Travelling is one of my favorite leisure. I get all excited at the thought of flying to discover new places. And I always manage to do so once a year, or once every two years.
However since I became a mother, I started to dread the idea of flying, travelling with my child. The process itself is such a hassle that I always postpone it as much as I can.
Why do I hate travelling with my child so much?
1- I have to pack one hundred things.
I usually pack lots of stuff when I travel; from clothes (that I do not need), shoes, books, accessories.. You name it, I probably have it in my two checked baggage and two carry-on baggage. I do not know why but I hate the feeling of missing some of my stuff when I arrive at destination. I rather pack everything with me. And do not even get me started on presents and other stuff I have to bring with me when I go home. As the saying goes: "Africans do not travel, they move".
Therefore take a heavy packer like myself and add extra stuff for the baby, equals: excess baggage. I always get diapers (if the baby needs 3 a day, I usually pack 10 in case he has a diarrhea on the plane), an extra set of clothing (because he will get messy), all of his medicines, extra food and juice, plus his toys to keep him entertained. Try to fit all that in a bag when you have already two fully packed.
2- I have to be patient
I am the most impatient person you will ever know. And being a mother did not change it a bit. On the contrary, it seems my impatience level has increased . So imagine my frustration when Baby boy wants to run all over the airport, does not want to sit for more than 3 hours on the plane, wants to check my entertainment system, or refuses to sleep. Sometimes I think that I will just go nuts. Things were easier when he was a baby, could not talk or walk. He was limited in all he wanted to do; which meant that I got to breathe.
3- I have to pretend to be a good mother
When you travel, you are surrounded by strangers. Therefore you have to be on your best behavior even though your child is not. For instance, I cannot snap and scream at Baby boy if he is acting crazy because I am afraid of what people around me would think or say. I will have to take a deep breath and try to quiet him down by using a sweet voice and toys or food as bribery.
4-You cannot do all the things you wanted to do with a Baby
At your final destination, it will be hard to do all the sight-seeing you hope to do with a baby. When you are single or married without child, you can go out the whole day, shop until you drop, go dancing, take a midnight skinny dipping on the beach wathever fun activity you dream about. However, once you are with a child, you have to carefully plan everything. You will need to schedule everything around him: from his diet, daily routine, frustration level, everything. You cannot just hope to walk around under the sun all day and think he will be alright. No! Planning will be the key. And no spontaneity is allowed.
Nevertheless, I still enjoy travelling with my baby. He is so curious and enjoys discovering new things as well. He brings a smile on my face when I see him run around in the park, not wanting to leave the beach, or bossing children around at the airport. I have to take advantage of this occasion. Because who knows if I will be able to travel when I have a new addition to the family. With prices going through the roof and less time on my hand, travelling with more kids will not be as easy and enjoyable as travelling with just one.
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