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Traveling with a Baby

We recently returned from a week in Hawaii with baby Feather – our first proper family vacation. I had planned to do a travel review post, but upon returning home, realized actually take any photos… Instead, I’ve compiled some of our learnings on how to travel with a baby – a 10 month old at the time.

Baby in Pool

1. The first day will not be like the rest. I think this is a really important point. After our first 24 hours traveling with baby, my husband and I were both incredibly frazzled. Baby Feather, who usually has two naps at the same time each day, refused to nap on the plane. Or at all in the hotel room. He was getting crankier and crankier, and we were getting more and more exhausted. At one point, my husband even explored the possibility of ending our trip early.

I know this doesn’t seem like a big deal when you don’t have kids – yup I know exact what you’re thinking, you child free couples with wonderful, globe trotting lives and tons of extra money! No big deal…your little darling didn’t take his naps. But it’s actually really stressful. Just imagine having to hold onto a very heavy, very large and squirmy cat which is getting more and more grouchy and yowly by the minute. A cat which you also have to feed, and doesn’t use a litterbox. You can’t put the cat down, because then it’ll trot right over to the beverage cart and knock all the drinks down, or it’ll eat an old piece of discarded gum on the ground which could contain Zika molecules. Multiply that by five hours. And that’s just the flight!

The first 24 hours of our trip were by far the worst, because baby Feather was adjusting to the travel and the new environment. But after that, our trip improved immeasurably. By the end, we were actually quite sad to leave Hawaii (and briefly contemplated just continuing to live there, so we wouldn’t have to get onto another plane). So remember…when you’re lying on the hotel bed exhausted and trying to wrangle away the room service menu from your child…things will improve.

2. Pack many portable toys. I used to really dislike all those bright plastic children’s toys, and the idea of lots of toys in general. I knew that I would be a different type of mom, and my baby would quietly amuse himself all day with organic German wood blocks.

On our way to Hawaii

On our way back from Hawaii

Of course, that’s all gone completely out the window, and I can recite to you by heart most of the Fisher Price songs which seem to be recycled on all of their toys. I do try my best to keep the number of toys down at home, and introduce new ones slowly. But when it came to our travels, I must have purchased something like eight or ten little trinkets. Mr. Feather thought I was crazy, but by the time we were on our flight home, he was asking for more. “What do you mean, we’ve run out??” he exclaimed.

Sometimes you’ll have the energy to do another round of, “let’s crawl around and amuse the baby,” or “let’s carry baby up and down the aisles of the plane while making sure he doesn’t accidentally kick someone in the face.” But sometimes, you just want to sit and rest. Each new toy bought us about a five to ten minute break…a welcome reprieve!

By the way – those ten items didn’t just include actual toys. They also included sticky notes (fun for baby to rip off and stick), a mini Altoids tin (basically a rattle), and an empty NARS lipstick container. Almost anything can amuse a baby…for five minutes, at least.

3. Splurge on the hotel room to get extra space (and pay attention to which properties are family friendly). You spend way more time in your room than you normally would with a baby. Ours went to bed promptly each evening at 7-8 PM….and kept his two hour long naps as well (one in the morning, one in the afternoon). We made the decision to splurge on a one bedroom suite, and we were so happy we did – baby could sleep in one room, while we were still able to watch TV, read, eat quietly, and hang out in another.

When it was just me and Mr. Feather, we almost never booked suites at hotels (unless it was the only room category) – we just didn’t need the space, so the expense didn’t make sense. Now we really appreciate the space and freedom. We’ve accepted our fate that we’ll need to be paying for larger spaces going forward (and using Airbnb much more).

We also check out which properties are family friendly, and offer lots of activities for kids. Although baby Feather was too young to partake in most activities, it still tells you quite a lot about the general tone of the hotel, and what the property’s staff is trained to do.

4. Pack some memories of home. We made sure to pack baby Feather’s cribsheet, lovey, nap time blanket, sleeping sack, and favorite portable toy and book with us. The sleep items really helped in my opinion into making the hotel’s crib “his,” and feel more familiar. The toys and book were also a familiar sight. Keep in mind that baby doesn’t know you’re going on vacation….to them they’ve just been uprooted and plopped somewhere new!

5. Buy a dedicated seat. OK – this may just be for us, as I know lots of people who didn’t buy seats for their kids until they hit two. We didn’t do this on our trip, opting for two seats in business/first instead. I can totally see this working if your child is younger, or super duper well behaved, or you just have the tolerance of a super hero. But in the future, we will be getting baby Feather his own seat. It’s safer (since you can strap them into the car seat), and helps provide some relief.

Also keep in mind if you’re flying business/first as a family, that usually means that someone will be separated across the aisle, in a different row, etc. And some airlines that have pod seating don’t allow children under two to fly on their own in a pod…we just found that out trying to book ANA. Pod seating likely isn’t the best at a certain age anyway – you can’t interact directly and a parent will have to keep getting up and walking over to check on the little one…definitely not a relaxing experience!

Family photo

6. Adjust your expectations. I really believe there is a moment during every family vacation when you think to yourself – Oh man, I’m spending all this money just to suffer. You’ll wonder why you ever left the safety and comfort of your home.

The mistake you’re making, is that you’re comparing a vacation with kids (and especially with a baby) to those you had without. You will not get to have cocktails by the pool undisturbed. You will not get to just pop into a random cafe you come across and have a nice relaxing tea.  If you compare your vacation to these ideas, you’ll be disappointed.

If you adjust your expectations though, and think about experiencing new things as family – it’s a whole different view. The first time baby played in the sand. The first time we all sat and watched the sunset together as a family. And having to hang out in the hotel room (instead of going out) ended up being really relaxing in itself – just lounging on the hotel bed, reading.

I included the last blurry picture because that’s what most of our family photos looked like on this trip. We’d all get together for a picture, everything would be ready, and then we’d notice a food splotch on somebody’s shirt. Or baby Feather would decide to suddenly become very despondent. Or there was a thumb over the camera. I realized once our trip was over, that we hadn’t gotten any nice “posed” family shots…the kind I would have loved to commemorate our vacation with. The funny thing is, this photo brings back all kinds of good memories for me, and I remember exactly when and where we took it (Bills Cafe). That’s probably what your first vacation with kids will be like – nothing like you would have thought your dream vacation would be, but still a wonderful memory.

What are some of your tips and experiences, traveling with a baby, toddler, and kids as they got older?

47 Comments

  • Reply
    Robin
    July 19, 2016 at 8:26 am

    I had done a trip with my then 5 month old where the flight was only an hour, so we didnt bother getting her a seat.

    Did a 5 hours flight and got her a seat and it was worth every mile/dollar. I actually watched a movie and a half on the way there and the guy next to me (who wouldnt switch with my husband so we could all sit together) complimented me on how well she did. She slept most of the way and I’d take her out occasionally so she could jump around.

    After this did the same 1 hour flight again and missed not having to wrestle her for 60 min straight… But was not worth the money for an hour of pain.

    And they are going to freak out at some point just do your best.

    For hotels…. Even if you can ask them if there is a room with a walk-in closet and the crib/packnplay can fit in that. We have done three trips and she has been in the closet twice and once half in the closet and half in a bathroom since the closet wasn’t big enough.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      That is a great idea about the walk in closet! I’m definitely going to check for that next time!

  • Reply
    tata
    July 19, 2016 at 9:37 am

    to me, the worst part of traveling with kids is not the plane ride. it’s the jet lag!!! Hawaii may not be such an issue since it’s not too far off. but asia, europe… you will be spending the first two days minimum adjusting to the jetlag… like baby wide awake ALLLLL night long.

    but with that being said, traveling with kids is special. and have you noticed that they grow soooo much when you travel with them? they learn so much and it’s incredible to watch!!!

    hope you are taking little baby feather to paris soon. it’s the best place to travel with kids!!!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      You’re right about the jet lag – I’m not looking forward to it! They do develop so much 🙂 Can’t wait to go to Paris.

  • Reply
    sherry @ save. spend. splurge.
    July 19, 2016 at 10:01 am

    Thank you all for the tips. We are planning on a Spring vacation. THIS IS VERY helpful.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      Enjoy and I wish you safe travels!

  • Reply
    Kristen
    July 19, 2016 at 10:12 am

    I agree with all your points, especially about buying your child a seat (it’s safer too in the event of turbulence) and adjusting expectations. I think travel with kids enhances the experience but it is definitely a different type of trip.

    If I may add one more thing…this may not be for everyone but we mail a box with the baby gear ahead of our stay (using a service called Luggage Free) to the hotel where we are staying. The day of travel is carry on only with baby/stroller. I find having less “stuff” to haul makes things run more streamlined for us.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      Luggage Free is a great idea. I wrote that down…I’d love to ship my stuff, the expense would be 100% worth it. Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    Patricia
    July 19, 2016 at 10:35 am

    A very realistic view! My favourite vacation memory with our two boys (now in their early 20s) is the time that someone, a waitress, came over and complimented us on the boys’ behaviour. Gosh that felt good! They were actually generally not all that bad, but often you worry that you are disturbing others, so that was lovely to hear.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      It does always feel good when someone says that…it sounds like your boys were very good little gentlemen even at an early age 🙂

  • Reply
    Celine
    July 19, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    This has to be my favorite post of yours; informative, a little personal, and so sweet and enduring. It sounds like you and Mr. Feather Factor did a great job with baby on your first family vacation! Congrats!! To many more travels with your family. XOXO

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:26 pm

      Thanks Celine, so glad you enjoyed it.

  • Reply
    Yuet
    July 19, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    Having two kids now in their 20’s, I’ve done my fair share of traveling with toddlers. We often flew to our destinations and when doing so, I always liked to keep gum or lollipops on hand for take off and landing. The pressure sometimes can make it painful for the little ones, especially since they’re not able to release the pressure on their own. The sucking motion of the pops or chewing of gum can usually help. Plus the sugar makes them happy for that short duration.

    In addition,when they were young and often running around, I would always keep sugar packets on hand. Why? Because somehow, someway, they would fall face flat and get a busted lip. And the quickest remedy to stop the pain, blood and tears is to rip open a packet of sugar and pour it onto the booboo. The sugar instantly coagulates the blood and then the crying stops because they’re so amazed that you’ve stopped the bleeding with sugar. Hope those tips will be helpful for you when traveling with baby feather.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      Those are great tips…I had never heard that about the sugar! Will add it to my travel pack in the future. Thank you!

  • Reply
    Jess
    July 19, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Been an avid reader for a year or so and LOVE your posts. I started travelling with my daughter was 1 month old. Now, at age 8, she has been to China, Russia, India, England, France, HongKong, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Vietnam and a few other countries in between (that is one lucky kid!). From one mother to another, buy this contraption and it will really save your sanity (Cares Safety Restraint System – The Only FAA Approved Child Flying Safety Device). Other than that, you are doing great! Trust me, when Baby Feather is slightly older, you will have a blast travelling with him.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:27 pm

      OMG you have quite the little world traveler on your hands! Thank you for your tip about the CARES restraint – I had actually heard of it before but now I’ll purchase it for future trips.

  • Reply
    Sarah
    July 19, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    What a fun post! I have no children and really appreciated the squirming cat metaphor! Hilarious.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Ah Sarah, so you’re one of those lovely couples with lots of money and freedom, having fun at afternoon tea while I’m trying to prevent my squirming child from throwing a scone!!

  • Reply
    K
    July 19, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    You may say I was too chicken, but I did flew with both sets of our parents on his first plane ride at 7mths. Those extra set of hands does help a lot. Tho, I am still the one holding him and rocking him on the plane but at least I do get a break when needed. As for my 2nd child, her first flying experience was a short fly to Vegas with our nanny and it was just a breeze. And then, we flew again with both sets of the grandparents to Disneyland!!! Extra help, extra hands till we did our first real family of 4 vacation to Hawaii. And you were right, I should have bought her an extra seat as I thought being the seat is so wide up front, I can easily deal with a 20mths old but man, she occupied the entire seat of mine most of the time and I was kneeing in the 1st row in front of the two kids while hubby was sitting happily on the aisle across… The real challenge began when we went Europe with them at 2.5 and 5.5…constant fighting, constant crying on the plane till I gave in on drugging them both but med. didn’t kick in till two hours later. But after that time, they can fly pretty well….when it comes with jet lag… don’t we adult have it too? we sleep together and awake together. What we learned is we need to make multiple trips back to the hotel and rest, even take a nap at odd hours, it is still better than no rest. We were those couples that we can be on our feet a lot when traveling and now, we always haul a taxi once they get too tired. We never took Hop On- Hope Off buses until we have kids, great way for them to rest their feet and they sure love those double decker buses. Finally, we had our stroller free trip last Winter in Europe and can’t be happier as hubby almost wanted to abandon the stroller by one of the temple in Kyoto 2 Winter ago. LOL

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      I’d LOVE to have extra hands on a flight…I’d take the help if I could get it! I can totally see us using the Hop On, Hop Off in the future…congrats on finally going stroller free!

  • Reply
    Jill
    July 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    Great post. Oh did it bring back memories! Someone told me when I was a new mom that you could travel with a baby fairly easily until they got to be about 6 months old and then it would get harder for several years. She was right. I found it tough from 10 months to about 4 or 5 years, actually. And then it got to be something different because of car sickness! The kids are older now (my son is 13, my daughter is 9) so of course it has gotten a lot easier but there were definitely times when they were younger I thought, This is too much work to just take my mom show on the road. Ha. Love the picture on the plane with you and the baby. He is adorable and you look so glowing and luminous!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      Thank you Jill!! I hope you’re having lots of fun on your family travels now 🙂

  • Reply
    Petti
    July 19, 2016 at 7:26 pm

    Sure it brings back the memories of travelling with the kid the first time. We took my girl to Asia when she’s 10 months. 13 hours flight and no extra seat with a non-sleep baby was sure a big struggle. She finally slept in the last 2 hours of the flight and not too long we need to get off! And then she only slept 3am because of the jetlag. Took her about 4 days to adjust in total. After that she does enjoy the trip and was a happy girl. No regret of bringing her travelling. The next trip we took a short cruise and it’s much better (since same time zone). Yes I agree just need to adjust the expectation and carefully plan the destination. For the first few years the destination gonna be Disney-related (or other theme park), no sight-seeing type for sure. Nonetheless, still happy to travel as a family and when there’s a happy child, there is also happy parents.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:31 pm

      I’ve totally accepted that I’ll only be doing Disney related items for the coming years….you are right about the happy child!

  • Reply
    Belen
    July 19, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    What a wonderful, honest post. I don’t have children yet but probably soon, and really appreciate this kind of information with practical, real life tips. Can’t wait to hear more about your family adventures with your baby.

  • Reply
    Hui
    July 19, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    Like you said, so many times I ask myself why I am doing this, spending so much money and “suffering” ? In fact it’s part of being parents. Although there maybe a lot struggling, in the end you cherish the memory of being with them through all these difficulties. There is one thing I have to say, some kids are indeed easier than others….. So parents’ experience can also be different.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:32 pm

      You do cherish them…after the big struggle, LOL 🙂

  • Reply
    ASJ
    July 20, 2016 at 4:38 am

    Love this post! Our toddler just turned 2 and we took her to Paris. If you can, getting an airbnb or kidandcoe from a family that also has a toddler is great – our daughter was in heaven with all the new toys. And we hired a photographer for a photo session at a playground…. Long after you forget how awful the flight was, you’ll have the photos to remember the good parts

  • Reply
    Hera
    July 20, 2016 at 6:17 am

    Oh I hear you, everyone tries to perfect travelling with young kids and toddlers. I started travelling with little one since he was 1 months old. We always take the car seat for the flight even if it is so big and heavy, it helps to put him to sleep.

    We also exhaust him before the trip or try to time it so that there is a chance that we will pass out on the plane, like an early flight or night flight works for us.

    I think at the age of 1 or so, we got him tickets for his own seat for longer flights so that we got some breather, that was important to our well-being. Unless we got first class seats that is roomy enough for us to sleep together, otherwise we will just get him a ticket and put the car seat there and ignore him for 5 mins, and he normally would be sleeping by then.

    Hotel-wise we always try to get a suite or a bigger room so that there are room for everyone to run around, crawl around and just to place stuff. Ideally a suite with an individual bedroom so that you guys can sneak out to the living room or other area while little one is sleeping and you can still chill out and not sleep that much.

    I really like travelling with my little one. We used to plan 4 days trip to Europe now we plan longer trips and less frequently. It takes more time to finish meals, get him and his stuff ready, get him on the road and such, so we just do pack less activities and do it slowly. Before he could eat regular food, we also needed to find local drugstores for milk, diapers and other stuff too, that adds a little fun and time too.

    Good luck, it really is a lot of joy once you get a hang of fitting him into the travelling ordeal.

  • Reply
    Katherine
    July 20, 2016 at 8:49 am

    Thank you all for all of these awesome tips and comments! I’ve read every comment and I love hearing about your experiences!

  • Reply
    MO
    July 20, 2016 at 9:06 am

    What hotel did you stay at? Always love family-friendly hotel recs!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:33 pm

      We stayed at Trump Waikiki…it’s the best family hotel in the area in my opinion with tons of amenities. I do have to say that it was a bit painful to stay there as I’m not a Trump fan….but the hotel can’t be beat for families if you want to be in Waikiki.

  • Reply
    Camille
    July 20, 2016 at 11:34 am

    Love this post not only because we’re right in the soup with you (got a 3 year old and a 9 month old and we’re going on vacay soon) but because it’s given me a glimpse of what you’re like personally! Sounds super stalker-ish, I know, but this is the kind of stuff that brings me back. Another tip for you if someone hasn’t mentioned it already, I always wrap all those little knick knacks. It will take your kid an extra two minutes to unwrap each thing, and he will inevitably want to scrunch and sample each piece of wrapping paper, which buys you just a few more minutes of solitude while your mind races to think of the next thing to entertain him with.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:34 pm

      That’s a great tip!! I meant to do that but ran out of time. Thank you for sharing, and glad to hear it works!!

  • Reply
    Susan
    July 20, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Great post. A few other tips I’ve found.. Try to find out the airport policies on whether you can pick up the stroller at the gate or baggage claim, and bring an Ergo or foldable stroller just in case. It sucks to have to lug baby around an airport with baggage, since each airport has different policies. One time I asked a cabin crew member to consider giving me our stroller back immediately after flight, which he did!

    Google where the child/family play areas/nursing areas at an airport are (if they have one). Sometimes they’re too far away (like in CDG), but this was an absolute lifesaver in Berlin-Tegel, which had a private family area with plenty of space to play.

    Bring disinfectant wipes for surfaces.. Travel has lots of germs! Tons of snacks, books, and iPad with games for toddlers. I don’t usually let our little one play with iPads or phones or eat sweets, but travel is a whole new ball game where a lot of rules were thrown out the window…

    And for me personally, I buy an energy drink in the terminal, because I can’t get any sleep on long-haul flights. I once was so exhausted, I was near tears trying to take care of the little one.

    And the best advice is as you said- adjust expectations! It’s amazing watching your LO explore and discover!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:35 pm

      Excellent advice, especially on the wipes….everything is so gross traveling. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • Reply
    HM
    July 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    So timely as I’m heading off to Hawaii next week with my own squirmy bunch. When my oldest daughter was one, my husband and I did a Hawaii trip and basically had the exact thought you described “why are we paying to torture ourselves”. Thank you for giving this a new perspective as we head into our own crazy day of traveling.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Enjoy Hawaii and may your travels be as smooth as possible!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    July 20, 2016 at 2:50 pm

    As I was reading your post, I was mentally checking each point you made! Our first plane trip post baby was when our big girl was 4 months old to Maui so I went through everything you went through! We didn’t get a suite but we were back in the room around 5-6pm to get her ready for bed (bath, PJs, sleep sack) then put her to bed. After she is out, we move her to her stroller and that was how we were able to enjoy a couple of nice dinners with her sleeping away!

    I agree with you on getting their own seats even before they turned 2! We brought the twins to Tokyo when they were 18 months old and got them their own seats, much needed since I cannot imagine them on our laps for 10+ hours! We took the red eye so they slept good. For big girl, her first international flight at 18 months old was a big struggle cos she couldn’t sleep. My twins are much better sleepers than big girl. But by age 4, it was OK, she could sleep when she was tired, she can entertain herself etc.,

    I always make it a point to pack their carry on backpacks. I will ask them to select a few small toys and books but after they go to bed, I will add new toys, books, stickers, markers etc., that they can get to enjoy on the plane. I check in an extra set for the flight home. But by age 4, in-flight entertainment is what will keep them entertained on long haul flights. ANA was awesome but Korea Air as not good. They had only 2 suitable age appropriate cartoons (out of a grand total of 4!!) for my girls so they watched it on repeat mode – thankfully they were not bored plus I loaded a bunch of cartoons on my iPad. They do not normally get screen time so being able to watch as much cartoons as they want on the long haul flight is a major treat!

    As for booking hotel suites, we haven’t always done it because when they are completely out for the night, we can turn on lights and there can be sounds and they will sleep through it all.

    When we went to Tokyo last Dec and also to Hong Kong recently, we did not use the stroller at all so that means they will fall asleep on their feet so we have to find some place to sit and rest while they napped or we go back to the hotel room for their nap. We walked everywhere and they were such troupers. Hong Kong was also where we took our inaugural Disneyland trip with NO STROLLERS! But they were pooped by 5pm and since we decided to have an early dinner at the restaurant, they fell asleep at dinner. With one twin on each of our lap, we ate very peacefully and slowly 😀 All this nap and stroller talk applies to the twins only. Big girl can go without naps now but she can nap if we want her to 😀

    We enjoy travelling with the girls and look forward to more trips with them. Although we just came back from a big summer vacation, we are already planning the next trip!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      July 20, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      I loved all your photos with the berries on vacation! Such sweet pictures and inspiration for me, one day I hope to get there, LOL. You are so fortunate and it seems like they are all good and flexible sleepers and travelers now! I could never move my baby into a stroller once he was asleep…he’d yell bloody murder lol.

  • Reply
    Kim
    July 21, 2016 at 7:00 am

    Thanks for sharing your experience! I just had a baby, and I thought our traveling days were over (for a while, at least). Your post brings me hope that all is not lost!

  • Reply
    Jen
    July 21, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Wonderful post! I totally know what you’re talking about with the lack of good family photos! It’s so hard with kids, and after years of not getting any, I now tell them that all I want out of the vacation is one good family photo, and Mommy will be happy. They’re much more willing to sit and smile when my husband reminds them of this! 🙂

    So, for plane travel, I have a big plastic bin of travel sized toys that only come out when we fly. Whenever I chance upon something that would work, I buy it and store it in the bin for our next trip. I let the kids pick out what they want to bring from the old toys, and wrap up the new ones as little presents for them to open up on the plane. When they were younger, I learned never to bring anything that rolls and if it’s a “lights and sound” toy, I place a couple pieces of duct tape over the speaker so as not to disturb neighbors on the plane. Also, kids’ headphones for when they’re old enough to watch movies on the iPad.

    Despite my love of full service hotels, we’ve also opted for condos when on longer, stay-in-one-place beach vacations with the kids. Having a kitchen, a washer/dryer, and room to spread out helps a lot when kids start crawling/walking/becoming picky about foods. Thankfully we’ve found that many luxury condos have amazing clubhouses and pools, complete with on-site bars. We’ve even managed to find some with pool privileges at an affiliated hotel.

  • Reply
    Chen
    July 21, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    Great post! Yes, travelling with a baby or children is a whole new experience. We started travelling with #1 was 6 months old. I’m very lucky to have an extra pair of hands, my live-in helper. Fast forward with #2, he started traveling at 7 months old. By then we could expect what could possibly happen. Both boys are wonder travelers at a very young age. No whining nor screaming. But we have to lug everything including a cooker, cutting board, knife, peeler for their meals.

    My tip would be:
    1. Follow their schedule, best for them to have proper rest and sleep so they don’t fall ill.
    2. Pack every possible medication they have been prescribed along, not that easy to get medication from other countries. Also don’t forget the thermometer.
    3. Their own blanket, pillow, bolster, soft toys are a must. Got to make them feel as they are at home as much as possible.
    4. Check in every single luggage that you can, so that you can be hands free, with just their bags stuffed with food, drinks and sweets,
    5. Plan to go to only one place each day with in between naps in mind.
    6. Give yourself and others plenty of time, with one kid, it’s 30 mins to get ready, with 2, consider an hour. Always wake up early and get ready first before them.
    7. Don’t bother with destinations that require transit. Travel point to point!
    8. Last but not least, take it easy, you are on holiday after all.

  • Reply
    Lesley
    July 22, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    Great post! Glad y’all had a wonderful time in Hawaii after all. Our first trip was to SF actually (: M was 9 months. It was definitely a different vacation like you said..even had take out one night bc it was getting late and M needed to get to bed. We sat there eating Thai takeout but it was fun. Our next trip will be to Malaysia and Japan; M will be 15 months. So let’s see how that goes. Lol. I’m bringing the Benadryl just in case..we are planning to go to Hawaii in February. What island did you go to if you don’t mind me asking?

  • Reply
    Erika
    August 1, 2016 at 8:17 am

    Thank you for this post! We are going to Hawaii in November (we are in Mid-west) and my daughter will be 12 month old. I am already worrying about the flight… We tool a trip to Asia when she was 5 month old and it was actually not that tough. She was small enough to sleep a lot in the flights. 12 month, I know it won’t be like that. Anyways, I like your point on adjusting expectations! Flights are scary but I am looking forward to experiencing different Hawaii as a family!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      August 1, 2016 at 8:34 pm

      I think you guys will have a great time. Enjoy your trip!

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