Traveling with a 1Yr Old and 2Yr Old

My suggestion is to wait for the luxury vacation till they are old enough you all can have fun and do something more local. If your kids are anything like mine, all the new environment and new sites are overwhelming. Even sleeping in a hotel is tough.

If your dying to get out of the house why not try a vacation/staycation that is within a few hours away so that the drive isn't terrible and still can be fun. Still stay in a hotel for the experience. Keep your activities family friendly. Try somewhere you can swim. Kids love the water.

We went to Maui when our sons were 2-1/2 and 11mos. We bought a ticket for the baby and brought his car seat on the plane. I really had to lobby my husband for that because he was way too squirmy to hold in my/our laps for that long in such a tight space. It was the best thing we did because his seat was comfortable and familiar; he ended up sleeping for most of the flight each way. We had a DVD player for our older son and brought along new DVDs, so he was mesmerized by the entertainment. A key for us was to get a layover mid-way -- our layover was in Phoenix, but CA would have been good, too. A 2hr lay-over is perfect for feeding, changing and giving them time to move around and get some pent-up energy out. By the time we got back on the plane, they were ready to nap. We really lucked out with their behavior on the flights to/from HI and readily acknowledge that a lot of that was pure LUCK because they have also melted down and been really rowdy on 1hr flights to Pittsburgh. It does take them a couple of days to get used to the time change but we try to get them on local time as soon as we land and often had to limit naps to 3hrs.

We travel with our kids and really believe that while it's true that they may not remember the trip, it's all about the experience and enjoying them and their reactions in the moment. It's not a relaxing trip, by any means...no lounging poolside or falling asleep on the beach. You'll be chasing the kids and trying to keep the little one from constantly eating sand. We also have one of those little tents so the baby could nap on the beach. Now our kids can nap on lounge chairs, and my husband and I take turns going in the water.

Now that my oldest son (4yrs) is into the ocean and "sea creatures and sea monsters," we tell him about our trip to Hawaii and show him pictures and video of when we saw one of those giant sea turtles that was on the rocks close to shore. He was so excited to see that he was there and asks about going back to Hawaii.

We've also taken them to Cancun. All-inclusive resorts are great with families because food is always available with plenty of choices and a range of restaurant styles, so eating isn't overly stressful. We didn't leave the resort, so if you're really into sightseeing and a more active vacation, you may feel restless and unsatisfied.

We now have a newborn, and my husband is kind of down about our prospects for travel and such big trips. We're fortunate that we can afford the 5 plane tickets, and once our middle son gets older and we can ditch the stroller and not carry him as much, we'll be in a better position to travel and manage all of the stuff and gear.

Go for it!!!

It's funny you bring this up because I am leaving on Monday for my 3rd trip to Hawaii with small children. The first time, my oldest was 2. The second time, my oldest was 4 and youngest was 10 months. This time, my oldest is 5 and youngest is 2. I understand people suggesting you wait for the luxury vacation, but your life is now. Who is to say what the future will bring! If you have the means and the desire for a trip to Hawaii, or anywhere else you'd like to go, then I say do it! And for the record, my oldest does remember Hawaii. She is so excited to go again, it's all she's talked about for weeks! I have been to Hawaii several times before having kids, so I will also tell you it is like a different place when you bring them. I see things there I never would have noticed before if it weren't for my kids...through the eyes of a child. : )

As for the long flight, both of my kids handle it well. We bring a DVD player, so they sit and watch movies. We also bring coloring, puzzles, etc. The plane is huge so you can get them up and walk them around without a problem. They love looking out the windows!

Finally, when our youngest was 10 mos, we took her as a lap child. It was not a big deal to us. My hubby and I took turns holding her. Also, on both flights going and coming, the attendants actually moved people out of our row so we could have an extra seat. They can be very accommodating when you are traveling with small children. We were able to put her in the extra seat for feeding, diaper changes, etc. We also laid her down in it for naps (keeping an arm around her so she was secure). If you prefer the 1 year old for sure has a separate seat, you can always purchase one and put the child in it in a car seat. There are many ways to make it work.

At the end of the day, we have always believed you live life as it comes. If Hawaii is in the cards for you today, don't let kids stop you from going. Embrace the opportunity to do this with them. Even if they don't remember details of the trip, the bonding experiences you will share will always be there. Feel free to message me if you are looking at going and would like any other tips on travel, family friendly hotels, activities, etc. Happy to help! Have fun!

We went to Hawaii when we had 1 daughter and she was 3. We also did Orlando when she was 5 and her sister was 1. And we just went to Pensacola, FL when they were 6 and 2.

We have learned to not stay in hotels, but rent a house or condo instead. Provides more privacy, more space, and you can do your own cooking (which we love to do).

The flight to Hawaii - we did direct, but she was 3 and your children are younger. It was a good trip, we rented 2 places. The place that was on the beach was the best. The other place was a house and wasn't near anything.

Orlando - we stayed off site as we did a family get together with my parents and sisters family. This trip was work. The baby was 1, we had to travel to do much of anything, but it was good to hang out with the family.

Pensacola, Florida. Our best vacation. We went over spring break, rented a condo right on the beach. The place had an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a workout room, and the beach all right there. Summer is the prime season for Pensacola. The beaches are absolutely stunning. Truly stunning. It's a 2 hour flight from Chicago if you can get the direct flight. We actually drove for spring break - 2 days down and 1 long day coming back. I was relaxed coming back from this vacation it was so good.

Good luck, taking a vacation is important. We're planning a trip to Italy, but we're waiting until the little one is 5 to do that. It should be easier traveling when she's 5.

I'd say go to Wisconsin Dells & stay at a water park.
You get to get out of the house & try out a vacation without committing to a huge trip.

Ya know, it is a long flight.
At their ages, they will not remember, Hawaii.

You will not have to pay for a seat for the 1 year old, but will for the 2 year old.
And the 1 year old will have to stay on your lap unless you buy a seat for that child.