Remember when vacation meant that you could minimally pack for a week away? You simply purchased your plane ticket, packed your suitcase (which consisted of a bathing suit, a few pair of shorts, tank tops and some flip flops) and were on your merry way. Ahh, yes, those were the days.
Don’t get me wrong; my son has been angel-like for all intents and purposes for the three major trips that we’ve taken so far; However, traveling, no matter how far, will never again be the same. (And yes, I realize I just jinxed myself for our pre-scheduled Christmas Vacation).
First it starts with the eternal debate: to drive or to fly. Depending on distance (my personal threshold is 10 hours in the car) and cost, this is where the true test begins.
- Pros for flying: arrive quickly…
- Cons for flying: cost, TSA, checking luggage, lugging carseat/stroller around the airport before checking at the gate, screaming/crying on plane, judgement from fellow passengers, ear popping…
- Pros for driving: cost, travel at your own pace, stop along the way, judgement-free zone…
- Cons for driving: time it takes to travel, motion sickness, boredom, “are we there yet?,” crying and not being able to tend to your child from the front seat…
Next comes the packing. As mom we’ve been so graciously dubbed, “professional packer” and have the pleasure of packing not only for ourselves but for the kids and (more than likely) the husband/significant other, too. Don’t forget about everyone’s idiosyncrasies and leave enough space in their suitcase to bring home a few souvenirs.
- Julian likes the green shorts & khaki pants but the khaki pants are too small so we either have to make a trip to the mall or he’s going to have one outfit to wear for seven days.
- Ava prefers headbands vs. hair bows; Must not forget all accessories.
- Tatum needs four shirts but they need to be washed so add laundry to the to-do list before you zip up his suitcase.
- The baby needs enough diapers to last us through an hour drive to the airport, two hours while we wait to depart, the three and a half hour plane ride, and then at least four hours before we make it to a grocery store to buy enough for the rest of the week.
- Don’t forget the stroller, carseat (+ base, if applicable), pack ‘n’ play, etc. Oh, and make sure to get those hot pink tags at the airport so we can check them at the gate (and pray that they make it to our destination with only slight tears in the fabric).
When you’ve finally made it to the airport (or embarked via automobile), you need to put on your inner comedian/entertainer to keep the little ones from crying/fighting/having a meltdown.
- Have enough snacks for days! Cheddar Bunnies, cheese sticks and grapes are great options since they’re bite-sized and create minimal cleanup. Have extra milk/formula ready at a moment’s notice.
- Books, coloring books, homework
- iPad/portable DVD player (I remember my mom used to tell us how long the flight would be in TV lengths — “we’ll be there in two more Barney’s”). And don’t forget headphones!
- Teething toys
- Medicine for the ear popping, turbulence/motion sickness, germs everyone will ultimately breathe in. (They make ear drops that are like the Oragel for the ears that work fantastically!)
The light at the end of the tunnel is now shining so bright — you’ve made it to your destination. Once you get to your hotel/condo take a moment to yourself, even if it’s just going to that bathroom, and acknowledge all of the hard work it took for your family to get where they are.
Moms are literally superwomen and make everything happen.
All it takes is one trip traveling with littles to be ever-so grateful to your mom for lugging you around Disney World with your other siblings under the age of six.
Cheers to the moms that make vacations possible for their families. Now go enjoy that strawberry daiquiri poolside.
