We are on again, off again Austinites.
Last week, we took G on his first plane flight to visit our “second home.” He did fantastic, minus the three minutes when he screamed louder than I’ve ever heard. He then promptly passed out. We were there for business and pleasure.
We’ve lived in Austin, but I never did a lot of the “touristy” things. On our recent visit, we did see the infamous bats and, took our first dip in Barton Springs Pool. Traveling with a 4.5 month old required lots of tiny clothes, and extra effort but it was so worth it. I feel like a super traveling mom! Following are some tips regarding our first flight, and week long trip with a baby:
1. Don’t book super early flights. Our first flight was at 6:30 am. We didn’t sleep much the night before, disturbed G’s sleep, and had to leave at 5:00 am. We assumed he would just go back to sleep. Nope, didn’t happen. Our return flight was much more pleasant, we left around 10:30 am. We all were well rested, and he got in his morning nap in before the flight.
2.Bring your carseat on the plane. Half the time G had his own seat, and he took a better nap. If the flight ends up being full they will check it for you at the last minute.
3. Wear your baby-leave the stroller. This worked for us. It makes going through security really easy. You aren’t allowed to wear your baby in a carrier during take off and landing. Consider me a rebel because I covered my sleeping baby, and wore him during one of the take offs. Bonus: I’m getting stronger by carrying around 16.5lbs of pure baby boy.
4.Babies are flexible. Our guy was down for whatever. He went to restaurants for dinner, and laid on the floor. He stayed up later than usual. h slept in unfamiliar places. and rode in lots of cars. Many people held him. He did way better than I expected. Again, this is one of the reasons I don’t have my child on a rigid schedule.
5. With that said, do make time for rest. I would suggest only scheduling 1-2 activities a day. Example: Barton Springs during the day, and an early dinner with friends at night.
6.Stay at an Air Bnb or Homeaway. The first couple of nights we stayed at The Radisson downtown, and then the rest of the week we rented a small apartment near the University of Texas’ Campus. It worked out great because it was a decent place to chill when we needed a break. I was also able to save some money by making breakfast there. Plus, a hotel of comparable price was far away from everything and on the side of the highway.
7. Bring snacks for you and your husband. Airport food is expensive and nasty. Being hungry doesn’t help when you are spending your energy entertaining a baby for 4 hours straight. Stay fueled. Page laughed because the morning we left we were eating leftover sweet potatoes and stir fry on the plane. Yeah, that’s right. Also, bring a big water bottle to fill up after security. I breastfeed and I am constantly thirsty. Plane water is suspect to me, and I require more than that tiny plastic cup they give you.
We were the only people who were given a lid and straw.
9. There is a lot you can’t do with a baby, but just as much that you can do. If you are choosing a place to travel look for places that have a focus on outdoor activities. When you are eating out, choose outside seating. My little one is much happier outdoors, and I don’t have to focus on keeping him quiet. We brought a thick blanket to restaurants to lay him on the floor outside beside our table. Unconventional, but it worked!
10. Don’t change your lifestyle just because you are on vacation. If you exercise keep it up. If you care about the food you put in your body, have a salad and stay hydrated. I continued my yoga practice, took walks, and chose nourishing foods. My body was happy, and it helps to ward off sickness, or body achiness that can come with travel. Plus, you don’t ruin all the progress you’ve made. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely ate some delicious Tex Mex.
We’ve got the mountains and the coast in our near future. Where are you going this summer? You should take a trip to Austin, TX. Go before it’s too hot. Happy travels ya’ll!
Things to think about:
- Traveling lightly, and enjoying the journey.
- The Opportunity to be human
- What makes you feel alive?
- What makes you feel dead?