Vacation Tips

While Babydaddy has traveled a bunch with Babymamma, before baby was included in our names, the 4th of July wknd, was our first opportunity to travel w/Babygirl which did not include attending a wedding, figuring out how to get a baby through airport security, or visiting family.

I think the #1 idea of thinking about traveling with a baby should not be about costs. Of course you should always stay within budget, but let me explain. While we went for pricier accommodations, it was totally worth the cost. First we stayed in a suite, which allowed for us adults to stay up well past a child's early bedtime. It also gave kids enough space to run around and not feel like they are trapped in a hotel room. We also had access to a full sized fridge and kitchenette if we wanted to cook in(who wants to cook on vacation). Of course there was a pool, which is always nice for the kiddies, what kid doesn't love to swim? There was also a very nice hot tub for the adults too.

With the nice suite option, we had a better than expected continental breakfast, that was not your typical, heat your own waffles, eat boxed cereals, and drink some coffee breakfast. Every breakfast was slightly different, but great, and everyone took full advantage of the free food. Eating a good breakfast, which also had good coffee, cut down on costs for snacks before lunch, and allowed for a small lunch rather than big lunch.

Where you spend extra money on accommodations, it seems that we were able to cut corners on meals. Only because Babygirl just doesn't do well in sit-down-restaurants, which allowed for Babymamma and I to go get quick sandwiches, go to off the tourist path's eateries and have real conversations with hipsters working their summer jobs. We would make Rachel Ray proud in accomplishing $40 a day on meals for three.

While Babydaddy typically likes to get the most of traveling and pack in as many things as possible, but with Babygirl in tow, I made very loose plans, and left it up to Babygirl's mood, weather, and various other factors that could come up with traveling with a baby. So being flexible and just enjoying the fact that you're out of town, or don't have to worry about cleaning should be much appreciated of any vacation.

While Babygirl did get out of some routines and rituals, it was vacation and we tried to roll with it. For instance Babygirl got to co-sleep with her parents for the first time. The pack n play wasn't working out. Of course trying to keep some thing predictable and same as home is much more comforting for kids, even if they are on vacation.

Of course any destination that has plenty of outdoor space, playgrounds, children friendly places(museums, stores, restaurants, activity places) are a must. I would say it could be difficult to find balance btwn fun things for the parents and fun things for kids/babies, but being a part of your child's exploration of a new place, or new thing is pleasure in itself!

Go out and and explore!

While we did not fly to our vacation this time, we have traveled extensively on airplanes with Babygirl, since she was less than a year old.