TALES OF TRAVEL

“Are you bringing the kids?”

One of the first questions that many seem to ask when we mention that we are going away. A brief puzzled look followed quickly by a proud response. “Of course we are!”

While I am sure for some, a vacation for just the adults with no kids tagging along is idealistic. For us, we can’t even begin to fathom enjoying ourselves without them. I mean, even a date night is spent talking about them half the time!

Traveling with kids is like preparing for a heist: the plan is meticulous, the execution is chaotic, and there’s a high chance someone will lose a shoe. Fortunately, after years of traveling with our daughters Everleigh (9) and Madelyn (6), we’ve learned to embrace the beautiful chaos. From navigating airport security with a stroller that folds only in theory to mediating debates over whose gets to sit beside mommy at the restaurant, family travel is an adventure in and of itself.

Our girls have been trotting the globe since they were babies, their passports stamped before they could crawl. It’s safe to say that they’ve grown into savvy little travelers—or at least pros at spotting the nearest snack stand. Everleigh, our observant foodie, approaches travel with open eyes, always on the lookout for something new to learn. Meanwhile, Madelyn, our fearless fashionista, treats every trip as an opportunity to discover new surfaces to climb, tightrope walk or jump off of (sorry to every hotel lobby ever). And both are always able to sniff out the nearest ice cream vendor!

Packing: The First Challenge

Packing for a family trip is a skill. Actually, it’s an art form. Thankfully, I had Tetris on my Original GAMEBOY and those skills do transfer! If you think you can pack light, let me just stop you right there. Between Everleigh’s books and stuffies, Madelyn’s must-have outfits (aka everything), and random miscellaneous , you may think that minimalism is off the table. But it doesn’t have to be! We have travelled many times without ever checking a bag. And if we do, we have never had to check more than one.

Some advice?

1. Get rolling suitcases for the kids—they’ll love the responsibility, and you’ll enjoy watching them navigate airport crowds like tiny sherpas. Sure, there’s a 50/50 chance they’ll abandon the suitcase mid-hallway, but that’s where you come in: the ultimate pack mule. These suitcases are small enough to count as a carry-on and ae large enough to pack all their tiny clothes with room to spare for some of yours.
2. Bring less than you THINK you will NEED -If you are going to a beach resort, you do NOT need 7 bathing suits! 3 at most. You are on vacation not at a fashion show. That being said, if you are travelling to a destination where you will be doing a lot of walking, then bring MORE socks then you think you will NEED!
3. Take your time folding and packing – Pack large items first (Shoes/sandals, “going out” outfits etc. Small items like socks, underwear can be used to fill in the spaces. I have heard of some using vacuum sealing as a space saving measure and I can see the merit…I just never have tried to be able to comment….maybe look into that if you are having space problems!

Surviving the Journey

Whether you’re on a plane, train, or mid-road trip snack run, kids operate on their own unique timelines. For instance, the second you buckle your seatbelt, one will need to pee. Without fail. Fortunately, another benefit of travelling as a family is that you will always have the row for yourselves and won’t constantly have to bug that one person to move twenty times a flight!

We’ve also learned to embrace technology as our savior. Tablets loaded with movies, games, and the occasional educational app are gold. But don’t underestimate the classics. Everleigh once entertained herself for hours by choreographing dance routines in her seat, and Madelyn is always happy as long as she has space to wiggle and cuddle

Embrace the Unexpected

The beauty of traveling with kids is that it rarely goes to plan. Delays, meltdowns, and questionable detours are part of the journey. Yes, it can be stressful when you have reserved entrance times, dinner reservations, flights to catch and any one of the aforementioned delays occur. Pro tip – ALWAYS PLAN WITH A BUFFER IN MIND! If you think you need an hour to get ready, plan for an hour and a half. It is much easier on everyone if you aren’t feeling rushed if a detour interferes with your plans.

The Sweet Rewards

For all the chaos, traveling with kids is magical. Seeing the world through their eyes reminds you to slow down and appreciate the little things. Like the wonder of a sunset from an airplane window or the pure joy of jumping on a hotel bed (just this once, we swear). The different cultures, environments, food and places they get to explore provides a greater education than what they may be missing for that week or two at school. (YES, It is OK to take them out of school for travel….I firmly believe and subscribe to that)

Family travel isn’t about smooth sailing—it’s about the memories you make along the way. So pack the snacks, double-check the passports, and brace yourself for adventure. Sure, it’s messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright exhausting, but it’s also the stuff lifelong memories are made of. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always wine on the plane.

Here’s to the journey!