Maple Alps

Travel

20+ Must-Haves for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

Travel, Parenthood, Mama BuysAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

While having babies didn’t stop us from traveling and seeing new places, it did shift how we did it. So much fun can be had while traveling with little ones, but there are some extra considerations to mind. One major thing is how you pack. Let’s face it: babies and toddlers require much more gear than we do. Even choosing the most versatile and minimalistic gear has us packing so much more than we were used to. Here are some of the best products we’ve tested (and loved!) in our travels so far!


This post contains affiliate links.


TLDR: Here is everything in this blog post in my Amazon Storefront!

Gear

Our Favorite Travel Stroller

We love this travel stroller mainly because it’s so compact! It fits in the overhead compartment in the plane, and we’ve taken it all over the world. It’s also easy to wash, which is essential.


Travel Play Yard

We try to find places with cribs to stay in, but when we can’t, this is a light and compact one. We actually use it at home too, so it gets a lot of use. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Slumberpod

We.Love.The.Slumberpod. It’s pretty pricey but SO worth it - especially when you cannot get separate sleeping areas for you and your babe. It’s almost 100% black-out (I went in there and couldn’t see anything), and you can put your monitor in the pocket (and even a fan!). Plus, it is extremely portable and fits in our suitcase without stealing too much room. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Portable Harness Seat

This has been perfect when no high chairs are available, and it fits right into our diaper bag. It fits on most dining chairs and is also easy to wash. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Car Seat Bags for Airplane Travel

We’ve tested a couple of car seat bags, and these are the best so far! The best feature is that it folds up into its own little bag for when they’re not in use. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Portable Sound Machine

A great thing to have on the go. This one is rechargeable and can hang anywhere. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Travel First Aid Kit

A must, especially when your little one is still a little wobbly on their feet. Features adorable bandaids as a plus and is seriously so well stocked that the adults get to use it too. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Stroller Fan

I haven’t left the house on hot summer days without this fan! It can attach to a lot - the stroller, the crib, the car seat…it’s fantastic. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Baby Carrier

I’ve mentioned some baby carriers before. I love the Solly Wrap because it fits in the diaper bag and is easy to pull out, and this Ergo is great, too - especially on hikes. (Get yours on Amazon here)

Folding Baby Sling Bath

If you still have a little, this is AMAZING. It fits right in your suitcase (seriously, so so small!) and is perfect to use in a bathtub or shower, or even large sink, if they can’t sit up yet. I can’t recommend this enough! (Get yours on Amazon here)

Traveling with Two Under Two: Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Family Travel

Parenthood, TravelAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

Traveling is a rewarding and enriching experience that opens up a world of discovery and learning for both adults and young ones alike. But what happens when you're planning a trip with not one but two little adventurers under the age of two? Fear not, wanderlust-filled parents, for we've got your back! I never thought traveling would end when we had kids, but I also never imagined how overwhelming it could be - and how fun! We traveled a lot when Baby Z was little, but how we traveled changed a bit once we added Baby E to the mix. Today, I’ll share some invaluable tips and tricks to make your family travel with two under two smooth and enjoyable.

Embrace the Art of Packing

Packing is an art, especially when it involves two tiny humans with their own mini-wardrobes and necessities. Opt for versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and don't forget those adorable onesies that are as practical as they are cute. Roll up outfits to save space and use packing cubes to keep items organized (this way, your partner can jump in to help without wondering where things are too). Also, remember that many destinations have stores where you can pick up last-minute essentials, so resist the urge to pack the entire nursery! The good thing is that baby clothes don’t take up a ton of space, so you can feel prepared without taking up too much extra luggage room.



Prioritize Comfort in Accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. Look for family-friendly options with amenities like kitchenettes, separate sleeping areas, and cribs. An Airbnb or vacation rental might provide the comforts of home while allowing your little ones to nap and sleep peacefully.



Plan Around Their Schedule

Traveling with two under two means you're working around nap times and feeding schedules. Consider booking flights or planning activities during their natural downtime to minimize meltdowns and maximize enjoyment for everyone. It may be a pain, but it will pay off.



Bring a Piece of Home

Familiarity can soothe even the youngest of travelers. Pack a few of their favorite toys, blankets, or bedtime books to create a sense of home wherever you go. These cherished items can provide comfort during unfamiliar moments.



Pack a First Aid Kit and Essentials

Little ones are prone to minor scrapes, bruises, and tummy troubles. Don't leave home without a well-stocked first aid kit containing essentials like band-aids, baby pain reliever, and any prescribed medications. It's also wise to have a supply of diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes readily available for unexpected mishaps.



Use Lightweight Travel Gear

Invest in lightweight, compact travel gear that caters to the needs of your family. A lightweight stroller that's easy to fold and maneuver can be a lifesaver during sightseeing adventures (we LOVE this one that fits in the overhead bin in the plane). Baby carriers can also be a great hands-free option for exploring more rugged terrain.



Related: Must-Have Travel Gear for Babies



Capture the Moments

Time flies, and little ones grow up faster than we'd like. Make sure to capture the special moments of your journey through photographs and videos. These memories will become cherished treasures as your children grow older.



Stay Flexible and Patient

While meticulous planning is essential, flexibility is key when traveling with young children. Plans might change, and routines might be disrupted, and that's okay. Approach each day with patience and a positive attitude, and you'll create lasting memories for your family. And don’t try to cram your itinerary with activities. Choose one or two - you’ll have more fun without the stress of getting to the next thing.



Traveling with two under two might sound like a daunting adventure, but with the right approach and a dash of preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. By embracing the art of packing, prioritizing comfort, planning around schedules, and staying patient, you'll create cherished memories and instill a love for exploration in your little ones from an early age!

How to Rock and Enjoy Your Staycation

Lifestyle, TravelAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

The pandemic has messed up a lot of travel plans across the world, and we have also been directly affected by that. With such a short window in the summer when both of us are free before I need to report back to school, there really was no way to go away for the vacation we had intended. 


I was still determined to have a fantastic summer. The problem was that we needed to have the feeling of actually getting away. Being cooped up in our home for months was difficult especially for J, since I’m a happy homebody. We realize these are totally first world problems, but with everything going on in the last few months, we had really been looking forward to getting away.


Staycation-ing was the only way for us to do things this summer, but it has been pretty good so far. I had a few questions about how we are accomplishing this, so I thought a short blog post on the topic could be fun!


A staycation is a great option when travel is not possible. Maybe you need to save some money, or maybe there is a pandemic and you can’t do any overseas travel. In any case, here are some ideas for your staycation that don’t involve chores. This list is not exhaustive, but I hope that it will trigger some ideas!

How to Rock and Enjoy Your Staycation | www.maplealps.com


Staying Inside:

  1. Settle down with a good book

  2. Or write a book

  3. Light some candles

  4. Have a spa day

  5. Try a new workout

  6. Try a new recipe

  7. Hire an in-home chef

  8. Board Game night

  9. Karaoke night

  10. Plan a zero plan day

  11. Try a new type of art

  12. Do a mat workout outside - or any workout outside!

  13. Have a movie marathon

  14. Finish a house project, if that’s fun to you

  15. Eat breakfast in bed

  16. Eat breakfast outside

  17. Sleep in and then take a nap

  18. Create a staycation playlist

  19. Bring your vacation theme home (Luau in the backyard? Mountains of laundry to climb?)

  20. Take up a new hobby

  21. BBQ everything

  22. Rent an inflatable slide!

  23. Truly unplug from work!

  24. Create a blanket fort in your living room - or any room

  25. Learn an instrument or practice one


Spending Time Outside:

  1. Visit the closest beach. It could be the ocean, it could be the lake. Just pack your towels, some sunscreen, and spend some time by the water. 

  2. Go for a hike or long walk

  3. Explore a new trail

  4. Go for a picnic

  5. Fly a kite

  6. Go canoeing or kayaking or paddleboarding

  7. Do some gardening

  8. Sidewalk chalk it up

  9. Build a treehouse

  10. Inflatable pool?


Staying Near Home:

  1. Go out for ice cream after dinner and walk around

  2. Explore a new neighborhood

  3. Explore something new in your city

  4. Use this anywhere travel guide

  5. Pitch a tent in your backyard 

  6. Try a new restaurant 

  7. Go on a drive

  8. Rent a convertible for the day

  9. Find a friend with a pool and jump in

  10. Check into a hotel in your city

  11. Find a fun AirBNB close by

  12. Explore a state or national park

  13. Find day trips from your city

  14. Rent bikes downtown

  15. Go to a tourist attraction in your area

  16. Do some museum hopping

  17. Get a photoshoot done - or do one yourself

  18. Set up an outdoor movie theatre


What would you do to staycation? Let me know!

 

Save Money on a Road Trip

Travel, MoneyAmanda Walter | Maple AlpsComment

Road trips are so much fun! Especially when they’re with the right people - or person! I cannot tell you how many miles of highway we’ve covered over the last ten years, but it is a very high number. We’ve become pretty good at road tripping, and even better at saving money while doing it. It took a little trial and error, but here are our tips so that you don’t have to go through that part. Let us know at the end what your best road trip money saving tips you have!


Save Money on a Road Trip | www.maplealps.com

Set a budget

The first step in saving money for anything is setting a budget - an exact amount that you can spend, or should not spend over. When we budget for road trips, we consider how many miles we will be traveling to decide on how much to allot for gas, and how many days we will be taking. Another thing to consider is whether you will be driving your own car, or renting a car, and what the possible charges for that will be (don’t forget to look if the company limits your miles!).




Prep your own snacks for along the way 

Not only will prepping your own snacks save you money, they will save you time as well! If you’re anything like me, you’d probably like to save the money you allotted for eating to eat out once getting to your destination rather than doing it along the way. Prepping easy, and healthy snacks will keep your prices down and save you time along the way that you would have used for stopping and ordering and the like. Another plus? You can use this opportunity to pack healthy snacks that will keep your energy up!




Use gas buddy to find the best gas prices on the road

Since you have to buy gas anyway, why not do a quick 10-second check to see where you can get the best deal along your route? It’s sometimes worth it to check prices along the way! I use an app called Gas Buddy to find the best deals around me frequently, and it has definitely paid off at times.




Consider alternate lodging along the way

Rather than staying in a nice hotel along the way, consider alternate lodging. Do you know a hospitable friend in the area you could stay with? Are you a camper? Oftentimes setting up a tent along the way is inexpensive. What about AirBNB? The possibilities are pretty much endless.


Get the most out of your gas 

Before you leave, make sure your tire pressure is where it should be to get the most out of your mileage. Using cruise control also helps!




Consider Parking

Scout out the parking where you are going. I can’t tell you how many times I hadn’t even thought of that and found out parking was a crazy amount of money when I got there. Look ahead of time and see if you can find cheaper or even free parking nearby. Once, we got to our destination and the parking was OUTRAGEOUS. Some planning ahead would have saved us a headache.




Avoid getting a ticket

Avoiding traffic tickets will save you big bucks. Make sure to follow all road signs, including speed signs and traffic lights on your road trip. Be familiar with the rules of the road where you are going, as they do sometimes vary!



Calculate Tolls

Don’t forget about tolls! You may want to consider using a toll calculator to estimate how much you will be spending on tolls. Be aware that some tolls are now cashless and require some kind of tag transponder to avoid a surcharge. It might be worth it to get the system required where you will be traveling. Another option is to avoid tolls all together. You can make sure your settings in Google Maps avoid tolls to do this.



What are some ways you save money on road trips?

 

5 Ways to Make the Most out of your Road Trip

TravelAmanda Walter | Maple Alps3 Comments

We. Love. Road trips. We don’t go on them as often as we used to, but there’s nothing like packing up the car and hopping in for a grand adventure. I think my favorite thing about it is the control you have over your trip. You can stop when you want for as long as you want which is a freedom not enjoyed when on a plane, train, or bus. Plus, you don’t have to worry about any other person besides you and your travel buddy or buddies. No stressing about why the guy over there is coughing…although, I’m usually seated next to them. Yikes! SO how can you make the most out of your road trip? We have 5 ideas.

5 Ways to Make the Most out of your Road Trip | www.maplealps.com


Use your time productively


Learn something while driving! We love listening to audiobooks or podcasts during our trips. It gives us something to think about and to discuss! One can almost never run out of topics this way if traveling with someone else. If you’re traveling with family or friends who aren’t terribly into your audiobooks or podcasts, why not have a good set of questions to discuss and get closer while you’re at it? If you’re already close friends/relatives, you won’t likely need to prepare ahead of time, but do take advantage of the time you’re trapped in the speeding metal on wheels to chat! By the way, a good playlist is a definite must!



Use this anywhere travel guide for a fun spin


I bought this travel guide for Jonathan a few years ago and it is filled with some really fun activities to do anywhere you are. We keep it in the glove compartment of our car so that we can spontaneously have a great time exploring - it’s even great when you want to explore the city you live in as well!



Don’t let your schedule keep you from being a bit spontaneous…


See a pretty field and want to stop? Do it! See the perfect overlook? Stop! Shoot some photos or just dwell in the moment and then move on. Don’t let your schedule keep you from experiencing the wonders of nature you could see on your trip!


…But Research Ahead of Time


You never know what kind of quirky sites there might be on your way! Do some research on your intended route and plan in some extra time if needed to see some points of interest like restaurants, museums, and parks (just to name a few).



Road Trip Games


We were on to something when we played I-Spy and Truth or Dare as kids in the car. Would You Rather is another fantastic one that leads to great conversations. I came across a book of 3,000 WYR questions the other day that I was very tempted to purchase! We’ve had some fun discussions with that game.



How do you make the most of your road trips?