Yes you can!

Every time I tell someone we have been away on vacation, I always get the same question and puzzled expression from my friend - but how??

One of our foremost priorities when we decided to start a family was to never stop doing the things we loved to do because of the kids. Just the opposite, we've always thought that our kids would add on to all that we loved to do: spending time with family, friends and traveling! Hopefully by experiencing all the differences that are out there, we will be raising decent and curious human beings. Like my dad likes to say, 'curiosity is what makes the world go around'!

But back to my survival tips.... grab your better half, a world map, some of my tips and start dreaming!! Here they are:

#1. A hands-on spouse. Seriously, you can't pack your bags and kids and take off anywhere, not even to your neighbours, if your spouse doesn't help you. I mean someone that changes diapers, gives them a bath, lunch, dinner and all that is necessary to get through the day.

#2. Take advantage of your early risers. Your kids are up around 7am? Get them dressed, fed and out the door. It truly is one of the best times to wonder around the city, attend local street markets to buy some fresh pastries and fruits, and take your pictures.

#3. Still related to #2, be respectful of your kids. Are they used of taking a nap? Maybe you can stretch it to be a little later than usual, but it has to happen. Do they generally sleep around 8pm? I'm sorry to tell you but you won't be doing much late dining with wine and candles during your trip.

#4. Be smart when spending your money. We barely do any shopping when on vacation.... but we spend a little extra when choosing accommodation. It has to be center located, it has to have enough space to accommodate everyone comfortably and whenever possible it has to provide us with kitchen appliances. In Europe is easy to rent actual apartments instead of staying at a hotel, and we always jump at that opportunity. The extra living quarters (kitchen specially) are always welcomed. I even try to cook home made meals whenever possible - there's just so much nuggets, fries and pasta your kids can eat on the road!

#5. Research, research, research. Make sure you go places that will spark some interest in your kids, regardless of age. Also plan accordingly so your little ones have time to crawl around, go up and down elevators, run around the park or playground. I use tripadvisor.com a lot, I love their forums and all the tips from real travelers.

#6. Rent a roomy car with car seats. Two less bulky things you don't have to drag around. First time I did it I brought an extra/clean cover for the car seat... but taking it apart and putting it back together, after a 10 hour flight and a cranky toddler, it's a task easily forgotten.

#7. Pack lightly. You've heard this before, but you really don't need to carry a whole lot to travel. For a 14 days trip I bring about 8 outfits for each person, and half way through the trip I send some essential pieces to be dry cleaned at the hotel. Yes, it is expensive... but who cares? Much better than tagging along 4 huge suitcases and a cranky husband for 2 weeks.

#8. Laundry/Dishwasher essentials. I always bring a bottle brush, a little plastic container with detergent, a small laundry brush and a coconut bar soap. All our underwear is washed while we take a shower with the soap and little brush... and the kids bottles we wash in the bathroom sink.
#9. Don't have a microwave to warm up your milk? Don't panic!! Close the drain in your bathroom sink, fill it up with hot water and soak your bottles there for about 10 min. Perfect temperature every time! Make sure you buy those travel size milk cartons that don't need to be refrigerated.

#10. Last but not least.... here goes my check list of things to bring so I don't leave any important item behind!!

CLOTHING:
1. PJs
2. Socks
3. Shoes
4. T-Shirts
5. Pants
6. Shorts
7. Jackets / Sweaters
8. Underware
9. Hat
BATH TIME / PERSONAL HYGENE:
1. Towel
2. Shampoo
3. Lotion
4. Q-tip
5. Corn starch
6. Baby Powder
7. Hair Brush
8. Tooth Brush
9. Tooth Paste
10. Diapers
11. Wipes
12. Foldable potty top
FIRST AID:
1. Nose drops
2. Tylenol
3. Thermometer
4. Nail clipper
5. Nose suction ball
6. Teething tablets
7. Nenedent
8. Allium cepa
9. FeverAll
10. Sun screen

FEEDING:
1. Sippy Cups Bernardo & Miguel
2. Cookies
3. Cereal
4. Milk for flight
5. Juice
6. Bows
7. Spoons
8. Bottle brush
9. Detergent
SLEEP TIME:
1. Portable crib
2. Inflatable mattress
3. Crib sheet
4. Pacifiers
5. Security Blanket
6. Blanket
7. Pillow
MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Small toys
2. DVDs
3. DVD Player
4. Flight entertainment (coloring book, crayons)
5. Coconut soap
6. Laundry brush
7. Bottle warmer for car
MOM:
1. Camera
2. Camera charger/cables
3. Video Camera
4. External HD
5. iPhone
6. Phone charger
7. iPod
8. Laptop
Please don't forget I'm always striving to improve... more tips are always welcome! Happy travels!!