HOW TO TRAVEL WITH KIDS AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE IN MEXICO

Last week we had the pleasure of taking a vacation with the kids to Playa Mujeres, Mexico.  Before we ever book a trip, my husband and I set some intentions. We decide if we want to do a trip or a vacation. A trip is where we know it will be a lot of work on our end, and that we will plan on sight seeing, adventuring, and WORKING. We go somewhere we’ve never been, eat the local food and push ourselves and our children to embrace a new landscape. OR, we decide that we want to freeze time for a second, relax, and just enjoy being together. That means we stay mostly in the resort, say yes to late bedtimes, lots of ice creams, and night swimming. We lose all sense of day and time and just BE with the kids and with each other.   This trip was most certainly a vacation.  Sloane just turned six and still has trouble keeping up with Nate and Ruby.  It would not be fun (for anyone) to drag her around a new city or time zone.  We wanted something simple, relaxing and fun for everyone.  

WHERE WE STAYED:

We chose Playa Mujeres because the flight was not long, it has good proximity to the airport and the weather is amazing.  We used a local travel agent, Vacations by Heather, and she helped us a find a resort that was in our budget.  We stayed at Dreams, Playa Mujeres.  The room was clean and spacious, the view was beautiful and food was good-enough.  I like staying at an all-inclusive with the kids because they can eat as little or as much as they like, whenever they want.   Takes the pressure off.  It also helps us to budget and stay on track, which means less stress for us.  

BE PREPARED:

I did a ton of front-end loading before we left.  I packed our favorite travel art supplies, snacks and toys in easily accessible pouches for the airplane, restaurants, and pool side.  When were in the airport and the kids got antsy? Boom.  Out came  Magnetic blocks.  When my girls needed some quiet time and I didn’t want to leave the pool? Out came my pouch filled with watercolor paper and Ooly travel watercolor kit.  Masterpieces were made and I didn’t need to turn away from my book and my cocktail.  

Also? We brought devices. The children were allowed to use them on the airplane, and for a little while each day while my oldest babysat in the room and my husband and I snuck downstairs for a quick kid free cocktail.

WHAT WE PACKED FOR THE AIRPLANE (click the image for the link):

WHAT THEY WORE (click image for links.):

If you liked this post, you might want to check these out as well:

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR KIDS AND ACTUALLY RELAX

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT THEM

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PREPARING YOUR KIDS WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT THEM

Image sourced from Pinterest

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to take a quick trip down to Mexico without the kids.  It was blissful.  My mom and my in-laws teamed up to conquer our crew and make sure everything ran smoothly in our absence.  My kids are five, eight and ten, so leaving them in someone else's care is WAY easier than it was just a few years ago.  But, as I packed them up, I remembered all of the tips and tricks I used when they were tots, and I am going to share them with you here.  

TIP ONE:  Create a simple picture calendar (see photo).  Show your child exactly when you will leave, and when you will return.  Even very small children can benefit from the comfort of knowing "what will happen next".  A calendar of your whereabouts gives them that peace of mind.  

TIP TWO: Leave a note to your child for each day that you are gone. I like to seal them each in individual envelopes to make it more fun.  The note doesn't need to to be extravagant.  Just a line or two telling them that you love them and that you are thinking of them.  You can ask your caregiver to read them a new note at bedtime each night. 

Image sourced from Google

TIP THREE: Make a date to FaceTime or Skype (Put it on the calendar).  This is especially helpful if you are going to be in a different time zone.  Keep your phone call short, just a few minutes is ideal.  Just enough to see your littles and let them see you.  Exchange a few, "I love you's," and one or two exciting things.  You know you child best, so if you think that they can't handle seeing you, skip this tip! If you think you will have the time, pack a quick bedtime story in your suitcase. You can read them their favorite book over FaceTime! 

Traveling away from your children can be anxiety producing, and not without hiccups.  But  if you have the opportuity, get out of your comfort zone, and do it!! You will not regret it.