Hey guys, this is my last post of the A to Z series of Traveling with Kids. I hope you liked reading our travelogues and found the tips helpful. My only aim to share our travel experiences was to show that traveling with babies and toddlers is not that difficult. It’s one of those things that you learn to enjoy once you step into it.

Mommies and daddies, there is nothing that can stop you from traveling and exploring new places with your kids. You just have to prepare well and take that plunge. I feel if I could convince even one family to keep their fears aside and plan their first vacation with their child, my work will be done. But this is not the end, it is just the beginning. And soon we will see more and more families taking up traveling with their babies.

The world is waiting for you!

26 Best Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers

I am listing down 26 of our best travel tips which we have learned during the last 3 years of traveling with Nemit. Some of these we learned from our own mistakes. And, others from our own hit and trial. Check these out-

1- Prepare yourself. Ask yourself if you are ready for it or need more time. If every time the answer comes a ‘yes’, then don’t think much & take the plunge.

2- Prepare your child. If your baby or the toddler has a routine for most of the things then half of your work is already done. If not, try maintaining a schedule for your child. It will not only help during your vacation but will go a long way.

3- Travel as a Family. I have shared this tip earlier also and I will say this again. Remember when you are on a family vacation, your focus should be on your family only.

4- Divide your tasks. To avoid any difficult situations divide your baby duties so that it doesn’t feel like a burden to anyone. Don’t set unrealistic expectations & clear the expectations before taking the trip.

5- Packing. Don’t overpack otherwise most of your time will go in finding stuff from the bags. Use packing cubes if you have a small baby, these cubes will be really helpful in keeping the small clothes organized in one place.

6- Where to go. You should do thorough research of the place where you are going to. In addition, plan your itinerary very carefully, keep a day free in your plan.

You may also read – 5 Tips to Plan a Kid-friendly Holiday!

7- Booking a Flight. If you are afraid of taking a long flight with your child, prepare in advance. Book a flight time which corresponds to your child’s nap time.

8- Keep them engaged. Pack enough activities to keep him engaged and also keep a lot of snacks for munching.

9- Booking a Hotel. Before booking a place to stay do check the latest reviews on Google as well as travel websites. Also, remember to book only a kid-friendly hotel.

10- Book an Airbnb. If you are planning a budget trip, look for an Airbnb property.

11- Keep Balance.  It’s important to keep a balance between leisure time and activity time. Toddlers don’t like lazying around for long, keep their interests in mind.

12- Be Flexible. When you are traveling with kids, you can’t be on a tight schedule. Be flexible and open to last minute changes.

13- Entertainment for kids. Look out for fun entertainment options for your toddlers. Check if there’s an amusement park where you are going and plan half a day for them. For babies, look out for safe play areas.

You may also read – 11 Cool Outfit Ideas for Toddler Boys for a Vacation!

14- Meet the locals. An excellent way for kids to learn about people and their culture. And, also to make new friends.

15- Travel Bag. Keep a backpack instead of a handbag for a day out. Always carry the wipes, snack box, an extra outfit, and your child’s favorite toy in the bag.

16- Travel Essentials. Make note of travel essentials you need to carry always. When Nemit was a baby, his carrier was an essential item for us. And, when he graduated to toddler stage, we always carried his stroller along.

17- Check the weather. Always check the weather during your travel dates.

18- Medicines & Prescription. Before going on a vacation, get a general checkup done for your baby. And, get a prescription for travel medicines.

19- Keep a torch. During our Meghalaya trip, we realized how big a mistake it was to not keep a torch with us.

You may also read – 5 Summer Vacation Ideas for Families in India!

20- Carry a power bank. Again, if you are traveling to an offbeat location, the power bank is a must.

21- Keep your cool. It is very easy to get frustrated when you are in a new place & your kids come up with weird demands or start showing tantrums. Losing temper may not help anyone, try to take control of the situation with a cool mind.

22- Booking a driver. Most of the times we book a single cab for our travels. But there were incidences when we didn’t like the behavior of the driver. Hence, it is advisable to confirm the booking for the whole trip only after spending 1 day with the driver.

23- Check your documents. I have mentioned in one of my posts, how my mom had to go back from the airport when the officials found her passport damaged, which she was not aware of. It’s always better to check all the documents before taking the trip.

24- Carry enough cash. Even though there are ATMs everywhere, it is still a sensible idea to carry enough cash. And, don’t keep all the cash in one place.

25- Keep a nice camera. Invest in a nice phone with a great camera or buy a nice camera to capture all your lovely travel moments with your family. These will become your most treasured memories.

26- Enjoy your time. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy each and every moment with your kids. Make the most of this time and you will go back as a better person. Take my word!

So, these are some of the best tips from our travel experience and these somewhat cover the A to Z of traveling with kids. I am sure these tips will come really handy for families traveling for the first time with their babies and toddlers. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and do share it with your friends and family.

Today is Day 26 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘Z’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen Z for Z. 

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The post 26 Tips for Traveling with Babies and Toddlers – A to Z of Family Travel appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hey guys, I am sure you must have heard about Airbnb. But if you have not yet experienced an Airbnb stay and want to know more about it, you are in the right place. Today, I want to share our reasons why we think that families should book an Airbnb rather than a hotel for their stay.

Airbnb is a worldwide online platform where travelers connect with the property owners for booking a Bed & Breakfast. It was founded to allow people to rent out their free home space or the whole apartment to travelers at a cheaper rate than a hotel. One can simply list their property with Airbnb and become a host. And, start hosting travelers from around the world. It is becoming one of the most popular stay options among all kind of travelers.

5 Reasons Why You Should Book an Airbnb

So, here are our 5 reasons why we feel that families traveling with kids should book an Airbnb for their stay.

1- Airbnb is cheaper and better than a hotel 

Yes, you read it right. Staying at an Airbnb is cheaper than staying at a hotel. It also depends on what type of accommodation you are looking for. Even if you book a luxury villa with a private pool, it will cost you less than booking a luxury suite at a 5-star hotel. Don’t believe me, check out yourself.

I really find it a great option if you are on a budget trip or you are on a long vacation. We booked a 2 bedroom villa in Krabi, Thailand for 4 nights and it was the cheapest yet best option we could find. And, it was beautiful. You can check my Instagram highlights for stories from Thailand. I have even shared a villa tour in stories, do check it out.

2- You, not just get a room but also a living room and outdoor sitting area and much more

So, the best thing about an Airbnb is that you get a home to stay. And, you have the liberty to choose what kind of a home you want to book. It can be a villa, cottage, apartment, bungalow or just a private room.

Orange County Cottages, Mukteshwar

We booked Orange County Cottages at Mukteshwar which had 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, outdoor sitting area, and a small garden. And, that too at almost half the price of the hotel. We even got our personal cook who was also the caretaker of the property.

The living room at Orange County Cottage, Mukteshwar

You can never get such spacious accommodation and that homely feel at a hotel or resort. So, when you are on a vacation with your children, you want them to be free, comfortable and happy.

3- You can cook your own meals if you stay at an Airbnb

As I mentioned above, many of the Airbnb homes have a kitchen for the guests. This is one of my personal favorite of the reasons why I would recommend Airbnb to families. So, when you are traveling with children especially babies and toddlers you worry a lot about their food.

You may also read – How to manage Food for Babies & Toddlers while Traveling?

The kitchen space at Family Lux Villa, Krabi

I remember during our Goa trip, it was a huge task to arrange food for Nemit. I wished if I could get a small space in the resort’s kitchen to prepare no salt no sugar healthy meals for my baby. But at an Airbnb, you won’t face any such issue.

Would you believe if I tell you that we didn’t spend even a single penny on food during our 4 days at Family Lux Villas, Krabi?

4- You feel like staying at home away from home

We have never felt so comfortable during our stays on a vacation ever. During both our Airbnb stays we never felt that we are away from home. I really like the filter option on Airbnb where you can select what all facilities and amenities you want for your stay. And you get the options best matching with your requirements.

The caretaker at Orange County Cottages with his son and Nemit

If the property is small, there will usually be only the hosts or a caretaker who will look after your stay. While at a bigger property, you can expect the hosts as well as some staff at the property.

5- The hosts of the property go out of their way to make your stay memorable

Now that most of the properties are small and are meant only for a few people, you get personal treatment from them. If you are lucky to meet the hosts, they can recommend some really great places to explore nearby. When we were in Mukteshwar, our host was not there. But he made sure to keep in touch with us over message and call. While in Krabi, our hosts were so humble and down to earth that we never felt like an outsider there.

You need to stay at an Airbnb to actually experience the beauty of a home far away from home!

And, now for all my readers, here’s an invitation link to sign up at Airbnb. Click below & avail the amazing offer!

Click here to Sign up!

By using this link you will get INR 2200 off your first booking. How cool is that? Just download their app, sign up using our link, get the credit, browse and book a homestay for your family vacation.

I hope you liked this post and found it helpful. If you have any doubts or questions, you can write them down in the comments below. And, I will try to answer them to the best of my knowledge. That’s all for today!

Today is Day 25 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘Y’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen Y for You. 

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The post Why You Should Book an Airbnb when Traveling with Kids? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

What? Is that term ‘X-Factor’ even related to traveling? Hey guys, I am sure today’s title must have piqued your curiosity. In fact, I am very excited to write on this topic. It is somewhat special and close to my heart. The X Factor of Traveling! That unique factor which if added to our travels can make the experience truly extraordinary.

Traveling is fun for some and an experiential journey for many. When I used to travel with my parents my expectations were different as compared to now when I travel with my own child. When we plan a family vacation, we try to design it in such a way that there are takeaways for everyone.

If you have noticed in my travel posts, we love to travel with Nemit’s maternal and paternal grandmothers. It adds a special spark to our travel experience and makes our time spent together truly memorable.

So, what’s the X-factor of traveling? Is it fun or experience? Or the journey and the memories? Or is it that special spark you add which makes traveling memorable?

Let’s see what’s the x-factor of traveling and how it makes the whole experience extraordinary.

What is the X-Factor of Traveling?

I want to answer this question with this quote by Amelia E. Barr –

“The great difference between voyages rests not with the ships, but with the people, you meet on them.”

I hope you have guessed it now. But if not, let me spill the beans for you. What makes any travel experience extraordinary are not just the journey, destination, scenery, fun times, and adventure but also the ‘PEOPLE‘ we meet along the journey. The impression they leave on our memories is something that gives a completely new meaning to our experience. The kind of people you meet can turn your travel experience from ordinary to extraordinary.

I have mostly seen girls and boys traveling solo or in groups engaging and interacting with the locals & other travelers. It’s a great way to connect with interesting people and make friends. But, I have rarely seen families making such connections. Obviously, due to safety concerns & trust issues with strangers.

Does that mean we can’t offer such enriching experience of meeting & connecting with locals to our kids? Not exactly!

When you are traveling with kids, look around yourself. Ok, not too far! Look a little closer.

Our Guides cum driver from our trips

Do you see your cab driver who is also your guide for the time of your stay in their city/town/village? You spend maximum time with him. Encourage your child to interact with him. But, make sure you are not disturbing him while he’s driving. He can be your storyteller, narrating all the local interesting tales of that place.

Chef & Hotel staff from Kerala, & Krabi

What about the waiters who serve you at the restaurant. You loved their service, why not leave them a good word. Let your child say ‘Thank you’. They will love this gesture. Oh, and don’t forget the chef. If you really liked their signature dish, call the chef and appreciate his work.

Property Managers & Caretakers

Who else do we meet on our travels? The hotel staff or if you are staying at a private property then the owner, manager or the caretaker of the property. Talk to them and tell them how much you liked their special attention. They can recommend you some really cool local places to check out.

Nemit with local kids from Kashmir & Shillong

You worry about your family’s safety and stay away from interacting much with the locals. But your kid can definitely talk & mingle with the local kids. They are not a threat. Such an amazing way for their social development. Isn’t it?

Think about it.

What if all these people you meet on your vacation do not treat you well? Or your experience is not very great. There’s a chance that it may spoil your whole vacation mood.

People we met during our travels

Whereas, when you meet such loving and caring people, it makes your whole experience enriching. And, that is why I feel for any travel, the people we meet along our journey are the X factor that makes the whole experience extraordinary. We never leave an opportunity to say thanks to such people who add so much value to our vacation.

What do you think about it guys? I would love to read your thoughts on this. Write them down in the comments below. And, don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.

That’s all for today, see you guys on Monday with the second last post of this travel series.

Today is Day 24 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘X’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen X for X-Factor of Traveling. 

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The post The X Factor that can make Traveling with Kids Extraordinary appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Whenever the summer heat gets unbearable all I dream of is escaping to the beautiful hills. We, North Indians are in so much love with nearby hill stations that many of us refer these as our summer home. We are soon going to enter the hottest months of this season. And all I can hear is the buzz around for planning a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi.

In fact, we are also in the vacation planning mode for the next month. It’s been 3 months since our last holiday. And, now we badly need a quick escape from all the city chaos and stress to recharge our mind & body. The other day I was discussing the options for a weekend trip with my husband. And, we were shortlisting the places we could consider for our little getaway.

But this time we ended up in an argument on where to go. And, this has happened for the first time that we were having clashing ideas for shortlisting a destination. I want to explore some new place in Himachal Pradesh this time whereas hubby dearest has his heart in Uttarakhand.

I reminded him of our last couple of hill vacations in Uttarakhand. To which he refreshed my memory of visiting Manali on last New Year’s Eve. Ok, but I don’t think that counts. It was too cold and we could not explore Manali at that time.

Where to go on a Weekend Family Trip? Himachal or Uttarakhand?

It’s not that I don’t like Uttarakhand, it is as dearest to me as Himachal. But Himachal is more lively and is full of adventures. I mean if I think of it now, I feel the choice of place depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. As you know, I am a die-hard adventure lover and that’s my biggest calling while deciding a place to visit.

Pic from our Trip to Kausani

Sumit is also an adventure enthusiast but this time he’s looking for a leisure trip. And, he successfully convinced me for another weekend getaway from Delhi to Uttarakhand. I agreed only on one condition that we will stay at an Airbnb like our last family trip to Mukteshwar. I will be revealing the place in my Instagram stories next week so catch me there for all the fun.

Our weekend getaway is almost sorted. But if you are still confused about whether to go to Himachal or visit the unexplored Uttarakhand, check out the below points.

Pic from our Manali Trip in Himachal

• Why choose Himachal Pradesh as a perfect weekend getaway?

1- Himachal is undoubtedly a more developed state as compared to Uttarakhand with better infrastructure.

2- It is also the preferred choice of tourists due to the many facilities it offers to them.

3- The roads are much better from Delhi to Himachal as compared to roads leading to Uttarakhand.

4- Huge adventure opportunities for tourists of all ages.

5- There’s a wide variety of stay options in Himachal as compared to Uttarakhand.

Pic from our Mukteshwar Trip in Uttarakhand

• Why choose Uttarakhand as a perfect weekend getaway?

1- Uttarakhand is more serene and peaceful. It is an explorers delight as not many tourists are seen in this part.

2- People of Uttarakhand are extremely helpful & friendly.

3- Their hospitability is beyond comparison. They can go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

4- Many hill stations are not yet commercialized & offers an unspoiled beauty to its visitors.

5- Garhwal and Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand are known to be the safest places in India. Hence, a perfect getaway option for solo travelers and families.

You may also read – Weekend Getaway to Kausani in Uttarakhand!

I hope I cleared up some confusion about where to go this summer holidays. So, what are your plans for a weekend getaway with the family? Do share with me in the comments below.

That’s all for now, see you guys tomorrow with another travel related post.

Today is Day 23 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘W’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen W for Weekend Getaway. 

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Reference – https://www.quora.com/Which-is-a-better-state-Himachal-Pradesh-or-Uttarakhand

The post Weekend Getaway from Delhi? Where to go, Himachal or Uttarakhand? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hello mommies, let’s talk about cool trendy fashion for toddler boys when on a beach vacation. I am not a fashion blogger, neither I have much fashion knowledge but I like dressing up my boy.

Not many people talk about fashion for boys simply because there are not many options that boys can experiment with. True! I am a boy mom and I know how difficult it gets sometimes to find a nice outfit for my son. Most of the times I am left with a choice of shorts & tees for summer days and pants & shirts for summer evenings.

So, when it comes to selecting an outfit for my boy, I try not to restrict myself to particular colors or designs. If it looks good on him, it goes in the cart. And, summer is my favorite time for shopping when there’s a lot more choice in colors and prints.

Outfits for a Beach Vacation

I know many of you are already in a vacay mood with holidays around the corner. If you are planning a beach vacation and you are looking for outfit ideas for your toddler boy then you are in the right place.

When it comes to a beach holiday, most people think that only shorts & t-shirts are the most comfortable & stylish options for toddlers. Well, not exactly. I have divided tops and bottoms into 5 categories each which can be mixed and matched on a beach to create stylish looks. The outfit choice may also depend on the time of the day at the beach.

TOPS

1. Shirts
2. T-shirts
3. Sleeveless Tees
4. Sets
5. Dungarees

BOTTOMS

1. Denim Shorts
2. Printed Cotton Shorts
3. Bermuda Shorts
4. Capri Pants
5. Full-Length Pants

11 Cool Looks for Toddler Boys on a Beach Vacation

Let’s create some cool looks with the above options. Check out the pictures below.

Look 1

The most common way to dress up boys for a beach is putting shorts with a cool graphic t-shirt. In my ideas, you won’t see any plain outfits, I like colors. But, that’s my personal choice, if you like plain colors or whites, then you can go with that too. And, when on a beach ditch the dark colors.

T-shirt with shorts

Look 2

One of my favorite looks is a white printed shirt with denim shorts. We choose this look for evenings on the beach when we would take a stroll on the beachside. Or just sit at a beachside cafe and watch the sunset.

Shirt with denim shorts

Look 3 for a Beach Vacation

This is a common look but looks very cool. A shirt with prints of pineapple or coconut trees all over paired with comfortable cotton shorts. It is a perfect outfit to spend a fun day on the beach.

Printed shirt with comfortable shorts

Look 4

Another of my favorites is sleeveless tee & shorts combo for a beach vacation. The best thing about sets is you are spared the task of mixing n matching on a holiday.

I buy mostly from Firstcry & Hopscotch. My favorite brand to buy such cool trendy sets is Awabox but their collection is available only on pre-order. Also, their sizes are smaller as per age so do check the size chart before buying or simply pick one size bigger.

Sleeveless tee & shorts set

Look 5 for a Beach Vacation

This is Nemit’s all time favorite look. Every time I ask him what he wants to wear, he points to the white shirt & printed shorts. I love this combo too, it’s looks super comfy and super stylish.

Shirt with cotton shorts

Look 6

Another outfit that you can choose for your boy is a checkered shirt paired with cotton pants. These look super cool for an early morning or late evening stroll on the beach.

Shirt with cotton pants

Look 7 for Toddler Boys

I tried this look on Nemit very recently on our Krabi vacation in January this year. I wanted something in full length but not the pants, something more quirky & stylish. So, here’s the next outfit idea and that is dungaree with a t-shirt.

A cool Dungaree

Look 8

This one here is again a favorite of mine. A cool sleeveless tee with capri pants, perfect for young toddlers.

Sleeveless tee with Capri pants

Look 9

Sorry guys I don’t have a clear pic for this look so not adding any picture. But you will get an idea. Simply put a white full sleeve shirt over a colorful sleeveless tee. It is a common yet most stylish look and works in two ways. You can put the shirt on when it gets really hot to minimize any tan or sunburn.

Look 10

I bought Bermuda shorts very recently for Nemit. You can pair the Bermuda shorts with a sleeveless tee or even with a shirt, both these will look super cool on toddlers.

Bright sleeveless tee with Bermuda shorts

Look 11

The last outfit idea is an important one which is usually neglected by the parents, the swimwear for boys. If your boy is going to spend the maximum time splashing in the water either on a beach or a pool, choose a nice bodysuit swimwear. It will help cover the body and protect your little one’s sensitive skin from harsh sun rays.

Bodysuit Swimwear

So, these are the 11 looks in which I like to style my boy when going on a beach. I hope you liked these ideas and found some for your boy too. In case, you have any other idea to add to the list, do write it down in the comments below and I will add it to my list, of course with due credits to you.

PIN IT!

That’s all for today, guys. See you tomorrow with another travel post. Don’t forget to share this post with your friends and family.

Today is Day 22 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘V’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen V for Vacation. 

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You may read all my posts under BlogchatterA2Z here!

The post 11 Cool Outfit Ideas for Toddler Boys on a Beach Vacation appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Hey guys, today I want to share one of our most beautiful travel memories. It was our first ever train journey from Delhi to Udaipur with Nemit. And, as you know that firsts are always special, this journey holds a very special place in my heart.

It was my blog’s first anniversary in July 2018 & I was looking for ideas to make it special. The best way to celebrate it virtually was to do something online. To say thanks to my fellow bloggers I arranged a Summer Blog Train in which 24 bloggers participated and made it a success. And, to show gratitude towards my fans, friends, & followers, I planned 2 back to back mega-giveaways & they too were a hit.

At City Palace

Now it was time to celebrate the special day with my family, for that we planned a 3-night weekend getaway to Udaipur. While checking our options for transportation, we saw that a road trip was not a possibility since it was a drive of more than 12 hrs. Next, we checked the flights. Most of the flights under our budget were flying in the afternoon and we couldn’t afford to waste our half day in traveling for a 3-day trip.

Delhi to Udaipur – When & How we Planned?

We usually don’t consider train travel because Sumit (my husband) doesn’t like it. Since we were out of options traveling by train was our only hope. Luckily, the train schedule matched perfectly with our requirements. And we immediately booked a coupe for us.

Another good thing, we saved some bucks on booking. The first class AC train ticket was cheaper than an economy  flight ticket. An added advantage, children below 5 years travel free on a train. And, we saved a lot of travel time since it was a night journey, we reached Udaipur at 7 am.

PIN IT!

Our Memorable Journey from Delhi to Udaipur

So, it was a 12 hr overnight train journey from Delhi to Udaipur. The train was scheduled to move from Old Delhi railway station at 7 pm. Nemit & I were super thrilled for the train journey whereas Sumit was a little uncomfortable & nervous. I was assuring him that he will enjoy every bit of the experience but he just kept ignoring me. Now, I tease him reminding how tensed he was for a mere train journey.

Our DDLJ moment

We reached the station on time but the rush on the platform made us slow. Even after spotting our train we had to run to find our compartment. We reached our coupe & a sense of sheer excitement crossed our minds seeing the private cabin just for us.

It was not just our first train experience with Nemit, we were traveling in a first class for the first time ever. I had decided then & there that train travel would be my preferred choice in the future as well.

That’s how a coupe looks from inside

We took our time to explore our coupe, clicked countless pictures from every angle. Nemit got his dose of physical activity by going up and down the berths. After a while, we got comfortable in our seats & I finally saw relief and happiness on Sumit’s face.

Nemit happily settled on the upper birth with his bag of toys. Sumit grabbed his comics which he purchased from the platform and I opened up my laptop to transfer images from my camera. It was the most comfortable long journey we have had in recent times. I never believed that train journeys could be so wonderful.

Nemit happily playing with his blocks

Why you should consider an overnight train journey with kids?

• A train journey is super comfortable.
• It is cheaper than flying.
• Children under 5 years travel free.
• Coupe with 2 births is quite big for a family of 3.
• There are private cabins available with 4 births as well.
• And, the berths are big & spacious.
• It is much easier to manage kids on a train rather on a plane or a car.
• You just have to keep them entertained for a few hours before they sleep.
• Also, there is no restriction on luggage to carry.
• Traveling by train is an amazing experience & an adventure in itself.

To give you an idea of space on a berth

Things to remember before taking a train journey

• Book tickets in advance at least a month prior to your travel.
• Get only confirmed tickets, strictly a no to waitlist.
• Better to book overnight train, day travel may become a bit boring for kids.
• Do pack a bag of toys/book for entertainment.
• Carry lots of snacks & water, kids may not like pantry food.
• If you don’t want to take pantry food, you can order your fav meal online which will be delivered to you at the specified station.
• Although they provide bedding it is better to pack a light blanket for kids.
• Carry your ID cards and copy of your train ticket.

So relaxed & enjoying the beautiful scenery

I hope you liked reading about our first train journey. And, I hope you also got an idea of how comfortable a train journey is when traveling with kids.

Thanks for reading. When was your first train journey with your child? How was the experience? Share with me in the comments below.

Today is Day 21 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘U’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen U for Udaipur. 

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The post Delhi to Udaipur – A Memorable Train Journey with our Toddler appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

One thing which I keep hearing from parents is that traveling with kids is hard. Of course, it’s difficult, kids are an added responsibility on vacation when what we actually want to do is rejuvenate and have a stress-free time.

Last year we traveled a lot with our toddler. To be precise, we visited 8 new destinations in 12 months. It included almost all types of travel, road trip, weekend getaway, adventure trip, train travel, long flights, beaches, hill stations, plains almost everything except international travel.

Some of the trips were 7-10 days long and were quite hectic. But thanks to our love for traveling and superb planning skills (not exaggerating), we made the best out of all those travels. So, today I will be sharing some of our tried and tested tips to make family travel with kids stress-free and a lot more fun.

You may want to read – Top 5 Travel Essentials when Traveling with a Toddler!

5 Tips to make traveling with kids a fun family affair

1- Clear out the misconceptions

The biggest misconception most parents have even before taking a vacation is-

• traveling with kids is the most difficult thing to do.
• Or, you should not travel with babies, it’s a lot more work.
• And, of course, toddlers can make your life hell on a vacation with their tantrums.

NOT TRUE AT ALL!!! 

• Traveling with kids can be a little difficult but it is so much fun. If you will look closely, kids teach us the actual meaning of having fun.
• I found traveling with a baby much easier. You may need to carry a few extra things but that’s all, your baby won’t even put his preferences.
• We have traveled the most with our toddler, 3 international trips and 14 trips within the country in the last 2 years.

Com’on guys, traveling is not that difficult with kids, it just needs a bit of preparation & planning. So, before planning a vacation, make sure you clear out all such misconceptions. Also, stop listening to people who discourage you from traveling with a child.

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2- Proper planning is the key

I always put a lot of emphasis on planning and it is actually an umbrella term & covers a lot many aspects of traveling. It includes planning trip itineraries, booking hotel stays, making checklists of what to pack, finalizing day trips, deciding activities for kids, etc. And, if it is your first trip with your child, then planning plays the most important role.

You may also read – What to pack for keeping your toddler engaged while traveling?

A well-planned trip can turn your first travel experience with your kids into the best experience of your life. Our first ever road trip to Amritsar with Nemit (then 2-month-old) was a blunder due to lack of proper planning. But we learned from our mistakes and our next trip to Goa with Nemit (when 7-month-old) turned out to be super fun & we even extended it by 4 more days.

If you are not sure about traveling with your child, try taking a day trip or a weekend trip. You will get to know the problems and you can plan better for longer trips.

3- Follow a schedule & keep it simple

Young children usually have a set day & night schedule. Nemit wakes up every day around 5-6 am, he has a set meal time, school time, afternoon nap time, park time, family time, reading time & of course bedtime. It is very rare that he does things out of his routine. Although the schedule has become a lot more flexible now that he’s 3+, it was quite stringent from 6 months to almost 36 months. And, that schedule helped us a lot in planning things accordingly while on a vacation.

The most common mistake which parents do is not following this schedule. Instead of planning things as per their child’s routine, they make the child adjust to their plan. This obviously will lead to tantrums in toddlers & crankiness in babies.

4- Keep ample time for free play

Kids have a huge reserve of energy which if not burnt out can turn them into deadly volcanoes. And, you would not want that volcano to erupt while you are on a vacation. So make sure that you provide them ample free play time to burn off all their energy.

You can take them to the pool or to the kids’ play area. Each parent can take turns to keep a watch while the other takes a break. Or, better you join your child’s play. Nothing can make them more happy to see their parents spend time them.

5- A family vacation is a family vacation! 

Another very important point is to enjoy a family vacation like a family vacation only. You can’t expect thrills of traveling with a group of friends out of your family vacation. It’s not that traveling with family can’t be thrilling, it’s the expectations which can ruin the things.

I have seen a few families in which taking care of the child is solely a mother’s responsibility. Now, I can understand how that would feel to the mother on a vacation. She’s still doing everything which she does at home whereas her husband is in full vacay mode, enjoying & relaxing.

And, I have also seen children too attached to their mothers that they don’t let the father do anything for them. Both these situations have something wrong in it.

There’s a dire need for equal parenting here. When both partners work together in raising a child only then they can truly enjoy family bonding. I know I’ve diverted from the topic but it is one of the major reasons for parents, not taking up family vacations. Think about it!

Well, that’s all for now. See you guys tomorrow with another post.

I would love to hear your views on this. Write them down in the comments below. And, if you feel someone needs to read this post or it can be helpful for somebody, do click on the share buttons below.

Today is Day 20 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘T’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen T for Traveling. 

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The post How to make Traveling with Kids a fun family affair? appeared first on Growing With Nemit.

Happy Monday guys. Today, I am feeling so elated which is an unusual Monday mood. But what to do, I am just so happy. And, the reason is successfully covering 3 major offbeat destinations in the last 3 weeks. And, today I will be sharing some perfect summer vacation ideas for families. But before that here’s a little overview of what all I shared in the last 20 days.

We started Week 1 with the Andaman Islands, took you to one of the most exotic beaches in the extreme North and to the most adventurous expedition to the Middle Andaman.

I chose to write about our Kashmir Trip in Week 2 and shared our stories from Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

Week 3 was full of unplanned and unexpected adventures in Meghalaya. From trekking down breathtaking waterfalls to an expedition to the deep dark cave and then finally unplanned camping by the riverside.

I had a wonderful time writing down our family’s experience and expeditions and hope you too enjoyed reading those. Let’s start with our post for today.

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Summers are here and soon schools will be closing up for holidays. I know that is actually the most difficult time of the year for parents when they are clueless about how to keep their kids happily engaged at home. And to overcome the boredom of their kids, many parents look for options of a family vacation.

But, the lack of ideas for a perfect vacation many times results in no vacation at all. Hey, not to worry, I am here to take away all your woes and share some amazing summer vacation ideas.

5 Perfect Summer Vacation Ideas for Families in India

1- Plan a weekend getaway to a nearby hill station

This is my favorite option for summer holidays. It gets too hot in summers and there can’t be a better option than holidaying in the hills. You can either plan a one night trip over the weekend or add 2 more days and make it an extended weekend holiday. The choice is yours.

Another reason why I like these short weekend trips is that we don’t have to worry about taking extra leaves from office. This, in turn, means you can literally plan 2-3 budget trips in a month. Here, the family is happy & your summers are sorted.

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Some option for hill station getaways from Delhi/NCR- 

1. Auli
2. Kasol
3. Shimla
4. Manali
5. Kasauli
6. Kausani
7. Nainital
8. Dalhousie
9. Mussoorie
10. Lansdowne
11. Mukteshwar
12. Dharamshala

2- Go for a relaxing beach holiday

Who doesn’t like going on a beach holiday? Ask me and am always ready for a relaxing rejuvenating beach vacation. Again you have the liberty to choose how many days you want to spend on the beach. Some like to plan for 2 nights over the weekend and some like it long stretching over the week.

When it comes to traveling with babies or toddlers, many prefer a beach vacation over a hill station simply because there are more options for children to have fun at the beach. Either it’s spending time in the pool or playing in the sand by the beachside, nothing can beat a beach vacation.

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Some options for relaxing beach holidays-

1. Puri beach, Odisha
2. Gokarna, Karnataka
3. Paradise beach, Pondicherry
4. Kovalam, Varkala, Marari in Kerala
5. Morjim, Arambol, Manderm in Goa
6. Radhanagar beach, Andaman Islands

3- Plan an adventure trip with family

If you are a family of adventure lovers just like us then probably you would look out for adventure summer vacation ideas. Now depending upon the days you want to travel, you can make it a short weekend trip or a long vacation. So, here are our top picks for adventure trips.

Some adventure summer vacation ideas-

1. Jungle Safari at Jim Corbett, Ranthambore National Park or Kaziranga National Park
2. Riverside camping at Dawki or at Rishikesh
3. Trekking in the mountains or jungle or to the waterfalls
4. Water sports like snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat ride, speed boat ride, etc.
5. Go for Gondola ride in Gulmarg, Kashmir
6. Explore caves at Baratang in Andaman, at Nainital or at Cherrapunjee.

4- Explore a new destination

Another best option is to plan a week-long holiday to a completely new destination. This is another great option to try with kids, they love exploring new places. You get to learn so much about the people and their lifestyle. It provides amazing learning opportunities for school kids as well.

You simply have to pick up a location, do some research, plan an itinerary, book the flights and hotels and voila! You are good to go.

Some of the places for a week-long summer vacation-

1. Goa
2. Kerala
3. Sikkim
4. Ladakh
5. Kashmir
6. Meghalaya
7. Andaman Islands

5- Be a tourist in your own city, plan a staycation

This type of vacation has become very popular in recent times. If there are any travel restrictions due to health, budget, time or any other reason just go for a staycation. It is also a great option if you have not explored your own city. It provides you an amazing opportunity to know your city better.

You just need to find a perfect hotel for your stay, pack your bags and shift to that hotel for a few days. Enjoy life like a tourist, explore new places in your city, try new foods and simply have fun.

So, these are some summer vacation ideas from my kitty which I am sure will work for your family as well. Then what are you waiting for guys, the holidays are not so far. Plan soon and have a great time with your loved ones.

That’s all for now, see you guys tomorrow with another travel post. Until then take care.

Today is Day 19 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘S’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen S for Summer. 

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Hey guys, the weekend is here! So, today’s post will be the last one from our Meghalaya Trip for this month. And, I’ll be sharing our first ever camping experience with our toddler – Riverside Camping with Kids at Dawki.

Dawki is the last village of Meghalaya situated at the India-Bangladesh border. It is famously known for boating in crystal clear water of Umngnot river. While planning our itinerary, we came to know about Dawki and without any second thoughts, we added it to our trip.

However, we were not sure whether to stay overnight at Dawki or move to Mawlynnong village. Hence, we didn’t book accommodation for that night & kept our plan flexible. And, I am happy we kept it like that since we got to experience our first camp life with our toddler.

Sometimes, unplanned trips turn out to be the best! And, Meghalaya was one such trip out of many.

It was our 6th day in Meghalaya and it took us 2 hr 30 min to reach Dawki from Cherrapunjee. The road was not so good and after a point, there were a lot of trucks continuously coming from the opposite side. Dawki was relatively warm since it lies near the plains. But, it got really hot around noon. At that time, we were actually not very happy with our decision to visit Dawki.

The first look of the Dawki river from inside the car

When we finally saw the big Dawki river and the India-Bangladesh border on our right, we felt good. But the road was jam-packed with all the vehicles parked on that small lane. The sight was not very impressive. We were approached by many boatmen who wanted to book us a boat ride. We said no to them since we had other plans!

While on the way, our driver had promised to take us to a much better and quieter place which was 9 km ahead of Dawki. I must say the driver was quite proactive and definitely very smart. In such a short time, he understood our preferences very well. If you remember he even told us about the offbeat Arwah cave in Cherrapunjee. And, this time, he recommended camping to us.

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Dawki to Shnongpdeng – Riverside Camping with Kids

We were quite panicked when we saw the rush at Dawki & were totally turned off by that sight. Not many people know about this another place which is truly a hidden gem. And, a treat for nature and adventure lovers. So, when you reach Dawki, just ask your driver to take you to Shnongpdeng. It took us another 15-20 mins to reach there.

We were very much impressed by the place. Its perfect location amidst the forest, the beautiful river, greenery, and peace all around. Now the task was to find a decent place to stay. Our driver had already suggested camping to us but we still wanted to check another place just in case. You always want to be well prepared when you have kids with you.

Luckily, we found a nice room overlooking Umngnot river obviously overpriced but we were happy to have some option. Next, we wanted to check the Shnongpdeng camping area. The same person who showed us the room, accompanied us to show his camps.

Now, to reach the camping area, we had to cross a narrow suspension footbridge built over the river. And, that was the only way to reach to the other side.

Suspension bridge over Umngnot river

It looked scary at first & once on the bridge I just froze, couldn’t even feel my legs, it was nerve-wracking. I looked up and saw the man was about to reach the other end. My husband & son were almost in the middle when the bridge started shaking badly. I looked at my husband and missed a beat to saw the terrified look on his face.

Crossing the bridge

It was a test of my love, No! not for my husband but for the adventure 😛

I had to do it & after much struggle, I reached in the middle and took Nemit’s hand. Now, we all 3 were walking together, Nemit in between us. Woah! that was one spine chilling experience. And, we had to do that not once or twice but every time we had to cross that river.

Camping with Kids – Shatsngi Homestay And Adventure

When we reached the camping area, we knew we had to stay at the camp only. Once again we made a trip to the other side, packed our backpacks with essentials for 1 night & left our suitcases in the cab.

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Yay, we were finally camping with our toddler. We chose a big family tent for us and talked to the manager for activities that we could do.

We booked camp from  – Shatsngi Homestay And Adventure

Shatsngi Homestay And Adventure Camps

He suggested going for a boat ride which was already in our to-do list. We decided to have lunch and then go for boating. The sun was setting and the temperature was going down. Everything was so perfect. There were only a few boats in that part of the river at Shnongpdeng, the whole setting was quite charming. And, we loved the boating experience.

Boating in Umngnot river

It became cold and dark around 6 pm. We changed into warm clothes and sat outside our tent. It was so serene and beautiful.

Happy Nemit outside our tent

We got to know that there were no charging points in that camping area and there was only 1 lightbulb. Soon our phone batteries died and we realized we were in a true nature camp setting. We just surrendered ourselves to nature that evening.

Dinner at camp

It was then time for dinner and bonfire. It always amazes me to see the most delectable food served in such rustic settings. The food was super yum.

It got quite cold at night and bonfire did a great job at keeping us warm. We were having a gala time, later our driver and camp manager with his wife also joined us. We talked & laughed, they shared their stories, we shared ours and with that, we called it a night.

Nemit enjoying a bonfire at camp

It was a perfect camping experience!

We woke up fresh and happy. Then went to the river bank for some fun family time. The water was cold but it couldn’t deter Nemit from enjoying.

Morning at camp

Morning at Umngnot river

Umngnot river

Ok, let me tell you, that day there was only 1 more couple staying at that camp. So, we were a little worried too for our safety. That night, we left everything to the almighty. And, we realized faith still works, there are still good people. We were quite vulnerable that night & anything could have happened considering we were a family. Our phones were not working and we were totally alone in that part.

As per our experience, we found all the places we visited in Meghalaya to be quite safe and traveler friendly. I would still suggest going well prepared, keep a torch and power bank with you.

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So, this was our wonderful camping experience at Shnongpdeng near Dawki. I highly recommend riverside camping with kids to all parents.

That’s all for today, see you guys on Monday with another travel post. And, if you liked reading this post, do comment below and don’t forget to share it.

Today is Day 18 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘R’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen R for Riverside. 

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Hello friends! Today I will share our experience of visiting one of the most charming waterfalls in Cherrapunjee.

If you remember in my post on natural wonders in Meghalaya, I had mentioned about 6 breathtaking waterfalls in Shillong, Mawsynram, and Cherrapunjee. Although we visited Meghalaya in November, the beauty of these falls was unmatched and truly magical. Sometimes, it is not only the destination but also the journey which leaves an everlasting impact on the soul. One such journey was to the Wah Kaba waterfalls in Cherrapunjee.

We at Mawkdok Dympep Viewpoint

It was the same day when we explored the offbeat Arwah cave. On our way to Cherrapunjee, Wah Kaba falls were our second destination after visiting Mawkdok Dympep viewpoint. We were not sure what to expect as it was not part of our itinerary. But at the ticket counter, we came to know that it will require a 30 min trek downhill to reach the actual falls. The idea of trekking on a beautiful day was enough to fill us up with excitement.

Entrance to Wah Kaba Falls

Hike down to Wah Kaba Falls – One of the Best Waterfalls in Cherrapunjee

It was a beautiful winter morning, the sun was shining bright but we could feel a nip in the air. After buying tickets to the falls, we packed a small bag with some essential items. We kept a water bottle, an extra pair of clothes & diaper for Nemit, a box of snacks, a small pack of wipes, and a few tissue papers. We had no idea how tiring the trek may get or how much time we might take, so we went prepared.

Here are 5 simple packing hacks for traveling with kids!

As soon as we entered the gate, we saw a flight of stairs without any boundaries or side railings going down the hill. That sight was spine chilling, we held Nemit’s hand tightly to avoid any mishap. After walking down a bit, the path got narrowed and we were now walking by the hillside and could see the whole valley on the other side.

Within a few minutes, the whole valley got covered with clouds blurring our vision. However, we kept moving, taking in all the beauty around. We couldn’t take many pictures while going down since the path was a little dangerous. We had to stay vigilant and alert all the time with Nemit.

The Viewpoint

After walking down for 15 mins, we reached the first viewpoint. It was built on the edge of the cliff and we could see till the bottom of the valley which was quite deep. It looked scary at first but then it seemed fine. A few steps ahead we saw a small waterfall which was almost dry.

The small waterfall on the way

We were a little disappointed to see that ordinary fall thinking it to be the main falls. We sat there for some time, clicked pictures & then prepared to move back.

Near the small waterfall

Just then we heard some voice coming from the opposite side. We turned and moved a little ahead & saw another path leading further down the hill. Curiously, we asked the boys who were clicking selfies there and came to know that we need to hike down further to reach the main falls. Excitedly, we thanked them and continued our hike.

Just after 15-20 mins, we reached the main falls. Although the Wah Kaba falls were almost dry, that location was breathtakingly gorgeous.

Wah Kaba Falls

We spent more than an hour at the falls. We sat down on the big rock and imagined the magical beauty of the fall when in full flow.

Nemit enjoyed playing in the water which was flowing through the crevices in the rock. We clicked pictures from every angle possible. There was only one more couple at the falls, it seemed like our own private waterfall. 

Having a fun time

The most striking part of the falls was the edge of the cliff where one can stand and have a look at the bottom of the falls. Not to worry, it is guarded by a railing but definitely not safe for kids. Keep your kids far from the cliff and never let them go out of sight even for a second.

After spending some magical time there, we prepared to move back. It took us almost double time to trek back to the top. We were overjoyed at creating such beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Trek back to the top

Few points to keep in mind while visiting Wah Kaba waterfalls in Cherrapunjee

• Walk slow and rest in between.
• Wear comfortable shoes, avoid wearing sandals or heels.
• Stay hydrated.
• Keep the child in the center and towards the hillside.
• Try to reach early to avoid the crowd.
• Do carry something to eat (snacks)
• Even if the temperature is warm, carry a jacket.
• Don’t litter and take the empty packets & water bottles with you.
• The path may become slippery during rains, avoid going with small kids.
• Trek back may seem tiring due to the steep climb. Keep ample time in hand.

Tired after the trek

So, that’s our beautiful memory of Wah Kaba waterfalls in Cherrapunjee. Hope you liked reading our experience.

Have you visited Wah Kaba falls? How was your experience? Tell me in the comments below.

Bye for now, see you tomorrow for our last post on Meghalaya!

Today is Day 16 of #BlogchatterA2Z and the letter of the day is ‘Q’. My theme for the challenge is ‘Traveling with kids’ & I have chosen Q for Quick Guide. 

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