Would you go?

[suejai]

My initial reponse was going to be no, I wouldn't go because the kids would be too young to really benefit from the trip and likely won't remember anything about it. However, I think, in reality, if the opportunity arose I would be jumping on it - but then, going to Europe is one of my dreams. Where does your SIL live? For me, that would play a part in my decision. Never mind you answered while I was posting.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I said no because the 2 year-old would probably end up on a flight I'm on and will cry and scream the whole time.

But really, I did say no because of the food factor for the 2 year-old.



But really. If your husband wants to go and if it can be done without too much sacrifice, it would be an opportunity to seriously consider. Would the husband be helpful with the little one on the plane or is he the type to hand over such things totally to you? I would consider it if it would be a team effort only.

 

[RadioNate]

My initial reponse was going to be no, I wouldn't go because the kids would be too young to really benefit from the trip and likely won't remember anything about it. However, I think, in reality, if the opportunity arose I would be jumping on it - but then, going to Europe is one of my dreams. Where does your SIL live? For me, that would play a part in my decision.

But honestly, and I might be out to lunch here, it sounds to me like you aren't really keen on the idea and are only considering it because you are maybe feeling pressured to go; and the fact that it is a very generous offer from your in laws.

My sister-in-law is in Spain and DH actually has a cousin who has flats in both London and Paris. DH just spoke to the inlaws last night so I don't have the entire plan. I think he was in shock to get all the details but I think they were planning on somewhere in Spain and then going to one of his cousin's flats. I'm not sure which one.

You are right that I'm not thrilled with the idea. It seems like 'too much' to me, if that makes sense. While I do fly, I absolutely hate it and will be anxious the entire flight.

I also worry about my mom who will be upset if we go. She is in Chicago and we live in Orlando but she wouldn't come here for actual Christmas anyway as she won't leave my 91 year old grandmother who is in assisted living in Chicago. We are going to my mom's for a week at Thanksgiving.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

I also worry about my mom who will be upset if we go. She is in Chicago and we live in Orlando but she wouldn't come here for actual Christmas anyway as she won't leave my 91 year old grandmother who is in assisted living in Chicago. We are going to my mom's for a week at Thanksgiving.

Why would she be upset? Since you weren't planning on seeing her over Christmas anyway.

 

[FireDancer]

I would absolutely go. Christmas comes every year, the opportunity to go to Europe on a mostly expense paid trip does not. It will give your kids an exposure to another culture that they will never be able to get any other way.

I spend 2 weeks in Italy last year and the memories will last a lifetime. No other trip I have ever taken, including to Disney World (I know, blasphemy) has come close to that trip.

You said you have savings and while eating into savings is hard it isn't like you are contemplating financing the trip on credit cards. Look at it this way. When you kids (well, not the 2 yr old) are sitting around 15 years from now which of these scenarios do you think is more likely:

"Mom, I'll never forget that Christmas we spent in ..."
or
"Man mom, I'll never forget that awesome website redesign dad did back in 2009"

 

[Mouse House Mama]

While I would normally jump at any chance to travel I would have to say no to this trip. I refuse to be anywhere but home for Christmas while my kids are young. Maybe when they are older (teens) I might consider something else but otherwise I want to be home with my kids.
Are you staying in people's flats? I only ask because many flats are very small and you will likely not be very comfortable. I love to travel and will take my children when they are a little older (mainly because the plane ride is so long!) but I will not be going on the Holidays.
As for the food issues with your 2 year old I wouldn't even worry about it. She is not going to starve. I am sure she will find something she likes. Kids don't have to live on chicken nuggets (not saying yours does). It might actually be a good thing for her.
If I were you I would talk to my DH and see what he thinks about everything and then tell him what you think of everything. Good luck!

 

[My2Cinderellas]

One topic not mentioned yet - how well do you get along with the in-laws? I would hesitate to spend 2 weeks straight with mine, especially as I wouldn't have control of the schedule, etc... I don't think it would stop me from going though.

 

[Kies99]

At the age of 3 I was living in Australia with my older brother who was 8 and my younger brother who was 1.5. Think 14 hours is long?? Try 26 hours total travel time!!

While living in Australia we travelled the world and physically went around the planet 4 times all before I was 8! Hit everywhere from Indonesia to China to Russia to all of Europe, across the United States and back to Australia.

It's doable and really the only regret you'll possibly have will be that the youngest may not remember it.

If you don't go, you may regret it a lot more.

By the way, H.J. Heinz is one of the largest brands of baby food in Europe. I'm sure you'll have no issue finding what you need.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I voted a resounding YES!

I did not fly to Europe with my when they were that young (only because the oppurtunity was not there) but we DID fly to Hawaii for a wedding (which is longer from Michigan than east coast is to Europe). It was really not hard. Long haul flights have always been easier for me with the kids because the food and entertainment are so much better. Neary every airline to Europe will let you request a kids' meal (seems DS always gets chicken nuggets) and most European lines also hand out little toys and games to the kids (plus movies of course).

If you are going to any bigger cities in Spain (and this applies for Paris--haven't made it to London yet) if your DD really will not try new things (I understand, I ahve a picky kid--but he loves jsut about any bread product so we just always hit local bakeries) it is (sadly) very easy to find McDonald's, Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut. In fact, standing on the steps of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona my kids felt compelled to sing "A Pizza Hut, A pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken. . ." becuase you could. in fact, see all 3 chains in the songs from that spot Also if your DD will eat pizza, taht is widely available even in small towns in Spain. Better yet, fresh bread and fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese, etc. is always easy to come by (just shop for Sunday on Saturday--no grocery stores open on Sunday!) and pretty healthy,

We often travel at Christmas. Even when the kids were very much believers, it was not a big deal. We took stockings with us and Santa would fill those and leave bigger items at home for us.

 

[RadioNate]

Why would she be upset? Since you weren't planning on seeing her over Christmas anyway.

Because that is how she is. And she hates my inlaws. She will be jealous that the kids and I are with them and not her. She'd rather us be home doing nothing than somewhere with them.

One topic not mentioned yet - how well do you get along with the in-laws? I would hesitate to spend 2 weeks straight with mine, especially as I wouldn't have control of the schedule, etc... I don't think it would stop me from going though.

It is touchy. I can't say they are my favorite people. There have been some past behavior on their part that hasn't been that generous. I think they are trying to make up for it now.

They are very much world travelers and my MIL grew up in Europe so they won't be as interested in touring as I will be. I think it is something we going to have to discuss.

I (and the kids) adore my sister in law.

 

[RadioNate]

But really. If your husband wants to go and if it can be done without too much sacrifice, it would be an opportunity to seriously consider. Would the husband be helpful with the little one on the plane or is he the type to hand over such things totally to you? I would consider it if it would be a team effort only.

He would very much help. In fact on things like flights and in restaurants he is much better at entertaining her than I am. I think since I am home all day she gets very sick of my tricks!

He has his faults but entertaining the toddler is one of his strong suits.

You said you have savings and while eating into savings is hard it isn't like you are contemplating financing the trip on credit cards. Look at it this way. When you kids (well, not the 2 yr old) are sitting around 15 years from now which of these scenarios do you think is more likely:

"Mom, I'll never forget that Christmas we spent in ..."
or
"Man mom, I'll never forget that awesome website redesign dad did back in 2009"

Well the website has to be done but that is a whole can of worms, lol but I get what you are saying.

We also do have the money. I just HATE spending money. You should see me buying a car.

 

[Danauk]

I would go, it would be a wonderful experience. The flights are not that bad, we fly transatlantic between the USA and UK every year, the food is OK and the length isn't that bad really (actually I see London to Orlando as short haul now as we often fly to the West coast too which is 4 hours longer!) Spain is a beautiful country, I went to school there for a while and loved it.

 

[NotUrsula]

There is also the issue of a 2 year old on a 14 hour flight, jet lag and food issues with her.

I'm confused. How is the flight to Spain 14 hours long? I didn't think that you lived on the West Coast.

I would insist on flying a carrier that will allow you to use a carseat on board for the 2yo. Some European carriers will not permit it. It's a LOT easier to relax and sleep on a transatlantic flight if you know that your toddler cannot decide to go exploring in the middle of the night.

 

[wdwfan16]

I would. Have Santa come before you leave.

 

[joyjoy]

Can you not get a direct flight? Because a direct flight from Orlando (I just picked a city in FL) to Madrid is not 14 hours, it's more like 10. Not a short flight by any stretch, but it's def. not 14.

 

[sbell111]

Big trip with the in-laws? No thanks.

 

[RadioNate]

I'm confused. How is the flight to Spain 14 hours long? I didn't think that you lived on the West Coast.

I would insist on flying a carrier that will allow you to use a carseat on board for the 2yo. Some European carriers will not permit it. It's a LOT easier to relax and sleep on a transatlantic flight if you know that your toddler cannot decide to go exploring in the middle of the night.

Can you not get a direct flight? Because a direct flight from Orlando (I just picked a city in FL) to Madrid is not 14 hours, it's more like 10. Not a short flight by any stretch, but it's def. not 14.

The direct flights are even more expensive and I don't know really what their budget is.

14 is about what I've been seeing stopping in NYC or going though Newark. That obviously includes layovers etc.

There are some really awful ones that are like 20 hours of travel time and airport transfers in London.

We always bring a car seat domestically, I'll check into what is allowed internationally.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Heck yes!!!!!

 

[robinb]

Yes, I would go. Your in-laws obviously want you there. Have passports, will travel!

I flew to Hong Kong 2 years ago. 14 hours to Italy is nothing ... even with a 2-year old. My DD flew to London when she was 6 months old, Tokyo when she was just about 15 months old and Paris when she was 3 years old. Just make sure to have snacks, toys that won't fall easily off the tray table and a blanket/lovey for when she gets sleepy.

 

[eliza61]

I really think I would simply because it's a wonderful opportunity that may not arise again.

That's me. Even when my kids were small we travelled during the holidays. Traveling to other countries is so magical it is beyond belief. Santa either found my kids wherever they were or came a little early because he knew we wouldn't be home.

Your kids would still be with their family and I'm guessing the other adults will have a few gifts for the kids.

Now that my kids are teens and young adults we always choose a trip either to visit family or to a vacation destination over useless gifts. I would much rather use the money on travel than the newest PSII game.

Go.

PS Spain during the holidays is festive and gorgeous. What part of Spain will you be in? Let your 8 year old look up how they celebrate the season.