Our wonderful vacation in Puerto Rico has concluded, and the entire family had a fantastic time. Seriously, it was much more laid back and comfortable than I realized. I'm a pretty anxious person, and I have to admit, I stressed out A LOT about taking our baby out of the country. This trip solidified a bigger thirst for travel. I am absolutely building travel into my year! I have to admit that I made a lot of mistakes while we were there. Here's what I wish I did.
Wins
I purchased a backpack for me to use as an airplane carry on, a diaper bag and a purse. This was an absolute lifesaver. I can't imagine carrying a tote bag and a purse or diaper bag while walking those narrow sidewalks, or climbing the fort, or being on the plane.
I spent weeks debating on bringing the car seat. I ended up leaving it at home, and it worked out fine. Anytime we got in a car, I wore him in his baby carrier and strapped us both in with the seatbelt. We took four trips,
Three types of formula-- individual packs, ready made bottles and a small canister. We bought a 24 pack of bottled waters, and I make his bottles on demand.
We carried a box of teething crackers with us while we ate. I only brought three duo sets, but ended up buying (and using) an entire set later. While we were there, he learned to eat puffs!
Mistakes
It would have been better if I had a lighter stroller for travel. I've been using the large Graco, our everyday stroller from home. It's large and clunky. I'm not sure that I need to invest in one now, since we won't be taking anymore trips this year, and he'll probably grow out of it by next year. Also, For the flight, I should have checked the stroller at the plane, not with our luggage. We always had to wait longer for it, and there was a definite risk that it would be dirty when we arrived. Plus, I could have let Cam hang out in it while we were waiting to board.
I read posts about bringing the pack and play, and I really wish I did. The hotel crib was pretty crappy-it's metal and looks like something from a kiddie psych ward. I would have loved if Cam slept in his Pack and Play. Also, it would have been great for us to have it by the pool. I basically have to hold him on the lawn chair, and it gets annoying.
Bath time was definitely interesting. I basically just held him in the shower and washed him in my arms. Slippery, a little scary and basically ineffective for the both of us. I'm a slight germophobe, so I should have brought a travel tub.
We packed three onsies/outfits per day. He ended up having three leftover outfits. I'm so glad I overpacked! Cam had four poop blowouts, one of which happened while we were touring El Morro Fort. I ran out of my travel bag of wipes, and left his emergency onsie at the hotel. Poor kid.
I purchased thick, goopy inspect spray and sunscreen. Bad move. My husband bought insect repellent and sunscreen in spray form and it was super helpful! We sprayed ourselves down in only a few seconds, and before you know it, we were out the door.
I'd absolutely, 100% plan on going back in the next couple of years. In fact, I'm hoping to take a four day vacation with my husband to celebrate our third anniversary. We stayed at the San Juan Marriott