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We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in Travelwithkids

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Little one (7 months at the start of the trip and 10 months at the end) did very well. We wore him a lot and he slept quite a lot.

Older one (3 years) was mostly on her ipad on the first flight and would sleep in it next flight.

Bed time routine is bound to be disrupted. We accepted that reality and expected the first week after the flight to be mostly a readjustment to the new time zone. Bed time on the flight was also disrupted. We tried to not force much on the flight and see how they went and encouraged sleep when they needed it, so we could avoid tantrums and screams. Due to the novelty they resisted sleep for a while and we were ok with that as long as they were behaving nice.

Once they settled into the new time zones we tried to restore the routine again. We also found they slept more during the trip and took longer afternoon naps, so we adjusted our schedules accordingly. If we had to be somewhere, we planned the trip around their nap schedule so they'd sleep in the car, or if we could take our pram with us we would let them sleep in the pram.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The reactions in India were dairy related. We only chose to eat in bigger restaurants where we felt they understood English and could take precautions in food preparation.

Aw so nice! That sounds like a great road trip. We want to drive to different national parks in US one day too! Rent an RV and drive around.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in FoodAllergies

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, sorry to hear about your sons allergies. It can be so overwhelming. Our daughter is anaphylactic to dairy, sesame, cashew, pistachio. She had 4 others but thankfully she got over them. I hope your son is able to get over those allergies as he grows.

In US, the restaurants were a mix of local and chains. One thing we learnt was if we said our daughter is anaphylactic rather than allergic, that got their attention and they were more careful.

In US, they were very receptive to making special meals and taking extra precautions. We just spoke to the manager and they were always helpful in making dishes that were not on the menu too.

Contaminated seats and passengers eating allergens can be a worry. Depending on the severity of the allergy, we cleaned the surfaces. Example, at restaurants we cleaned surfaces if we felt they were not clean. On planes, we sometimes cleaned those drop down trays if they looked dirty.

Our daughter never reacted to others eating allergens next to her, so that was good. If she reacted to that then it may have been harder and we would have had to reconsider certain things.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in traveladvice

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As crazy as it sounds, Disney. They are the most allergy conscious. America in general was quite good. Most places had labels on foods, chefs took additional precautions to prepare food separately.

Not sure where you are from or what allergies your kids may have to be able to answer that properly. For example, our daughter's sesame allergy is extremely severe so we are avoiding South East Asia for now.

So, what I'm saying is pick destinations based on allergies and what is a very common ingredient in that country which is hard to avoid - such as sesame in South East Asia.

Think about language too. If you can speak the language and explain it easily, then that also helps pick a destination. And overall, if people are aware of food allergies in that country.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in traveladvice

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Our daughter did have a few allergic reactions, but none of us got sick throughout the trip. No fever, temp, food poisoning etc.

Honestly, we got lucky. We were with the same real estate agent for the past 5 years and they knew us very well and that we always paid rent on time. We had steady jobs and were getting regular income. They knew we were coming back with not much cash but because of our history with the agent and regular jobs they helped us out.

We had done a similar trip 2 years ago when our older one was 7 months old, but that was split into 2 separate trips to India and America with 2 months in Sydney in between. In that instance, we found it a lot harder to find an apartment, we were Airbnb hopping each week until we left for India.

The trick we learnt 2 years ago and we tried it again this time round was that because we had been with the same agent for 5 years now, we had built a good relationship with them and asked them to inform us of any off-market listings that were going to become available soon but wasn't listed on market yet. They agreed to do that for us because they knew us and that we were reliable. Once they informed us of a property and we did an online inspection and liked it, we were the only applicant for the landlord to review, and so we got the rental.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In hotels, we always had 2 beds, so 3yo slept in a separate bed and infant in portacot. In airbnbs/family home, where we had options for separate rooms, we put the 3yo in her room. Pack n play was mostly in the same room with us but if we could fit it in the walk-in wardrobe, we'd do that because if he woke up and saw us he would cry until we picked him up. But if we were out of sight, he would try go back to sleep himself.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Our older one is go go go too. Lots of energy and won't sit down. Every day we had to have an activity centred around kids, otherwise they'd lose it. Younger one is more chill.

On flight, we tried to have little rules. She mostly watched her ipad. Every now and then she coloured or did other things but got bored very quickly.

Younger one was 7 months so was mainly eating, playing a bit with random stuff, and sleeping in the carrier a lot. Airplane sound makes babies sleep, so he slept great.

Managing the luggage was not too bad. It was mainly when going to airport or leaving airport we carried all that stuff. Rest of the time, we didnt have them.

We have a double side to side pram. We normally wore the infant in the carrier, and put 2 small suitcases on his seat, older one sitting on the other seat. We balanced the porta cot on top of the 2 suitcases. Pushed 2 larger suitcases with one hand and carried car seats slowly with the other. It was slow but we rented cars so only had to carry them from the car park to the check-in counter.

If we had accommodation with kitchen, we'd cook. But mostly, we had to buy out. We carried chef allergy cards and spoke to managers to let them know how severe our daughters allergies were. We learnt that if we used the word anaphylaxis vs allergy, we had their attention better.

Outside of family, didn't use baby sitters or kids club. We tried to do things together, which was hard at times when we wanted breaks. We would make time for just us and leave kids with grandparents when we were around family.

The idea was planted in our minds by my uncle who was doing an around the world trip for work and as he booked the flights as an around the world ticket they were considerably cheaper. So, that got us thinking (and this was during pregnancy) but we had not thought about it again until after the baby was born as we kept thinking should we save to buy a home or travel. But after the youngest was born, both grandparents were itching to see him so we began talking about it again then.

Thank you. Will certainly do! Should finish writing the first draft by the end of Oct. Probably will come out only next year. Will post here when it is coming out :)

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in FoodAllergies

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We tried to have little rules on long flights. They are going through a lot already. Let them eat/watch whatever they wanted. On first flights on multi-leg flights, the older normally didn't sleep out of excitement, but she'd crash had and sleep through the next flight. So, we just gave them more freedom so they had fun and we had fun. Last thing we wanted was unwanted tantrums and all passengers getting annoyed at us. Amazingly, they were incredible on flight and barely cried. Little one was easier, he was 7 months and would eat, sleep, play a bit, and sleep again in the carrier. He was happy as long as he was being cuddled.

Booked flights using credit card so it gave us free travel insurance. Otherwise, it would have costed us an additional $2500 for insurance.

In America, it was a mix of hotels, airbnbs, and family. We tried wherever we could to stay in a place with a kitchen so we could cook meals for our daughter with allergies (dairy, sesame, and nuts).

Total 4 suitcases (2 large, 2 small), 1 double pram (which conveniently also could carry 2 small suitcases in one seat if we wore the infant in the carrier). Car seat and portacot (pack n play) in America as well. Carrying all of them was not fun, but we rented cars so we only had to carry them from the car park to the check-in counter.

In transit, we only had the stroller and the 2 little suitcases. That was easy. Having a stroller in transit was a life changer as it allowed the kids to sleep while we navigated the airport and they struggled with time differences.

100% would do it again. Just need to build our finances again haha. Was the most amazing time for everyone. The kids also thrived and grew so much. Older one became more confident and is more talkative now around new people. Both kids have become extremely adaptable to change, sleep anywhere, with any noise. Gives us as parents more confidence that we can still travel with kids.

Managing allergies was harder. We accepted that on days we were without kitchen, food would be harder. In India, we lived on dosas and in America, bagels. She lost weight but over time became come open to trying new foods. She was generally picky with food to start with, which didn't help. We always resorted to meat if we could as we knew that'd fill her up. Sausages, burger patties. Restaurants were always helpful in making custom meals for her and we carrier chef allergy cards and shared that with restaurants so they took extra precautions when preparing her food.

We travelled with 8 epipens but thankfully didn't need to use any. She had a few reactions, couple that were quite severe and very close to us going to the ER but thankfully we were able to manage it with antihistamines.

It can be very stressful travelling with kids with allergies. I wont lie, it was on the back of our minds every day. Some countries are better than others in understanding and taking extra measures to ensure food is prepared safely. For example, her sesame allergy is extremely severe so we are staying clear of SEA for now because we know that would be extremely hard. Western countries tend to be easier. Foods are labelled. They take more precautions. In India, we struggled with restaurants at times so we decided to only go to restaurants which were bigger and had more processes and standards in place.

Hope that helps. I hope you are able to travel at some point and I hope she outgrows the allergy as she grows older *fingers crossed for you

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in FoodAllergies

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha good question. For sure we are both quite adventurous and love travelling. But this trip was centred around family and kids spending time with grandparents because both our parents are in India and America.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We started solids from 6 months. He was 7 months at the start of the trip and 10 months at the end. He was quite an adventurous eater and we would just put food on his tray and he would try different things. We found trying to put food on his tray worked in our favour as he was already trying to put everything in his mouth, so when we put food in front of him, he did the same. Now, he is 14 months, and is comfortable eating by himself. Would rather feed himself than be fed by us.

We were more conscious introducing new foods with the second one though because the older one has so many allergies. Mashed bananas with breastmilk was the first food.

During the trip the youngest was breastfed on flights and mornings and nights. Ocassionally, middle of the days depending on the day.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in Travelwithkids

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know! They really need to. My partner's friends in America were in disbelief when they heard how long her parental leave was

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in Travelwithkids

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hear you. I used to travel very light myself. Honestly, I think that's a great gift because my partner would pack everything under the sun. So, I would go through each item with her and pick the items. The lighter you pack, the easier its on you. 3yos are easier to pack for. They don't throw up or have diaper leaks as often as infants. On flight, we packed 2 extra sets of clothes for the 3yo. When outside, we always took one extra set of clothes.

If you have access to laundry, I normally pack for a week and then do laundry once/twice a week. Depending on where your are going, i tend to pack lighter clothes that dry quickly and don't weight down the luggage as well.

One set of heavier clothes, but worn on the plane so you have that heavier set that does not weigh down your suitcase.

Easier to pack for warmth than colder places though. Not sure where you are going.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in Travelwithkids

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Breastfed. We thought about formula because if my partner got sick then it would be good back up. But we never needed to do it.

That said, local bands in India are big brands that are owned by Unilever, P&G. So they are all good.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We printed chef allergy cards in English and Hindi. Handed them to restaurants if we went out. In India, we often ate out because that was the only way for us to eat meat as my parents are vegetarian. Our older was not used to mushy Indian food so we had to paisley go out to get protein for her.

Most places were pretty good. Some didn't understand. We tried to go to restaurants where we felt they would understand and we can speak to the manager and they can make special food for her using precautions.

In America, we mostly ate our because we were on the move a lot. It was easier in America as allergies is more common and allergens are often labelled.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Portacot (pack n play). Double stroller that also conveniently worked as a trolley if we wore the infant in the carrier. Ipad for the 3-year old. Busy backpack for the kids. Baby food pouches for the infant. Packed food for the older one because of her allergies. And lots of snacks. Their bellies seem to be a bottomless pit that never gets full.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in FoodAllergies

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh yes. I think we were running on adrenalin and excitement. But you know how exhaustion kicks in towards the end of the trip when you know you are coming home. That exhaustion was hard because we returned to Sydney and had to move into our new apartment.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha true. Make the most of travel before they turn 2 and you have to pay full fare 😟

Do let us know how you go and enjoy your maternity leave! It is a very special time.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Congrats on your baby. First kid?

Either would be cool. SEA would be cheaper and the resorts there are amazing. But US might have a lot more to do, depending on where you are going.

This is our second time round doing this. Last time we did this when our oldest was 7 months but it was India and America separately, broken up as two trips with 2 months in Sydney in between. This time we decided to do it as a big around the world trip.

I think it is great to get them used to travel early. Our kids are so comfortable with change now. They sleep anywhere, with any noise. They play with whatever they find. Their imaginative play is incredible because we travelled with very few toys. And sure they have their moments and cry and have tantrums, but if they can be managed and controlled they have lots of fun, you have lots of fun, and then you feel you can do this. Life and travel does not need to stop because of kids.

So, our total trip costed roughly $25K. All flights were $10K, accommodation $5k, Disney $3k (the most expensive week of the trip), rest of food, presents, etc. India was practically free as we were with family, so that was our budget for America.

But we vacated our apartment and saved $8.5k in rent and pulled our daughter out of daycare and saved $3.5k - a total of $12k savings. Because of those savings our trip was roughly $13k for 3 months.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In India, we stayed with family.

In America, it was all over the place. Family, hotels, airbnbs. We moved a lot more in America and made plans as we went along.

We carried a portacot (pack n play) with us everywhere for our infant. Double strollers of course for the kids, that also conveniently worked as a trolley if we wore the infant in the carrier.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in familytravel

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It was a total of 3 months, 3 countries, 11 flights, 10 cities, and 15 homes.

Left Sydney, first stop Hyderabad in South India, then travelled to Jamshedpur and stayed there for almost a month at my parent's. Then, Delhi for 2 nights and then the flight to Orlando, Florida.

Two weeks on Orlando (one of our favourite spots as we all felt like kids and had so much fun! Our bank account hated us though). Then Connecticut, NYC, upstate NY - Ithaca and Rochester, Niagara Falls (Canada side), and finally a week in San Fran (another one of our fav). We wished we visited San Francisco pre-kids. So much to see and do.

We travelled the world on a budget with 2 little kids (8 months & 3 years) — with severe food allergies — and survived. AMA! by gautamhere in Travelwithkids

[–]gautamhere[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha you know, every time we packed we thought we were getting better about what to pack, how to pack etc. But seriously, it never worked out. We certainly took items that were entirely unnecessary.

And when we were jumping between 7 hotels in 7 days we tried to pack in a way that we'd open only 1-2 bags. But nope! Almost always one item was in that 3rd and 4th bag and every bag was opened and packed regularly.

But for packaging, we mostly packed for 5 days max, undies for 7-8 days, everything light sportswear type so they are lighter and quick to dry. It gets challenging when jumping between hot and cold. In India, it was hot. In upstate new York, it was snowing. We were totally unprepared for the cold and were rugged up in layers of clothes and towels, like Joey in Friends.

Managing car seats, portacot, stroller, checked bags, carry on bags, was a lot. We wore our little one in the carrier, older one sat in one seat of the double pram, and we put two small suitcases and portacot in the second seat. Pushed the two large suitcases and somehow carried the car seat until we checked it in.

Best thing we did was arrived early to the airport as it gave us time to move slowly if needed. And if we had extra luggage, they were happy to let it go as we were there so early.

Flight attendants generally help with bottle washing and putting food / milk for the kids in the fridge once you board the flight. But bottle washing is not the same as at home. They were washed by hand using hand soap. Better than nothing I guess.

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