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During the last Passover holiday, we traveled to Sri Lanka for two weeks with Dandan when he was two years and four months old. Traveling with a toddler is a new and unique adventure. As children grow, more destinations become suitable for them, and it is delightful to see them enjoy the trip with us. However, unlike traveling with a baby who is simply carried along, toddlers have their own desires and needs. Unlike our recent vacations with Dandan, this time we decided to split the trip into two parts: the first focused on exploring Sri Lanka’s incredible nature, and the second was dedicated to relaxing on its stunning beaches.
General Tips for Sri Lanka with Babies and Young Children
Mosquito Protection
We brought a Parakito mosquito-repellent bracelet and a suitable mosquito repellent for toddlers. Generally, there weren’t many mosquitoes in the areas we visited, and we were only bitten a few times.
Food
Sri Lankan food is very spicy—extremely spicy. Every time we ordered food for Dandan, we explicitly stated that it was for a young child and emphasized that it should not be spicy. This is easier in touristy restaurants and hotels, but we still received highly seasoned dishes at times, so it’s best to double-check. Fortunately, Sri Lanka is rich in fruits, and Dandan thoroughly enjoyed the variety.
Vaccinations
We consulted a travel clinic a month before our flight, and upon the doctor's recommendation, we vaccinated Dandan against typhoid fever. Travel clinic vaccinations are only available after the age of two, and I believe this is an important consideration when traveling to a developing country like Sri Lanka.
Medications
Before the trip, we consulted our pediatrician and received prescriptions for essential medications, including ear drops, Fenistil drops, and Vermox.
Diapers and Wipes
I highly recommend bringing these from home. While supermarkets are relatively accessible during travel, they do not always stock the specific products you might need.
Flights
All flights to Sri Lanka land at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. We flew with a layover in Dubai, which provided a good break between flights and allowed Dandan to run around and expend some energy before boarding the next plane. This was not our first time flying with Emirates, and they were excellent. However, it’s important to note that Emirates does not return strollers and pushchairs during the layover in Dubai, despite what you may be told. If this is important to you, bring a compact travel stroller that fits in the cabin or use the free strollers available at Dubai Airport.
Itinerary and Transportation
You know your child best, so when planning your itinerary, you will have the best sense of what suits your family. My recommendation for traveling with young children, babies, or toddlers is to maintain a routine as much as possible and minimize transitions between destinations. However, this depends on the child’s age and temperament.
In reality, we did not manage to limit our transitions in Sri Lanka, and this was the first time we embarked on a two-week trip that included stays in six different locations. Despite our initial concerns, Dandan adapted well, was excited about each new hotel, and slept soundly throughout the trip.
Travel in Sri Lanka involves long car journeys. We spent the first part of our trip with a private driver whom we booked in advance. We specifically requested a vehicle with a child car seat, and that was provided (Tip: Ask your driver for a photo of the car seat beforehand to ensure it’s appropriate, as they may not fully understand the requirements). Since Dandan does not enjoy long car rides, we scheduled our drives to coincide with his nap times to minimize his awake hours in the car.
Accommodation
When traveling with babies and toddlers in Sri Lanka, one key consideration is that most hotels do not have kids’ clubs. There are a few exceptions, but if this is important to you, plan accordingly. Other than that, every hotel provided us with a crib without any issues, and the staff was always incredibly welcoming. Many places accommodated off-menu requests for Dandan, and the service was exceptional, including room service with simple dishes like omelets and tomatoes. 🙂
Healthcare
Traveling with a young child always means being prepared for potential illness. Sri Lanka is a developing country, and while it is highly touristic, access to hospital care is primarily available in Colombo. Since the country is relatively small, reaching Colombo from most places is feasible, but this is an important factor to consider.
During our trip, we had to use our travel insurance for medical assistance. We received quick support, and a doctor arrived at our hotel within a few hours, equipped with all necessary medications and prescriptions.
Babysitting and Nannies in Sri Lanka
Having a dedicated nanny while traveling is a fantastic option, though I understand it’s not for everyone. We have traveled to various destinations where we used babysitting services to some extent, and Sri Lanka was no exception.
Before our trip, I searched for recommendations in travel groups. Since Sri Lanka is a popular surfing destination, many families visit with children and hire local babysitters during their stay. This arrangement is more common in beach areas, making it harder to find someone willing to travel with us throughout the entire trip.
Eventually, we found Maheka, who exceeded all our expectations. She came highly recommended by many families and was praised enthusiastically.
Maheka agreed to accompany us for the entire trip, and we covered her accommodation, transportation, and meals throughout. Beyond being a mother herself, she was incredibly professional, sensitive, and attentive, and Dandan bonded with her within days. We relied on her during naptime, for excursions that weren’t toddler-friendly, and even for evening outings so we could go out as a couple. We arranged the general terms with her in advance and paid her hourly.
Traveling with a toddler in Sri Lanka was an unforgettable experience. With the right planning, it is absolutely possible to enjoy both adventure and relaxation while accommodating a young child’s needs. Whether you are looking for stunning landscapes, warm hospitality, or tranquil beaches, Sri Lanka has it all!
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