special.
I am attracted by the mix of wild nature and warm-hearted culture. Mountains, wine, hospitable people. Sure, it’s a little more adventurous – but not unsafe. Many people travel there with children and say: It was much easier than expected.
What I have already researched: It’s hardly possible without a rental car. Especially if you want to get around a bit and don’t just want to stay in Tbilisi. The best option seems to me to be Tbilisi rental car. You can start straight from the airport and sort everything out in advance – that calms me down. Because I don’t feel like trying to find anything on the spot with a baby in my arms.
The same applies here: not every place is perfect with strollers. But there are many accommodations that are family-friendly – you just have to look a little closer.
4. Italy
Italy is one of my favorite travel destinations and it’s always possible. Italians love children. In restaurants, on trains, in accommodation – it just feels normal to be out and about with a baby. Nobody rolls their eyes when the baby whines a little while eating.
The big advantage: train connections are easy. You can easily reach Rome, Florence and Naples. Or you can stay in one region and rent a small house with a garden. You don’t need much more.
5. Austria – proximity, comfort, relaxation
When I think of Austria, I think of peace. Of green meadows, clear lakes, fresh air and people who are relaxed. This sounds like exactly what I need.
This is a dream, especially with a baby. No long journey, great infrastructure, many hotels and holiday apartments that specialize in families.
Particularly cool: Many baby hotels in Austria have really thought of everything. From the bottle warmer to the changing table in the room, from the stroller rental to the baby buffet. At first it sounds like a club vacation, but in a chic way.
And if you feel like it, you can go hiking, swim in the lake, or just sleep again while your partner goes for a walk outside with the baby. That’s also part of the vacation.
My personal travel conclusion with baby
I’m realizing more and more: I don’t have to choose between being a mom and being a traveller. Both are possible. Maybe not quite as spontaneous anymore, maybe with more lists, more packing stress and more breaks. But also with new perspectives, little magical moments – and the realization that I’m curious about the world again.
This list is for myself as much as it is for you. Maybe you’ve been to one of these places. Maybe you’re just planning your first trip. Then I hope you were able to take a bit of inspiration from this – and the courage to just give it a try.
Because what can I say: I have wanderlust again. And this time a baby is coming along.