Sun + 1
- Ilda Hadziahmetovic
- Jul 6, 2017
- 4 min read
We needed a vacation. It has been 6 months since we left cold Chicago, and it was time to feel some sun. We were invited to witness one of our close friends tie the knot in Cabo San Lucas and figured this was a perfect opportunity to turn it into a family getaway- long overdue! This was our first vacation outside of the United States. I was a nervous wreck. Even though it was only 6 days, I felt like we were leaving for months. What do I bring? What do I need? What DON'T I need?
I tried so hard not to over pack, but on the other hand, I needed to bring basically my entire house with me. The dilemma.
I ended up packing pretty lightly. Cabo's warm climate in June/July allowed me pack not much other than summer dresses, bathing suits and a few pounds of sun screen.
I thought I did pretty well! I was pretty proud of myself, until we got to the airport. Stroller! I did not bring a stroller! This was our first All-Inclusive trip with a baby, and many that have experienced it with their little ones, told us there was no need for one. We were going to a place where everything was within reach and not much traveling from Room to pool/beach/restaurants. It made perfect sense, why carry around this massive thing, when we won't even use it at the resort, right? I just never considered the traveling TO the resort.
For those traveling with a baby or toddler, anywhere, I suggest bringing a Stroller. It does not have to be your every day one, (some of us spend a nice chunk of money on them, and they WILL get damaged at the airport, so you'd want to avoid that) you can get a traveling one that's simple and super light, and most importantly, cheap. Just a spot for baby/toddler to sit or lay in, and honestly, to give your arms a break.
When traveling to these All-Inclusive resorts, my next MUST-have item is sun screen. Better to bring extra than not enough. They charge an arm and a leg for sunscreen because they know we will pay ridiculous prices when we're burning in the sun and don't want to leave the resort to find cheaper options.
Another item I did not consider bringing was allergy medication. For the kiddos AND yourself. Mini was fine, thank God, but I ended up breaking out into hives our 4th day in Cabo. I was miserable the last two days of vacation. I hid from the sun and drank my Benadryl (instead of my cocktail) that I paid 3 times more than I would have if I brought some Benadryl with me.
I get it, we can buy these small items there, we really can, but why waste 3 times the money if you don't have to? As most families, when traveling, we budget, and rather spend less, than more.
I brought three bathing suits for Mini, she ended up using mostly one. The one that had the MOST coverage. The cute ones, we avoided because the sun was too strong. SPF was not enough.
I packed simple- Many dresses and t-shirts for Mini. I packed two pairs of shoes, one water friendly pair, and one pair of cute ones for the evenings. Both SUPER comfortable since she was all over the place and my goal was comfort over cute. I brought about 5 diapers a day, one diaper cream, and two packs of wipes (since I use her Honest wiper for pretty much EVERYTHING- they're amazing). I brought two hats, used only one, and a pair of Babiator sunglasses that never left my bag. Two milk bottles, and one sippy cup. I carried around her favorite two books, and resorted to my phone for when I needed her to sit still for 2.5 seconds- Oops! I did bring extra swaddles that I turned into crib sheets. I felt more comfortable with her laying on those rather than the hotel ones, just a crazy mama thing. I did bring Motrin- JUST IN CASE! Fevers can happen anywhere and I did not want to be away from home and not have it near me.
When traveling to the pool/beach, I made sure the sunscreen was with us. I brought a big bottle of water for Mini and two extra changes of clothes. She napped at the pool so I did not want her sleeping in her wet bathing suit. Her books were always near. I didn't worry too much about snacks as she lived on fries and delicious fruit from the resort's All-Inclusive buffets. I also brought a small, extremely light swaddle that I covered her with during nap time since it tends to be a little windy by the water, and I did not want to use the wet beach towels for that.
These are some of the small and honest mistakes I've made when traveling and I've learned for our next trip. I hope it helps! I also hope to hear from you and of your personal experiences when traveling with your little ones. All tips and suggestions are greatly welcomed!
With love,
a mama + her mini
