Christmas is right around the corner, peeps, and I’m pumped to be teaming up with seven other bloggers to bring you the 12 days of Christmas blog-style. Each of us is taking on a topic that we know and love to share our best tips and tricks. And guess what? I get to talk travel with ya.
Today, on this first day of Christmas, I’m giving you one travel pep talk because, really, even if you are anxious about it, traveling with kids can be a lot of fun. You just have to get in the right state of mind. And I am here to help you to do just that.
My kids have traveled ‘all the way’ across town for hotel staycations and we’ve also traveled across the globe to visit friends in Dubai. (Yes, by the way, we did go snow skiing in the shopping mall there… CRAZY!) Plus we have had our share of trips right in between those.
I remember thinking, when I was pregnant, that our travel plans would take a nosedive once the baby was born. Instead I think they picked up. All of my kids, the youngest of whom is five, are on their second passport and they’ve also survived cross-country roadtrips.
This season, or anytime, if you are traveling for pure fun or traveling to visit family (which can also be pure fun), don’t let your child’s age (or children’s ages) stop you or intimidate you. Every child can be a great traveler… although the first adventure (and even others) may not be as flawless as you’d like.
The more you travel, though, the better you (and they) will get. My kids can now make it through security faster than most adults. And I don’t break a sweat about packing, planning, renting cars, hailing taxi’s, getting airline seats all over the airplane with no one seated together (people will move to accommodate you, eventually), or three hour layovers that were supposed to be only 40 minutes. My kids know the drill and I truly enjoy traveling with them… even the ‘getting there’ part. Seriously. When I travel with my kids I’m not distracted by household duties and, instead I focus much more on them. And they can totally make me laugh.
No, traveling with kids hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it. I’ve survived being the mom holding the crying toddler (many times) and I’ve even made it through the worst diaper blowouts known to momkind. And each and every trip has taught me something to share with you and has made me a better traveler for the next trip. Yep, I remember that first international trip alone with two children, one eleven months, one two years, trying to manage bulky car seats and a double stroller. I was so thankful to the very, very kind people who helped me manage. And so now I get to help you.
Travel during the holidays is hectic. But it is so worth it. These are the trips where true lifelong memories are made. And no matter where you are going, you will get there and you will get home. And, right in there, you will have a merry Christmas. I’m gonna help. And I know you can do it.
Here’s what’s coming for the next 11 days on MomsTravelTales:
Day 2: The two best ways to manage a time zone change
Day 3: Three reasons to consider a hotel staycation in December
Day 4: Four ways to minimize stress on travel days
Day 5: Five ways to be a gracious overnight houseguest
Day 6: Six ideas for pampering overnight guests
Day 7: Seven people to tip when traveling (and how much)
Day 8: Eight tips for international travel
Day 9: Nine secrets for a great hotel stay with kids
Day 10: Ten things to keep in mind when flying with children
Day 11: Eleven tried and true ways to beat boredom while waiting
Day 12: Twelve things I’ve learned about travel with kids
Want to know more than just travel?
Swing by any of the other 7 sites for each of the next 12 days and here’s what you’ll learn: (And these girls know their stuff!)
Christmas Homeschool Fun: 1+1+1=1
Christmas Decorations: Songbird
Tips for a Healthy Holiday: The Thrifty Mama
Saving Money: Surviving the Stores
Christmas Recipes: Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Christmas Family Fun: Life as Mom
Homemade Christmas Gifts: The Happy Housewife
Thanks for stopping by today!
So…. what’s YOUR question about family travel? Please let me know…
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