Traveling with kids…those can be some scary words to some but honestly we’ve learned to embrace this season because let’s be honest we are no where near being out of the season of littles. We decided earlier on that “vacations” with kids weren’t a real thing and we just call them experiences! This way our expectations are high and we know that we will most definitely come home more tired than we started and that’s okay! This is also the reason we don’t sacrifice our one on one trip together each year! We have gone several places with our kids now and honestly the more we travel the easier it gets. We realize things that are important and things that aren’t so I’ve decided I would share some great things we love and some ideas that can help this season of life go way smoother!
We picked out the Maxi-Cosi Lara travel stroller and it was a game changer! It folds with one hand and stores very compact! We used it in the airport and on the cruise ship and it was the perfect stroller! You want something light, yet sturdy and this thing is it! It also has a great recline feature so napping on the go is super easy! It has a large sun shade and an opening so you can see them when needed! You can also adjust he bottom of the stroller when they are sitting up so their feet can be comfortable!
Oh my goodness this thing was the best! When we got off the ship in Jamaica and the kids played on the beach Sway played in this! It was so convenient and stores in a bag for easy travel! A must have for those of you with smaller children!
Toys (THIS) (THIS) (THIS) (THIS)
I purchased toys for the beach and packed a separate luggage! This way they were entertained on the beach and resort in Chania and we didn’t have to buy any toys on the ship or in the port towns! They played for hours with all of this stuff and I was so happy I purchased them prior!
These were so neat! They are towels that you use that literally brush the sand right off your feet, legs, hands etc! Nothing worse than sandy covered kids who want it off!
This is one of the neatest things we brought on the trip! This is an outdoor blanket and pool in one! You can spread it out on the grass/sand etc or flip it over and dig a hole in the sand and fill it with water for a mini pool for your littles! I forgot to get a picture of it in action because well….#mombrain but we loved it!
This is a must have for travel! We kept this thing running the entire trip when Sway was in the stroller and in his shade tent on the beach and it helped keep him cool & comfortable!
We used this Blue Lizard sunscreen the entire trip for Sway and loved it! Not a single bit of sun burn!
Hooded Towels (If you will be around water) (SHARK PRINT) (UNICORN PRINT)
These were such a hit on the cruise! I mean whats better than a fun hooded towel that slips on like a shirt! They don’t have to hold it to walk and it saved my sanity more times than I can count! Because there might not be anything worse than a kid trying to hold their towel up, walk, and eat ice cream at the same time! lol
External Chargers
We don’t ever travel without external chargers! Dead iPad on a 3 hr flight? That is NOT an option! lol
Things They Use For Sleep
We never travel anywhere without our Hatch sleep machine & sleep sack! It makes the transition less stressful in sleeping in a new place! If you have bigger kids that like a special blanket or stuffed animal than for the love, pack that thing! It will make everyone’s life easier!
IDEAS TO HELP TRANSITION TO TRAVEL
Always, always, always have a stroller for at least 50% of your kids! We don’t go anywhere that requires alot of walking without a double stroller! This is the one we currently have and I love it so much!
Try to book some trip that allows for easy napping. That was one of the reasons we chose a cruise. Matt napped with the kids almost everyday while me and mom did some walking around or sitting out by the pool kid-less! It was awesome!
Don’t expect them to be perfect angels because you are doing something fun. You have to let go of the idea because you are somewhere fun that they should act like it. HA! I mean they have no concept of the amount of money or effort you are putting in to providing this experience for them so just give them grace as well as yourself and enjoy the little moments….and the meltdowns because I guarantee there WILL BE MELTDOWNS!
Try to keep some schedule while on your trip! Of course you are probably going to stay out later than usual but try to remember a rested kid is a better kid so don’t over exhaust them every night of your trip!
SNACKS…need I say more! A kid with a snack is a happy kid!
Traveling with kids is something that you grow to love! I think you just have to jump in and take your first big trip and learn as you go! It’s hard and you will come home more exhausted than you left but I heard something the other day and it really stuck with me! “Your kids will never remember their best day watching tv” so whether or not it’s a big vacation or a simple picnic at the park with them they will forever remember experiences and how they made them feel! So get over your fear of the unknown and go explore some new places with your kiddos!
This post was in collaboration with buybuyBABY! Thanks for supporting the brands we love and choose to work with!
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