The ZOE Traveler (XLC) is an affordable and highly functional compact travel stroller. It has some awesome features, like being one of the lightest strollers on the market (11lbs!). It also features a ridiculously easy, ridiculously compact fold, an oversize canopy, and a pretty comfortable ride.
Buy the ZOE Traveler (XLC)
- ZOE Traveler (XLC) – $175
- ZOE Traveler XLC Rain Cover – $40
What is my absolute favorite thing about this stroller?
It's super light (11lbs!) and super affordable ($175!)
What else is cool about the ZOE Traveler (XLC)?
- Looks Nice in Black & Navy: The ZOE Traveler looks simple and modern in both black and navy.
- Lightweight and Portable: At 11 pounds, the Traveler is the lightest stroller we recommend.
- Super Easy, Super Compact Fold: Folding with the push of a button and the flick of a wrist, this stroller has by far the easiest folding and opening mechanisms. The resulting folded package is very compact, and similar in size to the folded Babyzen YOYO+.
- Deep Recline; Adjustable Footrest: The Traveler reclines for comfortable napping position and has an adjustable (albeit short) footrest.
- Decent Storage Space: For such a compact stroller, the Traveler has a decent amount of under-stroller storage. You can easily fit a diaper bag and a blanket or two, but not much more.
- Small Wheels; Rear Wheel Suspension: Although the ZOEs wheels are small, they are equipped with rear wheel suspension to make bumpy rides smoother. The ride is not quite as smooth as the YOYO’s, but for a travel stroller, it’s pretty good.
- Huge Canopy: The huge four-panel canopy provides great shade.
What don't I love about the ZOE Traveler (XLC)?
- Not Suitable for Infants: The ZOE Traveler is not compatible with infant car seats and does not have a bassinet attachment. It is best for babies six months and older, which is right about when you'd prefer to push them in a stroller than carry them in a carrier, wrap, or sling anyway.
- Too Short for Taller Parents: With a handlebar reaching only about 40 inches, this stroller is uncomfortable for parents over six feet tall to push this stroller.
- Not Modular: The Traveler is forward-facing only and does not have a parent-facing option. The only travel stroller that is modular is the Bugaboo Ant.
- No Accessories Included: All accessories are sold separately, including the rain cover, travel bag, and parent console.
What are some alternatives to the ZOE Traveler (XLC)?
ZOE Traveler ($175) vs. Bugaboo Ant ($499+)
The Bugaboo Ant is in an entirely different league than the ZOE Traveler. It is a significantly more luxury stroller in all ways. The only ways in which the Traveler outperforms the Ant are by being significantly lighter (11lbs vs. 15.8lbs) and significantly easier to fold. (And, obviously, significantly less expensive.) In all other ways, the Bugaboo Ant is superior.
ZOE Traveler vs. Babyzen YOYO+ ($495+)
Same story as the Bugaboo Ant. Related: Read my post on the pros and cons of the Ant vs. the YOYO+ here.
ZOE Traveler vs. Summer Infant 3D Lite
If you’re looking for a sub-$100 travel stroller (and don’t mind that it isn’t particularly compact when folded), check out the Summer Infant 3D Lite.