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Traveling With Girlfriends
I love to travel. Mostly I like to fly to get where I’m going, simply because it’s usually quicker than driving. But, that being said, I am a fan of the classic road trip — as long as it’s not a several-day affair. I’ve done those, and while they were necessary at the time, I think those days are over for me. Two days in the car is my limit now.
Traveling with family is usually comfortable. I’m not saying that you won’t have squabbles or the kids won’t get cranky or have meltdowns. I’m saying that you’re with people that you know. You know their routines. You know that on the 3rd day of a trip you need to have either a day off from activities or a slower-paced activity because kid #2 gets too overstimulated if you don’t take that break. You know that early morning activities are a no-go because kid #1 is NOT a morning person and the entire day goes a little bit off the rails if they are forced to get up early and participate. It’s things that you’ve learned by living with these other humans and through trial and error over a long period of time.
And although traveling with family is usually comfortable, it also carries a lot of responsibility. Did you remember to pack everything that the kids need? Clothes? Diapers/wipes? Snacks? Medicine? Favorite stuffed animal or toy? Things to keep them busy in the car or on the plane? Did you remember to tell Aunt Millie that kid #2…