Everything that I Need

I need a break. I'm getting one soon. This Thursday to be precise. It's gonna be exciting as Fawwaz is not big enough to feel the excitement boarding on a plane. Unlike Aariz, he is spoilt brat. He's been travelling a lot with us ... and still wanting for more. Hehe just like his mom.

Travelling with the kids is theraupatic for me. I like going out with them. People sometimes are suprise how we manage to travel with them...long distance, short distance, or me alone managing those 2 kids. I don't know maybe is just that we prepared with enough food and drinks, some book and small toy to occupied them during the journey. And the most important thing, we are not fussy.

Let's see, when Aariz is 8 months both of us posted to Miri. We flyback at least one month once, or three weeks once. During the weekends that we are not flying back, we had some short trips. One of it is driving straight to Brunei and took a ferry to KK. We did that when Aariz is around 10 months olds. I remember that i fed him Gerber at the Ferry Terminal while waiting for our turn. We travel light, we don't travel in style but practicle and simple. The results, we had quite a wonderful years in Miri.

This is Aariz when he is just 1 year plus and we drag him around when we were in Miri.

Next when we were in NZ, the kiwi land. Fawwaz is just 8 months when we shift there. Same thing apply. We just bring what ever necessary. During our assignment there, we try to slot in travelling withink weekends or bridging holidays. We finish North Island within the first 6 months we are there. Then up we went to South Island and took straight 2 1/2 weeks trips to finish up the area. Aariz is 4 that time and Fawwaz is almost 2. It was fun and fun and fun!. I will blog in details later on about our trip in NZ so that who ever plan to go there can use our tips and tricks. Esp those who travel with their little one.

Papa is all gear up for the trip...
I dont remember what this called but it's very usefull. Fawwaz tuck in inside and we are free to walk around...
When they need little something to get them busy
Fawwaz is munching something and holding his small toy When they need some rest we let them stop ....

Mama is thinking where to put the stroller if we want to take the tram...

Tadaaaaaaaa

Happy faces when the kids are not cranky!!

Around Dec last year we went to tag along hubby to Dubai. I bring Aariz only as the flight ticket is killing me. Since hubby is working I spend one whole day tour Dubai with just Aariz. Two of us took a taxi to Dubai Mall. From there we took the Big Bus and tour around the city. We stop at few places...take a long walk and he is so cooperative that i feel lucky having him around.

Of course each travel we plan on logistic, food and ensure that we have enough tools.

Some tips that you can prob use if you are travelling with young kids.

1) Way before your travel date, you have plant into his mind what's going to happend. Tell him some story of the place that you are going and give some expectation like the weather, travel method, food etc.

2) Involve them during the packing. It's important that we bring the clothing that they are comfortable with to avoid screaming and fighting just to get them to wear the cloth that we bring. It will be frustrating especially when you are running out of cloth.

3) Pack some light snacks/drinks that is easy to grab during the travel time. In the bag pack if you going on flight, in the car, in wherever accessible. Kid's will be more cooperative when they are not hungry or thirsty.

4) Night before travel, ensure that they get enough sleep. During journey, if you are on a long trip, try to get them to sleep whenever they are in a vehichle. I find that is important for the young kids to get their usual nap even tho for a short while.

5) Stroller is important! if your baby is small you can opt for baby carrier.

6) Travelling in the car. Please use car seat! You have no idea how that will save a lot of hassle during the journey. That is how i survive my 2 1/2 weeks road travel in South Island.

7) Small toys/books to entertain them during the journey. I am old fashion parents that didnt allow for PSP, gameboy, small LCD or electronics to entertain my kids. But Aariz just turn 5 and he already learn to play PSP from his aunty. I might give a try for this trip to see if he's ok with it. The thing with electronic stuff is i don't want them to hung up on that and forget about the whole travelling point. Scenery, togetherness...being alive in the real world.

8) CDs/Cassette to entertain them in the car. Else you would be singing to them all the way long...That's what we do most of the time :D

They are more long list and put down here...but maybe i'll sumarize more next time. Will post you pretty picture from there later.