Happy hump day everyone! I know it seems like I’m on this trip forever, and 10 days certainly feels that way but it also went by really fast as we are wrapping up and packing for home. Today’s “inspo” if you will, is not much of an inspiration as it is a perspective, let me tell you why.
I’ve always had a wanderlust for seeing the world. As much as I do regret not traveling as much as I should, I’ve been to a few countries and cities. I’ve visited Croatia in 2008, long before travel bloggers heavily tagging it on this thing called Instagram. After marriage and birth of PA, one of my fear came true when our fear of traveling with baby and kids turned us into homebodies who didn’t go anywhere. I was was unhappy, restless and begging for vacation. Thankfully, my husband’s extended family lives in Hawaii, giving us the opportunity to test waters for traveling with tots.
After Miss K was born, my fear of traveling with 2 tots arise again and once again, we were put to the test. This time, I was determined to make it work because I believe that with practice and some trial and errors, family vacation is possible with multiple tots. We now traveled to New York twice, San Antonio, China, Hawaii twice and now Seattle. I have successfully conquered this fear of traveling with kids and we now have a very good system when we do. Of course, no trip is complete without a few meltdowns and some hiccups, but that is just part of life. Here are a few tips traveling with kids.
- Have a checklist of everything you need for your self and the kids. I’ve written one in the past and you can see it HERE. This list should include everything you do and need within 24 hour period so that you aren’t missing anything.
- Get TSA Pre-checked for everyone (including the kids) if you travel often. We’ve gotten the kids and ourselves Pre-checked as well as Global Entry cards for international trips. Your line for going thru security shrinks about 2/3 and you don’t have to take off shoes, belts, jackets. Your laptops and iPads stays in the bag….no need to screen those milk carry-on. All sorts of convenience.
- Have alone time with your significant other. We’ve used outsourced babysitting services such as Care.com or Urbansitter as well as hotel services (which could cost more). If you are visiting relatives, have them take the kids out for a day or night. It feels so good to have that one-on-one time to rekindle the romance.
- Expect EXTRA melt downs and tantrums. When kids are traveling, they are easily excited and wants to see everything because it is all so new to them. When it is time to leave one place for the next adventure, they may not want to leave. Plus it is also hard for the little ones to adjust to sleeping in new environments, eating on the go and be in constant motion, so tantrums are to be expected. When you find your self driven to the brink, find a place quiet where you can just unwind on your own (I was to hiding in the hotel bar pounding down shots of scotch on this trip and of course all captured on Snapchat), go out for a quick walk, or even close the door and take a hot shower to ease your mind. Bad mood mommy means bad mood trip.
Don’t let kids get in the way of your wanderlust. I am inspired when I travel and I think it is so good for the kids to see the world even when they are young. They will appreciate the world and the beauty of nature and learn to adapt to new surroundings much better as an adult. Hope you all like the photos of Seattle (all taken on my iPhone6s) and feel inspired to travel.
Travelling with kids may be a challenge, but I believe it’s certainly a great experience for them. My mom & I used to go places almost every summer—and it definitely puts your world into perspective!
Great photos—amazing what our phones can do nowadays!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
You have captured Seattle so well in your photos! Yes, travelling with kids isn’t always easy, but once you start you can’t stop and it becomes such a fun experience.
Glad you’ve managed to nail travelling with kids – I haven’t done that yet haha!
You’ve shared some great photos too.
Thank you for the link up!
Away From The Blue Blog
Wonderful photos ! I want to be there ! I hope your having a great time x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Gorgeous photos! My husband has always wanted to go to Seattle. Now, I do too! I really like your tips – they are practical and SO doable. I especially like the one about getting a babysitter for a night for some extra alone time.
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thank you so much for the feature! What a sweet surprise!
Beautiful photos! I’ve always wanted to visit Seattle. I will get there one day!
Your photos are amazing! It was always stressful traveling with our daughter but it always seemed to work out. These are great tips to follow!
Jill
Doused In Pink
What beautiful pics from your trip! I would’ve loved to have this post when my boys were smaller. These are great tips on traveling with small children. Have a great rest of the week!
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
These pictures are so gorgeous! Seattle is definitely top on my list to visit! Thanks so much for the feature this week! 🙂
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Traveling with kids can be tough! Glad you figured out ways to make it work for you and your family!
Beautiful photos of Seattle, which is on my list of places to visit!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
Good for you for not allowing having a family to hinder your travel dreams! Life is all a learning experience, I believe, and we learn as we go! And you are creating such great memories for you and your kids along the way!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Great shots and tips! I’ve been enjoying watching your vacation on Instagram and Snapchat.
What beautiful pictures from your travels!! I love to travel but don’t do it as much as I’d like–it’s more budget that holds us back rather than kids (although I guess those go hand in hand!). When we can though I’d love to do more traveling, and these are really great tips I’ll keep in mind. Thanks for sharing!
That looks like a lot of fun!!!! 🙂
Beautiful photos!
xx, Elise
Travelling with kids can be a real test! My daughter was terrible in restaurants as a baby, she screamed every time we went out and it made me really anxious but we persevered. We even travelled to Barbados when she was nine months old and Australia when she was 16 months old. I’m not sure how we survived but we did! She’s seven now so it’s much easier 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I love Seattle! I live right near there and it’s just so beautiful!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Love your pictures! I really don’t know parents make it work! But I have seen it done successfully. Kudos for you to traveling with kids.
I am so full of wanderlust it’s not even funny! Love how you captured Seattle. I really need to spend some time there. Hope it was good to you!
xx Leah / http://www.eatpraywearlove.com