Holidays with a baby (1 year old): The best tips & destinations fo

A baby who's just turned one raises the question for many parents: Can we already go on a relaxing vacation? The answer is clear: Yes – with the right planning, the right destination, and a bit of flexibility, nothing stands in the way of a successful family vacation.

One-year-olds are often more active, sleep a little better, and no longer need breast milk or bottles around the clock—perfect conditions for the first little trip as a family. In this article, you'll find:

The best tips for vacation with a one-year-old baby
Suitable destinations for short and long trips
Recommendations for accommodation, travel, packing list, etc.
And: What you can do if something goes wrong on the road

Why vacation with a one-year-old baby is a good idea

Admittedly, vacationing with a toddler is different than it used to be—but no less enjoyable. At one year old, babies are curious and want to explore the world, but they're also still relatively manageable. The advantage: You don't need a school vacation schedule (yet), and your child is often content with simple things like sand, water, or nature.

A holiday with a baby can:

strengthen family cohesion,
provide variety in everyday life,
create new impressions – also for the baby,
offer you and your partner valuable time.

💡 Tip: The more relaxed and adaptable you are as parents, the better your baby will cope with the new environment.

Travel planning with a baby – 8 important tips

1. Choose the right destination

One-year-old babies don't need long sightseeing tours. Instead,

Less is more
Natural surroundings, quiet accommodations and plenty of space are ideal
Destination without time difference if possible (max. 1–2 hours)

2. Make your journey as stress-free as possible

Whether by car, train or plane – the journey should be as pleasant as possible:

When driving: travel at sleeping times, regular breaks
When traveling by train: Book seats early, use the children's compartment
When flying: adjust flight time to sleep rhythm, breastfeed/drink during takeoff and landing (due to pressure equalization)

3. Pack cleverly – not too much, not too little

The right packing list is crucial (see below). Bring the essentials, but don't overload yourself. You can also get many things like diapers and baby food locally.

4. Choose the right accommodation

Perfect are:

Holiday apartments or holiday homes (with kitchen, more space)
Baby-friendly hotels (with high chair, baby cot, and childcare if required)
Accommodation with a balcony or terrace, if possible – ideal for parents to chill out in the evening when the baby is sleeping

5. Plan little – and enjoy flexibility

A schedule that's too full can overwhelm young children. Plan only one or two activities per day—and leave room for spontaneity.

6. Pay attention to on-site safety

Socket protection, child-safe balconies/stairs
Shady spots on the beach
Mosquito protection, sun protection, child-safe environment

7. Maintain routines as best as possible

A familiar daily routine helps the baby to find its way: meal times, sleep rituals and familiar toys are valuable constants in the new environment.

8. Have an emergency plan

Important: addresses of local pediatricians, travel first aid kit, insurance card, and possibly international health insurance.

Travel destination tips: Where is a holiday with a baby particularly fun?

Here are some tried-and-tested travel destinations (for Germany and Europe) that are ideal for families with a 1-year-old baby:

1. Baltic and North Sea (Germany)

The coastal towns offer:

shallow beaches, ideal for toddlers
fresh sea air (good for the respiratory system)
family-friendly accommodation

Top places:
Norderney, Rügen, Usedom, Büsum, St. Peter-Ording

2. Alps & Pre-Alpine Region

For nature lovers:

Fresh mountain air, easy walking paths with strollers
Farms with animals (a hit with toddlers)
Often baby offers such as high chairs, baby cots and playgrounds

Top places:
Allgäu, Chiemgau, South Tyrol, Salzburger Land

3. Italy – child-friendly & culinary relaxed

An ideal travel destination with many advantages:

Italians love children – they often even get priority in restaurants
Good infrastructure, delicious cuisine (also suitable for babies)
Many flat beaches (e.g. Adriatic or Tuscany)

Top places:
Caorle, Bibione, Lake Garda, Elba

4. Austria & South Tyrol

A good mix of mountains, lakes, tranquility, and amenities. Many accommodations are geared toward families.

Tip:
Family hotels with childcare or baby services – ideal for short breaks for parents.

5. Netherlands or Denmark

Very family-friendly, easily accessible by car, beautiful holiday parks and beach houses – especially on the North Sea coast.

Top places:
Texel, Zeeland, Bornholm, Blåvand

What should be included in the packing list for vacation with a one-year-old baby?

🧳 Baby basics:

Diapers for the first few days
Wet wipes & changing mat
Change of clothes (for all weather conditions)
Sleeping bag / favorite blanket
pacifier, stuffed animal, toy
Baby food / snacks
Drinking bottle, bib, spoon

🚼 Care & Health:

Baby shampoo, cream, toothbrush
First aid kit (fever suppositories, thermometer, nasal drops, etc.)
Sun protection (sun hat, UV clothing, sunscreen)
Insect repellent (suitable for baby skin)

🚗 On the go:

Buggy or travel buggy
Baby carrier, changing mat
Travel cot (if not available)
Car seat (if arriving by car or rental car)

Holiday with baby in a hotel or holiday apartment?

Both have advantages and disadvantages:

🏨 Hotel:

Comfort, breakfast, no cooking
Often family rooms & childcare
– Less flexible with meal times
– Less space to play

🏡 Holiday apartment:

More space, kitchen, flexibility
Ideal for breastfeeding babies or those with their own meal plan
– More self-organization
– Do the cleaning and cooking yourself

Conclusion: For many families with babies, a holiday apartment is ideal , especially for the first holiday.

Bonus: Little extra tips for family holidays

Reserve a shady spot: On the beach or pool – secure it first thing in the morning!
Book early: Family-friendly accommodations book up quickly, especially during holiday periods.
Buggy protection: A mosquito net and a rain cover for the buggy are worth their weight in gold.
Use apps: Offline maps, baby monitor apps, or travel translators can be helpful.
Capture travel memories: Even if your baby doesn't remember them later, photos and short videos will become valuable family memories.

What to do if something goes wrong on the way?

Even with the best planning, things can sometimes go wrong. Then the following applies:

Breathe deeply – babies sense stress immediately
Flexible daily activities – for example, an indoor playground in bad weather
Illness? – Many vacation spots have good pediatricians. A small first-aid kit often helps with even minor ailments.
Sleep problems on vacation? – Make the sleeping environment as familiar as possible (favorite blanket, lullaby, etc.)

Conclusion: Holiday with baby (1 year old) – stress-free with good preparation

At one year old, your baby is a wonderful little travel companion – as long as you consider their needs , don't overplan, and create a child-friendly environment. Whether by the sea, in the mountains, or in a neighboring country – a family vacation will be a valuable shared experience.

The most important:
Less is more, proximity beats luxury – and good mood is contagious!

Holidays with a baby (1 year old): The best tips & destinations for a relaxing holiday