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Why not leave the kids at home until they can actually appreciate the travel/remember it? We have a toddler and close relatives in Scandinavia and South America. But we won't take a kid on a flight until they can sit still and self entertain. Traveling with tiny children is a nightmare for your fellow airline passengers and of limited value for their kids themselves. Just say no.
While I agree with you - the toddler is definitely going to be miserable most of the times (heat, crowds, noise, restaurants, different food, time change, no normal daily routine and things that are familiar and trusted) but most of the family is going on that trip and maybe OP has no one to take care of the child back at home?
While I agree with you - the toddler is definitely going to be miserable most of the times (heat, crowds, noise, restaurants, different food, time change, no normal daily routine and things that are familiar and trusted) but most of the family is going on that trip and maybe OP has no one to take care of the child back at home?
Perhaps. But it's really just not fair to anyone who has to travel with this toddler on this "dream" trip. I'm sure the dream didn't include meltdowns from a three year old at Versailles. Not to mention that it's really unkind to the child. I would be looking for a reliable baby minder first and foremost.
Why not leave the kids at home until they can actually appreciate the travel/remember it? We have a toddler and close relatives in Scandinavia and South America. But we won't take a kid on a flight until they can sit still and self entertain. Traveling with tiny children is a nightmare for your fellow airline passengers and of limited value for their kids themselves. Just say no.
Thumbs up!
IMO, this is THE BEST AND THE WISET WAY but many parents/adults are selfish and they live in denial that nothing happens to kids when they are taken to such long destinations with super hectic itinerary for adults (let alone the small kids) in a totally different time zone.
Small kids can neither appreciate such trips nor do they enjoy or have any good memories that they can retain.
If this is a dream trip you might want to set expectations that you won’t be all together all day. Let the grandparents and maybe you or your wife and the 10 year old hit the museums and tourist sites that have lines while one parent entertains the toddler in the parks and plazas. It would be a shame if these older moms go on their once in a lifetime trip only to see the outside of the Louvre from the Tuileries playground or read about the Vatican Museum while the little one naps.
Thumbs up!
IMO, this is THE BEST AND THE WISET WAY but many parents/adults are selfish and they live in denial that nothing happens to kids when they are taken to such long destinations with super hectic itinerary for adults (let alone the small kids) in a totally different time zone.
Unfortunately we have no one to leave our children with and after posting this thread I recommended canceling the trip all together. I offered paying for their tickets so they can enjoy it at their own pace and with that they want to do but my parents are keen on going together. Everyone decided to change the travel dates so were not there during the summer rush to help with the lines and heat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by charmed59
If this is a dream trip you might want to set expectations that you won’t be all together all day. Let the grandparents and maybe you or your wife and the 10 year old hit the museums and tourist sites that have lines while one parent entertains the toddler in the parks and plazas. It would be a shame if these older moms go on their once in a lifetime trip only to see the outside of the Louvre from the Tuileries playground or read about the Vatican Museum while the little one naps.
Thanks! I plan on doing so if there are long lines, also we are planning to start our days very early to avoid the build up. Also we changed our trip from End of June to Early April to avoid the peak season. We'll see how everything goes, I plan on putting a trip report together outlining the experience once we get back.
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