Packing for two hour visit with Gramma, who lives across town, includes a large bag of toys, my diaper bag full of the necessities like snacks (or if you want to say it like the wee one, "NACK!!!!" screamed at the top of your lungs), diapers, wipes and the latest favorite book. If it's a full day of catching up, add in the portable high chair seat (love it), some food for lunch, perhaps the meds if he's got a cold ... we're talking a two trip unload when we arrive over the river and through the woods.
So, imagine how much "stuff" (to put it politely) we have to bring with us for a week-long vacation for the three of us. It's border-line obscene.
And that's for the three of us. We have recently started sharing our news ... so I suppose that I can spill here too -- we're expecting our second baby in the early summer (yahoo!) so now, our threesome will be a foursome. Very convenient when the kids are old enough to play golf.
For now, however, it means a lot more "stuff". I just booked a rental property for two weeks at the shore this summer. I'm super excited and the kids (ack!) are going to have such a great time. We'll be going with friends and their little ones for the first week and the second week of our vacation will be spent with my Mom, step-father and my Aunt.
If you haven't booked a rental property before, let me give you the scoop.
- Full kitchen. For me, that means instant savings by eating at least two meals a day in the house/condo/whatever. I'm also a huge fan of having my own fridge, regardless of how much I'm cooking -- especially with the wee one!
- Washer/Dryer. With or without kids, this is a lifesaver.
- Common space vs. private space. When you're traveling with your kids, extended family or friends, you know how important it is to have your own space. I love having common areas where we can all gather and hang out but then when it's time for a break or for bed, we can go off to our own respective bedrooms.
- Outdoor areas. Depending on what you are looking for, many rentals have patios, decks or even backyards. The rental that we have for this summer's trip has a roof-top deck as well as a backyard patio, which is really ideal for the kids (and our cigar-smoking husbands!).
EVRentals.com is a great site to go and look for rentals in the US and abroad. With locations in 100 countries, their three-day cancellation policy and concierge services, you honestly cannot go wrong. Check out their deals pages for week-long trips at $499 a week (yes, for the full week!). I know -- you're welcome.
I'm already starting to think about our traveling needs with two at two-and-under and I'm a little nervous! I need some recommendations, Mommies! I'm talking double strollers, joggers, how to do the beach with a baby who is only around 2 months old ... give me your stories, your suggestions and your fab tips.
