How to Travel in Destinations that Aren’t Stroller Friendly

Over the 2.5 years that I’ve traveled with my son and shared about it on our social media, I’ve often heard the pushback that some of our most loved, most baby-friendly destinations, aren’t stroller-friendly.

It’s true, from the nonexistent sidewalks in Bali and much of Thailand to the cobblestone of Europe or sandy and rocky landscape of Namibia and parts of Mexico, some of the countries we’ve found that love babies the most aren’t necessarily friendly to strollers.

But that doesn’t mean you should avoid them! These are my best tips for dealing with destinations that aren’t stroller friendly:

1. Embrace the Baby Carrier

If strollers are the minivans of baby gear, baby carriers are the sleek, all-terrain SUVs. They’re compact, versatile, and can go where no stroller dares to tread. When my son was younger, a soft-structured carrier like the Artipoppe or Ergobaby Omni 360 was our go-to. They’re comfortable for both parent and baby, provides excellent back support, and offers multiple carrying positions—front, back, hip, you name it.

We actually only brought a baby carrier to San Pancho in Mexico, where walking on beach sand was how we got from place to place, and in Japan, where there are lots of stairs and public transportation that we felt would be more complicated with a stroller.

Even now that my son is a toddler, we still bring a soft toddler carrier almost everywhere we go. I won’t lie to you, it requires strength and effort and you might be aching by the end of the trip, but it’s also one of the only ways we’ve been able to see the world with our baby.

Why It’s worth using:

• Hands-Free Convenience: Need to sip your coffee or hold onto a tuk-tuk for dear life? Done.
• Nap On-the-Go: A baby carrier turns into a portable napping pod, especially with a zip over coat in cold destinations like Japan. My son happily napped on my chest as we walked in the snow at six months old.
• Navigating Tight Spaces: Think crowded markets, subway systems, and those teeny-tiny doorways in ancient temples.

Pro Tip: If you’re headed to a hot climate, look for a carrier with breathable mesh or one that is made from cotton or linen to help keep cool.

2. Invest in a Hiking Backpack Carrier

For older babies and toddlers, a hiking backpack carrier is a godsend. These sturdy contraptions are built for adventure, whether you’re hiking trails in Norway or . We’ve loved the Deuter Kid Comfort—it’s practically a La-Z-Boy for toddlers with its padded seat, adjustable straps, and even a little sunshade.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Weight Distribution: Designed to keep the weight balanced, so you don’t feel like Quasimodo by the end of the day.
• Storage Galore: Most models come with extra compartments for diapers, snacks, and all the bribes you’ll need.
• Built-In Entertainment: Your kid gets a front-row seat to the world, which keeps them engaged and (hopefully) tantrum-free.

Pro Tip: Adjust it to your body at home first. It’s not the kind of thing you want to figure out while teetering on a trail in the Italian Dolomites.

3. Choose the Right Stroller—for the Right Moments

I’m not here to shame the stroller. Even in stroller-unfriendly destinations, there are times when having one is a blessing. You never know if you’ll come across a resort that’s perfectly paved, like the Anantara Koh Yao Yai in Thailand, or even just for the airport. The trick is picking the right one. Enter the compact, lightweight travel stroller—the kind you can fold up with one hand and toss over your shoulder like a tote bag.

Features to Look For:

• Compact Fold: It should fit easily in overhead compartments or the trunk of a tiny rental car. Our current fave is the Joolz Aer (read my full Joolz Aer review and comparison to the Babyzen Yoyo).
• One-handed open and close: We’ve tested 10 strollers, and eventually, ones that aren’t a simple open and close get sold on the secondhand market.
• Durability: You’ll be gate-checking this thing on super small planes.

Just don’t expect a compact stroller to be any match for cobblestone. For that, you’d want an all-terrain stroller like the Guava Roam, but we haven’t wanted to travel with a stroller as heavy and bulky as it is other than for road trips.

Pro Tip: Use a carrier for the tricky parts and switch to the stroller for smoother stretches. Think of it as tag-teaming your way through the day.

4. Take Breaks Strategically

When your little one can’t walk long distances, you’re going to need more breaks than you’d take on your solo backpacking adventures. Plan your days with plenty of downtime built in—not just for them, but for your own sanity.

Ideas for Rest Stops:

• Parks and Playgrounds: Let them crawl, toddle, or just roll around like a happy little potato.
• Cafés with a View: Sip a latte while they have a snack or nap.
• Public Transport: Ferries, cable cars, and trains can double as rest opportunities.

Pro Tip: Carry a lightweight blanket to create an impromptu nap spot almost anywhere.

5. Engage the Locals (Seriously, They Love Kids)

One of the unexpected joys of traveling with a baby is how locals often go out of their way to help. In Bali, restaurant staff practically fought over who got to hold our son while we ate.

How This Helps:

• Extra Hands: You’d be surprised how often someone will offer to help carry your baby or your gear.
• Kid-Friendly Recommendations: Locals know the best spots where your child can run wild without judgment.

Pro Tip: Learn a few key phrases in the local language, like “How cute!” or “He’s teething” (it explains so much).

6. Adjust Your Expectations (and Your Itinerary)

Let’s be real: traveling with kids is not the same as your pre-baby adventures. You’re not going to hit every museum, temple, or Michelin-starred restaurant. And that’s okay.

Although we were never the-resort-is-the-destination people prior to having a baby, the ease of resorts that cater to your every need while on vacation became a lot more appealing with a little kid. Big pools, kids clubs, and nice rooms for us parents, all make these kinds of vacations nice and relaxing. Cabo (pictured above) is a perfect example. Read about our best Cabo hotel recommendations here.

Choosing destinations like Thailand or Bali where a private driver is pretty affordable, versus Japan or Europe where it’s really not, can help you navigate the stroller situation as well.

Focus On:

• Quality Over Quantity: Pick one or two key activities per day.
• Kid-Friendly Attractions: Beaches, aquariums, and open-air markets are usually a hit.
• Flexibility: Build in extra time for everything. Yes, everything.
• Choose your destination wisely: Maybe hitting 5 cities in the Mediterranean with a toddler that requires lots of public transport, stairs, and cobblestone isn’t the best vacation when you’re really reliant on a stroller.

Pro Tip: Celebrate the small wins, like making it through a meal without a meltdown or finding a clean diaper-changing spot.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Traveling with a baby or toddler in a stroller-unfriendly destination might seem daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’ll bond over shared adventures, experience the kindness of strangers, and create memories that will outlast the tantrums.

So strap on that carrier, pack some snacks, and get out there. The world is waiting—and it doesn’t care if you have a stroller or not.

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