“Take the trip,” they say. “Life is short.” The decision to vacation with a child too young to recall the trip down the road isn’t always so black and white, though. Traveling with a baby or toddler requires lots of logistical preparation, dedication, and, oftentimes, added patience. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
If you’re a first-time parent — or even a seasoned but yet-to-travel-as-a-family mom or dad of littles — you might question how logical it is to vacation while your tiny humans are, well, tiny. I’m here to sway you and give you the nudge you need to be convinced that you should take the trip . . . even if they won’t remember it. After all, life is short. Right?!
6 Reasons to Say “Yes” to Vacationing With Littles
Even if saying “yes” to vacationing with a baby or toddler might scare you a bit at first, I can almost guarantee you’ll be glad you did. Here are some of the best reasons to pack your bags — and baby gear — for your next big adventure with your little sidekick:
1. Vacations are Great for Family Bonding
Whether you go somewhere that you loved pre-parenthood or jet off to a totally new destination, traveling as a family is an excellent opportunity for bonding. Stepping outside the daily routine and pressing pause from life’s little distractions allows everyone in the crew to focus on each other.
2. You’ll Grow in Your Confidence as a Parent
Vacationing with a tiny traveler forces you to do things differently than you had to pre-kids. From navigating airports and surviving flights to coordinating naps in new settings and setting up kid-friendly activities and meals away from home, the adjustments are endless. Even for experienced globetrotters. That said, you’ll feel like a rockstar after successfully completing your first vacation with your baby. Even better? Your confidence as a parent will continue to increase with every kid-inclusive getaway after that.
3. Everything Costs Less When They’re Young
Logistically speaking, going on a family vacation while your children are young can be surprisingly affordable. Many family attractions (like museums, aquariums, zoos, and even amusement parks) offer free admission for babies and young toddlers. If you’re flying, you can take advantage of lap sitting for children under age 2 at no additional cost — as well as additional checked baggage allotments for baby gear. Plus, you can plan your vacation to be as low-key as you’d like with babies and toddlers. They’re easy to please. And they won’t feel like they’re missing out if you go the no-frills, no-tourist-hotspots route on your next trip!
4. Parents Deserve Vacations, Too
Parenting is a hard job. The hardest, if you ask me. The fact that it doesn’t come with a written benefits package doesn’t mean time away from the day-to-day shouldn’t be penciled in. As moms and dads, we absolutely deserve to get away! While some might joke that a vacation with kids isn’t really a vacation, I’d say it still is. Especially if it involves sunshine, sand, and — at the very least — a temporary escape from reality to be reminded that relaxation is within reach.
5. They’ll Still Have the Time of Their Lives
If you go on vacation with your tiny human(s) and end up feeling like you are just chasing them around the entire time, know this: they’re probably having the time of their young little life. This, in my book, is reason enough to take them along. And while they won’t remember it down the road, who says they have to? Life is meant to be enjoyed in the moment.
6. You’ll Remember – And Cherish – Your Trip Forever
Since I became a mom, I’ve made some of my favorite memories while on vacation with my little family. And I’ll cherish these memories forever. The first time my daughter stuck her tiny, then-4-month-old toes in the sugary-soft Florida Gulf sand? Magical. When she splashed in turquoise waves, and we discovered what a water baby she was? Even more so. I’ll never forget nursing my son and snuggling up for his afternoon nap under the breeze of palm trees covering our private cabana. Try not to worry about whether your little one will remember their first vacation. If you will remember it, you’re golden (and you will, trust me).
Book the Flight, Take the Trip, and Make the Memories
When all is said and done, your kiddos will only be little for a short amount of time. If you’re on the fence about traveling with your baby or toddler, you have nothing to lose in saying “yes” to taking the trip. At the very least, you’ll have an experience for the books. And you’ll hold onto the memories forever.