advice for moms traveling with kids (for the first time!)
We have been traveling with kids for 13 years. We have made lots of mistakes and most of them relate to over-preparation. Here’s what I would tell a mom traveling for the first time with her kids…
Most people around the world love kids and respect families.
Prepare but don’t overschedule, leave room for flexibility.
Ask for help.
Memorialize the trip / help the kids remember.
You can do this
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THE TERRIBLE TRIP THAT STARTED IT ALL
I remember our first trip with our oldest kiddo. It was 2014, she about 15 months old and we went to a certain northern European island that shall go unnamed. I planned our route, accommodations, sites and transport. The trip was miserable. We got scolded by two airbnb hosts for “letting our baby eat outside the kitchen” and “getting groceries.” People glared at our perfect toddler, who was innocently giggling at 4 PM in pubs. We even got kicked out of our rentals. I was heartbroken - why was traveling with kids so hard? Why did people hate traveling families?
So when I write this post, I’m writing specifically to my younger self after that trip. I’m writing to nervous moms everywhere who wonder, “can we do this?” “Will people be kind?” and I can tell you, for the MOST part, YES.
Those rude people in that 2014 trip were loudly drowned out by some incredible experiences. We have had kind strangers help us and our children all over the world.
most people love kids, actually
If you’re coming from the US, you may actually find that people are NICER to you than they are at home.
From special lines for families at the airport in Iceland, to having our backpacks carried for us, to having tour guides buckle our kids into car seats, most people love children. And the ones that don’t, will excuse themselves from situations frequented by families. Kind of a self organizing situation.
Preparation is key but also leave room for flexibility.
What do I mean? I always plan the basics: transport and accommodation. After that, I try to leave most things open. If there’s an excursion (see my post on excursions here), that really has to be booked ahead, I’ll do that but other stuff, I leave until a week out. WEATHER is key. We don’t want to do a walking tour on a rainy day!
Preparation is key but also leave room for flexibility.
Before the trip, book with a family-friendly travel advisor (you can book a call here!). We can help with the decision fatigue - where to go, when to go, what to pack, what to do, we got you.
During the trip…
If you’re traveling solo, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a mom friend on the plane that is sitting nearby. She can sit with your kid while you go to the bathroom.
If you’re traveling with family and friends, set expectations early. Will grandparents babysit one night so you can go on a date? Be sure to get family photos too (and yes, mom, get in the photos!)
Outsource what you can. Book a personal chef, ask for a hotel that has a laundry service.
MEMORIALIZE THE TRIP
You’re going to be exhausted when you get home. Don’t forget to stop and look back at the trip with the kids. This does NOT have to be fancy. Screen mirror your phone to your TV and look at photos for 15 min. Talk about the memories, the food, the feeling, the weather, the highs and the lows. This helps kids remember.
YOU CAN DO THIS
You manage tough logistics at home. Doctors appointments, PTA meetings, laundry before the toddler wakes up? Those are all similar challenges. You already have the skill set to do this.