As you’ve probably learned by now, experiences with and without a toddler are completely different.  Think about going to the movies, for instance.  Pre-life with a toddler it was probably a quiet escape to a PG-13 or R-rated movie in a room of other responsible adults looking for a quick getaway.  Cut to life with a toddler and going to the movies means waiting in the concessions line, making your way to a theater filled with excitable, possibly crying, toddlers with their parents who at this point, might also be crying. 

Vacationing is also an experience that will change once your bundle of joy enters your life.  Check out a few tips and tricks below for vacationing with a toddler.

 Take the Path of Least Resistance: Consider your destination and map out how you’re going to get there.  If you’re a single parent traveling with your little one or just don’t think you’re ready to brave the airport, driving to a destination might just be easier on all of you, if it’s close enough.  Also, make sure to give yourself ample time to pack.  While it may have been acceptable to pack your own luggage last minute, you’ll 100% need to make sure you don’t forget your baby’s favorite snuggle animal or their blankey.  Sometimes, the path of least resistance means making lists!  Once you get your list together you can always reuse it the next time you travel!

Take It Easy:  Traveling with toddlers, or children of any age, means someone is probably going to get tired earlier than you’d like.  Try to plan days that are light.  You might not be able to do everything, but that’s okay!  If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, or longer than 3 days, consider taking one night to have dinner at the hotel so your kids can recharge for the next day.

 Be Flexible: Sure, vacationing might be different but it is still a vacation!  The idea of a vacation can be a hard concept for a little one, though, so try to be flexible.  Vacation can be a time to give in to your little one.  If they want a sundae for dinner, maybe let them have it!  After all, you are trying to set the stage for what a vacation is all about. 

Take It All In: Vacationing will be different, but different doesn’t mean bad.  As with all of the other experiences that change, just go with it.  Traveling and vacationing with your toddler can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your entire life.  You get to share new sights, new sounds and new scenery with your baby and see their face when they live it for the very first time.  It’s these moments that make life worth living.  So, in between any tantrums or rough patches, take a deep breath and remember to appreciate these moments.

Do you have any tips for vacationing with a toddler? Let us know in the comments below!