‘Boy Meets World’ star gives the best advice for parents who love to travel

I remember sitting in my pediatrician’s office with my 3-month-old for a routine checkup. It was summer, and my time with him before returning to work was running out. Before he was born, one of my favorite things to do was “go down the shore,” and I desperately longed for the beach.

“Am I allowed to take him to the beach?” I asked bluntly, my eyes welling up, worried it sounded like a selfish question.

“Not only can you, but you should,” the doctor reassured me. “He’s up to date on all his vaccines, and as long as you’re safe about the sun and water, he’ll have a great time.”

So we packed the car like never before for a two-day beach excursion to Wildwood, New Jersey. It had a myriad of highs and lows, but it was one of the first times I thought, “hey, I can do this.”

And if that doesn’t convince you to travel with kids, maybe listen to Rider Strong, the ’90s dreamboat who played Shawn Hunter on Boy Meets World. Strong recently uploaded a gallery of photos and shared sage travel advice for new parents.

“We took Indy to Bali when he was 8 months old. (Yes, we made sure he had a tie for his passport photo.) Best parenting advice I ever got: ‘for the first two years, the baby is a backpack,'” he shared. “Don’t stay home. Don’t hunker down. Take them everywhere. Sure, you’re sleep-deprived, terrified, drowning in love and responsibility. But that’s exactly why it works. Before they’re walking, before they’re talking, before they say ‘I hate hikes,’ before all your music sounds the same, it’s the perfect time to travel.”

Fans couldn’t agree more.

“The passport picture in a tie is too cute! My husband and I were afraid we’d lose our ability to travel once we start a family, but now I realize we’ll just bring them along!” one fan commented.

“I hate when people say babies won’t remember it. You will. It’s your child’s childhood, but it’s your parenthood too. Take the trips. Make the memories. Time is one thing you can’t make back up,” advised another.

There are also practical ways to make family travel more manageable.

When searching for a family-friendly hotel, look for and don’t be shy about asking about:

Crib or Pack ‘n Play Availability – Safe sleeping options, either complimentary or for a small fee.
Baby-Friendly Room Layout – Space to move around, non-slip floors, and minimal hazards.
Kitchen or Mini-Fridge Access – To store milk, formula, or baby food.
On-Site Laundry Facilities – Save packing space and travel lighter.
High Chair or Booster Availability – Helps safely accommodate your little one during meals.
Proximity to Medical Care – Peace of mind with nearby pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals.
Quiet Floors or Rooms – Away from elevators, bars, or busy streets for better sleep.
Pool or Play Area Safety – Check for fencing, shallow areas, and lifeguard presence.
Flexible Check-In/Check-Out – To accommodate naps and unpredictable schedules.
Child-Friendly Policies – Babysitting services, baby amenities, and family activity programming.

Focusing on these factors ensures a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable trip with infants. And if you can’t find something that checks all the boxes, decide what you’re willing to sacrifice. There’s a way to have it “all,” and being a parent shouldn’t hold you or your child back from adventure.

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This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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