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Back from Europe "vacation" with 22 month old

ShufflerChickShufflerChick
in Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

We survived. And it was actually better than expected. Granted, our expectations were fairly low. ;-)

We took an overnight flight there and she slept most of the way, having a separate seat for her and her car seat were a must on this flight. The flight back was during the day and she wandered the plane and flirted with other passengers most of the time, she only sat in her own seat during takeoff and landing. She particularly enjoyed the "trips" to the bathroom to change her diaper - it was the first time in her life when she actually asked to be changed, because it was the most interesting thing to do. We even got comments on how well behaved she was, which I was not expecting since she barely slept at all on the way back. I guess the whole thing was just so fascinating for her.

Europe itself was very doable with a toddler, as long as we accommodated her nap and meal times. We limited the number of hotel changes and booked an apartment style hotel for our longest stay, which helped tremendously. No museums (we tried one and failed), but she enjoyed exploring new cities, especially the medieval quarters with lots of stone steps to climb. The aquarium saved us on a rainy day.

I know there are always lots of travel questions on here (I know I had plenty!) so I just wanted to let you all know that it is possible and not nearly as bad as we feared. Hope this helps calm some nerves out there. =)

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Re: Back from Europe "vacation" with 22 month old

  • essey1234essey1234 member
    good for you and congrats, i would never even attempt to do what you did. we are big travellers and either i will go to a resort where i could get help , or leave baby with parents( not sure if i could do this)or wait until he is way older. i can't imagine spending all that money if we would not enjoy it. i'm glad to hear that you did. 
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  • bim38106bim38106 member

    Go you! That is awesome :)

    We went to Europe to visit my family when DD1 was 7 months and the flight was like yours, pretty easy! I was freaked about it, but it went so well.

    We're planning on going back this summer with both girls. DD1 will be 3.5 and DD2 will be around 20 months. I am nervous about the flight w/ both girls... but it will be worth it to see my family!

     

    Did you bring a car seat with you? Last time we brought DD1's infant seat and we weren't able to install it properly in my grandparent's car (no locking seatbelts or latch). I'm wondering if it was just their car or all cars over there...we'll need to rent a car this time.

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  • ShufflerChickShufflerChick

    We did bring a car seat, the sunshine kids radian (great for travel because it's narrow and folds for carrying, though it is quite heavy). We rented 2 different cars while there and both had the latch system, no problem at all installing the seat. Though rental car companies also offer carseats if you don't bring your own. It may have just been their car because just like in the US, all newer cars have the latch system (rather, the European equivalent).

    If I were to do it again, I probably wouldn't bring the car seat. It was nice to have, but I think DD would have been ok without it on the plane as well, and it was a huge pain to carry, even with the built in shoulder strap.

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