I used to think travelling was easy. With kids? That’s a whole different ballgame.
You can plan the itinerary, pack the cutest outfits, and even promise yourself you’ll travel light. But when you’re a mom, your definition of “essentials” shifts.
Nothing ruins a trip faster than a sick child and not having what they need.
Kids don’t follow travel schedules. They don’t care if you’re about to board a flight or step out to explore a new city… if a runny nose starts, it starts.
On our recent family trip to Japan, I was reminded (again) that my peace of mind really comes down to just three things:
1. Nasal aspirator
My absolute holy grail. Runny or stuffy noses always happen, especially with the change of weather. This little tool clears things up quickly so my boys can rest better (and so can I).
2. Vapor rub
A tiny dab on their chest or back helps them breathe easier and calms down a cranky little one. It’s one of those small rituals that somehow make long nights in a hotel room feel a little more manageable.
3. Children’s medicine syrup
Better to have it on hand than to frantically hunt for a pharmacy in a place where I can’t even read the labels. Having their usual syrup packed will definitely give mom peace of mind.
Now, full honesty. This time, I actually didn’t pack these 🙈. We ended up making a quick stop at a Japanese pharmacy drugstore to stock up.
A good reminder that even with the best intentions, we don’t always get it right, and that’s okay.
For me, being a ready mom is about having just enough to keep the kids comfortable so we can enjoy the journey.
These three things may seem small, but they’ve made a big difference in turning potential travel stress into smoother adventures.
a.geraldine 