I think I have finally, safely reached the point where I feel comfortable giving travel advice to other mom’s. I’ve got enough “skin in the game,” as it were, when people ask for my advice and expect that I will have a reasonably quick answer. Depending on the asker, I usually have something valuable to say on any subject from jet lag to diaper changing in mid-air and everything in between.
When I really think about it, though, I am trying to STOP THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS of traveling with a family. I’ll be your light. I’ll tell you that you can do it.
It just needs to come down to some really simple, totally obvious things that are the best advice I can give to any traveling family.
Plan Well. The success (or failure) of any trip happens way before the plane takes off. All of the success lies in the planning, and that sometimes happens months before the trip. You need to choose the right destination, make a solid itinerary and take care of the details. Put the time into that and you will truly enjoy every moment of your trip.
Wake Up Early. Maybe you’ve always thought of vacation as a chance to be lazy, but you are doing it wrong. Especially with kids because we all know they wake up at the crack of dawn. Getting up with the sun is the best way to get to know a new locale and feel like a local all at the same time. The early morning hours are an extra special treasure for the traveler. Our favorite thing to do is have a relaxing breakfast soaking up the sun and then be first in line to one of the main attractions. What’s more, the light is beautiful in the morning for photographs, and getting up early and out in the sun is the fastest way to overcome jetlag.
Just do it. We are so quick to analyze and over think every decision and every detail of our lives. When it comes to traveling with kids or taking a vacation from work, there are a lot of good excuses that we can rattle off to keep us at home.
It’s too hard.
We’re too busy.
The kids are too young.
While those are all probably true, they are still just excuses that hold us back from something great. The best part of life is seizing the moment, and those moments happen every minute when you have the courage to pack your bags and and hit the road.
Don’t miss those moments waiting for ‘someday.’ Do it today.
Oh, and bring wipes. Lots of wipes. OVER PACK wipes. You will thank me.
Ciao,
Rocking Bryces 