So this blog post has been one of the biggest ones I have gotten over the last couple of years and I even wrote one two years ago HERE, that is a favorite for those other fellow mamas out there. I think the number one question I ALWAYS get when we travel is HOW DO WE DO IT? It’s pretty simple, JUST DO IT.
Lots of people tell me that they can never imagine taking their kids anywhere, especially out of the country because they like their routines and are nervous of how their kids are going to be in the planes and out an about etc, which I totally get; but what’s so wrong with changing it up a bit.
Diego and I have always loved to travel and we knew that even when we had Sofia that wasn’t going to stop our wanderlust. When you have a child it doesn’t mean you need to stop everything, you just alter your life and make a new normal. Sofia has been traveling out of the country since she was 16 months old and is about to hit 10 countries this year at the age of 3. 3!!!!! There are so many adults that haven’t even done that and we feel so blessed that we can do all this with Sofia and she can experience this life.
With that being said we know this isn’t a normal life for a 3 year old, but this is our life and it makes me excited to share to any other parents out there that it is doable, even if it is domestic retreat somewhere. I know she will never remember these memories at such a young age, but we do, and even at this age she remembers so much. Tiny little details that are insignificant to us but are overwhelming for her and so amazing to see her get so excited.
Sofia always, and I mean ALWAYS gets excited get on a plane, train, boat you name it she gets excited about all the new adventures and we love that about her. We make songs for all of our trips, we make it fun and get her even more excited each time. This all helps!!
Now to what I am sure most of you are here for. Tips on traveling with a toddler part 2.
WHAT TO BRING
Check Weather- Plan your clothing prior too. This year we had ranges of weather from the 50s to 90s so having to prep and bring clothes for each city was a little difficult and heavy with the luggage’s
Clothes- Bring more clothes that you expect. I try to have at least 2 outfits per day and then 5 extra just in case. Kids get dirty/wet you name it, so if you don’t want to go shopping on your trip just bring it. It’s always better to have more and mind you it’s EXPENSIVE to get your clothes done at the hotel.
Extra Bag– This bag we use for dirty clothes (place in travel containers that zip), gifts, things you buy and more.
Stroller– Bring a portable stroller that is lightweight. The streets are older so harder to get around and there might be stairs in a lot of areas you are going too, and this one is one we have used for 3+ years with lots of travels to multiple countries and it’s still kicking. 😉
Games– Buy new games that they can enjoy…the $1 store, target, walmart and amazon are great. You would also be surprised that sofia favorite “toys” on this trip were my bracket and watch because she pretending they were snakes. 🙂 Another was the package we get in premium economy with socks, eye covers and more to play with on the plane. Whatever works right.
Favorite Snacks– Brings snacks from back home for your kids to enjoy. In Europe they have different brands and candy styles than where you are from so its always great to have what they like available to make it easier just in case.
Comfort Items- Make sure you have their favorite toy/blanket/book from home so they have something that is comforting. Go to Target, the $1 store or do a Amazon prime purchase for little trinkets and games that they can play on the phone.
Packing Cubes– This is a MUST when traveling and putting items into your luggage. I always stock up on a lot of these for all of us because it makes organizing that much easier. We normally separate by the type of item (shirts, pants, dresses) and then have a few extra that aren’t mesh for dirty clothes so it doesn’t make any clean clothes smell dirty.
Note: always start with the toys and turn off the tv if you can because once they get focused on watching a movie or tv it is really hard to take them away from it. I.E meltdown central in a flight is no fun..trust me we have been there and done that.
*IPad- Make sure there are shows, movies and games available for them in case you need a break.
NOTE FOR CAR SEATS: We never take out car seats to Europe with us. If we get a car service we request one, but all those other times we just sit Sofia in between both of us, strap her and hold her so she is safe. Crazy I know but we have done this the past 3+ years. If you have a child in a carrier I would keep her in it and then strap myself in.
THINGS TO KNOW FOR KIDS
FLIGHTS
Direct Flights– Take direct flights to your locations as much as possible and plan your trip around that. Traveling or taking two many flights makes everyone tired and more grumpy so limit this so everyone lasts longer. We made this mistake going to Italy for Sofia’s first international trip and this is why we make so many stops.
Departing Flights– Take later flights to go through bed time so that way they are not up as long on the flight. I know that can be hard to find but if you do grab that unicorn flight.
Food- Brings snacks from back home for your kids to enjoy. For international flights you usually get two meals and make sure you ask for a kids meal when you book the ticket because it will be a more “normal” meal for them and they will eat it. This past trip she had pasta one time and then chicken with rice the next…and finished both so we were very happy about that.
Restaurant- Fries and lots of starch are in all european meals so if you are not big into that I would suggest looking up healthy places to eat and locations prior to getting there to make it easier for you. Last thing you want is to take time googling things while everyone is HANGRY.
TRAINS
This is honestly my favorite way to travel through Europe because it’s fast, you go through some of the most beautiful areas you want to stop all the time, it is clean, there is more room to be comfortable, free wifi and you can get up and go easier. We usually will book business class since it’s less busy and nicer; but also because we enjoy the comforts of it.
The hardest part of it all is putting all the luggage into the train with some many people coming and going.
Parental Roles- Due to this allocate each parent to do different things. Diego does the big luggages and the stroller, while I grab the Sofia, the backpacks, the carryon luggage and the extra bag. It is easier now since Sofia can walk on the train and listen so when we was little I would just put her in the carrier and do that.
Child Cues– Biggest thing to look for remember is your child’s cues. Are they getting tired, whinny and just not wanting to do anything? This might be the best time to get a meal, go back to the hotel to take a break for an hour or two and just refresh, and relax after a busy day. With trips in Europe you will be walking A LOT, more so then you do normally so it is bound to happen where you get exhausted and so do you kinds. Don’t overdue it, there is enough time in the day to still see the sights and enjoy while also not having the kids hit their limits.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Stay Up-Try to get on your new time schedule as soon as you get there. If headed to Europe and you land at lunchtime try to make it to dinner so you can better get on schedule. your toddler might nap and ruin the first day schedule so be prepared on being tired and potentially staying up later than you had hoped
Become a Local-Get on new countries time clock. If you normally go to bed at 8-10pm and wake up at 6am you will struggle in Europe because they do everything later. Wake up at 9pm and go to bed before midnight. Everyone enjoys dinners and staying out. If you go during summer be prepared for it to get dark by 10pm
Parks- Find parks/ kid friendly activities and lets the kids play and have fun. They will last longer and enjoy it more and so will you. A lot of times we end up stumbling upon them and when we did we immediately had Sofia play unless we had something planned at a specific time. What I love about the parks in Europe too are that they are super friendly and they are not gigantic like the ones we have in the states. Everything is smaller and as a mom to a 3 year old I appreciate it so much.
Meltdowns- There will be some just like if they are at home and in their own environment, but I feel like in Europe they are 100% more understanding and don’t seem bothered by it. Europe is very kid friendly and get how it is so near feel nervous or embarrassed when it happens because we have all or will deal with it at some point.
Language– When I go to Europe I feel so lucky to have English as my first language, but also completely dumb because they all know multiple languages and can talk to anyone. So in order to be respectful we always learn the basics to know that we appreciate being in their country.
THINGS TO KNOW/DO FOR ADULTS
Maps– Download google maps of each city so you always have your bearings of where you are and makes it easier to get around without having to connect to the International Data
International Phone Plan– If you cell phone provide can add a international plan. with verizon I had a $10 a day plan that I only use when we need to navigate, look up things or whatever. 100% worth it!
Passports- Take pictures of you passports and save them on your phone. Once you get to your hotels always place it in the safe and leave it there until you leave. you will never need it and if you wanna buy something to take back home they will take a picture version. Trust me I do that every time.
I truly hope that all these tips really help out any of you traveling with a toddler and also to remember that it is not as bad as some people can make it seem. If your going to be taking care of your child at home, why not just do it in a different city. 😉 If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!!!!
