Hopefully you ladies can provide some input and help me decide what to do!
DH and I were pondering where to go on vacation this year... he really wanted to see family (that means going to Boise or Alaska) and I wanted to go to the beach. lol. While we were talking about what to do my Inlaws informed me that they were going to Alaska in May (long story there). So my inlaws, my DH nephews (age 19 & 15), their mother have a trip planned for 10 days at the end of May. At the last minute they/we decide to buy DH a ticket to go too.
I was perfectly happy with this! I know how much he wanted to go and see family, spend time with his nephews, hunt, fish, etc. I had already decided I wasn't taking Oliver on a long flight there.... so I felt like it was a win/win for everyone.
Yesterday I get a FB post from my SIL that says "I have an extra ticket to Alaska". Basically, her boyfriend & her broke up so he isn't going...therefore, there is an extra ticket. I talked to her this morning and she said she has a friend that will go if Oliver & I don't but she wanted to offer it to family first.
WWYD? The flight & travel time is LONG with two layovers each way. I guess my concern is with taking a 15 month old that has never traveled much less been on a flight of this sort...
Would you go? The flight is $800 plus lodging and food so it will be a costly trip!
Re: vacation- wwyd (long)
I say go!
You won't get this oportunity very often Oliver will be fine! You'll have DH & his family, who you all LOVE so much, to help with him. Just talk to your pedi about the flight, make sure it won't affect his ears/tubes. and maybe ask if there is something that can help him on the flight. Since he'll have to sit on your lap or H's. AND after age 2(?) he won't fly for free, you might not get this chance for a long time.
I've been on international flights with young, well-behaved (or highly medicated?) children and didn't have issues as another passenger.
If you think Oliver can stay entertained or sleep, I say go for it. If you know he hates being in one spot for a long period of time, then I'd be more hesitant.
I'd want to go for sure though!
That is such a tough decision. Personally I wouldn't want to be gone for that long with a toddler, but I also have a toddler who doesn't sleep at new places. Since your DH's whole family is going it would mean there would be lots of people willing to help you. Like PP said when will you get this oppertunity again. I would weigh the pros and cons of it to help make you decision.
I would go but my experience is different than yours. DS has traveled almost monthly since birth. He is a great flyer, in part because we plan, plan, plan and prepare, prepare, prepare. Often meaning that we pay more for better flight times.
So they have a ticket for you, but you still have to purchase a ticket for your DS or do they have one for him too? I don't believe in lap baby flying to begin with but I definitely don't believe in it for a 15+ month old.
Good luck with your decision. I think only you know what is right.