Many parents are intimidated by the prospect of traveling with their children. Simply the thought of hauling car seats, diapers, formula, and every other item associated with baby care is too much to consider, particularly when they think about long distance road trips that last several days or even weeks.
Baby Travel
Are you one of those parents who looks at families who travel with admiration, awe, and maybe a bit of envy? How do they do it? How do they haul infants and toddlers around on sightseeing vacations? Is traveling with small children really worth the hassle?
Debbie Dubrow is one of those "traveling moms." Not only does she love traveling with her husband and children, but she wants others to love it as well. Debbie offers tips and advice on traveling with small children. Read our interview, and find out how you can also be one of those confident, travel-loving moms!
Please tell us about yourself.
I live in Seattle, Washington with my three children. They are age 4, 2 1/2 and 3 months. The baby spent his first plane ride (a trip to Chicago with mom) when he was two months old, and I travel frequently with all three children. On my blog, Delicious Baby, I share my personal travel stories, my best travel tips, and recommendations for what to see and do with kids in cities around the world.
Why do some parents hesitate to travel with young children?
I think that parents are uncertain about how to manage traveling with a young child when even seemingly simple daily tasks, like going to the grocery store, can be difficult. Fears about health, not having a good time, or wanting to wait until the child is "old enough to appreciate the trip" can also prevent parents from scheduling a vacation.
What are some things that parents should avoid when traveling with babies?
Avoid trying to go at the same pace you did before you had children. Slow down and give your baby or toddler time to enjoy things at their level. They might be looking at the marble floors in the Vatican instead of the arches and artwork, and that is ok.
Please share some tips and advice on traveling small children.
- If you are nervous about traveling for the first time with your child, start small.
- Choose a nearby destination that is not overly expensive, and give it a trial run.
- Most parents are pleasantly surprised to find that their worst-case-scenarios don't come true, and that they even enjoy the experience.
- Make sure that you always carry enough food, water, and entertainment for your child.
- Few domestic plane flights serve food anymore, and you can never count on finding your picky child's favorite items.
Where can we read more about you?
I write about my travel experiences at Delicious Baby.
Additional LoveToKnow Resources
For more articles and information on traveling with children, read our other articles entitled Traveling with Baby, Infant International Travel, Baby Travel Bed, Holiday Travel Survival Guide and Travel Lite for the Holidays.
Don't be afraid to hit the road or the skies with your little ones! Each time you do, you create more wonderful memories!
