Two countries, two little travelers, and a whole lot of memories. ✈️🤎
If there's one thing about our family, it's that we're going to find a way to bring our babies along for the adventure. This September, we packed our bags, grabbed our two little ones, and headed across the Atlantic for a family adventure through Paris, Mallorca, and Barcelona.
With a four-year-old and a nine-month-old.
Yes, voluntarily. 😂
And while traveling with children certainly looks different from traveling as a couple, I genuinely believe that having babies doesn't mean you have to stop seeing the world. You just have to learn how to see it a little differently. So here's everything I'd do again, what I'd change, and what made traveling through Europe with two little ones a whole lot easier.
First, Let's Talk About Expectations
One thing I've learned about traveling with children is that flexibility is everything.
Before kids, we could spend an entire day wandering through a city, stopping for coffee, exploring museums, and making spontaneous dinner reservations.
Now? We're factoring in naps, snacks, diaper changes, and making stroller naps stretch as long as possible LOL
But here's the beautiful thing: traveling with children doesn't make the experience less meaningful. It just makes it different. I actually prefer it.
Some of my favorite memories weren't necessarily the big attractions. They were the little moments in between. A croissant on a Parisian street. Watching Aria experience something for the first time. Slowing down to enjoy a beautiful view instead of rushing to the next destination. Sometimes children have a way of reminding us to actually enjoy the places we've traveled so far to see.
Paris: The City of Lights (and Strollers) 🥐
Paris was our first stop, and goodness, what a beautiful city to experience as a family. We visited some iconic spots, enjoyed plenty of pastries, explored Versailles, and even made time for Disneyland Paris. One thing I'd absolutely recommend is planning your days around a few meaningful experiences rather than trying to squeeze everything into one itinerary.
We also brought two compact YOYO strollers, which were incredibly helpful for navigating airports, busy streets, and long sightseeing days.
Would I bring them again? Absolutely.
And here's a little reminder: you don't have to sacrifice the things you love just because you're traveling with children.
Enjoy the beautiful café. Take the family pictures. Visit the places you've always dreamed about.
Just bring snacks.
Lots of snacks.
Mallorca: Our Little Mediterranean Reset 🌊
After the hustle and bustle of Paris, Mallorca was such a lovely change of pace. We stayed at the Hilton Mallorca Galatzó and leaned into a slower rhythm, enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean scenery and spending time together. This part of our trip reminded me why I love incorporating a little rest into our itineraries. Not every vacation day needs to be packed with excursions. Sometimes a beautiful view, a relaxed morning, and quality time with your family are more than enough.
Something I'd absolutely do again is balance busy city destinations with slower, more restful ones. Especially with little children!
Barcelona: A Beautiful Final Stop 🇪🇸
Barcelona was our final destination, and it was such a special way to end our trip. Between the architecture, beautiful streets, and experiencing the Sagrada Família, there was so much to take in. There's something particularly sweet about sharing places that hold cultural and family significance with your children. And while I know they may not remember every detail of these trips, I love knowing that we're creating memories, traditions, and experiences together.
What I'd Absolutely Do Again:
1. Bring compact, travel-friendly strollers.
Our two YOYO strollers were a huge part of making this trip manageable. When you're navigating airports, city streets, and attractions, having something lightweight and easy to fold makes a difference.
2. Pack strategically, not excessively.
Traveling with a baby requires quite a bit of preparation, but I tried to be intentional about what we brought. Having our essentials organized and easily accessible saved us so much unnecessary stress.
3. Leave room for spontaneity.
Some of the sweetest experiences happen when you're not rushing through an itinerary. Give yourself permission to wander, explore, and change plans.
4. Make the trip enjoyable for everyone.
We incorporated experiences we wanted to enjoy as adults alongside activities that were especially exciting for Aria.
Family travel doesn't have to mean every single activity revolves around the children, but it does mean considering everyone's needs.
5. Take the pictures.
I'm a photographer, so you already know this one was nonnegotiable. 😂 But seriously, take the pictures. Even the imperfect ones. One day, those little faces in front of beautiful places will be some of your most treasured memories.
What I'd Do Differently Next Time:
1.I'd leave even more breathing room between activities.
As much as I love a good itinerary, traveling with little ones has taught me that sometimes less really is more.
2.I'd plan even more downtime.
Especially when changing cities and accommodations. Travel days are exciting, but they can also be exhausting for little bodies.
3.And I'd remind myself that we don't have to see everything.
The goal isn't to conquer an entire city in three days. The goal is to experience it together. If we miss an attraction because someone needs a nap or we decide to spend an extra hour enjoying lunch, that's okay.
There will always be more to see.
A Little Encouragement for the Parents Who Want to Travel
I know traveling with young children can feel intimidating. The flights, the packing, the routines, the unexpected illnesses, the logistics of it all.
And I'm not going to pretend every moment is easy. We had our share of unexpected challenges, including getting sick during our travels. Because apparently germs also wanted a European vacation. 😂
But would I do it again?
In a heartbeat.
I don't believe we have to wait until our children are older to experience the beauty of the world together. Of course, every family has different circumstances, budgets, and seasons. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with waiting until traveling makes sense for yours. But if the opportunity is there, don't let the fear of things being imperfect keep you from making beautiful memories.
Your children don't need a perfectly executed vacation.
They need parents who are present enough to enjoy the adventure with them.
And if there's one thing this trip reminded me, it's that the world is beautiful, childhood is fleeting, and I'm so grateful we get to experience both together.
Here's to more stamps in our passports, more family adventures, and probably a few more airport meltdowns along the way.
With love,
Coco 🤎
