I feel sad we’ve now left the place Mila was born and the first place she called home but excited that we’re now 3 weeks away from beginning our life on the road as full-time travelling nomads. Something River and I have dreamt up since long before Mila came into this world.

Since being back in England, we’ve attended 2 weddings and spent a weekend away in The Cotswolds; such a beautiful place, if not extremely busy due to a sunshine-filled Easter bank holiday weekend.

After packing dozens of snacks, ample amounts of waterproofs and a good dose of plasters, we were ready to catch our flight to Iceland. The first of a string of trips we have planned as we begin our life on the road. Our expectations are high for Iceland, we’ve been given plenty of recommendations and tips. It has topped Rivers list of places to visit for a long time now so we’re excited to see what it has to offer, how Mila will like it and how child friendly it is.

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Our lifestyle or just travel with kids in general has provoked a lot of conversation in our DM’s. Just the thought of travelling with kids can cause mass panic in some mums and I get it, I really do. The planning, forward-thinking, pre-empting for all the ‘just-in-cases’ is enough to make you stay at home and keep the doors firmly shut!!

As a fairly new mum and a mum to only one I am talking from my own experience. I can’t yet imagine how I would do what I do with multiple children but let’s not jump the gun!

Since having Mila I have had to become a lot more organised in day to day life in general, I think as mums this happens quick instinctively and we don’t give ourselves credit for it. We carry a baby bag with nappies, we always have milk on hand via breast or bottle, we think about snacks they may want or a favourite toy they can’t be without and all these things somehow whirl around our brains without much thought. For me the same goes with travel.

If you know what type of holiday you are having then that makes it a lot easier to pre-empt essentials you may need.

For Example

Adventue Holiday - good warm jacket, walking boots, jumpers. Activity books / ipad with downloaded shows for in the car if you will be driving longer distances to get to walks / attractions. Handy small snacks for on the go, good to stuff into pockets and keep energy up in-between meals. Small toys that can be played with outdoors - small ball or truck..etc

All-inclusive Holiday - Swim Nappies, inflatables, water toys, arm bands… (all age dependant) sun lotion, hooded towel, wipeable books to have by the pool..…the lists goes on but i’m sure you get the point.

By thinking about the type of holiday you are planning, from there you can forward think the way you will be spending some / most of your days and can think what are the essentials you’ll need.

Remember, no matter how much you plan some times things change and in general you can always get things from the country you are visiting. They may be a different brand or not quite look the same but they can help a mama out if in desperate need.

The main thing I would say is that in my experience a child flourishes when they get to be in new environments with new challenges everyday. Being in nature or with new friends gives them opportunities to be inspired, creative and imaginative, all things we loose sight of the older we get.

Try to think of the bigger picture and don’t fret the small stuff too much. We can always buy more ‘stuff’ but we can’t get there younger years back so travel with them while you can. When you look back you won’t remember that you forgot to pack their favourite toy but the memories that you made that holiday instead.

How do you feel about travelling with young children? Have you travelled with your kids? If so, how did you find it / manage it? If not, why not? What’s holding you back? I’d love to hear from you and your experiences in the comments below.

Dear Diary. April '22