Jul 20, 2023Travelling internationally with a toddler can be pretty challenging, almost like a handicap when it comes to having a relaxing holiday. It often feels like settling for watered-down choices, similar to fake meat, almond milk, and everything vegan – that don’t quite match up to the original.
So, what are the alternatives to travelling with the devil-in-diapers? You could choose to travel without the baby and feel guilt, not travel and regret it, or even reflect on the benefits of birth control measures in hindsight.
Travelling with a baby (we’ve survived four trips in twelve months) may be insanely challenging, but it has a way of slowing us down, making us appreciate the little things, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, there are some supposed benefits for the baby’s brain development.
So, let’s take a light-hearted journey through the ups and downs of our early family adventures.
After the birth of our son Sheeva, my wife and I eagerly planned our first family holiday to repair, relax and recharge. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the initial months of Sheeva’s life, we had to put our travel plans on hold. This period, which experts call “Revenge Travel,” includes the time during the pandemic and the pregnancy/infant-newborn phase.
On our first trip with Sheeva in August 2022, our main concern was his first time at the airport and flying. We watched several YouTube videos to ease our anxieties, and fortunately, it wasn’t as bad as we had anticipated. When we arrived at our destination and got into the complimentary ride sent by the Airbnb host, it initially seemed like a pleasant surprise. However, our excitement was short-lived as we soon realised that the AC wasn’t working, and the car broke down multiple times during the 45-minute journey. Talk about starting the holiday on a high note!
Once we settled into our temporary abode, we quickly learned that our days of carefree exploration were over. We became slaves to our little dictator’s needs—changing diapers, preparing milk bottles, and ensuring he had enough playtime with both mom and dad in our “home away from home.” It felt less like a vacation and more like a crash course in parental multitasking. Forget about relaxing on the beach; we were busy juggling poop, pacifiers and delivery apps.
When we finally managed to venture outside the hotel room, we had a measly 5-6 hour window to explore the local attractions before Sheeva’s energy reserves hit rock bottom. It was like trying to squeeze every ounce of battery life out of my ancient iPhone. You know, the kind that shuts down when you’re about to take that epic selfie? Yeah, that.
During our eight-day trip, we managed to squeeze in about three days’ worth of sightseeing while the rest of the time was spent in our room or the hotel lobby.
Eating out became a hilarious challenge as Sheeva grew older if you looked at us from afar. We used to be adventurous foodies, ready to devour any exotic dish that crossed our path. But now, we took turns entertaining Sheeva, who lasted a grand total of 10 minutes in his high chair before demanding to be set free.
During our trip to the stunning mountains of Svaneti in Georgia, we had to adapt our plans to accommodate our little travel companion. Hiking and paragliding were temporarily put on hold in favour of visiting the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography. And you know what? It turned out to be a hidden gem! The museum’s air conditioning was a lifesaver, keeping us cool while the outside temperatures were hotter than the sun. We learned about the fascinating history of the Svan people and realised that limitations sometimes lead to unexpected discoveries. Who would’ve thought?
As I wandered through the museum, immersing myself in history, I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to my experiences in shoe shops. Yeah, it sounds random, but hear me out. In the past, I would be overwhelmed by endless options, lured by flashy marketing campaigns. But when I discovered that I had under-pronated flat feet at the ripe age of 36 (thanks, podiatrist!), I had to prioritise stability and cushioning over style. Suddenly, my choices were narrowed down to a measly two or three pairs, even from the biggest brands. And you know what? I found peace of mind in my limited options. It’s like leaving the shoe store with a dopamine level that’s just right—not too high, not too low.
Now, let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the downright funny moments of travelling with a baby. On the bright side, strangers’ smiles and kind gestures toward the baby are heartwarming. There’s something magical about seeing Sheeva’s unfiltered reactions brighten our day and bring a smile to even the grumpiest of faces.
But let’s not forget that halfway through each trip, exhaustion and frustration rear their ugly heads. There are moments when we question our sanity and wish for the comforts of home, where resources are abundant and help is just a phone call away. And the possibility of grandparents, if ‘‘around’, and living nearby.
Oh, and speaking of funny incidents, let me share a classic, recurring one with you. We were all set to leave our hotel room, the baby was strapped into the pram, and his bag was packed to the brim. We were ready to conquer the world! But just as we stepped into the corridor, our little angel decided it was the perfect time for a diaper disaster. And I mean disaster! It was a race against time as one of us sprinted back to the room to deal with the shit while the other held back the tears of laughter.
But you know what? Despite the challenges, the sleepless nights, and the poop-filled surprises, travelling with our baby has taught us invaluable lessons. It has shown us the beauty of slowing down and appreciating the little things. It has allowed us to create unforgettable memories as a family, even if they come with a side of exhaustion. It may not always be the relaxing vacation we envisioned, but the joys outweigh the difficulties. And let’s be honest; we’re secretly thrilled to return to the comforting chaos and consistency of our regular home.
