wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

not sure what to do in this situation and hoping you all can help me make my decision.

My entire family - parents, sister, cousins, aunts and uncles and DD and I are going to OBX for a week in August. Unfortunately, DH cannot go with us because of work. I am really upset but he is encouraging me to still go and have fun. BUT, now that he cant come, I am so nervous about making the 10 + hour drive with DD. She is horrible in the car and even with another adult (my sister) in the back to entertain her, stops along the way, breaking it up, etc..I am dreading it.

My mom suggested that DD and I fly into Norfolk, VA (closest airport but still 2 hours away from where we are staying in NC) and someone would pick us up. I am toying with the idea because I would rather a 2 hour hassle of flying v. a 10-12 hour cryfest in the car. and trust me, no matter what song and dance we concoct, she will be miserable and scream in the car. I would make it into a 2 day trip but I just dont want to be away from DH for an extra day or two..I know, I am a total baby.

one other piece of info: i am not into leaving at night and driving through the night..just not safe for me because I dont see well driving at night.

so WWYD??? Thanks!

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

We went to OBX last summer when DS was 14 months old and I was dreading it as well. I thought there was no way he could handle a 10 hr drive, but he did wonderful both ways!!!

He slept most of the car ride. We had a DVD in the back, but he barely watched it. We kept plenty of snacks, toys, books on hand, and as long as you or your sister are sitting back there with her, I think it will be fine!

ETA: We did not drive through the night either and only stopped 1 time each way to eat and let him play a little at a McDonalds.

Message edited 7/28/2010 11:03:19 AM.

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

Well...if it were me, I'd be fine with the drive, BUT my DD is fine in the car, sleeps etc. I know we'd stop and if we had someone with us, it wouldn't be that bad...

but since you know your DD and you know she hates car rides that badly, I'd go with the flight. Just make sure you bring stuff to keep her occupied with on the plane because 2hrs can seem a lot longer if she's upset Snacks, toys, etc

Good luck

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

I would take the flight over a 10 hour car ride in a heart beat!!

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

Sounds like you would really prefer to fly, so I would do that.

We travel a lot with our kids-flying and driving. We've had some hum dingers of a trip and others were wonderful.

If flying seems more appealing to you, then do that

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

Definitely fly!

I flew solo to Maine a few weeks ago with DS and it was soooooooooo easy! You check everything in and you are in the airport with a stroller. Easy breezy.

I wouldn't dare driving alone with an upset baby for 10 hours unless it was in the middle of the night when DC is sleeping but I'm not a fan of night driving because i think it's dangerous.

Re: wwyd - travel with 1 year old q

Thanks everyone! We have flown with DD a few times and she's been ok..I have just never done it alone. but you are right, it sounds like that's what I really want to do...writing it all down seems to have made my decision for me! thanks for the advice!