It used to be us and 1 child. Holidays were easier to plan, the budget was easier on the pocket and all-around since the 1 child was young, it really was “our” holiday instead of his. Although we did add in one or two activities for the said child.
Then 1 child became 2.
Coming out of MCO, fresh and ever ready for a holiday, we are now armed with 3 children. 3 with different ages (10, 4 and 2) and interests. Where do we go? What do we do? How do we accommodate?
First of all, we find a common interest. At least we try to. With the kids, like their dad, love the beach. To be near the water. So most of the time we book somewhere that is within walking distance of the beach. Or an island. Although this momma prefers to be somewhere on the mainland, just relaxing, maybe a quick trip to the spa.. you know, to unwind. To do nothing but read chic lit, from the comfort of the luxurious hotel bed. Yeah, right. Booking accommodation can be stressful at times as we are a party of five, some places want us to book 2 rooms. So we have to scout around.
In reality, after we decide where to go, we plan the route. All our kids are still in child restraints – two in harnessed seats, one in a booster car seat. So we need to plan for quick stops if possible just to let the kids stretch their legs. Although this is not always possible and also depending on how long the journey is, we try. It isn’t much of a problem if we take the north-south highway, but we’re still working on places on the LPT side. Oh, and figure out the rest stop with the best toilets and amenities. Maybe the best food choices.
Next comes the dreaded packing. Packing is always a nightmare, whether you have one or six kids. At least I think so. For instance, this upcoming school holidays we have already made plans for a road trip, something we last did back when we were living abroad, back when Thing 1 was 6 and Thing 2 was 1. This time around we will be away for a whole week and I will be packing for FIVE.
List of things in no particular order:
- Clothes. Days multiplied by activities multiplied by humans. Plus extras.
- Mini First Aid kit. Medicines. Plasters. Supplements. You get the idea.
- Swimming Attire.
- Prayer Attire.
- Toiletries. Lotions and potions.
- Gadgets and gizmos.
- Food. Snacks. Water. Snacks. Notice I repeated snacks because my kids are bottomless pits. Extra food even when the place has food because you know your kids may not eat what is served. And we all know how starving kids can get.
OH AND WHO CAN FORGET THE SANITISING STUFF WE NEED *smacks head*
Then pre-departure, we ask the kids to pray every day that the weather will be kind, there won’t be any unnecessary events happening, no one will get sick and everything will run smoothly until departure day. Come departure day, bags loaded, car serviced and refuelled, TnG & RFID topped up. Remember to go to the petrol station with the best choice of snacks (In our case Petronas Skudai is a good option). Don’t forget coffee for the parents!
Non-stop entertainment in the car all the way to the destination. Usually to the tunes of the My Little Pony soundtrack, Super Simple songs, PinkFong and the likes, to the dismay of the driver who has been a metalhead all his life. Mama can’t sleep because she’s the Spotify DJ so Mama either snacks or becomes grumpy from the lack of sleep (simply because as usual all packing is done at the last minute, even with a list!)
Then we finally get to the destination. And we are greeted with the most amazing view. And we look at the excited faces of the kids who can’t wait to start exploring. Then we realise that all the stress was worth it. Because nothing can replace quality family time.
Pulau Sibu, Johor, March 2022.
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