🌍 Travel-Inspired Sensory Play + Affirmations for Big Adventures

After our very first beach vacation, I was feeling so inspired! It reminded me just how magical travel can be — and also how chaotic it sometimes feels, especially with little ones in tow. With more adventures ahead (including a ✈️ 10+ hour flight next year!), and close friends visiting with children who have special needs, I felt determined to create something supportive, calming, and joyful.

🌟 Our First Family Trips

Our baby was just 3 months old when we boarded our first flight — tagging along on my partner’s business trip. Then we flew again when we moved to Belgium. But aside from those journeys, we hadn’t had a proper holiday together as a family… until last month.

We spent a few lovely days at one of the beautiful Dutch beaches. Soft sand, salty sea air, and our little one discovering shells, waves, and sand for the very first time. 🐚☀️ It was so special.

That peaceful yet playful trip inspired me to create a whole bundle of beach-themed resources (you can check those out [here!]) — plus a brand-new set of travel-focused activities. Whether it’s a big holiday abroad or a simple local staycation, I wanted to offer fun, sensory-rich ideas that bring the joy of travel to any family.

And if you’re not going anywhere this year? That’s okay too! Our two-year-old Airport Escape Room activity brings all the travel excitement right into your living room ✈️🏡

🎒 Pre-Trip Sensory Fun at Home

Before we even packed our bags, we were already exploring the world through sensory play.

We played with:

• 🌊 Beach-themed sensory trays ([find them here!])

• 🎒 Travel + holiday activity cards

• 💼 A Travel Treasure Basket full of textures, shapes, and colours

• 📚 Books about transport — plane, boat, bus, train, and car!

🆓 Want more travel + sensory play ideas for babies aged 0–24 months?
Grab your free printable activity list here 👉 [Insert link]

And here are some lovely snapshots of the sensory fun we had together 👇

🍼 Supporting Babies Through Travel

Travel is full of new sights, smells, people, and routines — and that can be a lot for babies. Especially on long-haul flights

Here are some tips that helped us and others:

✈️ Before You Go:

• Plan Around Baby’s Schedule: Travel during nap time if possible.

• Pack Smart:

  • Nappies + wipes

  • Extra clothes for baby (and you!)

  • Milk/formula/snacks

  • Comfort items (dummy, blanket, toy)

  • Carrier or lightweight stroller

• Use Travel Organisers: Keep essentials within reach.

• Help With Ear Pressure: Offer a bottle, dummy, or breastfeed during take-off and landing.

🚗 During Travel:

• Movement + Cuddles: Gentle rocking or walking helps soothe.

• Sensory Toys: Bring a few soft, safe, age-appropriate toys.

• Play On the Go: Use finger rhymes, peekaboo, songs, or simple stories.

• Snacks + Fluids: Offer often, especially in dry air (planes).

• Create Comfort: Mimic home cues with white noise, music, or sleep sacks.

🌍 When You Arrive:

• Set Up a Safe Space: Baby-proof or use blankets for play zones.

• Stick to Routines (Loosely!): Familiar sleep and mealtimes help.

• Offer Quiet Time: Give baby space to rest after busy travel.

• Let Baby Explore: New spaces = new sensory adventures!

✨ We also made Travel Affirmations — calming, connection-building phrases to support you and your baby through transitions, stress, and sensory overwhelm. They pair beautifully with our Beach Affirmations or can be used on their own. 💛

🌈 Thinking About Neurodivergent and Disabled Children

This project also came from conversations with friends. One of my dear friends has two neurodivergent children and shared with me just how challenging travel can be. With her help and input, I created a free guide to traveling with neurodivergent children.

While not every suggestion will fit every family (you know your child best!), the guide includes calming tools, preparation tips, and sensory-friendly ideas to help your trip feel smoother and more supported.

Another friend, who has a disabled child, shared how difficult it can be to find truly accessible accommodation. For example, some places claim to be accessible but have steps at the entrance or no fridge to store medication or special food. Her biggest tip? Always call the hotel directly to check details. It can make all the difference.

If you'd like help adapting sensory play to your family's needs, please feel free to reach out — I'm always happy to chat 💬

🌟 What’s Coming Next?

Next week, I’m releasing our September planning documents, perfect for early years parents, carers, and educators!

In August, we’ll be exploring a Camp + Nature theme, including:

• Activity Guides

• Affirmation Cards

• Movement Cards

• First Words Posters

All designed to bring calm, connection, and creativity into your everyday routines 🌲🦋

Thanks for following along with our adventures — and happy (sensory) travels, wherever you are 💛