It is hard to believe we have been back from our Spring Break trip for over a week now. In some ways it feels like it was a dream and we never went and also, like we were just there. Traveling is a trip, amiright!? Emmie says it “messes with her brain” and, I feel that, sista.
We truly had the best time and it went wayyyy smoother than I it could have. With no travel issues, kids who were patient and on their best behavior (for the most part) it really was a great first international trip!
I have had a few requests for information about how we (I, let’s be honest) packed, the clothes for the girls (mostly the swimsuits!) and other things that were helpful for travel. I figured this would be the easiest way to share all of the details! So let’s get to it–
First up–I am a huge, huge fan of packing cubes. Our friend, Sam, let us use hers for our trip to Colorado last year to see if I liked them and I swear I will never travel without them again! They are so easy to use! For the girls, I make little outfit “bundles” for each day and use a rubber band and little note to keep them organized. That way there is a plan and Aaron can just grab a bundle and help get the girls dressed. It is also helpful and let’s be honest, more fun to have them match. They get a kick out of it and I will do it as long as they tolerate it, ha! I use the larger cubes for the daily clothes, smaller ones for swimsuits and extra underwear and socks. They fit perfectly in these great suitcases I picked up for the girls before our CO trip!
Right before we left I was thinking about how I would keep track of everyone’s passports and papers going into and out of Mexico. I knew it was going to be a lot with two kiddos in tow and panic ordered this little organizer. I have to tell you, it was one of the best purchases I made! It worked so well to keep things together and at the ready through bag check, security, customs and back around. I kept our other travel documents in there as well as some extra cash and my credit card. It also really made me look like I had my shit together…I mean I kinda did but… I would highly recommend this bad boy, especially for international travel with multiple people!
As for the airplane, Addie is a freaking traveling champion and plugs in her headphones (these work great and have stood up well for both girls!) and waits for the snacks to come by and she is set. Seriously, she’s a dream. Emmie, on the other hand is just busy, always has been. I made sure to pack a ton of snacks for both the way there and back, knowing there probably wouldn’t be options at the resort for the way home. These suckers kept her happy and aren’t full of junk so I was okay with her having as many as her little heart desired. I also picked up a few little activities for her to do on the plane. These Imagine Ink books are always a hit, as are these Puffy Sticker books! I grabbed two Melissa and Doug sets and while Emmie didn’t get into it, Addie ended up spending time making felt and origami animals on the plane and in the hotel room.
Once we got to the hotel I was super happy to have packed my favorite beach tote–it collapses so it’s flat and just lays in the bottom of my suitcase! Total win! I also packed these collapsible buckets and shovels for the girls. If I know anything, our girls love to dig and play in the sand and these were perfect and easily fit in their suitcases! These “shell purses” were also a huge hit! The girls slung them over their shoulders while we walked the beach and searched for treasures! They loved having little purses and I loved not carrying their stuff. 😉 I also snuck these mermaid Barbies in and we gave them to the girls about 1/2 way through the trip. They were SO pumped and loved playing with them in the pool and on the plane ride home.
We also debated bringing life jackets for the girls since they take up so much space but I have to say, it was so worth it! The girls could swim and swim and swim without us having to be in the pool! We obviously still kept a close eye on them but were able to enjoy each other’s company while the girls played vs. being in the pool the whole time!
As for clothes for the girls– I am a sucker for the little dresses from H&M! They wear them all summer long for the day, as swimsuit cover ups and sometimes pajamas. I figured I might as well just order a bunch for Mexico and they would be set for at least the start of summer. I also picked up this sweatshirt both of the girls absolutely love from Target. I seriously want to get one in my size, it’s so soft and cute! It did get a little chilly in the evenings at dinner since we were outside so these jean jackets and leggings under the dresses were perfect to layer.
As for swimsuits, they are kind of my weakness ha! To get them to match I ordered extra smalls for Emmie. She is in 5T and the suits all fit great and she will be able to wear them for a few years! Here are the favorites that I found, the links are on the bottom of the pictures!
For dining, I have to say I was slightly nervous about how things would go. Addie is super picky, even with using all the tricks in the book. She did great and ended up trying a few new to her things while we were there with some encouragement! Ultimately, we just had to ask our server to make some adjustments to the things on the menu. They were happy to do it and we would always tip them generously for being a pain in the butt 😉 It was helpful that I packed a bunch of snacks so that the kiddos could have some foods that they were used to when we were down there. We also brought our favorite electrolyte powder to mix in water bottles to make sure we were all staying hydrated. The girls had so many freaking Fresadas which are basically virgin Strawberry Daquiris. I have tried my hand with them at home and will share the “recipe” soon, they are so easy and the girls loved them!
I have to say I went into this trip with a fair amount of anxiety and after doing it, we would totally bring the girls to Mexico again! We talked a lot prior to the trip about expectations of good behavior and how it is serious stuff going into customs and a different country. We also talked about if they behave well on the trip we will go on more trips. Clearly Addie took this seriously, Emmie is 4, a wild card, and tried her best…I think! We especially talked about table manners at the restaurants in the evenings and that other people, not just us, are on vacation so we need to respect that. They really did well and I think having conversations prior to going helped!
That is all I can think of, for now! Let me know if you have any questions or if I forgot to link something you are wanting to look at!
