Traveling alone with 2 little kids- what luggage would you bring?

[Anonymous]

I booked tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower that was $35 total.

My 7yo asked if we can go to a thrift store and find fancy dresses and have a "Paris picnic" by the Eiffel Tower.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Jardin du Luxembourg

Pastries

Walking along the river / exploring bridges

The Plages- free swimming "beaches" they have in the summer

Place du tertre to see the painters, then meander around Montmartre

Mussee Rodin is free for kids and they have a kids art studio where they can draw and sculpt with clay

Pretty old carousels

Street performers

Markets

Ice cream

We travel via home exchanges so we are doing that for accommodations. It's free and comes with lots of perks- they're leaving their bikes for us, kitchen for cooking so we don't spend too much eating out, laundry, etc. The flat has a view of the river so honestly even sitting on the balcony in the mornings sipping coffee and people watching while the kids play with all the "new" toys in the flat is a big treat for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 4 yo would DEFINITELY need a stroller for 10 days in Paris/France with no car. I think you need a stroller, a backpack for each person (4 yo/s backpack can go on the stroller) and 1 roller bag that the 7 yo can roll while you push the stroller. I would not be able to manage more than that.

If taking a stroller, the OP could take a $15 umbrella stroller and donate it at the end of the trip. I wouldn't take anything expensive.

[Anonymous]

I would travel with 2 carry-on suitcases (7 year old should be able to push a full sized carry-on) and a backpack for everyone. At 4 my kid would not have used a stroller much. We went to Paris right after she turned 5 and she walked everywhere, but she's a city kid so used to it. If your kid is not used to walking you may need it but I would go as small as possible. European cities are not always easy to push a stroller through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I booked tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower that was $35 total.

My 7yo asked if we can go to a thrift store and find fancy dresses and have a "Paris picnic" by the Eiffel Tower.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Jardin du Luxembourg

Pastries

Walking along the river / exploring bridges

The Plages- free swimming "beaches" they have in the summer

Place du tertre to see the painters, then meander around Montmartre

Mussee Rodin is free for kids and they have a kids art studio where they can draw and sculpt with clay

Pretty old carousels

Street performers

Markets

Ice cream

We travel via home exchanges so we are doing that for accommodations. It's free and comes with lots of perks- they're leaving their bikes for us, kitchen for cooking so we don't spend too much eating out, laundry, etc. The flat has a view of the river so honestly even sitting on the balcony in the mornings sipping coffee and people watching while the kids play with all the "new" toys in the flat is a big treat for me.

Make sure you do some research ahead of time about some of the common touristy scams in some of the popular areas. Don't know if the friendship bracelet one is still going on, but I can see that being an easy target for someone with small kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Direct flights for $400pp? In 2025? How?

And to Paris/international to boot?


Are you using vouchers from a previous trip? Redeeming points?

United Basic Economy- they're still in the $400s round trip for almost all of August (I'm flying from ORD) and they recently made a policy that a basic economy adult can be seated for free with up to 2 kids.

Wow. She’s right. Unfortunately the same trip from Dulles is in the $800s RT on United Basic Economy.

There is definitely a median income/"zip code" tax on flights to/from DC. It's crazy how much more we pay here.

[Anonymous]

I'd get a large backpack (I love my Cotopaxi 42L and can live out of it for weeks at a time--it also stows well) and have each kid bring a small suitcase. This way you have a hand free in case your younger kid gives up on their suitcase. Have a great trip!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Direct flights for $400pp? In 2025? How?

And to Paris/international to boot?


Are you using vouchers from a previous trip? Redeeming points?

United Basic Economy- they're still in the $400s round trip for almost all of August (I'm flying from ORD) and they recently made a policy that a basic economy adult can be seated for free with up to 2 kids.

Wow. She’s right. Unfortunately the same trip from Dulles is in the $800s RT on United Basic Economy.

There is definitely a median income/"zip code" tax on flights to/from DC. It's crazy how much more we pay here.

LOL this is a dumb take. It’s a smaller market than ORD so there is less pricing competition. Not because people in the DMV are higher earners.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I booked tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower that was $35 total.

My 7yo asked if we can go to a thrift store and find fancy dresses and have a "Paris picnic" by the Eiffel Tower.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Jardin du Luxembourg

Pastries

Walking along the river / exploring bridges

The Plages- free swimming "beaches" they have in the summer

Place du tertre to see the painters, then meander around Montmartre

Mussee Rodin is free for kids and they have a kids art studio where they can draw and sculpt with clay

Pretty old carousels

Street performers

Markets

Ice cream

We travel via home exchanges so we are doing that for accommodations. It's free and comes with lots of perks- they're leaving their bikes for us, kitchen for cooking so we don't spend too much eating out, laundry, etc. The flat has a view of the river so honestly even sitting on the balcony in the mornings sipping coffee and people watching while the kids play with all the "new" toys in the flat is a big treat for me.

I am SO SO THRILLED for you, OP! Where in Paris is your flat (which arrondissement/metro stop)? I can see lots of picnics in your future - which is honestly how everyone should be spending their time in Paris rich/poor/without kids anyway! You'll find some restaurant/shopping closures in August but your plan to cook at home and take advantage of the summer activities will mitigate a lot of issues. I would pack MUCH LESS than you think you need but maybe find some space for a travel fan - it's hot in Europe lately. Does the flat have AC by chance?

Please come back and post live updates of your trip.

[Anonymous]

Rolling carry-ons and a backpack for everyone. Or a larger backpack for you in lieu of a carry-on, per the PP, to free up your hands, and carry-ons for the kids. My DD was in charge of her carryon suitcase starting at 3 or 4.

Your trip sounds fantastic and brought back happy memories of picnicking with my then three-year-old at the base of the Eiffel Tower. She didn't care for our food, so managed to charm other picnickers into sharing theirs. I hope you have an amazing time!

[Anonymous]

I did this a couple of times. Similar to you, had places to stay with relatives.

When I had a 4 year old, I didn't bring a stroller but every so often I woukd carry him when he got tired. It wasn't a big deal to me but it depends on you, your kid and you know them. They love carrying their backpacks. Bring stuff to do on the plane. We had sticker books and a couple of toys. They love the whole travel experience. Planes, trains, all of it.

The less stuff you have to keep track of in transit, the better because ultimately you are responsible for it and the less you have, the easier it is. You can also buy stuff and leave it behind..

Paris was fun for kids! They love the parks and boat ride. Have a great time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I booked tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower that was $35 total.

My 7yo asked if we can go to a thrift store and find fancy dresses and have a "Paris picnic" by the Eiffel Tower.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Jardin du Luxembourg

Pastries

Walking along the river / exploring bridges

The Plages- free swimming "beaches" they have in the summer

Place du tertre to see the painters, then meander around Montmartre

Mussee Rodin is free for kids and they have a kids art studio where they can draw and sculpt with clay

Pretty old carousels

Street performers

Markets

Ice cream

We travel via home exchanges so we are doing that for accommodations. It's free and comes with lots of perks- they're leaving their bikes for us, kitchen for cooking so we don't spend too much eating out, laundry, etc. The flat has a view of the river so honestly even sitting on the balcony in the mornings sipping coffee and people watching while the kids play with all the "new" toys in the flat is a big treat for me.

If your DCs are into the show Miraculous, the main character's bakery is based off one in Montmartre. It looks exactly the same as the cartoon.

No stroller, because it just won't be useful and more of a pain. Plan to use the metro instead of long walks. I'd do backpacks for everyone and carry-ons for you and the 7 year old.

[Anonymous]

So you have 3 carry ons and 3 personal items?

You carry: 1 wheeled carry on + 1 carry on sized backpack + small cross body for passport / documents or a tote that attaches to the carry on.

7 year old: 1 small wheeled carry on
4 year old: small preschool size back pack.

This way you have: 3 carry ons + 2 personal items.

Traveling with 2 kids, you don’t want to have too many or too heavy luggage pieces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I booked tickets to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower that was $35 total.

My 7yo asked if we can go to a thrift store and find fancy dresses and have a "Paris picnic" by the Eiffel Tower.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Jardin d'Acclimatation
Jardin du Luxembourg

Pastries

Walking along the river / exploring bridges

The Plages- free swimming "beaches" they have in the summer

Place du tertre to see the painters, then meander around Montmartre

Mussee Rodin is free for kids and they have a kids art studio where they can draw and sculpt with clay

Pretty old carousels

Street performers

Markets

Ice cream

We travel via home exchanges so we are doing that for accommodations. It's free and comes with lots of perks- they're leaving their bikes for us, kitchen for cooking so we don't spend too much eating out, laundry, etc. The flat has a view of the river so honestly even sitting on the balcony in the mornings sipping coffee and people watching while the kids play with all the "new" toys in the flat is a big treat for me.

If your DCs are into the show Miraculous, the main character's bakery is based off one in Montmartre. It looks exactly the same as the cartoon.

No stroller, because it just won't be useful and more of a pain. Plan to use the metro instead of long walks. I'd do backpacks for everyone and carry-ons for you and the 7 year old.

So OP, no food/coffee out, parks and gardens, doing laundry/dishes, concrete beaches (I get that if you live in Paris)…I can see where the trip is favorable for an adult. But with young kids, what is the point? They won’t remember, aren’t doing some spectacular event, etc. Coupled with the airport/metro/someone else’s apartment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both of your kids can carry a carry-on suitcase with wheels. Mine have been doing it since they were 2. Everyone has a smallish, carry-on roller bag, and a backpack. Maybe take an umbrella stroller if you’re four year-old isn’t a good walker, my kids are city kids, and are used to walking, and Paris has great public transportation (don’t skip the buses!) and lots of nice places to take walking breaks with an ice cream. A 7yo shouldn’t need a stroller or they can maybe take a short turn in it while 4yo walks. I have never found a place to rent strollers in France (and dh is French so we go often) so we bought a cheap umbrella stroller to use there that we stored at his mom’s apartment. Honesty with the state of the sidewalks there they arent super useful and with kids older than toddlers I think would be more of a pain than a help.
Minimize packing clothing by using mix and match outfits, quick-dry fabrics and things that are linen or pure cotton, and plan to wash and re-wear a lot. Little kid summer clothes are tiny and you should have lots of space. I have traveled with my three since they were babies and we almost always take one carry-on per person.

GTFOOHWTBS. 2 year olds do not tote their own luggage.

OP you seem very resistant to the good advice which is to cough up a few more bucks and check a bag. Find a lightweight stroller. I like the GB pockit. Get one on marketplace or Buy Nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Both of your kids can carry a carry-on suitcase with wheels. Mine have been doing it since they were 2. Everyone has a smallish, carry-on roller bag, and a backpack. Maybe take an umbrella stroller if you’re four year-old isn’t a good walker, my kids are city kids, and are used to walking, and Paris has great public transportation (don’t skip the buses!) and lots of nice places to take walking breaks with an ice cream. A 7yo shouldn’t need a stroller or they can maybe take a short turn in it while 4yo walks. I have never found a place to rent strollers in France (and dh is French so we go often) so we bought a cheap umbrella stroller to use there that we stored at his mom’s apartment. Honesty with the state of the sidewalks there they arent super useful and with kids older than toddlers I think would be more of a pain than a help.
Minimize packing clothing by using mix and match outfits, quick-dry fabrics and things that are linen or pure cotton, and plan to wash and re-wear a lot. Little kid summer clothes are tiny and you should have lots of space. I have traveled with my three since they were babies and we almost always take one carry-on per person.

GTFOOHWTBS. 2 year olds do not tote their own luggage.

OP you seem very resistant to the good advice which is to cough up a few more bucks and check a bag. Find a lightweight stroller. I like the GB pockit. Get one on marketplace or Buy Nothing.

They may drag their teeny tiny roller bag that fits nothing inside while knocking into people, blocking the moving walkway, and stopping every 30 feet.