How to take a family vacation with a baby

Our anniversary trip has been and will always be a special trip for us each January.  So it was not long after I realized I was pregnant that I started thinking about what this year might hold for us, travel-wise. Where could we go that would still feel like a special celebration of our marriage...and be a good first passport stamp for our little one?!

I would not call myself an expert in family travel yet, but I did have the most amazing time on our recent trip to Fiji and I wanted to break down how you, too, can take an amazing family vacation with a baby...or without one.  

Step 1: Have a Baby (optional)

It’s no secret that travel is part of my life, and that isn’t going anywhere. I’d be lying if I said that I never thought about the impact being a new mom was going to make on my travels. 

I knew I wanted to travel with my baby from an early age, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t have any fears.  Would I be that person that everyone loathes on flights? Can I still roll my eyes at kids who splash me in the pool if that soon is going to be my kid?? Would I even be able to take the type of trips I was excited about?

Well, six months ago Mr. CJ arrived and I knew that before long the answers to my questions would become clear.

Step 2: Go on Vacation

I’ve done all types of travel over the last 20 years that has taken me to 42 countries and six continents.  I’ve traveled for work and for fun. I’ve gone on solo trips, celebratory trips, just because trips, and everything in between. 

Celebratory trips are my favorite. I just love commemorating something special with an opportunity to travel. 

Here is my recommendation to you: find more reasons to celebrate special moments in your life with travel.  Sure, maybe they can’t all be big bucket-list worthy adventures, but memories trump gifts any day of the week.

For us, one thing we agreed on was celebrating our anniversary every year  by going on a special vacation that we consider our next honeymoon. This is year #2 and it was following our trip to South Africa last year that was a homerun.

The ideas we bounced around were all over the place.  Short fiesta in Mexico? Easy-going aloha in Hawaii? Pura Vida back in Costa Rica? 

All of those sounded fine, but none of them felt like they should be our anniversary/honeymoon trip.  That’s when I decided to try on Fiji for size. It was a destination already on my husbands bucket list, and one glance at a few photos and I was already picturing myself relaxed. 

So… Fiji it was. I was excited and nervous at the same time. But we were going for it! A couple of things that helped me make this trip choice was the knowledge that Fiji can be a very family-friendly destination, and the nonstop flight from LAX that was also a red-eye. (This is huuuuuuge!! I had a baby that slept 10 out of 11 hours both ways)

Step 3: Make it amazing

This is where I get to brag about the resort we had the opportunity to visit in Fiji. It is incredible in every sense of the word. 

Fiji as a destination is already postcard perfect. We’re talking swaying palm trees, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful coral, and fish filled lagoons.

Add to that the most friendly people on earth, and you really can’t ask for anything more.

But if you add a stay at Jean Michel Cousteau Resort, you get much, much more.  The staff here is incredible. The food, delicious. 

Everywhere you turn is reason to snap a photo and try and hold on to the beauty that is all around you.  And before you think that the beautiful surroundings might get a bit monotonous day after day, there are plenty of excursions and activities to keep you busy if you wish. 

But since this blog topic is family vacations and babies, they knock. it. out. of. the. park. when it comes to creating an incredible experience for all involved.

Jean Michel Cousteau resort has a “Bula Club” that provides exclusive nanny service for your little ones under 6, and a Fijian buddy for the older kids.  I’m not going to lie, that is what sold me. And just so you know, Fijian people are baby whisperers. 

Included in the rate of my room is someone who will watch and care for my kid as needed?!  Where do I sign up?!!

But here is the real gift they gave me:

A bit of rest, both physically and mentally.

My husband and I had the opportunity to enjoy dinner together over candlelight and talk to each other while sitting down and eating hot food -- both at the same time!! This hasn’t happened in the last six months. 

I also went snorkeling and jumped in a waterfall. We visited a local village and learned about their customs and traditions. I read 4 books.  Ask any mom with babies if they’ve read more than 4 pages lately. 

I realize that my son isn’t quite old enough to have his own amazing memories of our time in Fii, but I can say that he had a smile on his face constantly. He was so loved and doted on not only by his nanny, but by each and every person we encountered.  

I hope you can tell how much I enjoyed my time in Fiji.  Feel free to contact me to discuss your own amazing family vacation here -- I can include some great additional special benefits and amenities for your stay!