6 TIPS AND TRICKS TO CHICHEN ITZA WITH AN INFANT
By Savannah Grace
Our son, Tripp, was just 10 weeks old when we took him on his very first trip abroad. We took a 13-hour flight from Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Playa del Carmen, Mexico on our first-ever family vacation and celebrated our wedding anniversary. I considered an all-inclusive resort in Mexico the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Many of the resorts include baby amenities such as cribs, strollers, bottle warmers etc. This makes traveling with babies and children a piece of cake. We chose Azul Beach Resort The Fives and were very satisfied with our last-minute package deal. As tempting as it may be to stay on the resort the entire time, don’t let your kids hold you back from venturing out or seeing a world wonder as beautiful as Chichen Itza.
People commented while we were there, “Wow, traveling with a baby. You’re brave.” I have a feeling it’s not the last time I will hear such a comment, but I hope to turn that into, “Travelling, with a baby. You’re smart!” or “Lucky you.” Family travel can be one of the most rewarding things out there.
Below I’ve shared a few tips and tricks I picked up after my own personal experience travelling to Chichen Itza with an infant. I hope this helps you on your own travels and inspires you to take that leap into the next family adventure.
Private Transport
The best choice for ultimate freedom and to avoid hassle and headaches (because we all know things don’t always go as planned) is to hire a private driver or (if you’re willing to brave Mexican-style driving with no lines/lanes on the highways) do what we did and rent your own car. It’s very easy to pick up and drop off your rental car right at the airport when you arrive. We used Avis because the counter was conveniently located in the airport and the prices were good compared to other rental sites I checked. They also provide car seats for an additional cost.
Both options give you amazing flexibility to arrive and leave whenever is most convenient for you and your little one(s). There’s nothing worse than holding up an entire group or having to change a diaper blow-out on your lap in a bus! Also, I’m not sure what the status is for car seats on local trans or on a tour. Additionally, we felt that the overall cost would come out about the same if you added up airport transfers, tours and taxi rides.
Start Early
From Playa del Carmen it is a two hour drive to Chichen Itza (or three hours if you accidentally take the long way like we did). It is a lovely drive on a practically empty stretch of pavement through a tunnel of green jungle. We still haven’t mastered the art of waking up early, packing in the baby and hitting the road. Despite waking up at 5:30 am, we didn’t make it there until noon. My plan was to arrive at 8 am when the ticket office opened so we could avoid both the crowds and the heat. Luckily there are shaded areas under the trees where the vendors, eager to sell their souvenirs and crafts, show off their Mayan instruments which mimic monkeys, birds and jaguars.
Skip the Line
My husband’s genius kicked in here. If you do happen to arrive at the hottest, busiest time, do what Kees did and ask someone at the front of the line to buy your tickets. Perhaps I shouldn’t be promoting this kind of behavior but how can anyone say no to a parent with a small infant who asks, “Could you please buy our tickets for us? My baby will never survive standing in the heat this long.” And it’s true. I wouldn’t want to subject a poor baby to boiling in line with no shade. Everyone understands that travelling with an infant is like carrying a ticking time bomb around. Time is very precious and somewhat limited. I think this trick ultimately is in everyone’s benefit.
Stroller/Carrier
I personally have a gorgeous Slee stroller that I purchased second-hand in The Netherlands. I couldn’t be happier with it. It has been an absolute gem at home and on our travels thus far. It is easy to control with just one hand, and has a car seat, bed and seat attachments. Its air-filled wheels make off-roading possible.
If your stroller has air-filled tires and can take a bit of grass and bumpy dirt roads, I say bring it! It gives you the leisure of packing your water, diaper bag or camera without having to carry it. The paths, although not paved, are wide, accessible and there are ramps too.
I would not recommend taking an umbrella stroller or any kind with small rubber coated wheels only meant for smooth surfaces. Whether you take your stroller or not, I recommended brining the baby carrier along too.
Umbrella
I was so grateful that my husband thought to bring an umbrella for shade. It came in super handy and was a much smarter alternative to covering him up with a blanket. I didn’t write sunscreen in my list because I think that is an obvious must. Even with sunscreen you still should avoid putting your baby in the direct sun, especially at the peak heat of the day.
Take Your Time
Taking it slowly is key. Soak up the atmosphere, have a picnic in the grass and reward yourself. Take a deep breath, give yourself a pat on the back; You did it!
Now go on! Get out there and EXPLORE with your babies. Make everlasting memories together that will bond your family more than ever before.
Savannah Grace
