Travel - Page 2

[PM]

For the plane ride:

Buy some stickers. He'll love to stick them on the back of the chair, etc.

Bring lots of healthy snacks and water (or breastmilk of course).

If you're nursing, nurse on takeoff and landing.

Take walks up and down the aisles. People didn't seem to mind at all when I did that. But Iris never touched anyone or shouted.

It's not as hard as it seems. I've flown back and forth from Paris to Portland, OR 4 times.

For France:
Where are you landing? How are you getting to Cannes?

Go to crepes restaurants. They're a lot more family-oriented than your average Frenchy gastronomic restaurant. Oriental restaurants are much more family-friendly too.

I think you'll have plenty of beachy activities in Cannes. Annecy should have a much more Swiss atmosphere, therefore more family-friendly.

What else would you like to know?

[lee's mama]

Thanks for the tips. I am not so worried about the flying- he is still breastfed and we have flown a lot (but never overseas) with him. On the way there I think he will mostly sleep since it is overnight.
I am flying there by myself with Lee- my dh is going to Cannes tomorrow and we are meeting him there on Thurs. a.m. I think we will be taking a taxi from Nice to Cannes (our hotel is actually in Mandelieu). My dh will scope it out for us, I hope!
One big thing I am wondering about is a car seat. I don't want to bring one, as the only time we will be in the car is on the way from the airport. Would they care if I just held him on my lap?
I think it will be interesting (challenging?) travelling in another country with a toddler because the things we've done previously (without kids!) will be boring to him (museums, cafes, window shopping etc). I am counting on long walks and lots of beach time, at least in Cannes- don't know what to expect in Annecy.
I am looking forward to the trip, and I don't really have any other specific things I want to know- mostly I am a little nervous about being in another country (as a tourist, and not knowing the language) with a child and feeling vulnerable.
Mostly I just wondered if there was anything I should be considering that i haven't- tips from seasoned travellers with kids!!

[lauracolvin]

search the archives...there was a post about a month ago or so about air flights with children that had some BRILLIANT responses! it was either here or on life w/ a babe.

[PM]

Too bad, you just missed a great sort of giant toys exhibition in Annecy. It was over yesterday. Annecy has a nice lake, you could go for a boat ride. There are also some castles.


Cannes has a Toy Museum at 2, Rue Venizelos.

They won't care if you hold your son in your lap in the taxi. Just be careful.

I always feel less vulnerable with a child for some reason, but I know what you mean. I've travelled a lot with Iris since she was born. We've done at least 6 trips since she was born, all with long trips in trains or cars or buses or planes, you name it. And all with lots of side trips. Plan on some quiet time, just playing in the hotel room or something. Always have snacks with you. Plan on the fact that he will be clingier than usual. Always have a change of clothes with you.

As far as not knowing the language, Cannes is very international so I wouldn't worry there. Annecy is small. I'm sure lots of people speak Italian or German but I doubt English is a very popular language there. You'll get by with hand gestures!

I'm just listing all the things I can think of.

Bon voyage!

[TupeloHoney]

I don't know your plans for getting around while in France, but I highly recommend a backpack for carrying him around. We have the Kelty Elite model and it is AWESOME! Both dh and I can use it with ease, it keeps both of our hands free and dd is very close to us. She also never gets bored in with looking around and we can talk to her and tell her about everything with her right at the same eye level we are at.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!