Backpack carrier versus toddler carrier for holidays?

[wishIwasonholiday10]

I’m trying to decide the most practical option for carrying my almost 2 year old (at time of travel) on holiday this summer? So far she is a very reluctant walker and not even close to walking independently (we are doing physio) and I don’t know if she will be walking in 3 months time when we go away. She has outgrown our baby carrier but we do have a hiking backpack carrier which is pretty bulky for travel. We will use the stroller where possible but will need to carry her in places with lots of steps (DH loves exploring old forts and similar places with lots of steps) and walks on the beach etc. We are going to Corfu and it will be a mix of sightseeing and beach.

Should we take the bulky backpack carrier which also restricts us from going indoors or get a new baby carrier for toddlers? We both find her quite heavy to carry so not sure which is the most comfortable and practical opton?

Or adjust what you do this time round ?

Can you get a toddler sling? I bought one second hand for £30 and it's been brill. It's almost entirely cloth so folds up small and goes in my handbag. Still use it occasionally even though DS is 5!

I used a toddler sling, it was great. I hired one from local sling library for my holiday

I think if you were to say that it is a hiking holiday, then I'd say take the proper hiking carrier for comfort (and less sweaty!). But if you've also got a stroller and it's just for now and again, then get a toddler sling.
We've got a Tula Toddler which is great! Also got a Deuter Kid Comfort Pro which is fantastic but obviously more for hiking and very bulky.

Toddler tula is small enough that you can stash it under a stroller and just pull it out if the stroller’s not coping with the terrain.

I found a toddler sling MUCH more comfortable than the backpack carrier - mainly because they weight was lower, rather than having the child raised. Maybe that was just the styles we had?
We borrowed one from the sling library for a nominal cost. Great for lugging the 2 year old round SE Asia, and even manageable when the 4 year old got jealous, and insisted on being carried!

I agree with PPs, for a couple of hours here and there on a trip where you'll also have a buggy and spend some days chilling on the beach, I'd get a toddler sling.

I would say the opposite of everyone else and go with a hiking carrier. I find this so much better on my back than a sling. You can check the hiking carrier in on the plane as it comes in 1 of the allowable baby/child equipment pieces. We are travelling with our twins who are 20 months and going to South Africa next week. We are checking in a pushchair and then a hiking carrier each for them. Although we are also taking our baby slings onto the plane to use if needed for them to sleep on us (I'm hoping/praying they won't be needed though and they will sleep in the planes toddler seats).
I would suggest if you could borrow a carrier and sling from a friend or sling library for a week prior to going and see what works best for you