Thailand with full family
Traveling with family ( with parents and kids ) doesn't come easy to us, especially who are used to backpacking. And even it's manageable in domestic travel, it's a Herculean task when it comes to an international voyage because firstly, time is short (the longer the trip, the more expensive it is, so there isn't room for slow travel) secondly, too much to explore ( you want to fully utilize your vacation) and lastly, eating habits of elders and kids are non compliant to local food. However, despite so many obstacles, it's absolutely joyous to explore a new country with the clan. I had travelled extensively with my parents, done 3 countries with them before kids, and Vietnam with both kids. Since Vietnam was quite of a challenge ( the younger one was really little and the dietary struggles were massive), this time we decided on a familiar destination Thailand, which we had explored as a couple 12 years back.
My major concern was that my little one and my mother shouldn't fall sick. They were the most fragile ones in the group. Thankfully, my earnest prayers paid well, as I was able to keep them fine, despite some meltdowns (yes, both of them). Meal times were challenging too, as I had to sacrifice my cravings for local food for Indian cuisine. There are 2 downsides to this. Indian food is overtly expensive abroad and the taste doesn't comply with our usual expectations. Secondly, you miss out the rare opportunity to try local food. However, by the end of the trip, I was able to bring my father (the Indian food loyalist) to fall in love with local Thai food.
So despite innumerable obstacles and my husband going mad at me at several ocassions, I would do this again. Because my parents have taken me to explore uncountable destinations, I would also love to do a bit of that. Secondly, they are not going to remain international travel fit forever, so I would like to take advantage of the ticking clock. Lastly, nothing is more exhilarating than cherishing on the good times spent together, and I know I would be treasuring our group photographs forever.
I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
16 comments
I also like to eat more local food when travelling. It was good to know you managed to coerce your father to enjoy it as well. And yes, family trips with children aren't easy to manage. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteIt's commendable that you are taking your parents along. I really enjoy my trips with my daughter. But, even I am a fussy eater and rarely try new cuisines. I did enjoy the veg food in Thailand when I had visited with my full family.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy traveling and trying new cuisines thanks to my adult children who guide us considering we are vegetarians. Nice post
ReplyDeleteWow Mandira, I couldn't help notice that your parents are so well dressed at the beach😍.
ReplyDeleteI m sure travelling abroad with a toddler and senior citizens was like summiting a mountain peak but once you do it, you get more courage and confidence to do it again. Hats off to you and wishing you more international travels with the whole brigade.
What fun (despite the challenges) traveling with the entire family! It's heartening to hear you all had a good time. Great pics and lovely heartwarming post
ReplyDeleteMy parents have been my travel companions on most of my local, domestic as well as international explorations and travels. So I completely understand your wish to make them travel and do it the other way round now as long as they're fit and able. I don't have kids but thankfully my husband has adjusted well to my parents and we've taken ample trips with them over the course of last 7 years. We've travelled with his family too and it's been mostly good. But I do understand that challenge of local food remaining unexplored when traveling with family who has seniors. Small sacrifices though, right? At least in the larger picture.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. traveling as a family is challenging and enjoyable too. But we must not miss an opportunity when it presents itself. Loved the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you Mandira that travelling with parents is truly an enjoyable experience, but here I will also add that parents too need to be interested in accommodating them and cooperate with the changing needs of the locations we explore. My experiences I really bad in this front for both side parents.... they expect every arrangement we can do just as home and that what causes collision. to be honest after so many experiences I prefer traveling as couple.
ReplyDeleteAs we age it does get difficult to travel. My kids say that there is never a problem with me where food is concerned. Hats off to you to adjust according to your parents. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Mandira. Parents getting old and trying to make memories as much as we can. You are indeed a sweetheart to make the effort in spite of the challenges.
ReplyDeleteOh Thailand! How I wish I could bring my parents as well. Yes it would be chaotic but sure it would be so fun and memorable! Hopefully this wish would be fulfilled in the near future! - MommyWithAGoal
ReplyDeleteWe had a Thai vacation this year too and it was so much fun! However, we're vegetarians and had to suffice with whatever Indian food we could get. Can't even stand the smell of local food there.
ReplyDeleteWhile travelling with the family, we have to cater to the needs of each family member.
ReplyDeleteLove your tourism pics❤️
It's heartwarming to hear how much you value your family travel traditions. They truly make for some of life's most cherished memories.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see how do you value your loved ones and how carefully you curate the trip for each one of you. Being a traveler I understand the way you love to visit the places and want to explore everything. I hope you all enjoyed a lot.
ReplyDeleteI love that you did a trip with your family including the parents. one sees this so rarely these days, and it looks like you all had a great time.. Thailand offers something for everyone :)
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