We just got back from a little road trip to Panama City Beach, and surprisingly… it was actually really relaxing. That’s not something I say lightly as a mom of two little ones under two, but this trip was a nice break from our usual routine. Work is busy and I really needed this break. The boys were pretty well-behaved for the most part, which made the days smoother, and my husband and I were able to really enjoy ourselves.
We’ve done a few trips before, but this one hit differently— and I know exactly why.
This time, we stayed in an Airbnb. Not a hotel. Not a suite with a separate bedroom. Just a cozy little Airbnb with a full kitchen, living room, and all the basics. And now I can say with full confidence that Airbnbs will be our first choice when it comes to traveling with kids.
Here’s the thing. Hotels seem fine at first. They’re easy to book, they feel fancy, and everything’s in one place. But once you’re there with a toddler and a baby, it hits you. One room. One bathroom. No kitchen. No space to prep bottles or make breakfast or sit and just relax like you would at home. It ends up being more stressful than convenient. It means you’re forced to eat out for every single meal of the day… not ideal for anyone, especially toddlers and babies.
Our Airbnb gave us exactly what we needed. As soon as we got there, we hit up a grocery store. We stocked up on whole milk for our toddler, formula for the baby, fresh fruit, snacks, cereal, pasta— you name it. Since it was a road trip, we even brought our formula machine from home (which was a total game changer). We had bottles prepped, snacks on hand, and a kitchen that worked just like ours. I even picked up a bottle of wine and some cheese and crackers for my husband and me, because we need to vacation too.
Having a kitchen made everything easier. We weren’t rushing to get everyone dressed and out the door three times a day just to eat. We could take our time in the mornings, cook breakfast while the kids played in the living room, and relax at night without having to rely on takeout or restaurant food every single time someone got hungry.
There was something so comforting about that setup. We were on vacation, but it still felt familiar. Comfortable. Low-stress. And that’s exactly what we needed.
So here’s my advice for any parents planning a trip— especially if you have babies or toddlers: skip the hotel. Book the Airbnb. Having that kitchen, that space, that little feeling of home away from home… it’s everything. You’ll eat better, save money, stay organized, and actually get to enjoy your time instead of scrambling from one meal to the next.
Sometimes, the key to a relaxing vacation is as simple as having a place to store milk, prep bottles, and chill in your pajamas without feeling cramped. This trip reminded me how much that matters.
And now we’re officially Airbnb people.
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