Travelling in Europe with a baby. What gear should I bring?

Mandi

I am going on a winter vacation around Europe for a couple weeks with a baby who will be almost two. I am looking for a stroller that works well on cobblestone, reclines, and is light. My son was born with a brain condition called Hydrocephalus and because of that his head is large and he is behind with his gross motor skills. He probably will still not be walking by this time. I am thinking about bringing a baby hiking backpack for times when we cannot use the stroller.

I would really appreciate advice on this from anyone who has ever travelled in Europe with a baby before! We will be going to about 5 different countries and travelling by metro and plane.

Answer
I think a light stroller is a good idea as it will be easy to fold up if you're in a restaurant or on public transport. If you're flying between countries consider a buggy bag to put it in before the flight.

Not all of Europe is covered in cobblestones(!) and most cities are fairly buggy friendly. If you're coming in winter then have a buggy with a foot muff to keep him warm. A back carrier is also a good idea for busier places or say certain sights like the coliseum where there are steps.

You can buy the other things you need here, nappies etc. Pampers and Huggies are both available across Europe (Pampers are called Dodots in Spain). There are a mix of facilities in terms of baby changing. In the UK and northern Europe, most places have change tables. In some mediteranean countries there can be less facilites in places like restaurants but if you head to big department stores or shopping centres most are well equipped.

If you plan to eat in restaurants, a fabric type fold away change seat is a good idea as some smaller may not have high chairs (most UK places will have high chairs).

good luck and have a great time here.

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i want to go back packing.....advice?

feeling lo

im 43yrs english woman, my kids are grown and out in the world and very happy, but im not, im thinking of going back packing in thailand for a year, im hoping to leave dec 26th this year and just travel the length stopping here and there, im hoping to save £10.000 for my trip, any advice on routes and is my budget enough and any info will be great.

Answer
I lived out of a backpack for 3 years and came to settle down after i fell in love with a scottish girl while working in the highlands of scotland and now we have a baby boy on the way and also due to the fact i got tired. im from New Zealand so it just goes to show how travelling for that long can change your life.

Backpacking for a length of time isnt always easy and it does change you for the better in alot of ways and your family will notice it. It definately has its ups but also downs (my moto crapped out in the middle of nowhere in Laos, the cambodian police threatened us with the death penalty after we were smoking a joint so bribed our way out) but the memories is what counts and its worth every cent because one day you look at photos and laugh. first you adjust to your new surroundings such as climate, language, laws, traditions and the general way of life in a country...especially those in SE Asia and it wont take long to relise how lucky you have it. You learn to only purchase and take what your backpack can carry or if you are willing to replace some old gear. Anything you send home most likely wont make it. Eventually you relise you wear the same clothes alot but get used to it and everything has its place in the pack. Eventually the excitement goes thin, you get home sick and exhausted but making friends or even teaming up with other travellers is essential because one thing is for sure is there are plenty doing the same and its alot more fun going with somone else. Trust me you'll bump into them. Take the trains if you can, dont be afraid to say what needs to be said and start off by staying in one place until you get used to your new environment i.e. nurse that culture shock. As for the protests, i was there during the heat of it, they dont bother you but just stay away from the large groups throwing stuff and the large groups of armed forces lol

10k quid for Thailand alone is alot, even for a year! so you may want to think about seeing Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos while your at it because they are all easy to get to and have amazing sights. As for Thailand I suggest the islands around Phuket such as Ko Phi Phi for a while and relax on the crystal clear beachs having a massge every night (dec will be a busy time) and then check out some hill tribe cultures to the north of Thailand such and Chiang Mai. Be carefull of Scams and if its to good to be true then it probably is. Theres so much i could tell you but one thing you must do is get a travel guide and i cant stress that enough, it will be your bible for the year. Lonely Planet books are great, they have accurate maps (but take a compass), accurate descriptions on guest houses etc and where or how to get to the must see sights and every info you need about the country inc language (but most speak english anyway) Plan what country you want to go to and work the rest out when you get there, because thats the whole joy of backpacking and living on the edge ;)


If your backpacking, make the most and see as much as you can. Stand at the foot of Angkor wot, kayak the mekong, ride the elephants, climb the hills around Sapa Vietnam, walk the streets of Seoul in south korea or pass the golden guardian statue of the batu caves in malaysia etc etc then you'll come home happy with plenty of photos watching t.v one day and saying to yourself "ive been there, theres a small village to the left of that where me and a vietnamese monk had a ciggy over looking the valley during sunset"

Good luck

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