Unique Point of View: How Traveling with a Baby Made Me a Better Traveler
I know, I know. Crazy perspective, right? This post is for the moms and moms-to-be who are worried their traveling days will be long behind them as soon as kids enter the scene. Let me encourage you (and motivate you!) that it’s far from true, and with a bit of a mindset shift, you can actually have an even better experience traveling with kids as opposed to without.
And keep in mind — this requires a perspective change. It requires that you find joy in hard moments and choose to see the beauty in a new pace. I’m not at all meaning to be unrealistic, but I am aiming to be optimistic. Because in my opinion that’s what it takes to have just as splendid of a time with a million more responsibilities on your plate while vacationing.
I’m No Longer Optimizing
What I mean by this is that I no longer have a laundry list of attractions to check off or excursions to book for each destination I travel to with Wallace. Traveling with a baby in tow demands that you ‘stop and smell the roses’ for lack of a better phrase. Sometimes your morning plans unfold as expected and sometimes they just… don’t! And here’s the perspective shift — That’s okay!
The beauty is that I’ve found how to slow down in new cities. No more rushing around and worrying about missing something. I’m thankful for each new experience that unfolds for the three of us as a family. We walk a little slower, it takes longer between stops, and we spend more time at the sites we visit. And somehow, more joy has come from this new pace.
The Hotel is the Moment
And for very obvious reason. Even at a slow pace, we aim to really see whatever destination we travel to. And I don’t mean see it from our hotel room window. But inevitably, far more time is spent in the hotel than pre-kids.
So choose wisely! If you selected a resort for location alone and you dread the interior aesthetic, a rebook is necessary. If I’m spending hours abroad in a resort, you better believe I’m going to love every minute of it!
So we spend a little extra on this expense now, and naturally excursion expenses decrease a tad for the time. I’m romanticizing my afternoon latte on the hotel balcony as Wallace sleeps. Not counting down the minutes until she wakes up again and it’s time to go!
Leave Room for Surprise
As a luxury travel advisor, an itinerary is certainly of value to me. But with a six-month-old, not every minute can be planned in advance. Don’t let it frustrate you or feel FOMO.
You have no clue the delights that can happen in those in-between hours where nothing is planned. Standing in awe at vast scenery while your baby sleeps in her carrier, an amazing cafe you may stumble upon while pushing your toddler in their stroller on cobblestone streets. This gives you freedom to explore beyond the bounds of an agenda.
Don’t try to control every second. Let the gaps be filled with unexpected joys. I promise if you let go of the ‘Type A’ in you, so much more fun can be found.
Photographs are Imperative
I got into a bad habit recently of capturing photography for my social media (the resorts, the food, the transportation) but not stopping to take a picture of something that stood out to me personally, a selfie, or a photo of whomever I was traveling with.
Insert Wallace. I can’t take enough! And they document the raw moments of the trip so wonderfully. I think my Portugal trip was my most photographed vacation I’ve ever taken! I even booked a Flytographer while we were there.
And while that seems like a given, you can let it be a source of unexpected joy! To have hundreds of photos of my baby traveling for one of her first times means the world to me, and I’ll treasure the trip (and the pictures) for years to come.
Reminds Me Why I Travel
I understand this might sound so beyond cliche, but traveling with Wallace reminds me why I love travel and chose to become a luxury travel advisor to begin with.
Sure, I have a bucket list of places and countries, but I’m not just spending days abroad to say I traveled to a specific destination. I’m opening my mind to perspectives and culture and traditions. I’m creating memories with the people who mean the very most to me. I feel connected and so at peace when I’m exploring a new city. And now I’m showing my daughter new corners of the world that neither of us have been to!
My Challenge & Encouragement to You
I certainly don’t take for granted what a true gift it is to do this as my career and to have the opportunity to include her in this work. So I’m here to encourage you and I ask that you do the same to the women closest to you!
We’ve all been there - Fearful for the unknown. Scared we’ll lose pieces of life that we love most once we hold the title of mom.
If you’ve traveled with babies, rather than harping on the hardships, share an unexpected joy from your trip with a fellow mom.
And if you haven’t pulled the trigger just yet, let this serve as your motivation - You can absolutely do it! And not just do it, but have a wonderful trip, explore a new destination, and include your baby too.
More than tips and tricks, I think moms just need a positive review and a note of encouragement. If you’re a mom and you’re dying to get a trip on the books, let me help! I’d love for you to fill out my inquiry form so we can chat!