There was a time when travelling was simple. Book a flight, pack a bag, check the hotel reservation, and off I go.
Walang masyadong iniisip. As long as I had my passport, wallet, phone, and camera, I was ready.
Fast forward to today, travelling as a dad of two young girls is a completely different experience.
Before, I worried about missing my flight. Now, I worry about forgetting the wipes, snacks, extra clothes, or my youngest daughter’s favourite things.
And somehow, even for a short holiday, our luggage looks like we’re moving to another country. 😂
Welcome to another Random Thoughts ni Tatay. This time, let’s talk about how travelling changes when you become a parent.
Travelling Solo: Freedom to Explore
Before becoming a dad, I enjoyed travelling on my own.
One of the best things about solo travel was having complete control over my time.
If I wanted to wake up early to explore the city, I would. If I wanted to stay longer at a tourist attraction, walang problema.
I didn’t have to worry about anyone else’s schedule.
I remember travelling around Europe and visiting places such as Brussels. Back then, I explored at my own pace, took photos, and enjoyed the experience without thinking about nap times or finding the nearest toilet.
My itinerary depended on what I wanted to see.
Sometimes, I didn’t even need a proper itinerary. I would walk around, find somewhere interesting, and spend as much time as I wanted.
And when I got tired? I simply went back to the hotel.
Simple.
Travelling With Kids: Welcome to Another Level of Planning
Now, travelling with Nanay, Ate, and Bunso requires a different approach.
As someone who works in project management, I thought I was already good at planning.
Then I became a dad.
Apparently, travelling with two young children is another level of project management. 😂
Before leaving the hotel, there’s always a checklist.
- Snacks and water for the kids.
- Extra clothes, nappies, and wipes.
- Pram and other essentials.
- Weather-appropriate clothing.
- Nap times and meal schedules.
- Nearby toilets and places to rest.
And even after preparing everything, there’s always something we forget.
The biggest difference is our schedule.
Before, I would plan to visit five or six attractions in one day.
Now, visiting two or three places feels like a successful day, especially when everyone is still in a good mood.
Because travelling with toddlers means accepting the unexpected.
One minute, everyone is excited. The next minute, someone is hungry, sleepy, or suddenly refuses to walk.
And guess who ends up carrying them?
Of course, si Tatay. 😂
The Cost of Travelling Changes Too
Let’s talk about money.
Solo travel was easier on the budget because I only needed to pay for myself.
One flight ticket. One meal. One attraction ticket.
Now, we’re a family of four.
Flights, accommodation, food, transportation, attraction tickets, and other expenses add up.
We also have to think about accommodation with enough space for the children.
Sometimes, the cheapest option isn’t the most practical, especially when travelling with luggage, a pram, and two tired kids.
During our family trip to Paris, Brussels, and Disneyland, I realised how much our travel decisions now depend on convenience.
Taking public transport might save money, but there are times when booking a car makes more sense for our family.
And when you’re travelling with young children, convenience sometimes wins over savings.
Returning to Places With a Different Perspective
One experience I particularly enjoyed was returning to Brussels after around ten years.
The first time I visited, I was travelling without children.
I explored the city, took photographs, and enjoyed the freedom of being responsible only for myself.
Years later, I returned with my wife and our two daughters.
Same city. Same famous attractions. But a completely different experience.
This time, I wasn’t focused on how many places I would visit.
I was watching how my daughters reacted to their surroundings.
I was thinking about whether they were enjoying themselves, whether they needed a break, and what we should do next.
And somehow, visiting a familiar place felt different.
It reminded me how much my life had changed over the years.
Disneyland Through the Eyes of My Children
Our family trip to Disneyland Paris was another reminder of how travelling changes when you become a parent.
When I was younger, visiting theme parks meant trying as many rides and attractions as possible.
Now, it’s different.
I enjoyed watching my daughters experience the shows, characters, and attractions.
Of course, travelling with young children also meant adjusting our expectations.
There were moments when we needed to stop, rest, eat, or change our plans.
We didn’t get to experience everything.
And that’s okay.
I realised we didn’t need to complete every attraction to enjoy the holiday.
Sometimes, watching the children get excited about something simple was already enough.
Although, after spending so much money on a holiday, don’t be surprised when your child’s favourite part turns out to be the hotel swimming pool or an ice cream. 😂
Travelling Solo Was Easier. Travelling as a Dad Feels Different.
I still appreciate my experiences travelling alone.
Those trips gave me independence, confidence, and opportunities to explore places at my own pace.
I learned how to navigate unfamiliar cities, make decisions, and enjoy my own company.
Those memories will always be special to me.
But travelling as a dad has given me a different perspective.
Now, I get to share those experiences with my family.
I get to introduce my daughters to new places, different cultures, and experiences outside our everyday routine in the UK.
Of course, I don’t expect them to remember every destination, especially while they’re still young.
But I hope these family trips become part of their childhood memories.
And even if they don’t remember every detail, Nanay and I will.
We will remember their excitement, the funny moments, the unexpected challenges, and even the stressful parts of travelling together.
Is Travelling With Kids Worth It?
For me, yes.
Is it more expensive? Definitely.
Is it more tiring? Absolutely.
Do I sometimes miss the freedom of travelling solo? Of course.
There are moments when I miss walking around a city without worrying about anyone else’s schedule.
But I also know this stage of our lives won’t last forever.
One day, my daughters will grow older.
They won’t always need me to carry them when they’re tired.
They won’t always want to hold my hand while exploring somewhere new.
And eventually, they’ll have their own travel plans.
So while they’re still young, I want to enjoy these experiences with them.
Even with the extra luggage, unpredictable schedules, and occasional tantrums.
Because these are the family moments I want to remember.
Final Thoughts ni Tatay
Travelling solo and travelling as a dad are two different experiences.
I don’t think one is necessarily better than the other.
They belong to different stages of my life.
Solo travel gave me freedom and independence.
Travelling with my family gives me the opportunity to experience new places with the people I love.
Before, I travelled mainly for myself.
Now, I travel to create experiences with Nanay, Ate, and Bunso.
Same world. Different perspective.
And yes, sometimes I still feel like I need another holiday after our family holiday. 😂
But would I change anything?
No.
Because for me, these family memories are worth the extra planning, expenses, and tired legs.
How about you? Did travelling change after you became a parent? Do you miss travelling solo, or do you prefer travelling with your family?
Share your experience in the comments.
You can also watch Random Thoughts ni Tatay, Episode 2 on my YouTube channel, Dadbuhay.
Until then, love you, bye! It’s DadBuhay!
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