How traveling changes when you have kids

Last updated on March 10th, 2021 at 04:29 pm

Mr P and I were big travelers long before we met and even when we met, we were both on vacation in Mexico so it should have been a glimpse into how we would be together as a couple. When I first moved to the UK it was like a mini vacation at first too. We slowly settled into a couple way of life but that didn’t stop us from seeing other places. I loved that Mr P loved traveling as much as I did. We went to many places each year exploring, sightseeing, laying on beaches and staying up late.

Then we had kids; one after the other.

While we are very lucky that having kids has not stopped us from traveling one bit, I do have to admit it has changed EVERYTHING about traveling for us. It’s really no longer about where we want to go or what’s best for us but rather where is best for the kids and is the easiest to entertain us all together. We no longer can be selfish and spontaneous.

How traveling changes when you have kids

10 things you can forget about when traveling with young children:

1. Drinking champagne and eating chocolate on the plane.

2. Carrying just your purse on board.

3. Watching a inflight movie.

4. Staying out late.

5. Having a few cocktails by the pool.

6. Laying on the beach and sunbathing.

7. Going out dancing (unless you are brave enough to use those babysitter clubs).

8. Peaceful dinners out.

9. A restful nights sleep. (sharing a hotel room doesn’t always go to plan).

10. Being healthy. (one kid will always catch an illness on the plane and share it with you).

These are only a small portion of how things have changed for us. I am not saying I would have it any other way but it took some getting used to for the first few trips we took as a family when we were so used to traveling on our own. Now, we are old pros at it and pretty much prepared for any situation that our traveling experiences throw at us.

But it’s nice to think back to the places we used to go and the things we used to do on our vacations. As the kids are getting a little older and more likely to stay overnight with Grandparents soon, I have been thinking of the romantic trips I want to take with Mr P again and the places we should go just the two of us.

We had a disastrous trip to Paris when B cut off his finger and needed surgery in the children’s hospital in downtown Paris. Yes, I told you we are old pros now. But I long to show Mr P the romantic side of Paris, this could be a great city break for us. I want it to replace the harsh feelings he has about Paris and our last experience there. I could show him what Paris can be like. It’s a beautiful city to visit.  I love how close it is to us so we really could leave the kids with Granny and hop over for a long weekend someday soon. 

I love that traveling with my kids, my husband and even my mother always brings different experiences with each trip. Each trip will forever change me and be with me. I love seeing the world, different cultures, and outside of my own little bubble. I am forever grateful I get to share these experiences with the ones I love the dearest and all of you, of course, too. As the kids get older there will be more and more traveling being shared here on LTM.

Did you travel before kids? Where was your favorite place to visit? Do you travel now with your kids? Has it been as big of a change for you as it has for us? Comment below!

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*collaboration post 

25 thoughts on “How traveling changes when you have kids”

  1. My realisation has led to us holidaying in the UK since Munch came along, but we are venturing to France in a few weeks, soo that’ll be interesting. I don’t see the point in a tradition ‘package’ holiday at this age, as I think I’d get frustrated at not being able to do all those things.

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    • Oh that sounds amazing. We were just there there weather is beautiful. Enjoy hunny you deserve it. Hope munch is a great traveler for you. Look forward to hearing all about it when you return.

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  2. This is sooo true, especially eating out at night! Although F is getting to the stage now where we’re able to stay out a little later. I really hope you all get to go back to Paris and enjoy the city again. x

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    • I do too. Would be amazing to get to Paris again and make the most of the romantic city. So many great adventures to have with kids and without. Thanks Lori.

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  3. Love this, travelling pre and post kids is soooo different, more fun in some ways and I still go away usually once a year solo or with my Mum and then family holidays all together so I get the best of both worlds although I miss them like crazy on the long weekends or short holidays without them. The contrast is huge though. I did find it really relaxing when I went to Marbs with just A as he slept well and was really chilled but I think it’s the whole not having 2 kids thing that was less stressful as when they fight it’s draining. We travelled long haul a lot pre kids but up until now were scared for long flights choosing to holiday in Europe with greece the furthest. We are going to Jamaica at the end of the May though so fingers crossed. Lovely post and adored the pics x

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    • Oh I know what you mean. Don’t worry about Jamaica you will be surprised how good they cope. I travel with just me and my two toddlers across to west coast america which is about 26 hours door to door of traveling when we are done and an 8 hour time difference and they cope and so do I more than I ever thought. They get used to it I think. Kids adapt faster than we do to time change too. But I do love a good solo or momma trip. Venice was great not to have to carry SO much stuff with me. No strollers or diaper bags. When the kids get a little older I can’t wait to travel with them minus all the baby stuff. Thanks hun.

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  4. The worst thing is definitely sitting in a dimly lit hotel room by 8pm trying to whisper and read a book while little one sleeps!

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    • Oh yes we usually end up in the bathtub reading and having our dinner in there to keep them asleep and us quiet away from them. hahaha Thank goodness for ipad movies too! lol

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  5. Oh gosh to B cutting his finger off! I thought Z getting tonsillitis when we went to Paris was bad! I love travelling and I was lucky to travel a lot when I was a child because we lived in Spain and Mexico for some time and we’d go to visit the South of France or the States. Husband isn’t too keen on travelling. He’d quite happily go abroad once every 3-5 years which freaks me out a bit! I want the children to see and experience the world and the variety of foods and culture whilst they are young. The longest they’ve been on a plane was when we went to Fuertaventura and it was OK! They got a bit restless but colouring books kept them occupied. Our next big flight is in October when we go to Florida. I don’t know how they’ll cope with a 10 hour flight but I’m charging the tablets before we get on the plane and loading them with movies!

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    • Oh yes coloring books and being prepared with snacks and the long haul is always a must. My dad is the same he hates traveling and my mother loves it so we go together more than they ever do. Movies, tablet batteries, snacks and lots of coloring and little surprises to keep them busy. lol Good luck and have fun in Florida.

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  6. unfortunately travelling far with our kids has not been an option. We are lucky if we can manage an hour or two in the car or on a train, but we do have other difficulties to factor in. I’d love to be able to show them more of the world.

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    • Maybe one day, it’s easier to travel when they are older anyways. While I am so grateful to go see my parents each year I do prefer to hop around Europe on short stays anyways. lol Thank hun.

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  7. Excellent post. The worst thing, once the children get older, is that you’re tied to travelling when the schools are off and the price of everything doubles. #sharewithme

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  8. I wish we traveled more, I think the older I get the more I wish I could, sadly once you commit to one style of life (homebodies) it becomes very hard to change to another.

    Maybe as the kids age and money frees up we will get the bug.

    Congratulations on your BIBS nomination.

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    • Oh thank you so much I was so very shocked. But grateful and honoured that people watch my videos. Yes I think it’s easier when the kids are older and out of the house.

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  9. Last time we were on a holiday in the sun with the kids, the best night was when the resort had ‘movie’ nights for the young kids. All the kids would have dinner together and watch a film (under supervision of course) which meant we could have a dinner out as a couple and drink champagne..

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  10. Hi Jenny, I’m totally with you on the whole travel thing- We still go away loads as I document on my blog although there’s only three of us at the mo which makes it easier. I miss watching back-to back-movies on the flight and being able to really relax but on long haul flights I can usually squeeze one in – (with a glass of bubbly) although it gets paused a lot! The lack of dinners out as a couple and whispering in the room as we wait for her to drop off are the worst bits but we just love going away together. Not looking forward to her starting school and being restricted by the hols. Congrats on your BIB nomination xx #pocolo

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    • Oh yes us too. We are not happy about being restricted as we travel loads together as a family. It’s going to be hard having to wait for certain times of the year to go away. Thank you ever so much I am still in awe and shock about the Bibs! lol

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  11. Lucas says – I love travelling and I went on my first plane last year. It was soooooo much fun but it did make my ears go funny. I can’t wait to fly again this year. PS The Mother still drinks wine on the plane!!!! hehe Thanks for linking to #PoCoLo

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  12. Hubby and I actually do more travelling now we have kids. I kind of regret we only had 2 holidays pre kids and one of them was to Mexico on our honeymoon. We have done the Butlins and Haven holidays when they were toddlers, and our travelling has definitely changed as they have got older. They love travelling and we try and give them different experiences, from camping in a field to a luxury hotel in Disneyworld. As they are 9 and 12 travelling is a lot more relaxed (apart from a journey last year on the M6 which involved a sick bucket and bin bags !). We have just returned from Majorca and this was the first family holiday that hubby and I got time to relax by ourselves, as they both made friends in the hotel. We actually thought our holidays are changing, and do you know what, with a large gin in my hand sat round the pool, it was a nice feeling x

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    • That’s always amazing though when they can make friends and the parents can have some relaxing time. We are the same love traveling with our kids and showing them different parts of the world.

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