Potty Training on Vacation: 28 Tips for Stress-Free Travel

So, you have caught the family travel bug and are ready to explore the world or maybe visit Grandma a few states over? 

But wait, you’ve got a toddler in the midst of potty training. Yikes! Potty training on vacation. Can those two worlds really coexist?

Guess what? It’s totally doable. It can seem super intimidating at first.  Trust me, I know from experience. 

We recently hit the road with my 2-year-old, and I was concerned that our trip would completely derail her potty training progress.

Sure, there were challenges and accidents, but we survived, and so can you. With the right preparation and mindset, you can make this work.

In this blog post, we’re tackling the top questions AND concerns every parent has about potty training on vacation. 

From what to pack to how to handle those “uh-oh” moments, I’ve got you covered. 

So buckle up, grab your wipes, and travel potty, and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to potty training on the go!

Why is Potty training different on Vacation?

Unfamiliar Environment

You know how you feel a bit disoriented when you first arrive at a new place? Imagine being a toddler. Everything is new: the smells, the sights, and, yep, even the toilet seats. 

This can make your little one a bit uneasy about using the potty.

They might be hesitant to go in an unfamiliar bathroom or scared of the automatic flush in public toilets (those things can be loud!). So, making the potty experience as comfortable as possible when you’re away from home is super important.

Lack of Routine

Routine is the foundation of potty training. Kids thrive on it.

Vacations, on the other hand,  are where routines go to die. You’re exploring new places, and trying new foods, and your usual schedule flies out the window.

This can mess with your newly potty-trained child’s progress. They might forget to go, or you might be so caught up in the fun that you forget the regular potty breaks.

So, try to stick to some semblance of a routine, even if it’s a “vacation routine,” to keep that potty training on track.

Distractions, Distractions, Distractions

On vacation, you usually have the time of your life, and who wants to stop for a potty break?

Whether building sandcastles on the beach, meeting Mickey Mouse, or hiking a walking trail, vacations are packed with exciting activities that can make even potty-trained kiddos forget they have to go.

Those distractions can lead to accidents. So, it’s crucial to remind your potty-training toddler (and yourself) to take those much-needed potty breaks.

Preparing Before the Trip

Before you hit the road or take to the skies for your family vacation, some prep work must be done. You should start preparing your little one for what to expect when using the potty on vacation. 

1. Talk to Your Child

Kids are incredibly perceptive, and a sudden change in scenery can throw them off. Sit down with your child and explain what’s going to happen.

“We’re going on a trip, and it will be so much fun! But guess what? We still have to use the potty, just like we do at home.”

Make it sound like an exciting adventure, and reassure them that their trusty potty (or potty seat) is coming along for the ride.

2. Do a Trial Run

Consider doing a trial run at home.

You know how athletes warm up before a big game? Consider this your potty training warm-up. Set up the portable potty and let your child try it out.

Use the wipes and hand sanitizer to mimic the whole process. This helps them get comfortable with the new potty gear and sets the stage for what to expect on the trip.

3. Always Carry Wipes

Wipes are your best friend. Whether it’s a small spill or a big accident, wipes come to the rescue every time.

Keep a pack in your bag, another in the car, and maybe even a third one wherever you’re staying. Trust me, you can never have too many wipes.

4. Use a Travel Potty Seat

A travel potty seat is a lifesaver. It’s portable, easy to clean, and gives your child a familiar place to do their business. Plus, it’s a lot more sanitary than some public restrooms you might encounter.

5. Pack Extra Clothes

Accidents happen, especially when you’re on the move. Pack extra clothes for your kiddo and an extra shirt for you. Because sometimes accidents are really, really messy.

6. Use a Potty Training App

There are some fantastic potty training apps out there that can make the whole process fun for your child.

These apps have timers, games, and reward charts that can keep your little one engaged and remind them to take potty breaks.

7. Set a Timer for Regular Breaks

Set a timer on your phone to remind you and your child to take regular potty breaks. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re exploring a new place.

8. Use a Potty Training Watch

These watches can remind your child to go at regular intervals. They’re handy for older kids who get easily distracted.

9. Use a Potty Training Chart

Kids love rewards, and a potty training chart can work wonders. 

If you use a reward system at home, try to continue this reward system on vacation.  Bring a travel-friendly version and some stickers to continue the potty training momentum. 

10. Keep Snacks and Drinks Light

Heavy snacks and drinks can lead to frequent bathroom breaks. Stick to light snacks and small sips of water to keep things manageable.

11. Use Pull-Ups for Emergencies

Sometimes you just can’t get to a bathroom in time(long car rides or international plane rides). 

For those moments, have some Pull-Ups on hand. Using pull-ups on vacation is not a permanent solution but can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

12. Carry Plastic Bags for Soiled Clothes

If an accident does happen, you’ll want a wet bag to stash the soiled clothes. Plastic bags are perfect for this. They’re lightweight, sealable, and easy to carry.

13. Use a potty-training doll or Toy.

A potty-training doll or toy can be your child’s role model. Let the doll “use” the potty first to show your child how it’s done. It makes the process less intimidating.

14. Don’t Start Potty Training Right Before

Timing is everything. Starting potty training right before traveling on a big trip can overwhelm your child. If possible, give it a few weeks before you travel.

15. Use a Leakproof Mat

A leakproof mat can protect car seats or strollers from accidents. It’s an easy way to minimize messes and stress.  I recommend puddle pads. 

16. Consider Your Vacation Location

Different travel destinations have different facilities. A camping trip will have fewer amenities than a hotel stay, so plan accordingly.

17. Prepare for Public Toilets

Public toilets can be scary for a little one. Talk to your child about what to expect and show them pictures to prepare them for the experience. 

Practice at your local grocery store or when you are out running errands before the trip. 

18. Prepare with Short Drives Before Vacation

Before the big trip, take some short drives to practice potty training on the go. It’s sort of like a dress rehearsal for your vacation.

19. Plan Plenty of Breaks

When planning your itinerary, factor in plenty of time for bathroom breaks. It might make your trip longer, but it’ll be less stressful.

20. Plan Extra Time for Travel

Everything takes longer with kids, especially when potty training is involved. Plan for delays and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destinations.

21. Practice Peeing Outside

If you’re going on a nature trip or a long road trip, practice peeing outside so your child knows what to do if a bathroom isn’t available.

22. Reconsider your travel accommodations

Consider booking an Airbnb or VRBO instead of a hotel.  You might want to have access to onsite laundry facilities for convenience. 

23. Carry Hand Sanitizer

Not all public restrooms have soap. Always carry hand sanitizer for quick and easy clean-ups.

24. Use Disposable Potty Liners

These liners make cleaning a portable potty a breeze. Just line the potty; when your child is done, you can simply toss the liner away.

25. Keep a Night Light for Hotel Stays

A night light can make nighttime potty trips less scary in a new place.

26. Use a Travel Potty Training Book for Entertainment

A good book can make potty training fun and educational. Bring one along to keep your baby entertained during those inevitable waits.

27. Celebrate Their Wins

Every successful potty break is a win. Celebrate with high-fives, stickers, or a small treat to keep the positive vibes flowing.

28. Be Kind

Accidents will happen. When they do, be kind and understanding. Your child is learning, and your support means the world to them.

Flying While Potty Training: The Sky’s the Limit!

Challenges of Airplane Bathrooms

Okay, let’s get real. Airplane bathrooms are tiny, noisy, and intimidating. I mean, the automatic flush alone is enough to startle anyone.  So, how do you prepare your little one for this?

• Prep Talk: Before you board, chat with your kiddo about the airplane bathroom. You could even show them a picture so they know what to expect.

• Quick Visits: If possible, quickly peek into the bathroom before takeoff. It helps to demystify the space so it’s not a total shock later.

Tips for Managing Potty Breaks During a Flight

Timing is everything in the sky. Here are some pro tips for making those in-flight potty breaks a bit less turbulent:

• Seat Belt Sign Strategy: As soon as that seat belt sign goes off, make a beeline for the bathroom. 

• Off-Peak Timing: Another good time is right after meal service. People are settled, and the bathrooms are less likely to be crowded.

• Pre-emptive Potty: Encourage a bathroom visit before you board the plane and get too comfy in your seats. It’s always better to try and not need it than to need it and not try.

• Flying Pants: Consider using Pull-Ups for long-haul flights and call them “flying pants.” It makes it fun for the kiddo and gives you peace of mind.

• Bring reinforcements: Bring lots of stickers and snacks for positive reinforcement.

Handling Layovers and Airport Bathrooms

Layovers are the double-edged sword of travel. Great for stretching your legs, but those airport bathrooms? Yikes.

• Scout Ahead: Use your layover to find the most family-friendly bathroom. Most airports have family restrooms, which are a godsend when needing to take your toddler potty. 

• Portable Potty Power: If public toilets give you the heebie-jeebies, a portable potty can be a game-changer during layovers.

• Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize: These bathrooms see a lot of action, so don’t skimp on the hand sanitizer, even after a good soap scrub.

Potty Training Roadtrip: A Wild Ride.

Importance of Planning Your Route with Potty Breaks in Mind

First things first, your GPS is going to be your new best friend on family road trips, but not just for directions. Use it to scout out rest stops, gas stations, or family-friendly restaurants where you can take much-needed potty breaks.

• Map It Out: Before you hit the road, map out a few potential potty break spots. Trust me, when your little one says they’ve gotta go, they’ve really gotta go.

• Time It Right: Try to align potty breaks with other necessary stops, like for meals or gas. It’ll make your life so much easier.

• Local Spots: Sometimes, local parks or community centers have clean bathrooms and a spot for the kids to stretch their legs. A win-win!

How to Make the Car Comfortable for Potty Training

Long car rides can be tough on anyone, let alone a potty-training toddler. Here’s how to make your vehicle a comfy space for those tiny bums:

• Portable Potty: If you’ve got the room, bring along a portable potty. You can even get ones that fold up for easy storage.

• Leakproof Mats: Place these on the car seat for an added layer of protection. They’re easy to clean and can save you from bigger messes.

• Use a pullup over the underwear: Your child is used to the feeling of underwear, which is great for consistency in potty training.  However, putting the pullup in place can prevent some messes on the road. 

Handling Accidents: Keep Calm and Clean On!

Let’s talk about the inevitable: accidents. They’re bound to happen, especially when you’re on the go.

But guess what? It’s totally okay. Accidents are just part of the potty training journey. The key is how you handle them.

Stay Calm

First and foremost, keep your chill. Your little one is probably already embarrassed or upset; if you freak out, it’ll only worsen things.

Remember, accidents are just that: accidents. They’re not the end of the world and are definitely not a step backward in potty training.

• Deep Breaths: Take a deep breath before you react. It’ll help you and show your child how to handle stressful situations.

• Positive Language: Use phrases like, “It’s okay, accidents happen,” or “No big deal, we’ll get cleaned up and keep going!”

Have a Cleanup Kit

A cleanup kit will be your best friend while potty training on vacation. It’s got everything you need to handle an accident quickly and efficiently. Here’s what to include:

• Wipes: For obvious reasons. The more, the merrier.

• Extra Clothes: A complete change of clothes for your child.  Always pack a spare change of clothes for you, too!

• Plastic Bags: For sealing up soiled clothes and keeping the smell contained.

• Hand Sanitizer: You won’t always have access to soap and water.

• Small Towel or Cloth: For any additional cleanup that wipes can’t handle.

• Leakproof Mat: If you didn’t have one in the car seat, you’d wish you did. Keep an extra in the kit, just in case.

Learn and Move On

Once the cleanup is done, take a moment to reflect. What led to the accident?

Were you too far from a restroom? Did you miss the “I have to go” dance your kiddo usually does?

• Adjust Your Strategy: Use the experience to fine-tune your potty break timing or to choose better rest stops.

• Talk to Your Child: Ask them if they knew they had to go and discuss how to communicate that better next time.

• Celebrate the Recovery: Praise your child for how well they handled the accident and the cleanup. It’ll boost their confidence and make tackling the next potty training challenge easier.

Accidents are just a part of life, especially the potty-training life. So when they happen, keep your cool, clean up, and carry on. You’re doing a fantastic job, and so is your little one.

International Travel Considerations: Potty Training Around the World

Before you pack your bags and grab your passports, international family travel presents some unique challenges. 

There are differences in bathrooms, toilets, and etiquette.  International travel adds a whole new layer to the potty training game. 

Cultural Differences in Bathrooms

Bathrooms worldwide can be vastly different from what we’re used to in the States.

Whether it’s a squat toilet in Asia or a bidet in Europe, these new experiences can be a bit overwhelming for a potty-training toddler (and, let’s be honest, for adults, too!).

• Do Your Research: Before you go, look up what types of bathrooms are common in your destination. This way, you can prepare your child for what to expect.

• Practice Makes Perfect: If you know you’ll encounter a different type of toilet, try practicing at home. For example, you can teach your child how to squat if you go to a place with squat toilets.

• Portable Potty: When in doubt, bring a potty training travel seat, a portable potty, or a foldable potty seat. It can serve as a familiar and comfortable option for your child.

• Toilet Paper Considerations: In some countries, toilet paper is not commonly used or provided. Some countries will have you throw away your toilet paper instead of flushing it.  You can always carry a pack of wipes or a small roll of toilet paper, just in case.

• Paying for bathroom access:  In some countries, public toilets are rare.  You will have to pay a small fee for access to a toilet.  Always be prepared by having change in the local currency.  My family has seen coin-operated restrooms and restrooms with a bathroom attendant collecting the change before using the restroom.  Don’t let this catch you off guard. 

Vacation Potty Training Packing List

Final Thoughts on Potty Training on Vacation: 

We now know that you can successfully take a family vacation with a newly potty-trained child. 

Now, you’re more prepared than ever. It might seem daunting at first but don’t let the challenges of potty training hold you back from creating incredible memories with your family. 

With the right tools, patience, and a lot of love, you’ll not only survive this adventure but absolutely rock it.

Ready to pack those bags and hit the road? You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step (and potty break) of the way!

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