How to Spend a Month Abroad with a Toddler (even as a single parent!)
I get it a lot: “You’re so brave!” It’s a compliment, but I have a little secret to share: It was far scarier for me to stay home during the month of January. I got a lot of questions when I told people I’d be spending an entire month in Spain with my 18-month-old daughter. I mean, a regular trip with a toddler is… A lot of work. But a month? Yikes, right? I’ll admit it was stressful, mostly in the weeks leading up to the trip. Once we were there, it was amazing. We had such a good time, and it was 100% the right decision for us. Here’s how to spend a month abroad… With a toddler!
The Best Things to Do in Granada with a Toddler
We loved our month in Granada, Spain. It’s walkable, beautiful, and there were tons of things to do to keep my sweet toddler entertained! There are certainly parks, playgrounds, and the like, but there are also many things that are unique to Granada that my girl absolutely loved. If you’re planning a trip to the “City of Pomegranates,” here are the best things to do in Granada with a toddler!
The Best Tips Before You Visit Barcelona (avoid our mistakes!)
I really liked Barcelona. But boy oh boy, could I have done it better! We stopped in Barcelona for a few days on the front and back end of our month-long trip to Granada, and while I did have an idea how I wanted the days to go, I just wasn’t as prepared as I usually like to be. Call it widow fog, call it mom brain, whatever it was, I made the mistakes so you don’t have to! Here are the best tips before your visit to Barcelona!
The Best Rainy Day Activities in Granada
Maybe you won’t have rain on your trip to Granada. That would be amazing! The vast majority of things to do in Granada are outdoors. We spent a month there in January, and we got a mix of beautiful, sunny days and rainy, dreary days. We actually got out and enjoyed both realities, and you can, too! Here are the best things to do on a rainy day in Granada, Spain.
Spoiler alert: You will want an umbrella!
The Best FREE Things to Do in Granada, Spain
Lots of activities in Granada are worth the cost, absolutely. But everyone loves free, right? If you’re looking to balance out your budget so that you can splurge on the Alhambra guided tour and a Flamenco show, this is the list for you. Here are the best FREE things to do in Granada, Spain!
Everything You Need to Know about the Al-Andalus Hammam Experience in Granada
How does a single mom and widow relax in Granada? She treats herself to an authentic hammam, also known as a Turkish Bath! I was looking for a spa in the old city where I could book a massage for the first anniversary of my husband’s death. I knew I needed something to look forward to, something my husband would have wanted me to do for myself. When my local friend told me that Granada has several hammams and suggested I find one for that day, I knew that was the best thing to do. I chose Al-Andalus Hammam.
Everything You Need to Know about the VIP Pyramids Experience
Egypt is an amazing, incredible, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list destination. It’s also confusing, intimidating, and kind of wild in a lot of ways! To make your experience a little easier and a lot more enjoyable, I’d like to put this on your radar: Take the VIP experiences that exist. One of the best VIP experiences? Definitely the VIP Pyramids Experience! Here is everything you need to know so you can decide for yourself if it’s worth your while on your own trip to Egypt.
The Best Snacks for Babies and Toddlers on a Plane
I’m amazed at how many kid snacks are more like a bite of air, not a bite of food. Because my daughter can’t yet eat a burger or hold a pizza or fit a sandwich in her mouth, I definitely need to bring food for her on our flights. I can nurse her as needed, but at this point, she needs the extra nutrition and calories from solid foods. It was pretty challenging at first, because I wasn’t used to feeding a baby on the go. So, I’ve pulled together the best baby and toddler snacks on a plane!
What It’s Like to Take a Baby on a Nile Cruise
Was I nuts for this? Maybe. But we had a great time! When my friend invited my daughter and me to go on a Nile cruise, I jumped at the chance. My husband and I had taken a Nile cruise on our first trip to Egypt, before our daughter was even a thought in our minds. After he passed away when she was just six months old, I wanted to make memories with her that also helped me remember my husband.
Tips for Traveling in Egypt with a Baby
What did I hear when I told people I’d be in Egypt? “With a baby? You’re so brave!” In reality, this was my daughter’s second trip to Egypt in just 16 months, and what comes across as “brave” is really informed preparation. The nice thing about informed preparation? Anyone can do it! And you’re here doing just that: Getting information, so that you can prepare for an epic trip to Egypt with your baby. Great job! Here are my best tips to help you have the best trip possible.