Anonymous
08/01/2023 21:11
Subject: Going on vacations during the toddler/baby years -- yay or nay
The travel is for YOU during those early days! I mean, there’s sweet memories to be made for sure but you are the one needing the change, the travel. If you love travel…travel!
I thought it was done when I had my first but we got invited to a wedding in France and brought our son who was 12 months (they had a sitter for the wedding) and it was incredible!!!
My tips:
1) it will be more challenging BUT it will be worth it and you will be proud of yourself for trying something new
2) rent a place with a (safe) balcony or patio with a nice view so that when the kids nap/sleep, mom+dad can relax and have little breaks!
3) babywear if you can and bring a travel stroller for your 3 yr old (gb pockit stroller is the one i like but there are many).
4) realize you can buy most general baby stuff abroad so unless there’s some allergy or something, I would pack just 3 days worth of diapers (not sure for formula sorry) but do pack infant Tylenol/advil/Benedryl (likely can find it but i always bring it).
Locations: go anywhere you want tbh but with a 3 yr old it’s harder. I prefer places that are very child friendly/welcoming but also interesting for myself…many, many places in Europe are terrific with little kids because you get through lines faster, people are often welcoming of young kids in spaces that aren’t as acceptable in the US, the towns are often set up better with central, fenced in playgrounds and cafes attached (usually with alcoholic drinks too). Easy to walk around, great food…beautiful views.
Have fun exploring with your babies!
I thought it was done when I had my first but we got invited to a wedding in France and brought our son who was 12 months (they had a sitter for the wedding) and it was incredible!!!
My tips:
1) it will be more challenging BUT it will be worth it and you will be proud of yourself for trying something new
2) rent a place with a (safe) balcony or patio with a nice view so that when the kids nap/sleep, mom+dad can relax and have little breaks!
3) babywear if you can and bring a travel stroller for your 3 yr old (gb pockit stroller is the one i like but there are many).
4) realize you can buy most general baby stuff abroad so unless there’s some allergy or something, I would pack just 3 days worth of diapers (not sure for formula sorry) but do pack infant Tylenol/advil/Benedryl (likely can find it but i always bring it).
Locations: go anywhere you want tbh but with a 3 yr old it’s harder. I prefer places that are very child friendly/welcoming but also interesting for myself…many, many places in Europe are terrific with little kids because you get through lines faster, people are often welcoming of young kids in spaces that aren’t as acceptable in the US, the towns are often set up better with central, fenced in playgrounds and cafes attached (usually with alcoholic drinks too). Easy to walk around, great food…beautiful views.
Have fun exploring with your babies!
Anonymous
08/01/2023 20:57
Subject: Re:Going on vacations during the toddler/baby years -- yay or nay
Your kids will annoy you when they're teens and learn that they have already traveled to cool places that they don't remember. They get absolutely zero out of travel when they're toddlers. Save your money and put it in their college fund during those years so that it will grow over the next 17 years. If you want to travel for you, have your parents watch them while you and spouse travel together.
Anonymous
08/01/2023 19:32
Subject: Re:Going on vacations during the toddler/baby years -- yay or nay
We stuck to local short distance driving vacations until the youngest was in elementary school. Turns out my kids are easy and well behaved travelers and have now been to 10 countries as middle schoolers. I don’t think the extra cost and maintenance would have been worth it when they were younger and we still have memorable vacations from when they were toddlers, just different.