Since my daughter was still...on the inside...lol we have gone to Disney. Going when I was pregnant was amazing, we called it our baby moon, the last big trip before becoming parents. We did what we wanted, when we wanted and we weren't tied into anything like bed times, lunch times and naps, however, that trip was still not as amazing as our trip we took last year when my sweet little one was 18 months old! We went the first week of November and it was absolutely perfect!
We knew she was still napping and she was not one to take naps in strollers so we stayed in the Polynesian so we could be on the monorail for a lunch time nap or a quick break from the Magic Kingdom (We spent every morning in the Magic Kingdom for our whole 10 day trip!) We also dined at either early dinners or later ones. Now late dinners and toddlers don't always mix, however we found that she would fall asleep in her stroller...(never happens at home) and we could have a nice quite dinner just the two of us and relax. If it was a fun dinner...read...characters we did it earlier and she would enjoy time with us!
The key to this trip is to not expect anything! I know that is hard for some of you die hard planners...believe me, I still planned, however, once we got there, we realized we didn't have to follow it to a “T”! It seriously was the most amazing trip I have ever been on! She had an amazing time, there were no melt downs, no tantrums and best of all my husband and I had just as much fun as she did! We let each day guide us to what we wanted to do!
Going at a Toddlers pace did not mean we didn't see everything, on the contrary we saw more then we ever did...we took time in each place seeing every little inch and every hidden treasure we would have normally just passed by! The parks were such a different place when you take your time to actually see all the magic they built in that most people don't even see.
Going on vacation with a toddler is not a scary thing. It is not something you should avoid. I cringe when I hear people say, "we will go when they can remember." Why should your memories be put on hold? You will remember those trips with them as toddlers just as much as trips with them when they are in elementary school, middle school or even high school. They are only 'children' for 18 years...why miss out on some of the prime bonding years because they wont remember....YOU WILL!!
-5 Tips for Traveling with a Toddler-
1- Expect Nothing, Enjoy Everything- Let your day go where it will, don't try to stick to ridged schedules. The trip may change from what you had planned but it may just change into something totally better!
2- Don't Over Pack- You really don't need to bring everything with you...a place to sleep is really the most I recommend and almost every hotel/resort now will provide a crib or pack and play if requested. I do however bring my own sheets. I don't bring any more into the parks besides a simple change of clothes and some wipes, diapers, and our trusty Britta Water bottles (Yes they have toddler sized ones)
3-You don't have to go to a 'Toddler' Destination- Not every vacation needs to be all about the Toddlers dream location, they will have just as much fun running around the ruins of Mexico, or taking a Tram ride up a cliff to see the top as they would in a giant play ground with flashing lights and hundreds of other screaming children. Your vacations will be much more enjoyable if your enjoying yourself as well.
4- Don't Be afraid, and enjoy yourself- things happen, they always will even if your traveling without a toddler,don't let it ruin the day or your entire trip for that matter! Learn from the experience and move on! Don't go into the trip dreading it or being so nervous you forget to enjoy yourself and relax!
5-Keep it Simple- This is along the lines of expect nothing, but don’t over plan,for example, going to Europe with a toddler can be an amazing trip and so many family’s do it and they are so happy they did, however most do not change hotels each night and travel 300 miles a day'that’s just not going to be a fun trip for anybody! If it sounds stressful to do just to you,then don’t try it with a toddler, you will be stressed and your child will pick up on this! Hey you have 18 years to travel with them, these destinations have been there longer then you have and they will still be there!
PS- Traveling with a toddler is much easier and less stressful then a handful of teens and preteens...they go where you want and don't question it! Want to spend a quite day at the beach...toddlers will make the most of it and you wont get any objections!
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