Traveling with a baby on a overseas dive holiday…yes it is possible!!!
We recently came back from several dive holidays with our almost 1 year old and although we all had a awesome time, there were some things to consider before booking a spontaneous dive trip. Traveling with a baby overseas so you can still go on your dive holiday is still possible once you have a family and it can be both exciting and challenging. The joy of introducing your little one to new places and experiences is unparalleled, but it also requires careful planning and consideration. To ensure a smooth and stress-free adventure, here are some essential tips for parents traveling with young kids so you can all have an enjoyable dive holiday together:
1. Plan Ahead
One of the keys to successful travel with a baby is thorough planning. Start by researching your destination and accommodations to ensure they are baby-friendly. Look for hotels or rental properties that offer amenities like cots, baby bathtubs, kitchen and laundry facilities. Even better, is to find a family friendly resort which offers babysitting services. This way you can take a morning dive while having your little one looked after while you dive. Some resorts will let you take your baby out on the dive boat while you take it in turns with your partner to dive.
2. Pack Smart
Packing efficiently can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Create a checklist and prioritize essential items such as diapers, wipes, formula (if applicable), baby clothes, and favourite toys. Remember to pack a well-stocked carry on diaper bag with all the necessary items for easy access during the flight.
3. Choose Baby-Friendly Destinations
Opt for destinations that cater to families and provide a comfortable environment for babies. Look for places with suitable weather conditions, easy accessibility, and family-friendly attractions. Avoid destinations with long, tiring flights or extreme weather that might be uncomfortable for your little one. Also keep in mind access to medical care if something to go wrong.
4. Maintain Routine
Babies thrive on routines, and while traveling may disrupt their usual schedule, try to maintain some consistency. Stick to regular feeding and sleeping times as much as possible to keep your baby comfortable and happy during the trip. Take advantage of there nap times and enjoy an afternoon nap at the same time.
5. Be Flexible
Traveling with a baby requires a flexible mindset. Plans might change unexpectedly due to your baby’s needs, and that’s perfectly okay. Embrace the spontaneity and enjoy the journey, even if it means taking a slower pace and adjusting your itinerary.
6. Pack Extra Supplies
Be prepared for the unexpected by packing extra supplies such as diapers, wipes, and baby food. You never know when you might encounter delays or unforeseen situations, and having extras on hand will give you peace of mind.
7. Safety First
Ensure your baby’s safety at all times. Bring along a lightweight, portable stroller that’s easy to manoeuvre during sightseeing. If you’re renting a car, double-check that the rental company provides appropriate car seats for your baby’s age and size. Find out if the dive boat will allow a child and if so, make sure there is sufficient shade, air flow and space. Even better if the dive boat isn’t full so you have more room to play.
8. Keep Baby Entertained
Traveling can be overwhelming for babies, so be sure to keep them entertained during the journey. Bring along toys, books, and snacks to keep them occupied on flights or long road trips. You’ll probably find they will just play with the seat belt buckle or
9. Take Care of Yourself
Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to taking care of your baby. Traveling with a little one can be demanding, so don’t forget to get enough rest, stay hydrated, and take breaks when needed. Tag team with your partner when/if you need. If available, hire a nanny for a few hours so you can get a massage, go for a dive or be able to sit by the pool.
10. Capture the Moments
Last but not least, don’t forget to capture the precious moments of your travels with your baby. These memories will be cherished for a lifetime, and you’ll love looking back on the special times you shared together.
In conclusion, traveling with a baby can be an amazing adventure with proper planning and preparation. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and savour the joy of introducing your little one to the wonders of the world. Happy travels!
Places we have been with our 11 month old which was catered to scuba diving and children:
Les2Cannons, Mauritius. Scuba diving with SeaUrchin Diving Center. This accommodation supplied us with a cot, baby bath and kitchen. The resort restaurant also had a high chair. They also hooked us up with a babysitter for the morning so we could go diving. The dive centre were also offering to look after our child while we went diving
Pulisan Resort, Northern Sulawesi Indonesia. A great resort with everything in the 1 spot. They supplied airport transfer with a baby car seat, a cot, pram (which we didn’t use) and the dive shop is on site. They allowed us to bring our baby on the dive boat which we did for 1 day and the other days we got a babysitter who stayed at the accommodation and looked after her. They also supplied a high chair and meals for her and were happy to have earlier meal times working around her schedule. They were extremely accommodating with traveling with a baby