Heading south for family vacation. How to deal with other rhythms with little ones, 8 tips, and the last one? The tip nobody wants to talk about!

Planning a summer holiday to Southern Europe? Think: late lunches, sunny siestas, and vibrant evening streets filled with families. Sounds dreamy, right? Until you remember your toddler is hungry by 11:45 and absolutely done by 7 PM.

We’ve been there, many times, and yes, it’s possible to enjoy the laid-back southern vibe without turning into a snack mule or negotiating with an angry mini human at a restaurant. Here are our best parent-tested tips for handling different meal times and daily rhythms when traveling south.

Tip 1: Stock up smart, then snack smart

As soon as you arrive, make a quick visit to the local supermarket to build your stash of non-melty, toddler-proof snacks: think dry biscuits, rice cakes, plain crackers, or fruit pouches. Skip anything chocolatey or sticky, it won’t survive the heat.

With your snack supply ready, you can always pack a small, satisfying “mini lunch” when needed, perfect for those moments when your child is hungry but restaurants aren’t serving yet. Cheese cubes, breadsticks, fruit, hard-boiled egg… anything that travels well and buys you time.

Our Yummy Bag and Yummy Grab&Go make this super easy: compact, leak-proof, and organized. A total lifesaver when lunch only starts at 2PM and your toddler’s tummy is still on the home schedule.

In Spain, Italy, or the south of France, it’s totally normal for restaurants to only start serving lunch from 1:30 or even 2 PM onwards. But many toddlers are used to eating around noon, so what do you do?

Tip 2: Shift their meal routine gradually

A few days before you leave, try moving lunch and dinner just 15–30 minutes later each day. It won’t completely sync their rhythm to local time, but it can help ease the shock of a later schedule once you arrive. And don’t forget about tip 1 😉

Tip 3: Don’t be afraid to feed them earlier

If you’re renting a place with a kitchenette, keep it simple: make their meal at home around their usual time, and treat your restaurant visit as a parent meal. They can nibble something small (or just sit and draw!) while you enjoy your tapas. Actually, not being fuzzy and hungry while being exposed to new food that mom and dad are excited to try, makes little ones more likely to explore new tastes. Win-win.

Yes, routines will shift, and that’s okay. Kids are incredibly adaptable if we offer some comfort and understand their feelings.

Tip 4: Keep your daily anchors

Hold onto key moments like naps, bedtime rituals, or breakfast time. If everything else feels new, these anchors offer a sense of security, even if bedtime is a little later than usual.

Tip 5: Bring water, always. Period.

No matter where you go, always have a water bottle with you. Refill it often (cafés and beach bars are usually happy to help) and toss in a few ice cubes when you can. Hydration is key, especially when little ones are running around in the heat.

Tip 6: Thermal spray is a game changer

A small thermal water spray bottle in your bag? Gold. A quick spritz on the neck, arms, or feet feels like heaven after walking around in the sun, especially for kids.

In many southern countries, “merienda” (snack time around 4 or 5 PM) is a thing for a reason. It’s the perfect bridge between late lunch and even later dinner.

Tip 7: Plan for a proper snack stop

Look for a café with a terrace in the shade, and order a yogurt, smoothie, or fruit bowl. It gives everyone a break and buys you time before dinner.

Even if you’re not changing time zones, a vacation in a place with very different daily rhythms can mess with your child’s internal clock. We call it a “routine jet lag.” Back home, kids might still expect dinner at 8 PM and naps at odd hours, and everyone’s tired from travel.

Tip 8: Come back home one day earlier

Trust us. It’s tempting to stay to the very last moment, but giving your family one day to recover and reset before jumping back into work or daycare is life-changing. Avoid the crash and enjoy a smoother return to routine.

Vacations are a break from the norm, and while that can be tricky with little ones, it’s also an opportunity. A chance to go with the flow, trust your child’s adaptability, and remember that the best memories often come from those in-between moments.

Lots of love,

Sarah