A lot of our friends ask us “Will travelling still be enjoyable after having a baby? Isn’t travelling as a couple much easier than without children?” The advice we often give to friends is: If you did not like travelling before having children, then you will not like travelling after having children. It’s that simple.
Honestly for us, we enjoy travelling regardless as a couple or as a family. Sure our travel style has changed A LOT after our son’s birth. In the 5 years we travelled as a married couple, we travelled almost like military style: 14 hour days of sightseeing, trying to cover as much as we can – too punishing! After our son’s arrival naturally it took a while getting used to the idea of slower paced travel. But now we realize by slowing down, we actually get to appreciate much more.
Here’s how our travel style has changed after having a child:
WE COME HOME WITH LESS BAGGAGE & MORE MEMORIES
Since our toddler is not a big fan of going through racks of clothes and shoes, we never make shopping a priority. One thing that family travel has taught us is to collect memories not material goods. Not to mention we save a lot of money in the process!
WE BECOME MORE DECISIVE
Pre-baby we would go through restaurant’s menu and take ages to decide what food to order. Nowadays as soon as we sit down, we would skim read the menu and within 2 minutes call the waiter to take our order. You no longer have the luxury of time (nor toddler’s patience). Overall you will become decisive and time efficient wherever you go.
WE LEARN TO RELAX THE RULES
There’s nothing worse than being too strict when you are on holidays. Remember you are on holidays after all, relax a little! Let them have that fruit juice or that slice of chocolate cake. Let them have a bit of Ipad time while waiting for dinner to come. It’s priceless seeing the face of your child when you allow them to have that rare treats.
WE HAVE TO CONSIDER OUR CHILD’S ROUTINE – NO MORE LATE NIGHTS
Since our son goes to bed around 8.30pm each night, we try our best to stick to his bedtime routine. We no longer eat out at 8pm followed by bar hopping. Nowadays, we have early dinners, followed by convenience store stop to purchase necessities (and a bottle of wine) then have a quiet night in.
WE ARE WAY MORE FLEXIBLE
We do not have to reach certain sights by a certain time anymore. We have much easier days. We list down usually 3 things to do each day in no particular order. We also make sure we spend time relaxing at the park or a child friendly cafe. Children need down time to play and chill, so does parents.
WE STAY LONGER IN ONE PLACE
Don’t spend hours flying to your destination only to rush through famous sites. Instead of rushing through as many cities as you can, stay longer in one place and set your schedule at a more relaxed pace. Don’t just take photos after photos in front of buildings, have a look inside!
WE LOVE HIS NAP TIME
Berlin naps around the same time each day so we use this time very wisely. His nap time is our absolute golden moment to just recharge and be in the moment as a couple even if it’s just for an hour.
WE LEARN TO BRING DAILY ESSENTIALS
Who would have thought stickers and snacks can go a long way when entertaining a bored child? And how could we ever survive before wet wipes were invented?
WE RESEARCH IN ADVANCE
Before going to museums and sights, we research in advance if they offer special children’s activities in particular days. Find out in advance and time your arrival to coincide with these events. It can make the difference between a good day out and a great one.
