Since my big 6-months solo world trip a few years ago, during which I felt so incredibly happy and alive and met so many interesting people, some of them travelling long term with their small children, I always dreamed of one day being able to do something similar with my own mini-me. Thankfully I got blessed with a healthy, happy and pretty easy going daughter, who seems to be quite curious and open minded. As long as there are reasonably recognizable things to eat available, a good enough WI-FI connection to watch YouTube in case of lesser easy going moods and chocolates to bargain with, all is fine!
I decided to take her to Bali as a first far away destination trip for the 2 of us together. 2 weeks to start with, as long term travelling together is not (yet) an option right now. If it would have been still just me, I would have opted for someplace less touristic, yet as a first trip with a young child, somewhere touristic sounded like a smart choice. After all, taking 2 connecting planes, spending 16 hours in the air with a 3 year old, me being solo in charge and responsible for everything while being a full time babysitter, felt like a big enough challenge. So why complicate things even more?
Bali felt to me like the place to be! And it was indeed great, even the plane ride went totally smooth. We had an amazing time: feeding elephants, watching monkeys, climbing waterfalls, cycling down volcanoes, spotting dolphins in the see, playing in the sand, swimming in the pool,.... And when I ran out of inspiration and it was getting just too hot outside, I took a free first month trial and we Netflix-ed our first Disney movie together, on the iPad, together on the big bed, in our air-conditioned room, eating candy for dinner :-) Memorable!
Of course I also brought my Wanderbelt with me. Keeping both our valuables safe under my clothes gave me one less thing to worry about losing. I made myself a new limited edition for the occasion, featuring a new ‘Life is a Journey’ theme. My personal journey, like yours probably too, featured a few bumps in the road over the last few years, but I keep going, enjoying and wondering what will come next. Travelling now through the eyes of a 3 year old allows me to experience the world in a whole new way!
Check out how well hidden the Wanderbelt and Mini Wallet are under some of my my Bali outfits! Even under the red funny dress with openings on top, the Mini Wallet could be tucked away well-hidden while remaining within reach.
And while cherishing the memories of Bali and starting to dream about a next big or smaller trip, the Wanderwave journey continues too. See you soon at one of the upcoming Travel Fairs! Busy season coming up :-)
Travel hugs,
Margot