One New York Dad’s Tips for Easier Travel With a Toddler

Traveling with kids requires a solid game plan—especially when they’re toddlers. But as parenting pro Joe Gonzales, founder of Brooklyn Stroll Club, shares a plan doesn’t mean a complicated itinerary. Making memories with his family on vacation is a top priority. “Our first vacation was to Mexico when our son was about 6 months old. At the time, it felt like such a big thing, traveling with a baby and not really knowing what to expect. But that adventure doesn’t have to stop just because we became parents,” Gonzales says.

Their latest adventure was much closer to home: a road trip to Harrisburg, PA, where they stayed at stayed at Comfort Inn & Suites® Harrisburg - Hershey West, part of the Choice Hotels® family of brands. According to Gonzales, having a strategic home base can make the whole experience of traveling with a toddler less chaotic. “Easy parking, free hot breakfast, a comfortable room, and housekeeping are all really helpful when you’re traveling with a toddler. You realize quickly that convenience matters a lot more when you have kids,” he says.

As a Choice Privileges® member, Gonzales earns points for his hotel stays with Choice Hotels that can be redeemed for reward nights at over 7,500+ Choice Hotels locations worldwide. Even better, membership can get him valuable upgrades like free dedicated parking, larger rooms, and late check-out or early check-in, depending on his loyalty tier. An especially helpful promotion right now includes earning enough points to redeem for a $50 gift card at select gas retailers on every two qualifying stays through July 7, 2026.*

“One thing I appreciate about Comfort Inn® is that I know what to expect. As a parent, there’s something really comforting about staying somewhere that feels easy, reliable, and in a convenient location for what your family wants to do,” Gonzales says.

On their trip, Gonzales and his crew were able to explore Pennsylvania’s capital city and indulge in lots of chocolate, something Harrisburg and the surrounding area are known for. Plus, the centrally located Comfort Inn & Suites made it easy to take breaks and relax when everyone needed a breather. “I love finding places that feel good for all of us. Some moments are really for my son, and some are for us as parents, but the best trips are the ones where we can experience things together and make memories as a family,” he says.

* Redeem by August 6. Other terms apply.

Start planning your trip at choicehotels.com.