When Dominic was 15 months old, an opportunity came for us to go for an almost-free trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

We had many weeks of agonising over whether or not to go and whether or not to bring Dominic.

Dominic was not weaned yet, and I was not prepared to wean him just because of this trip.  If Dominic couldn't go, I probably couldn't go as well.  Richard will have to go alone as that was actually a business trip for him.

I went around asking people about their experiences with travelling with young kids.  Most of the people who have tried this encouraged us to bring Dominic along.  It would be an experience, according to them, which we would not regret.  After hearing from many experienced parents, we decided that we would go and bring Dominic along too.  Thereafter, I started researching on the 'how-tos' of travelling with young kids.

Well, we have gone and come back.  It was definitely quite an experience, probably one part of parenting that not all parents will go through (unless they choose to).  And now, I shall share all that we have learnt.  The following are based on my experience with a 15 month old, so you will have to adapt according to the age of your child.

"It's a waste of money and time as your baby won't even remember the trip."
This is the most common objection you will get from people who have not ventured abroad with their young ones, especially the older folks.  And this is one mindset you must change, whether or not you are planning to travel with kids.

I do not believe that any experience for a baby is a 'waste' just because they cannot remember it.  A baby will most likely not remember looking at a musical mobile, but almost every parent I know will put up one for their babies to look at as a stimulation for their development.  Likewise, a trip.  Richard and I strongly believe that we should expose Dominic to as many different 'stimulus' as possible, without being restricted by age, or what we think he will/will not understand.  I consider myself quite a 'passive learner' - I remember things I experience, see, feel, touch, etc,  better than information I try to swallow from books.  And all these information that I gather passively always turned up useful later on, and I may not even remember them until the time comes.

Besides, although your baby may not remember the experience later on, but he will enjoy while in it, and that to me, is worth the effort.  And there will be photos and souvenirs to remind him later on.

Most importantly, even if your baby is too young to even enjoy the experience, to be with you at a different part of the world is much better than to be apart from you.  And trust me, you will miss your baby if you were to go alone, and hence, it will affect your enjoyment of the trip.