I went to Palau with a baby, as a solo parent. This might have been kind of extreme, but Palau was my first international trip as a single parent with my daughter. I’d wanted to visit for a while, but it’s a long journey from DC. So why do it on my own, after my husband passed away right next to me on a long-haul flight just months before? Because I’m extra? Probably. But also because the trip was for my late husband’s birthday. He would have wanted us to go somewhere tropical, somewhere United flies (our status is with United), and somewhere we’d never been before. Palau fit the bill, and since we spent the previous week in Hawai’i, my daughter and I would already be half way there.
So, that’s the background. It was a great trip, but maybe not the most baby-friendly, since most of the things to do are either under water or on tours that can’t accommodate a baby (I asked). We made the most of it, however. We made it a relaxing, resort-focused trip, which was actually really nice. But, if you’ve been following since my Quick Whit Travel days, you know I can’t sit still too long! Here are the best things I found to do with my baby in Palau.
Go to the Beach
This is the appeal of an island! This country is called “Pristine Palau” for a reason: It’s clean, beautiful, and practically perfect. This is definitely true of the beaches, bays, and coastlines. The bay at our resort was perfectly calm, shallow, and clear–perfect for fish-peeping with my daughter Iris! She really enjoyed feeling the (very) warm water, playing with the sand, and just generally being outside (her favorite place). The bay was so peaceful; it was the perfect place to enjoy Palau with a baby. Be sure to go early and avoid the mid-day and afternoon sun and high temperatures, though!
More here: How to Get Your Baby’s First Passport
Spend Time at the Pool
Not a fan of the sand? Baby doesn’t like it? Try the pool instead! Iris loved the hotel pool. There was a shallow ledge where she could stand up and “cruise” around while holding onto the edge of the pool. She also delighted in splashing and kicking the water, and she charmed everyone, from the hotel pool attendant to her fellow guests. There were some older children around, and they thought she was so cute. (They were right, of course.)
Keep reading: 7 Reasons Why Single Parents Should Travel with their Kids
Visit the Etpison Museum
Iris was a little young at the time (10 months) to understand what she was seeing, but I enjoyed it. There are many Palauan and Micronesian artifacts here, including some of the most beautiful, perfectly-formed shells I’ve ever seen. The best part, though? The air conditioning. If you’re going to visit Palau with a baby, you’ll definitely want to follow the a/c! Palau is one of the hottest, most humid places I’ve ever visited, and that air conditioning was amazing. It was a great break from the heat for the both of us. If you’re into shopping, there’s also a massive shop on the second floor, so don’t miss that while you’re there as well!
Read on: Three Things Single Parents Need to Know Before You Travel Internationally with Your Baby
Explore the Palau International Coral Reef Center (Palau Aquarium)
What a fun place! It’s not huge, but it’s well worth your time to visit. You can touch sea cucumbers and starfish! It’s an active research center, and it’s included in the Palau National Marine Sanctuary as well. Many of the exhibits are geared toward children, so it’s a clear choice as something to do with your baby, or children of any age. Much of the Aquarium is outdoors, so remember your sunscreen, hat, and water, but also look forward to enjoying the air conditioning at the exhibits inside as well. Iris was definitely tracking the colorful fish in the tanks when we visited. It was such a fun thing to do in Palau with a baby.
More here: 5 Ways I Remember My Husband While Traveling
Learn Local History at the Belau National Museum
Other than what I learned from watching Survivor: Palau (Season 10) and what I read during breastfeeding sessions in the weeks leading up to my trip, I knew very little about Palau and its history. Turns out, it’s actually really interesting. It has incredible World War II history (including Japanese tunnels, airplanes crashes, and naval shipwrecks), but that’s just scraping the surface. Palau has been influenced by many countries in its history, but its local, Micronesian history has been remarkably well-preserved, too. I thought it was fascinating. And fans of Moana will recognize the traditional-style bai meeting house on the property as well!
Related: The Ultimate Traveler’s Bucket List
Play at the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge Playground
This is one of the most picturesque playgrounds I’ve ever seen! It’s at the base of the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, right on the water. There’s a great playground on one side, and a waterslide and steps into the water on the other. Iris was a little too small to enjoy it, but an older baby or child would love this. It’s a perfect place to let your kids wear themselves out while you enjoy the view. Or, bring your bathing suits and have fun splashing around together.
Keep reading: What I Love about Travel
Take a Scenic Flight
This was a huge reason I’d wanted to visit Palau. The Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are best viewed from the sky. We went with Pacific Mission Aviation, which allowed me to bring Iris along as a lap child. I loved going with this company because they serve the Micronesian and the Filipino people with medical services, food, and educational services. The price of the scenic flights helps offset those costs, so your exciting excursion does good in the world, too. Iris didn’t love it at first, but once she fell asleep, she was good to go. This was my favorite thing we did on our trip to Palau!
More here: What It’s Like Taking a Scenic Flight with a Baby in Palau
Try New and Exotic Foods
how many babies do you know who have eaten parrot fish? Iris was heavily into trying solid foods when we visited Palau, so we got to add a lot of new foods to her list! All the fresh fruits, veggies, and seafood were delicious, and I’m pretty sure she tried at least one new thing at each meal. There were also plenty of tried-and-true favorites around, so if your baby isn’t into new things, no worries! It was fun to see how she reacted to new fruits, veggies prepared differently than I make them at home, and loads of seafood we don’t have easy access to on a regular basis. And I got to try new things, too!
Keep reading: The Ultimate Foodie Destinations Around the World
Hire a Babysitter and Go to the Spa
While this trip was amazing, it was also challenging, both physically and mentally. One of the things I love most in the world is a massage, but you can’t do that with baby in tow. The Palau Pacific Resort offers very affordable in-room babysitting, so I took advantage of that and enjoyed a treatment package at the Elilai Spa. It was just the restorative experience I had hoped it would be, and the alone time I needed. As a single parent, you just have to make time for things that bring you life. I love Iris, and I need to keep myself healthy and happy for her. For me, that was made possible by a babysitter and making an appointment at the hotel spa. 100/10 recommended.
Read on: How to Practice Self Care on Travel
Stay at a Nice Resort
Speaking of a hotel spa, book that nice hotel. You’re doing it all, so your accommodation should be a respite, not just a place to sleep. My late husband taught me the value of springing for a nice hotel, not a budget option just because it’s cheap. I will always be grateful to him for that. Book an accommodation with air conditioning, breakfast included, a spa, and on the beach! You will thank yourself when you look back on your trip to Palau with your baby in the future.
More here: The World’s Best Hotel Luxuries
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