The Ultimate A to Z Checklist for Travelling with a Preschooler (24-36 Months)

Traveling with a preschooler involves packing items for independent entertainment, managing potty training on the go, and preparing for more varied activities. Use this checklist, broken down by category, to ensure you don’t leave anything vital behind!

🍽️ Feeding & Dining Gear

Item	Notes & Tips
Water Cup / Sippy Cup	Needed for regular drinking (now spill-proof).
Water Bottle	A reliable, leak-proof bottle for use outside the room.
Snack Pots	Great for taking snacks from the hotel breakfast buffet or for organized travel snacks.
Snacks	Non-perishable favourites for meltdowns and travel days.
Cutlery and Plates	Small, travel-friendly set for self-feeding.
Bibs (5-7)	Including plastic or wipeable bibs for messy meals.
Pump, Bottles, Formula, Rapid Cool, Thermos Flask	(Only pack if still in use)
Bottle Brush & Cleaning Tablets	Essential for cleaning bottles/cups on the go.

😴 Sleeping & Comfort

Item	Notes & Tips
Blackout Blind	Essential for maintaining sleep routines in non-blackout rooms.
Monitor	A reliable travel monitor for checking on sleeping children in the evenings.
Duvet / Pillow	Pack familiar bedding if the change in sleeping arrangements might disrupt sleep.
Pyjamas	Enough pairs for the duration of the trip.
Travel Cot	Only if the hotel/lodge doesn’t provide one.
Sleeping Bag	Bring a low TOG (thin) one for warm climates and a thicker option for planes/cool evenings (if still used).
Comforter	Or favourite cuddly toy for security.
Dummy	If used, pack several spares!
Muslins (few)	Multi-purpose—used for spills and light blankets. Also great to use as a hammock on the plane.
Pram	For when those legs get tired and particularly useful in the airport. If you can get a travel on and take as hand luggage its a great perk.

☀️ Sun Protection & Swimwear

Item	Notes & Tips
Sun Lotion (SPF 50+)	Specifically formulated for children.
Insect Repellent	Essential for evenings in tropical climates.
Life Jacket / Arm Bands	Safety essential for independent pool time.
Swim Float / Pool Toys	Simple toys like balls or small rings for the pool.
Swim Nappies	Both disposable and reusable swim nappy options.
Happy Nappy	Mandatory at many pools to prevent any “poop leakage.”
Swimwear (UV Protection)	Full-coverage sun suits are best.
Hats (Wide Brim)	Pack several, as they often get wet or lost.
Sunglasses	Protect those little eyes!
Mosquito Net for Pram	Necessary for evening walks or outdoor naps in tropical climates.
Swim Towel	Check if the hotel provides large pool towels—you may not need one!
Bucket & Spade / Beach Toys	Essential new additions for beach play!

✈️ Travel Day, Clothing & Play

Item	Notes & Tips
Cool Clothes	Light, breathable cotton. Pack extra changes due to messy eating/play.
Pants (if potty trained)	Pack several pairs of underwear/training pants.
Shoes	Multiple pairs: sandals, trainers, and pool shoes.
Books	A few favourites for bedtime/quiet time.
Colouring Pens and Books	For increased entertainment value in restaurants/planes.
Sticker Books	Excellent, mess-free entertainment for planes/restaurants.
Headphones (Noise Cancelling)	Great for the plane and tablet time.
Change of Clothes (for you and the child)	Absolute necessity for the flight in case of spills or accidents!
Toys (More)	Pack more than for an infant, as they require more dedicated entertainment.

Toddler Entertainment Favourites

Item	Notes & Tips
Sticker Books	Always a reliable source of quiet entertainment.
Colouring / Crayons	Keeps them busy during restaurant waits.
Hot Wheels & Monster Truck	Good for independent play in the room or on paved areas.
Hot Wheels Tracks	Perfect for setting up runs on the beach, by the pool, or on the sand.
Doll / Swim Doll	A familiar friend for both land and water play.
Paw Patrol Uno	A great, compact card game for family fun.
Pool Float & Other Pool Toys	Include toys that sink for retrieval games.
Treasure Chest	Use this to hold small items they can throw into the pool or beach during games.
Note on Toys	Our kids were mostly entertained by the slides and water, so don’t overpack non-water toys!

🩹 Health, Hygiene & Potty Training

Item	Notes & Tips
Passports	MANDATORY for all family members.
Nappies & Wipes	Pack sufficient supply, even if potty training.
Potty	A small, travel-friendly potty or seat insert.
First Aid Kit	Must include children’s paracetamol, thermometer, saline, and plasters.
Nappy Cream	Essential for protecting skin against heat and humidity.
Toothbrush & Toothpaste	Essentials for this age group.
Poo Bags	Essential for discreet disposal of dirty nappies.
Changing Mat	A portable, wipeable travel mat.