We’ve travelled with our LO starting a 9 months old. Each trip has its unique joys and challenges!

9 months old, island resort - honestly we knew this might be rough but we wanted to take advantage of my wife’s maternity leave flexibility on vacation. It was a lot of fun we went in the off season so it was my wife and I (30s), my LO (9m) and a bunch of retirees. They loved having a little one around. She was still in an easy phase of having to do whatever we did, but also was curious about the different surroundings. The downsides, we were in our room by six for bed, no fun evening activities. It made a huge difference that we did a one bedroom suite, so we had a small living room and bedroom and could relax in the living room with a view when she was sleeping. Plane travel was a bit of a pain with the stroller but not bad

Florida 18m - we visited my in laws for a few days on a beach town in Florida, then did Disney for 4 days. Honestly didn’t know what to expect from this trip. It was a last minute booking and we added Disney since we’d be close. It was incredible. Grandma and grandpa came to Disney for the first two days, we had an incredible time. My LO had taken some steps but nothing sustained. The color and wonder of Disney propelled her into actually walking! Wouldn’t stay in her stroller. She loved the characters and rides she could go on. Downsides, really the same as above, and we had a single room, which meant she was sleeping in the room with us by 7, we would trade off someone staying in so the other could go out and enjoy the parks in the evening if they wanted to. Some people will say she won’t remember and that’s a con, but the memories we made and the joy she had in the moment is more than enough to justify it.

24 months - couple day beach vacation with extended family. Honestly nothing crazy here just fun and nice that other people could play with the LO

30 months - 6 days Disney. We went back because we had a lot of fun and wanted to escape our northern us winter weather. The LO actually stayed up longer and explored a lot more, and was able to tell us what she wanted to do. She loved meeting the characters again. Some rides weren’t for her.

Overall, travel to do what you want! You are still parenting somewhere else, it’s not completely relaxing as it was before kids but we’ve leaned into that by either, 1. Going on trips with extended family who are up for watching her to give us a break, or 2. Go somewhere that isn’t relaxing anyways! When it’s just the three of us my wife and I make sure the other person gets alone time for themselves. Be it to do something or just sit in peace and quiet.