But over the course of a few days, we managed to talk ourselves out of it. Too expensive. Too impulsive. Just too much. (We are already in the process of incurring some serious student loan debt, after all.)
I've gotten a lot of advice from different people as we've waffled back and forth over the past month. "You should do it! Enjoy your LAST CHANCE to party without worrying about kids!" (That one really speaks to me, I must say.) Or, "You will have other opportunities, and you don't have to stop having fun just because you have a baby." (Mmm, I hope that's true.)
What do you think? What would you do? I don't think we are going to go, but I want to hear some perspective. How does life change after kids? Is it possible to still enjoy a vacation after kids?
Sincerely,
Homebound and Pregnant
Hi friend! I can understand the dilemma as we go through that same thought process every time we plan a trip. The way I see it, however is... the memories are soo worth it. It's just money. You can be smart and cruising is fairly inexpensive, especially since we don't drink. You may really love to get away from everything and bond over your time before baby comes in a way you'll always remember and look back on without regrets. However, that is coming from a couple of peeps who have travel/vacation. As a priority. You may prefer other things. You will likely be paying off loans for a long time anyways. Make some awesome memories with that hard earned debt! ( I know this is not what financial gurus say... alan always reminds me... but it makes us happy to live life now! Within reason)
ReplyDeleteLove and miss ya! So excited for you as well!
Liz
Liz, I love your fun loving spirit! This reminds me of the time I woke up saying I wanted a haircut and a few hours later I looked "muy varonil"... Haha! Love you!
DeleteCammie,
ReplyDeleteWe try to do one trip a year with no kids. Ask anyone in the family. There is always someone willing to help with the child care so you can do adult things. Heck, I'll do it, as long as it doesn't overlap with my plans. As for the cruise thing. I'm going to be the voice of reason. We have known lots of people crippled by debt. I think you can still have a great vacation without the expense of a cruise. Hey come to New Mexico, I guarantee you will love the food. Or, head to the gulf, or Atlantic coast of Florida. Let us know what you decide.
Beth
Beth, you are very wise. I like the adult trip idea. I feel like not every couple does that but man, I don't know how people survive without getting away occasionally! Who knows how things will change when we actually have our little kiddos though. Thanks for the awesome advice.
DeleteAs someone who has traveled with their not yet 2 year old to over 20 countries let me be the first to say that your travel adventures do not have to end by having kids. You can still do lots of fun things with kids. Your travels will be a little slower paced and you might have to take a few more stops but they are definitely doable. However, I agree with Beth that doing non-kid trips are also fun and they are nice because you can do different types of shows and cultural things that a small toddler might not be able to do.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the cruise - I personally am always up for cruising. But for me it would really depend on the cost and if there was something else we could do that would be just as fun for less money. You should definitely do something - you'll just have to decide what. (I can always recommend Switzerland as a nice travel destination. Or Boston - as somewhere a little closer to you. We loved our time living in Boston.) Also, not sure how far along you are in your pregnancy but I looked at going on a cruise before Liza was born and discovered that they won't let you cruise after 24 weeks. Just something to keep in mind.
That is all very reassuring. You guys are amazing travelers! I hope we can be as cool and composed as you guys are once we have a kid in tow. :)
DeleteSo....Ben has never been one to want to go on a cruise...so we have never been. I agree with Rochelle...you can travel with kids, and don't think that a cruise is the only fun thing. Ben and I went to the Redwoods when I was pregnant with Elizabeth our last trip alone. It was were we were going to go on our honeymoon before we bagged the idea (not enough time with school). However, I do know about the debt thing....it does hang over me the a sort of dark cloud....but I am sort of a money worrier. So in all, if you want to do, then do. But I would recommend a vacation. everyone needs one.
ReplyDeleteOh man, I love the redwoods! Definitely there are good alternatives to cruising. But oh, how I love the beach. This winter has been so cruel to us. Regardless, it's a good point. So many fun things to do and see!
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ReplyDeleteI just saw this cammie, so you've probably already decided but I just wanted to tell you Kyle and I went to Panama before we had kids and we look back on that trip and the memories we made ALL. THE. TIME! Sure, some people will do trips alone after kids (I for one hate leaving my kids!) and traveling with them is easy with one or two but if you have very many it gets trickier and trips get more complicated, although can still be super fun..just different. what I am trying to say is it's all about to change forever and now is your chance to do something memorable. That being said, you don't have to spend a TON.. just as long as you're together doing something different you'll make beautiful memories!
ReplyDeleteThis is probably too late, but I'd do it! Or something. We were going to go to Hawaii, but my doc didn't want me to, so we just drove to Florida. We had the best time. I highly recommend a baby moon even if it's just something small like a weekend trip to St. Louis or something ;)
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