One Mom's Journey

Before children, my husband and I would be a lot more adventuresome with vacations. Hotel and country hopping in Europe would not be as easy or as smooth with little kids.  We have had to reconsider our styles of vacations.  Everything is more complicated.  Here are some excellent steps to take when researching a vacation with children to help remove some of that complication.

1. Decide whether or not you will get shots: this will give you a timeline for scheduling your dates since some shots have to be administered several weeks before leaving.  We are searching vaccinations specific to Mexico to make sure we are covered.
2. Make sure all passports are up to date.  Babies need passports too.
3. Check validation of travel insurance.  Make sure any new additions to the family are included on this travel insurance.
4. Decide on what style of vacation: All inclusive, a la carte, condo/house rental, tropical or exploration. I always check up on my resorts and highly recommend it.  
5. Talk with friends and family.  Referrals are always a good starting point for choosing the right destination.
6. Make sure to talk with your hotel to request crib or an extra bed for a toddler.
7. Make a list of what you will need to bring for each person.  You may want to bring your own diapers. That is always a premium price in resorts.  I found this great list to share, save it to your favourite.  Things as simple as packing baby-food jars might not have crossed your mind.
8. Call your airline.  This one is very very important.  Find out about extra baggage allowances for babies and toddlers.  Find out about strollers allowed on planes.  Also, ask if your brand of car seat is allowed on the plane, you can bring certain brand car seats on planes!  Also ask about food you can bring on the plane for baby.  The first time we traveled with a baby we had no idea about all the stuff we were allowed to do because we had a little one.
9. Finally, pack a fun bag carry-on.  This may save your sanity.  I don't travel without one.  It can include things like:  colouring book, crayons, iPad, MP3 player, books, travel games ear phones, snacks, favourite toys etc.
10. Finally, enjoy your time away from the norm.  Don't stress about the small things, take it all in.  Afterall, your kids will only be young once.

Happy travelling!