I am so fortunate to have a husband that is a planner and enjoys logistics/ train schedules and venturing off the beaten path.  Although we planned our main itinerary together, he worked out much of the specifics.  I had no idea the journey we were going to face in traveling with our children to Vietnam.  I picked up a few essential tips for traveling with children while also trying to exercising while on the road.

 

Whether we were in the city or staying in a small village, we both appreciate a bit of spontaneity. However, as I've gotten older I realize there are certain comforts that are non negotiable: a bed as opposed to a hammock, warm water most of the time and, when traveling with kids, certain meds and remedies in case they get sick.

 

Our boys are 11 & 13 and this comes with certain pros and cons. Kids under 12 get half price at certain restaurants and are free for metro travel in many cities- bonus! The downside is that my older one is actually taller/bigger than me so many hotels we needed to pay for 2 rooms. Another upside? The WIFI was spotty at best in some locations which made for mandatory unplugged time which is always a priority for our family trips.

 

Here is a list of things when we traveled to Vietnam as a family we nailed, would do over, or would leave out or modify in some way. 

 

We brought too much stuff for sunny/hot weather & not enough for the cooler climate. You can buy t-shirts and lightweight clothing for a song so I would have left some of that at home and purchased as needed. Also, Laundry is provided at most hotels for a few dollars a kilo. and can be done in a few hours. 

 

Yes! they pack small and I wore my REI long hooded down much more than I thought I would. Also, brought way too much sunscreen. We were in North and South Vietnam in December and although we were on the island paradise of PHU QUOC for a few days, one tube would have been plenty. Plus, the resort had some for guest use anyway!

I lived in my lululemon pants and lightweight t-shirts layered with long underwear if necessary.

 

 

 

The jury is still out. I liked the idea of our Eagle Creek backpacks/duffels but think wheeled for everyone would have been easier on the shoulders and back. The taxis are small in Saigon & Hanoi and could accommodate the wheelless duffles easily if we smoothed them just so.

 

 

Most definitely! Yes. My husband and I scheduled a street food tour w/a local and although a few of the stops the guide chose were ones we had already sessed out, a few were sneaky little spots that were delicious! We took our kids the next day to some of the same stalls which and made for a more efficient outing.

Hell yes! My resistance band and core ball were my saving grace. I found that even though we were logging 4-8 miles of walking each day, taking 15-20 minutes a few times a week to stretch the back + hamstrings, open up the chest and sneak in a core workout was my saving grace. On a boat or beach, in a hotel room or train berth, you can always find space to move!

 

I'm Not a Micro phobe-  but my boys put their hands on EVERY railing & handle. And, many of the street food is eaten w/ your hands- some served a handiwipe type napkins for a pre meal wipe down but many had nothing. Bring your own. If nothing else, at least your kids clothes stay cleaner a bit longer by not using their pants as a napkin. Toilets were easy enough to find but most did not have toilet paper or a sink for hand washing. 

 

All in all it was a wonderful trip and I would highly recommend traveling abroad with your kids as much as possible before they hit high school. Encourage them to learn "hello" "please"  and "thank you" with a smile as my husband says, they are an ambassador for their country! Look for my next blog with more of a detailed itinerary of our trip. Happy New Year!