Best Travel Strollers and When to Skip One (2025)

Best Travel Strollers and When to Skip One (2025)

ByEvan Parker

Let’s be real: picking a travel stroller is a minefield. There are hundreds of options, and every brand claims to be the lightest, smallest, or most “game-changing.” I’ve been through five strollers in three years of travel, from cobblestones in Rome to TSA drama in Dallas. Here’s the messy truth: sometimes you don’t need a stroller at all, and other times, the right one is absolutely worth it.

Why Travel Strollers Are a Minefield (and Sometimes Totally Unnecessary)

When my daughter was born, I assumed I’d need a stroller for every trip. Turns out, I’ve left it at home for half our flights. Why? Sometimes a carrier is just easier—especially for short city breaks, or places with bad sidewalks, stairs, or tiny elevators. If you’re hopping between airports, subways, and Airbnbs, a stroller can be more hassle than help.

Rule of thumb: If you’re going somewhere with good weather, flat paths, and lots of walking, a travel stroller makes sense. Otherwise, a carrier might be your best friend.

Quick Comparison Table: Top Travel Strollers (2025)

Model Weight Folded Size Seat Recline Airline Cabin Approved? Price (USD)
Babyzen Yoyo2 13.6 lbs 20.5” x 17.3” x 7.1” Multiple, near-flat Yes (most airlines) $449+
Joolz Aer+ 13.2 lbs 21” x 17.7” x 8.5” Deep, not flat Yes (most airlines) $449
GB Pockit Air 10.4 lbs 13.4” x 7.9” x 16.5” Minimal Yes (fits overhead bins) $199
Mountain Buggy Nano 13 lbs 22” x 12” x 20” Near-flat Gate-check (some airlines allow in cabin) $219
Ergobaby Metro+ 17 lbs 21” x 17” x 9” Flat Gate-check $299

When to Actually Skip the Stroller

  • Short trips (2–3 days): If your kid is under 25 lbs and you’re not planning long walks, a carrier is lighter and less stressful.
  • Cities with poor infrastructure: Think Paris metro, old Prague, or anywhere with lots of stairs.
  • Busy airports or tight connections: Wearing your kid means you can sprint if you have to—and no waiting at the gate for a gate-checked stroller.
  • Hiking trips or “off-grid” travel: Leave the stroller home and bring a good soft-structured carrier.

Personal note: On our trip to Japan, we skipped the stroller entirely. Subway stairs, tiny restaurants, and narrow sidewalks made a carrier so much easier. We didn’t regret it for a second (except maybe once, in a mega-mall).

How to Choose the Right Travel Stroller

1. Check the Weight

If it’s over 15 lbs, it’s going to feel heavy after an hour. Under 12 lbs? You’ll barely notice it. Ultra-light strollers (the Pockit Air is just over 10 lbs) are amazing for city trips, but can feel a bit “flimsy” on bumpy terrain.

2. Folding Mechanism

One-hand fold is not an empty promise. If you’re juggling a kid and a backpack, a stroller that actually folds one-handed—like the Joolz Aer+ or Yoyo2—can save your sanity. Try folding and unfolding it with a drink in your other hand before you commit.

3. Seat Recline

If your kid naps in the stroller, a deep or near-flat recline is non-negotiable. The GB Pockit barely reclines; the Yoyo2 and Mountain Buggy Nano are much better for naps on the go.

4. Airline Rules

Every airline is different. Some allow strollers as cabin baggage (sizes usually must be under 22” x 18” x 10”), others require gate-checking. Always check before you fly. Some European budget airlines are stricter than US carriers.

5. Price and Return Policy

Travel strollers aren’t cheap. Expect to pay $200–$500. Buy from a store with a solid return policy—and test it at home, on real walks, before your trip. I once returned a $400 stroller after it shook like a maraca on a gravel path.

Keep or Return? A Brutally Honest Checklist

  • Does it fit in your car trunk with luggage?
  • Can you carry it up two flights of stairs with one hand?
  • Does your kid nap comfortably in it?
  • Can you fold/unfold it while holding your child or a coffee?
  • Is it easy to clean after airport meltdowns and snack explosions?
  • Will it pass your airline’s size check?
  • If you leave it in a hotel lobby, does it scream “steal me”?

Pro tip: Don’t peel off the tags until you’ve taken your stroller for a spin outside. Most stores will still take it back if it’s not scratched up.

Should You Go Ultra-Cheap?

Honestly, the $50 umbrella strollers from big box stores are tempting. If you just need something to push through the airport, they work—but they’re a nightmare on uneven sidewalks and offer little sun protection. If you travel more than twice a year, invest a bit more for your sanity.

Best Gear and Links (2025 Edition)

If you’re not sure, borrow or rent a travel stroller for your first trip—it’s a great way to test before you buy. Sites like BabyQuip or local Facebook groups are goldmines for this.

Traveling with kids is already a circus; don’t let the stroller be the ringmaster. Figure out what you’ll actually use, test it before your trip, and don’t be afraid to return what doesn’t work. Happy travels (and smooth naps on the go)!

Some links above may be affiliate. You get the same price, and this blog might earn a small commission—thanks for supporting the site!

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