Grandparents in tow makes for smooth travels

As of today, my parents have been in China for 1 week. It took them about 5 days and nights to fully adjust to China time, but they both sleep through the night without fail now. They’ve touristed on toddler schedules – out around 9:00 in the morning, back by naptime, dinner usually eaten at home. And my impression is that this schedule has made China less overwhelming. Taken in small doses, and at a toddler’s speed, an adult can handle most anything. They’ve been troopers – happy to explore on their own and never seeming overwhelmed by China. They set a high standard for our coming guests to follow.

Having explored Shanghai for a week, we planned to explore Beijing this week. With the plane tickets reserved, Dave learned of a last-minute business trip. While my parents spend their time in China, Dave spends a week in Boston. A trip that our family looked forward to as a unit now became myself showing around 2 adults and 2 toddlers, being the only person with any Chinese language or cultural understanding. All of the sudden, Beijing seemed too overwhelming.

We made some quick changes.

I booked a car and driver for the entire weekend. Steve met us at the airport in a comfortable mini-van. He speaks wonderful English and has lived in Beijing his entire life. He has an itinerary set up for us which takes naptime into account. Simple.

I changed our hotel reservations to the Marriott Executive Apartments. For the same price as 2 rooms at a regular hotel, we have a 2-bedroom suite with full kitchen and quite a large living room. The hotel provides free breakfast and has already helped us to order a pizza. Simple.

The adjustment we have faced time and again is transitioning from budget travel to travel with toddlers. That adjustment is compounded by travel with toddlers and grandparents, into a rather expensive jaunt up the creek. Still, sitting at the dining room table, looking out of our 31st floor window, I feel quite comfortable that I made the right decision.

Grandparents in tow makes for smooth travels.

Not only does it nudge us toward the purchasing conveniences, which make for lush travel. But it also provides an extra set of hands. With 3 adults and 2 kids, check-in and security at the airport were a breeze. With 3 adults and 2 kids, boarding the plane did not make anyone cry. With 3 adults and 2 kids, no one ended up with their on-flight meal on their lap. Next week we travel again, and with all 4 adults. We won’t know what to do with ourselves!