8 reasons to travel with a 2 year old

When we told our family and friends about our plans to move to Laos, there were mixed reactions.

I would say people fell into three main categories:
A. Absolute encouragement
B. Concern about what could or would happen
C. Bring thrilled but also wishing they were doing something similar

I want to focus on group C.

It seems there are a lot of people who would like to pack up their house and their kids and travel to exotic locations and experience the world. But most people are just not quite sure how to do it. In the final weeks before we left the number one thing people would ask was "are you going to write a blog?" This was usually followed by a statement that they were really interested to hear about the adventures and the challenges to work out if they could do a similar thing.

I plan to post more on the subject over the next few weeks but before i do i wanted to start with 8 reasons why i thought now was the perfect time to travel. And why travel with a 2 year old is brilliant.

1. They are portable. They can sleep in your arms, a stroller, a child carrier, a plane, a van, in your bed, in their own bed.

2. They are toilet trained (well some are). Having a child in nappies definitely adds an extra dimension to travel and luggage.

3. They still think their parents are the coolest people in the world. Bea would like nothing more than to hang out with Joff and I all day and play. And she is getting to do that a lot more here than she was back at home. She also didn't have to say goodbye to her best friends.  WE are her best friends.

4. Toddlers pick up every little detail. For anyone who has a toddler you will understand this. A walk up the driveway can take 10 minutes because they stop to notice a rough piece of ground, a leaf, an insect, and unusual sign on the side of the road. Try moving to another country. They are taking in so much of the small stuff that it is brilliant to be there and appreciate it as well

5. They like simple foods. Most places in the world you can get all of the toddler essentials. We came with a stock of familiar foods to help us get through the first few days but Bea has taken to noodles and sticky rice like a pro!

6. They can pick up new languages quickly. Within 24 hours of us arriving Bea had grasped hello and thank you. Within the first few weeks she was counting to 10 in Laotian. They are sponges!

7. They may not remember the experience but it will shape who they become. Exposure to different sights, cultures, languages and experience will only encourage their development into well adjusted, intelligent, global citizens.

8. They are the ultimate ice breaker. Trying to meet locals? Take a toddler. They are intriguing to everyone, they want to play with the local kids as they see no barriers to culture or language, and they give you a great talking point.

There you have it! My 8 reasons why now is a great time to move overseas. I would be interested to hear what other people think on the topic.

Melinda xx

First Tuk Tuk ride!