So traveling with kids is totally different at any stage, but the same too. Last week we took a trip to the beach via plane travel just the three of us, and here are a few things I found at this stage. Some were about me, some were about M and some were about my hubby. Hope these “C”lues, & “T”houghts will help other parents prepare before their next trip. I will try to throw a “L”ink in here as well…

-So what happens to your makeup during a trip??? I got up stupid early for the plane trip going and coming home. Both times I still took extra time to do hair and makeup and by the time I got to my destination I looked like a sweaty hot mess. I usually have makeup on at the end of a normal day, where does it go on the plane?!?!

-Dan and I have this balanced parenting down pretty well (except for one crazy trip to Target during the trip where we both were ready to ship her back to PA) and if one of us was frustrated, the other one does a pretty good job of having patience. It’s good for us, and good for her too.

-There isn’t much “mommy’ alone time on a trip with a 2 year old. I’m okay with that, just a fact, but something I forget sometimes. It’s true for Daddy time and M time too. M needs her alone time too. She still likes to parallel play and not really group play, so she enjoyed her beach time and digging in the sand by herself.

-On that note, everyone needs naps. M doesn’t sleep so well away from home so it took her until like the last day to sleep in the pack n play through the night. The other ones she ended up in bed with us in the middle of the night. Which meant she woke up earlier. Isn’t that what vacation is for anyway? Naps?

-You have a kid? Southwest is a great airline choice. The bag policy is needed because they have so much “stuff” and it’s great not having to pay for bags. The flight attendants were super nice to M and even though she lost her “wings” somehow on the way home, she still enjoyed the flights.

-Skip the nicer restaurants. Everyone will have a better time in a more relaxed environment. I don’t care if it’s on the beach, I don’t care if the food is high end, I just want to enjoy my meal. One of my favorite meals was at a place called BurgerFi. Check out the menu here. They are getting one where the train ride is in Ohio (See here for that post). Looking forward to getting some burgers before we go to the next ride. Fresh burgers, awesome fries, and giant onion rings. Nothing better.

-Never underestimate the kindness of strangers. Most people like kids and have patience with them. Especially other grandparents and parents. I can think of at least two great situations on this trip where I was worried that M was making too much noise and acting crazy. Both times, strangers reminded me she is a kid and most people understand that. I know that, but in the moment sometimes you forget.

-Nothing irritates me more than someone using a “Family Restroom” or the larger stall in the bathroom that has the changing table and is handicap accessible that doesn’t need it. A healthy 20 something year old male walked out of the family restroom that I had been waiting for a while in FLL. By himself and his luggage seemed to be his only handicap. I was not amused.

The most important things I found? Don’t forget to download the Disney Junior app before you go, a pack n play can be your best friend while trying to contain your kiddo in an environment that isn’t baby proof, and one good strong margarita makes everything better.

Happy Travels to all!