10 Tips for Traveling With a 2-Year-Old

After seven weeks traveling with my demanding 2-year-old, I've learned a thing or two. Here are my tips:

1. Find a hotel near a playground or park area. Like puppies, they will need their exercise. If you wear them out, they will sleep. 
2. Carry food with you at all times. When you are at a deli counter or cafe, order extra to put in your bag. If you're not embarressed, put zip-lock bags in your purse so you can stash more food. They are always hungry. (And, usually thirsty.)
3. There is no shame in letting them watch a little TV. (iTunes on my laptop has been a savior.) You need the rest. They need the rest after sightseeing. Bonus points for finding shows with relevence to travel, like Disney's Little Einsteins. 
4. Picture books are helpful to divert little attention spans. 
5. The tactic "come now or I will leave without you" does not work on a toddler. The preschooler, sure. The toddler will call your bluff every time. 
6. Pack an emergency diaper. Though, inevitably, it will be the one time you forget that you have a major need for one. (Details here are unnecessary.)
7. Keep your sense of humor. Even a tantrum in the middle of a train station will be a funny story later.
8. Toddlers thrive on routine. Traveling takes that routine away. So there's a loss of control for them. Be patient and supportive. 
9. A stroller that is comfortable enough to sleep in is key. But must be light enough to lug up subway steps. Invest wisely.
10. Have a very short memory. If they misbehave, forget about it after 15 minutes. No use holding a grudge. They don't care and it just makes the trip lousy for you. 

It's tough traveling with such a small volatile thing (much like a walking time-bomb), but it was worth the effort (and embarrassment). She might not remember the experience, but I will.