From the moment she found out she was expecting. passport Bon Traveler contributor Jessica Wright began planning future adventures with her young child. Although having a toddler has brought changes to her life, experiencing the world through her daughter's eyes has been her greatest adventure. We caught up with a travel documentarian to look back on these precious memories and compile her best tips and tricks for fellow parents embarking on family travel.
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How will having a small child affect your vacation plans?
When planning a trip with my child, I think more about timing and logistics. Nap and bedtime play a big role in the success of your trip. I'm committed to making everything as convenient as possible, and that means prioritizing sleep. Over the past two years, I've realized that better flight paths and more ground time equal more success for everyone.
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What is one tip for surviving a long flight with a baby?
Don't force yourself to sleep. I did this once. She was trying to put her 10-month-old daughter to sleep on the plane when she was so excited that she couldn't relax. It shed many tears and was a great lesson for both of us. So now she has noticed that he often falls asleep on his own if I don't force him.
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How do you balance adventure and relaxation when traveling with small children?
Nowadays, relaxation feels far removed from everyday life. That's why we make the most of our toddler's naps to relax. This is why it is very helpful to have accommodation with a terrace or separate living space. Our daughter is very adventurous now, so we take that into consideration when planning her trips. Beaches, hiking, and all similar activities are big wins for us as a family this season.
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How has traveling with your daughter influenced your perspective on exploring the world?
Traveling with my daughter opened me up to a new perspective on the world. I have a greater appreciation for a culture that values family and young children, and a newfound appreciation for restaurants and hotels that welcome young children with open arms. So much of our daily lives revolve around our daughters and their needs, so how we interact with the world has a huge impact on this. So I was constantly pleasantly surprised by my daughter's presence in an unfamiliar environment and how we navigated the situation as a family.
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Share a moment when your daughter’s curiosity made the trip more enjoyable.
My daughter absolutely loves wildlife, and I'm looking for ways to incorporate this into our travels. During her trip to Oahu, she spotted local mongoose. We spent the first few days stopping every 10 feet to observe them. Most people overlook these animals, but I've found that these brief moments of pause allow us to truly enjoy our surroundings. I often find that her curiosity leads us to see things we hadn't noticed before.
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Name three essential items you must have when traveling with a toddler.
Small travel stroller, white noise machine and all snacks.
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What is the next destination you would like to visit with your children and why?
We are heading to Europe for six weeks in May, visiting three countries: France, Italy and the UK. I am most excited to return to my roots in France, where we will be in the south. I know she will love being with her ocean, her fresh produce, and her family.
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Name a few not-so-obvious hotel amenities you should ask about when traveling with kids.
Professional babysitting booked through the hotel is a great service, especially on nights when you want to enjoy an adults-only dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed this during our stay at La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel, a Kiwi Collection hotel in Mallorca. Another great amenity we enjoyed at our Belmond hotel, Casa de Sierra Nevada, was the high-quality crib and highchair at the on-site restaurant. It's so much easier to travel without packing and play when you don't have to!
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Do you have any advice for parents who are hesitant about traveling with young children?
Rip off the Band-Aid by taking a trip with low expectations. Don't travel too far from home; make it a two-day, one-night trip. Remember, as you figure out how to travel with your children, they are learning how to travel with you.