Travel has always highlighted to me, the importance of remembering that expectations of a trip or location may not always be the same in reality.
This is something I have discovered a number of times. Especially when visiting major landmarks, where you might expect or hope for it to be quiet with minimal people, so you can get a nice photo. That never happens unless you are some “influencer” or celebrity and big shot travel photographer that gets access pre opening or something.
The same also goes when you travel with a toddler.
Prior to our recent trips to Portugal in October 2021 and recent trips to Lanzarote and later Venice, we had only been to Spain (Mallorca) when our daughter was 5 months old. In hindsight, this was SO much easier than travelling with a 2 year old (although of course at the time I thought it was hard work).
Toddlers are amazing, but can also be savage! I know some that will read this May think “why travel with, or even have children if you aren’t prepared for the reality?”
I was under no illusion when going on these trips that it would be far from the those I had in the past. Despite this, you still do hold onto some of those hopes that things will be a certain way. It also works both ways, when you expect something to be terrible and it turns out it is ok. Take the flight for example. Travelling to the Canary Islands was the longest flight we have taken with our daughter. All other flights have been 1-2 hours vs 4 hours.
It was ok in the end. We brought her tonie music player, some toy cars and soft toys, we had countless snacks as well as the iPad. It seemed to go in quite fast and wasn’t as bad as what we were expecting. Despite the fact that even when the flight was booked within a nap window, she didn’t nap, but was still ok.
I do know that not all flights will be the same however, and I am sure that when we decide to travel again, the next flight could be terrible. (Here’s hoping it’s not of course)
All of that said, here are some of the expectations vs reality from our trip to Portugal:
- Expectation: we will be able to enjoy some time lounging by the pool. Reality: we arrived at the pool, turned around for 2 seconds to set our bags down by a lounger chair and our little one had walked into the baby pool, as didn’t quite see the edge. Thankfully it was only waste height and she was wearing her float vest, and all that happened was a bit of shock. We had take it in turns to supervise in the pool whilst the other had a bit of time to rest, which of course is perfectly fine.
- Expectation : We will have some leisurely strolls around quaint towns and enjoy coffee and cake in beautiful coffee shops.
Photo: A frothy coffee in a white ceramic cup, next to glass plate with a slice of carrot cake on top. Reality: our daughter refused to be pushed around in the buggy, and wanted to stop every metre down the road, picking up stones and twigs and randomly sitting or lying down on the ground. Coffees were also not leisurely, and included our daughter running around all the chairs in the outside space, throwing food on the floor and shouting that she wanted an ice cream
- Expectation: We will have plenty of time at the airport for a nice lunch at the outdoor cafe in the sun. Reality: check in was diabolical and spent 2 hours checking in and getting through security, meaning lunch was grabbing a quick (overpriced) sandwich before running to the gate to board (this was more of a reality in relation to Covid restrictions than travelling with the toddler mind you).
- Expectation: we will go to that little town out of the way, where it isn’t so touristy, and have a lovely dinner out. Reality: said town was beautiful but as it as off season, restaurants didn’t open for food until 7pm and meant we had a grouchy and hungry toddler, leading to having McDonald’s for dinner (that May have been my lack of research/planning though)
- Expectation: we will go on a boat tour to see amazing caves and dolphins. Reality: our daughter had a meltdown at having to wear a life vest and then fell asleep 10 minutes into the journey.
- Expectation: We Will have some amazing beach days. Reality: Day 1: constantly having to tell our daughter not to eat sand or rub it in her eyes. Day 2: “don’t like sand anymore” – left the beach after 5 minutes.
I am sure there are more, but with all of this said, we enjoyed our time away and had some enjoyed some lovely family moments. It definitely hasn’t put me off travelling again with a toddler, I just need to learn to adjust my expectations and know that whatever will be will be.
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