Travelling with children can seem daunting to many parents, but Santa Dagile, a Latvian mum residing in Singapore, proves that it is possible to explore the world with young ones in tow. In fact, she travelled to Europe for six weeks with her toddler, visiting Latvia, Spain and Denmark. Despite being heavily pregnant during the trip and travelling with a toddler and a newborn baby to Thailand, Santa remains unfazed by the challenges that come with travelling with kids. Let's dive into Santa's experience, get her tips for travelling with children and learn about the benefits that both she and her kids have gained from their travels. So, if you're a parent who's considering travelling with your children, read on and be inspired by Santa's story!
Going back to her hometown
When asked about how she chose where to travel with her children, Santa explained that she prioritises the destinations she wants to explore, rather than solely focusing on kids-friendly locations. She explained, "At this age, it doesn’t really matter where we go as they don’t have a concept of the country yet."
During her trip, Santa and her toddler visited Latvia, Spain, and Denmark, with each destination offering unique cultural experiences. Considering the long flights, Santa's top tip for travelling with children is to remain flexible and open-minded, not to plan too much and to be prepared for changes in the itinerary. "Just embrace it!" she shared.
Challenges of travelling with a toddler
Santa acknowledges some challenges when travelling with young children, such as jet lag and adjusting to unfamiliar environments. However, she approaches these challenges with a relaxed and easy-going mindset. "I believe that exposing my children to germs is essential in building their immunity. And medications can easily be found anywhere in the world, so I don't travel with those," said Santa.
While on the road, Santa worked remotely, which added an extra layer of difficulty. But she overcame this challenge by hiring ad hoc babysitters to take care of her toddler during important meetings. Despite the intensity of the trip, Santa and her children gained valuable experiences and insights and learned new things about themselves.
Tips to solo travel with your children
Santa's advice for parents considering travelling with their children is to embrace the experience and not overthink it! "Step out of your comfort zones and create unforgettable memories with your children," she said.
As for future travel plans, Santa is moving to Thailand and is excited to explore her new home with her children. Her positive and adventurous attitude inspires other parents who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of travelling with young children!