With three flying vacations, two long road trips out west and mini weekenders here and there over the past 3 years, I’ve had my fair share of frustrating travel moments with our daughter.  In fact, the thought “Oh, this is why people don’t travel with their kids” has popped in my head more than once.  However, I haven’t let it stop me yet and I don’t plan on it either.

My ability to be flexible and adaptable has changed dramatically since becoming a parent. And much of that has come from the realization that it’s much easier to change your expectations than to think you can change a situation.

I think this concept really resonated with me during our last vacation, our spring break trip to Arizona.  Our daughter had just turned three, I was 8 weeks pregnant and it was our first big vacation just us three (previous vacations were with family and friends).  What did I do differently on this vacation? I simply changed my expectations going into it.  I went into it knowing we would have challenging moments (like the possibility of chasing a 3 year old around at the Grand Canyon). So when the time came to actually chase our 3 year old around the Grand Canyon, I was much more go with the flow. I didn’t allow myself to create visions of what a perfect vacation would look like. Because I’ve now had enough experience to realize there is no such thing.

Wonderful vacations exist. And Arizona was incredible. But those tough moments didn’t get me down simply because I was able to change my expectations.  Traveling with small children is not always easy. It’s not going to be all sunshine and roses. It’s not going to be enjoyable and those picture perfect facebook moments all the time. And many times it may give you moments where you feel like you’re throwing money down the drain.

However, in the end I have found it to be more than worth it and I wouldn’t change it for the world. What I have now are memories that I will remember forever. A daughter who is hopefully growing up with a love of travel and exploring new sights. And the comfort of knowing I’m not letting life pass me by.

Don’t let the fact that kids will be kids stop you from taking that trip.  If you end up spending every day out and about and every night sitting in your hotel, just go with it.  If you end up eating box mac and cheese for dinner a couple nights a week because going out to dinner just isn’t in the cards based on the mood of your toddler, just go with it. And if end up only checking a couple of things off the “must do” list, just go with it.  Trust me, it’s worth it.  The way I look at it you can either sit at home and deal with the tantrums or at least be somewhere new and exciting dealing with the tantrums. Either way, you know they’re coming!

Happy Travels to You!