I’ve read a few blog postings this week regarding vacationing by Youngandthrifty and Traveling With Kids, which got our vacation juices flowing….

Although sleepymom and I love traveling – I’m having mixed feelings about traveling with TWO kids (33 months and 4 months).  Not looking forward to the plane ride with a sweaty infant sitting on the lap, hoping that she sleeps the entire way through.  Not looking forward to let my toddler play videogames or watch the iPad for 10 hours, hoping that he won’t have any tantrums or kick the seats infront.

I guess the days of when “sleepymom and I would fall asleep before the plane takes off” is over.  No more sleeping for us

Once we get to our destination, then its a struggle to deal with jetlag, sleeping arrangements (Co-sleeping) or sleep schedule, transport issues (car seat or no carseat), stroller, food (will my toddler eat, and types of food), and safety.

Oh, I just about forgot about the headaches of packing for the trip – certain food snacks, books, favourite toys, infant fold-up cot, debating which stroller to bring, diapers, creams, medications, baby bag, clothes, etc.  If there’s room perhaps I can pack an extra set of clothes if I get thrown up on.    After all the planning and packing, I’m bound to say “Oh shit, I forgot __________!”

The last two trips that we brought our son to was London when he was 9 months old, and New York at 20 months.  It was great, but lots of work! But this time its two kids.  Will it be worth it?

Sleepymom sure thinks so!  She’s ready to go anytime as she’s currently on Maternity Leave  ” Yeah no problems – I’ll go along for the ride” (I say sacastically).

We are thinking of heading back to Europe – London and Italy (Tuscany) for a couple weeks.   Sleepymom and I were in London on the Working Holiday Visa for a 1.5 years over six years ago.  Its easy to go to London, we know how to get around everywhere, the places to go, and we have plenty of friends to visit with.  Perhaps we are the “Parents” who bring their kids back to old spots and say: “This is where your mom and I did this and did that”

Tuscany would be the Vacation part of the trip.  Last time we were in Tuscany was over 15 years ago during a backpacking trip, so we didn’t get a chance to enjoy the excellent food that Tuscany has to offer.  Hopefully get a chance to relax in the countryside.

Next:- Planning. Re-Thinking our Next Vacation (2)