One thing that we really love to do in this family is travel.
Whether near or far, it is one of our favorite pastimes.
Both my hubby & I agree that we love to explore new places and that we would rather share experiences together than get tons of gifts and things. This is something I hope we can carry on as I would love to look back on a life with tons of family experiences rather than tons of stuff. #partofitismyocd #cleanfreak #tossallthethings
We traveled a lot together from the time we were married until we had Emersyn. Living in Europe will do that to you ;) It was an amazing time and I will forever cherish those memories! However, we are determined to travel just as much with children. I know people say "Traveling with kids is so much work!" "It's not even a vacation with kids!" "It's just the same as being at home if I'm still having to take care of them!" All to which I say yes, it is quite a bit of work (and we have definitely enjoyed a vacation alone a time or two!) It isn't always relaxing and you definitely don't get to lounge by the pool with your headphones. However, we have found many ways to make vacationing with a little so much more enjoyable & FUN! Here are a few of my favorite tips for traveling with your kiddos:
1. Look at every inconvenience as a blessing.
We have found that vacationing opens up the door to late bedtimes, early mornings, missed naps, random mealtimes, tested patience.... you name it! These things can seem like inconveniences especially compared to the super-structed lives we live day-to-day at home. But we have found that some of these inconveniences have lead to some of the most beautiful memories. For example...
Emersyn didn't sleep all night in Duluth. We decided to get out of the hotel at 6:00am and walk Lake Superior's shores. Not a soul was out there and we got to witness this. Insane beauty we would have missed if we would have been sleeping.
Due to the time changing, Emersyn woke up way too early in Florida. We enjoyed quiet mornings on the balcony that we also would have missed.
#perspective #notalwayseasy #butalwaysworthit
2. Distractions are your friend.
Oh, distractions. They really are lifesavers in times of desperation! We have done both car and plane trips with Emersyn and have found that these little guys are vital to a great trip. You want to stick stickers all over the seat in front of us? SURE! You want to buckle and unbuckle your backpack over and over? GO AHEAD! These little distractions can end up taking your little one's attention for moments if not minutes, even if they seem obnoxious to you. Also, it is worth mentioning that the Target dollar spot is your BFF for engaging activities that don't cost a bunch! We have purchased light up toys, Slinkys, coloring books, bouncy balls, etc. from the dollar spot and they have never disappointed us!
Sure, stand on the chair!
Carry-on approved!
3. Don't feel confined by nap time.
Let me be the first to tell you that I am RIGID when it comes to naps at home. I mean like when 1:00 hits, my child is in her bed no if's, and's, or but's. However, on vacation, we have found it sooooo freeing if we forget about naps. Instead of feeling like we have to pause whatever we are doing to get back to the hotel from 1-3pm, we have found that its so much easier to just stay out and let them nap in the stroller or just have an earlier bedtime. If they are tired, they will sleep! We have found it insanely enjoyable also when Emersyn does sleep in the stroller and we can enjoy a coffee or snack together... almost like a date!
Cab snoozin' in Chicago
Beds were only for playing in in Wisconsin Dells
4. Rely on others.
I cannot stress this enough. There is 99.9% of the time someone available to help you while traveling. Whether it be the hotel providing you with a fridge to store snacks, a helping hand to get your bags to the room, or even a little water bottle to hydrate your kiddo, we have found that those working at hotels, attractions, and airlines usually go above and beyond to assist families. We have had a concierge give us cookies, a flight attendant give us stickers, and people at some of our favorite tourist spots offer to take photos/set up highchairs/distract our kid for a couple seconds/etc. Use these people! They are here to help and to help you de-stress on your vacation!
Disney has brilliant employees that take amazing candid photos like this one!
5. Dress comfortably.
The worst thing ever is when you're uncomfortable or your kids are uncomfortable traveling. We always wear tennis shoes, loose fitting pants or dresses), and plenty of layers. You never know when a place is going to be super hot or super cold! Especially with diaper changes (or even potty training), its also important to dress simply. You never know when you'll be changing a diaper in your stroller in the middle of Disney World ;) #iknowfromexperience #sweatpantsforthewin
Athletic pants & a comfy tee plus a jean jacket for chilly nights worked wonderfully in Disney! Oh and of course, Minnie ears for the win ;)
A light windbreaker and comfy shoes (insert shameless love for Natives here) were perfect for The Bean in Chicago!
What are some little survival tips you have for traveling with kids?
I would love to know them before we head out for our next trip in October!
Xoxo,
D
I flew with my daughter when she was 18 months old and was determined to keep my "rules". She screamed an hour into the flight and the next 2 hours...until she made herself throw up. Needless to say, rules went out the window and we enjoyed the rest of our trip much more by just doing with the flow!!
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