When you’re traveling with a young child, every little detail matters. Accommodation is one of the key elements of any trip—not just a place to sleep, but your home base for relaxing, playing, exploring, and sometimes retreating when the family needs a break. The perfect stay with a toddler doesn’t have to be the most expensive, but it does need to be practical—a place where you truly feel comfortable and where everything is in place for peaceful, easy days. A well-chosen accommodation can greatly enhance the overall travel experience—but it can also bring unnecessary stress if you overlook a few important details.

In this post, I’ll share what we personally prioritize when choosing a place to stay.

Location – Quiet Area, Good Access

Location is everything. We try to avoid staying in busy city centers or party districts and prefer quieter streets with less traffic, especially for the sake of a good night’s sleep. If your little one still naps during the day or goes to bed early, a calm environment is a real blessing. It’s also super helpful to have a grocery store or bakery nearby for breakfast supplies, or a restaurant within walking distance for those days when cooking just isn’t on the agenda. If we’re traveling to the coast, we try to book something within walking distance of the beach. This was especially valuable when Liny was a baby and we’d return to the accommodation multiple times a day—for naps, diaper changes, or just some quiet shade.

We also consider how convenient the location is for day trips—ideally, we shouldn’t have to drive hours to reach the attractions. This is pure gold when traveling with kids—or for fellow travelers like us who enjoy staying active and heading out on new adventures nearly every day.

Traveling by Car: Parking, Parking, Parking

If we’re driving—either with our own car or a rental—it’s essential for us to have on-site parking. But “parking available” isn’t always enough. I always check if it’s truly free and whether it’s located right next to the property. A distant or public parking lot can become a hassle with a small child. A major bonus is if the accommodation offers secure parking, like a garage or a private courtyard that’s closed off from the street—this can be a deciding factor when we’re choosing where to stay.

Accommodation Type – Apartments You Can Actually Live In

For years now, apartments have been our go-to choice—especially with a toddler. It’s worth choosing accommodation that offers space and flexibility. A private kitchen is a huge win: it saves money and makes it easier to stick to the child’s routine. Whether it’s whipping up a quick breakfast, warming up a soup, or preparing a snack that tastes like home, it just makes life easier. And if you’re traveling with a baby, warming milk is no problem either. Another big plus is having multiple rooms, so we don’t have to whisper in the dark after the little one falls asleep—we can hang out on the terrace with a glass of wine or plan the next day in peace.

If we find a small house with a garden, that’s even better—the child can run around freely while we enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.

Besides apartments, aparthotels, bungalows, or small vacation homes also work well, since they typically include a kitchen, separate rooms, and sometimes even a private terrace or yard.

Of course, some hotels are truly family-friendly and offer all the baby gear—high chairs, cribs, play areas, or even kiddie pools. These often fall into the higher price range, so it’s worth weighing the cost against what you really need.

I always look at the overall value for money: I don’t necessarily go for the cheapest place, but the one with the best reviews in its category. In most cases, apartments offer the best value—especially for longer stays.

What I Always Check Before Booking

First thing I check: reviews—especially from other families traveling with small children. Their experiences speak louder than any official description. Flexible booking is also key for me: I only go for properties that offer free cancellation, even up to the last few days. You never know what might come up with a kid—illness, a sudden change of plans—and I don’t want to lose money on a non-refundable stay.

Facilities & Small but Crucial Details

When searching for a place, I make sure to apply all the relevant filters: separate bedroom, private bathroom, sea-view balcony, free parking, crib (ideally at no extra charge), and if there’s a pool—that’s the cherry on top. Luckily, more and more accommodations offer these features—you just have to dig a bit.

Small amenities make a big difference too: a microwave or kettle, a small fridge for the child’s snacks or tomorrow’s dinner. If we’re away for longer, a washing machine can be a lifesaver—especially if your kid loves puddles or playing in the dirt. Safe furniture, a non-slippery bathroom, and lockable windows also make for a worry-free stay.

Sleep quality is another biggie—if your child is sensitive to noise, aim for a quiet neighborhood or a well-insulated apartment. Blackout curtains or shutters are also a great help, especially if daytime naps are part of your routine.

Where I Search for Accommodation

My top picks are booking.com and airbnb.com—they’re reliable and offer loads of filtering options. I also recommend the Cozycozy app, which compares prices across multiple platforms. It’s worth checking several sites for the same property—prices can vary surprisingly. For those open to something different, a home exchange might also be a fun and budget-friendly option.

Final Thoughts: Be Flexible, Stay Practical, Travel Smart

As our daughter has grown, our travel needs have changed. In the past, having a crib was the number one priority—now we know we can find solutions on the go. The most important thing is that everyone has enough space and comfort, and that the grown-ups can also have a moment to relax once the little one is asleep.

My tip? Don’t be too rigid with your location or travel dates. Flexibility can often lead to finding the perfect stay that ticks all the boxes for a fantastic family trip. Comfort for the whole family isn’t a luxury—it’s the key to less stress, more enjoyment, and coming home refreshed.