A new favorite location- Bali, Indonesia

When we sat down to plan our next trip we decided that we both wanted to visit Indonesia. Although Indonesia is pretty large, we wanted to visit Ubud, which is in Bali. We had heard that this was a great destination to really see the culture and experience the Balinese people. We were also pretty excited because this would be Samantha’s first trip out of China! We decided to split our time this trip between Bali and Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Separate post to follow!)

 The first day we arrived we decided to be low key and explore on our own. Our hotel was amazing and I will recommend it til the end! We stayed at the Hotel Tjampuhan and it is one of the oldest hotels in Ubud. We had our own little bungalow and it was so beautiful.

I was surprised by how green Bali was. It was different than any other place I have been to. We went on a walk down through the city and saw a random sign that said rice fields- turn left. We decided to check it out and took a walking trail that went straight through the most astonishing rice fields. I am embarrassed to say that I did not really know how rice was made before going to Bali. (That is especially embarrassing since I live in China and eat it almost every day!) Seeing the vast field of rice and walking straight through it was incredible. There were people out working in the fields and picking the stems and then banging it over a gathering contraption, which would then be added to a large pile. Walking through a random rice field was a highlight from our trip to Bali. We have realized that the greatest experiences are usually when we are not with a tour/driver and when we are just out exploring the location on our own. I am glad we stumbled upon it!

I didn't realize how low Samantha was sitting until looking at this picture. That must have been some nap! 

We also went and visited the monkey forest. I was a bit leery about this place because I had read that the monkeys are fierce and not cute or cuddly. Since it is a tourist attraction they are used to taking food out of your bag and sometimes even jumping on your back. A worker told us before entering that we should not look the monkeys straight in the eyes. Well, that’s supportive! I actually never got too close to the monkeys. I made sure to have Peyton document my close enough encounter.

One night we went to a Keckak Fire dance. It is a cultural performance called a trance ritual that had a large chorus of males. The performers chant, dance and depict a story. In the end a performer walks on fire, which was extremely eerie to me. I think I asked Peyton four times if those were his real feet.

Bali is known for its religious temples and we decided to hire a driver/tour guide to take us to see some. He took us outside of Ubud to see more of the island. The temples were very ornate and the Balinese culture is really symbolic. 

We ended the day with a sunset at Tanah Lot temple. We had heard it was a must see activity. It was so hot that day that I thought we were going to sweat out our insides. I was excited for the sunset just so that it would cool down a little.

The hotel we were at had an amazing spa where Peyton and I got massages by a big waterfall. It includes a grotto made of stone where you can go into the warm water. They even set up babysitting for us! See! You CAN travel with a baby! I am so glad we got to relax. Bali is very cheap, so we actually got a few massages. 

Bali was beautiful, I would definitely go back someday.

How to Travel With an Infant

We have had the opportunity to travel a lot while we are living in China. We are so lucky to be so close to so many great places to visit. (Gotta love those frequent flyer miles!) 

 When we had Samantha we knew that we still wanted to travel. I am a big believer that babies can be adapted to your lifestyle if they are trained accordingly. (Unless you have a Satan baby, in that case, good luck.) 

Our first trip with Samantha was taken when she was about 2 months old. We went to the Avatar mountains in China which was about a 2 1/2 hour plane ride there and back. 

That first trip was a trial run and Samantha did great. That encouraged us to keep traveling, and since then Samantha has been to Hong Kong, Xian, Beijing, Thailand, the United States and Bali. In February we will be going to Tahiti and Cambodia. People ask me how we travel with a baby and I have compiled a list of tips and tricks that we have picked up along the way. 

The Obvious- 

1. Make sure your baby is sucking on take-off and landing to help their little ears pop. We usually hold off on the bottle until we are taking off. Pacifiers work well, also. Another tip regarding this is if you are using a bottle, make sure to use a smaller nipple than usual so that the sucking takes longer. 

2. Things to remember to pack- If you are traveling internationally you will want to make sure to include formula, diapers, wipes, and baby soap. When we went to a very rural part of Bali I am so glad we had been prepared because I never saw any baby products. If you are traveling within the United States you can save on carry-on luggage space by buying diapers and such when you arrive at your destination.

3. What to make sure your diaper bag includes- an extra pair of clothes (I am sure you know this already, you master Mother, you!) I always bring a binkie- and an extra. Formula to last you your plane ride and PLUS some. You never know if you will be stuck in a terminal or your plane will be delayed. Make sure you are stocked with milk for your little, in case a change of plan occurs. Toys, toys and toys. Although, this last trip Samantha wanted anything other than a baby toy. We ended up relenting and letting her chew on the barf bag for a few minutes. (Proud Mommy moment, right there!) I also always make sure to include a blanket. Planes are so stinking cold these days! 

4. Make the flight attendants your best friends. Talk to them, thank them profusely and make sure to get on their good side. They can be your life saver! When I traveled to the United States ALONE with Samantha (12 hour plane ride) she refused to sleep for the entire plane ride. I needed to go to the bathroom a couple of times and the stewardesses were more than willing to hold her while I did so. They also always offered me warm milk for the bottle, an extra blanket, pillows and water for myself. Also, some airlines offer free baby food, and toys! All you have to do is ask! 

5. Call the hotels and make sure that they know you are traveling with an infant. This can work to your advantage. One hotel we stayed at included a crib that was set up when we got there.  They also had a baby bath, bottle sterilizer, baby soaps and other baby amenities. Also, the good thing about telling them ahead of time is that they have the crib available and set up when you get there so you don’t have to wait.

6. Don't have a baby carrier? Get one. Now. Wearing your baby is the best and easiest way to travel with a baby. We hiked the Avatar mountains with Samantha strapped to us and homegirl had a great nap. We also rode elephants through the jungle while she bounced around happily in the carrier. This idea will either sound brilliant to you, or you may think we are absolute bananas. Either way, wearing your baby can be a travel game changer. Especially when you are traveling internationally and aren't sure what the ramp/handicap access is like. (Tip: Anywhere outside of the United States, its not good!) 

The not so Obvious- 

1. Kids under age two fly free domestic, but flying internationally it is 10% of the adult fare. This is even if your baby is going to be a lap child. 

2. Did you know there could be an option to get a baby bassinet when flying internationally? Check your airlines website for rules and regulations regarding flying with an infant. We always call the airline after booking the ticket and tell them we want the seat with the bassinet. If you need a bassinet check seatguru.com to validate that they have this option.

This photo is not Samantha. 

 3. When you arrive, do you want the stroller at the gate or at the baggage claim? It is always good to have it at the gate so you do not have to carry them longer than necessary. Talk to them about this right when you check in at the desk. They will give you further information on who to give your stroller to. 

4. When we check in for our flights we always ask if there is an empty seat next to us available. We have really lucked out on a number of our flights and have been able to bring the car seat onto the plane with us so that we didn't have to hold her. I believe it is up to the cabin crew to decide if they let you do this, so try and butter them up when you are asking. 

Don't worry, Grandma. We were totally watching her. 

5. If you are traveling internationally and use bottles you may want to bring liquid dish soap and a bottle brush to make cleaning them easier. I usually use a small Madela newborn bottle and put some soap into it. (Don't forget to use the saran wrap under the lid to prevent leakage!) Double bag them in Ziploc bags with your bottle brush for easy access. You can also use travel toiletry bottles for your soap. 

6. My friend introduced me into packing laundry detergent to hand wash things while at the hotel. (liquid works best, obviously). I know it may sound a little ghetto but it may save you from packing a million things! Being able to pack light and wash your baby clothes/bibs/blankets in a hotel tub/sink is the way to go! Especially if you are using those airlines who charge you a ton of money for each checked bag. 

The Perks- 

Get me to the front of the line, sucka! Most places will accommodate travelers with infants. We usually get to go through immigration first. 

You also get to board the plane first along with the fancy first class fliers. This allows you to set up your nursery for the next few hours and to put your carry-on in a bin close to you.

The biggest tip I can give you on traveling with an infant is to be prepared and don't hesitate to ask for help. People are truly willing to give you assistance if you just state your problem.

I am not going to lie to you. Traveling with an infant isn't always easy. It takes preparation, determination and patience. But, it is so worth it! 

I know Samantha won't remember these trips but we will have great pictures to show her when she grows up.