It is important to make the right choice of destination for first time travelling families. Don’t choose a destination so challenging or not baby friendly that it discourage you from ever travelling again. Thailand was our first destination as a travelling family. Berlin was 6 months old plus one day. We chose Thailand because:
- We wanted to go somewhere reachable by a direct flight
- There is minimal time difference with home
- Weather in Thailand was not too hot that time of year (September)
- Good mix of indoor and outdoor activities
- There is plenty of value for money accommodation available
- The Thais absolutely adore kids
As it was our first time ever travelling as a family, we wanted to go somewhere reachable on a direct flight (7 hours duration) and with minimal time difference so Berlin can still keep his daily routine. We flew Thai Airways from Perth directly to Bangkok and we picked a morning flight as Berlin was a really happy boy in the mornings. We picked this travel date as just completed his 6 months vaccination a few days prior. Berlin was carried by me with the Ergobaby carrier through the airport.
We were quite nervous yet excited going on our first family trip, and luckily Berlin was very good on his first flight. During takeoff and landing I breast fed him to reduce pressure in his ears. He napped happily on the bassinet. Thai Airways staffs were very good with babies, they definitely loved making eye contact and smiling at Berlin. Berlin did a massive poo which leaked everywhere, making it a memorable first flight! It’s always good to see those unfortunate events with humour.
Booking.com
In Bangkok we picked an apartment hotel called Legacy Suites Sukhumvit with a huge bedroom, living area, kitchen and massive outdoor pool for only around $120/night which was a bargain we thought. Sukhumvit itself is located in “Little Korea/Japan” neighbourhood. At the ground floor of the apartment is an izakaya style Japanese restaurant so on a number of nights we just ate there, as they also serve really good pints =)
Bangkok weather in September averaged around 30 degrees so it wasn’t that hot but the humidity was something else! We preferred to leave the hotel first thing in the morning and by early afternoon escape to an indoor shopping mall. Some malls in Thailand even offer free stroller rental. There were 2 days when we retreat back to our hotel mid-day to relax and swim before going out again later in the afternoon. Flexibility between indoor and outdoor activity is certainly a plus for travelling babies.
After 5 nights in Bangkok, we flew to Chiang Mai. We chose to stay at Le Meridien (around $150/night) which is centrally located in the night bazaar area. We spent 6 magical nights in Chiang Mai. Northern Thailand’s weather was a lot cooler than in Bangkok and it was more slow paced and laid back which was a nice change. We spent most our days in Chiang Mai outdoors.
Booking.com
Thais absolutely adore kids. Almost in all restaurants, the waitresses would come to us, greet Berlin and wanted to pick him up. The same goes with the hotel housekeeping ladies and sales assistants. They just want to grab hold of Berlin. Now this can get a bit weird as in Australia, people generally keep their distance. It took a while for us to get used to this cultural difference. Berlin absolutely loved the attention though and was willing to be carried by everyone.
This memorable first trip made us realise that travelling with little ones is even more fulfilling. As we say after each trip – Can’t wait until our next adventure!
Checkout our packing checklist for this trip
