In 10 short days, we are taking a "trifecta" toddler trip. Flights...Roadtrip....and *gulp* international travel.
What does that look like for us?
Flights- We are flying from Omaha to Buffalo/Niagara, NY. Per usual, we are flying Southwest and making serious use of our Companion pass. However, there wasn't a great way to get up to Niagra so we have a little longer flights than we would have otherwise liked.
Roadtrip- There we are renting a car.
International Travel- We will be driving to Niagra Falls, and up to Toronto to spend a family fun filled few days in Canada.
What have been some challenges for planning this trip?
The biggest challenge for us was the roadtrip/flight combination. When flying Southwest, we have never had an issue with needing to minimize our packing, as we always pack in just 2 suitcases (when we can have 4 if we would like). And since I drive an awesome mini van, roadtrips haven't been an issue either, as we can pack way more than we would ever use in the back of my mini van.
Cue the problem...rental cars. I refuse to shell out the "big bucks" for a large SUV rental car AND my driving skills aren't so great to be comfortable driving a large rental car.... so we are renting your typical economy car. So packing for this kind of trip is going to be a bit more of a struggle than normal.
Our next hurdle? Where to stay.
We decided in Toronto to go the Airbnb route. We've had great experiences in the past staying at an Airbnb, especially when it comes to more space, kitchen, and the ability to be closer to the attractions we want to see.
In NY we will be staying in a hotel, as we wanted something close to the airport after a day of flying.
What is getting us through the stress of trip planning?
Here is our secret, we know through experience that with each new trip comes new challenges, but also wonderful new experience. We also know that so far, very few of our worries have come to pass. Each trip we takes gets us even more comfortable for the next trip. The more we travel with Lorelai, the less overwhelming it becomes. We can only prepare for so much, and the best resource you have to cope with big hurdles is:
1. Laugh about it. Whether its a diaper explosion while waiting in a TSA line, or arriving at your destination 5 hours late due to a flight delay with a very cranky toddler...find a way to laugh rather than get upset.
2. Be flexible. Anything can happen, and flexibility is key. Don't have too strict of a schedule and give yourself chill time.
We look forward to sharing our travel experiences on Lorelai's first trip out of the United States!
What does that look like for us?
Flights- We are flying from Omaha to Buffalo/Niagara, NY. Per usual, we are flying Southwest and making serious use of our Companion pass. However, there wasn't a great way to get up to Niagra so we have a little longer flights than we would have otherwise liked.
Roadtrip- There we are renting a car.
International Travel- We will be driving to Niagra Falls, and up to Toronto to spend a family fun filled few days in Canada.
What have been some challenges for planning this trip?
The biggest challenge for us was the roadtrip/flight combination. When flying Southwest, we have never had an issue with needing to minimize our packing, as we always pack in just 2 suitcases (when we can have 4 if we would like). And since I drive an awesome mini van, roadtrips haven't been an issue either, as we can pack way more than we would ever use in the back of my mini van.
Cue the problem...rental cars. I refuse to shell out the "big bucks" for a large SUV rental car AND my driving skills aren't so great to be comfortable driving a large rental car.... so we are renting your typical economy car. So packing for this kind of trip is going to be a bit more of a struggle than normal.
Our next hurdle? Where to stay.
We decided in Toronto to go the Airbnb route. We've had great experiences in the past staying at an Airbnb, especially when it comes to more space, kitchen, and the ability to be closer to the attractions we want to see.
In NY we will be staying in a hotel, as we wanted something close to the airport after a day of flying.
What is getting us through the stress of trip planning?
Here is our secret, we know through experience that with each new trip comes new challenges, but also wonderful new experience. We also know that so far, very few of our worries have come to pass. Each trip we takes gets us even more comfortable for the next trip. The more we travel with Lorelai, the less overwhelming it becomes. We can only prepare for so much, and the best resource you have to cope with big hurdles is:
1. Laugh about it. Whether its a diaper explosion while waiting in a TSA line, or arriving at your destination 5 hours late due to a flight delay with a very cranky toddler...find a way to laugh rather than get upset.
2. Be flexible. Anything can happen, and flexibility is key. Don't have too strict of a schedule and give yourself chill time.
We look forward to sharing our travel experiences on Lorelai's first trip out of the United States!
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