Travling during COVID
Austin and I typically travel a handful of times throughout the year, but as we all know, COVID has thrown us for a loop this year! Although most of our trips were cancelled, we were able to keep our family trip to St Thomas on the calendar.
We took this same trip this time last year, when Ansley was 4 months old, but we knew it would be a little different this year with a toddler during COVID.
I wanted to share our experience traveling with a toddler during COVID, if you are also traveling soon.
Before Leaving: COVID Protocols
We knew there would be some protocols to follow before flying to an island, but it was actually pretty simple and manageable. Each destination has their own rules (as of right now), so if you are traveling, it’s best to look up the guidelines for your locations.
St. Thomas required that we show proof of a negative COVID test before arriving. We scheduled our PCR tests 5 days before the trip and were required to upload proof to the St. Thomas travel website within 48 hours of leaving. The risk with the PCR tests is that they can take some time to come back. We were scheduled to leave Saturday morning, and we got our tests done on Tuesday. By Thursday, we still had not gotten our results back and didn’t want to risk waiting too late to get approval from St. Thomas, so we went ahead and got rapid tests done on Thursday. (Of course, our PCR tests came back negative Thursday night but better safe than sorry, right?!) Once we received our negative results, we submitted them online to the St. Thomas travel site, and we actually received our approvals within 10-15 minutes! Ansley was not required to get a COVID test.
The Flight: COVID Protocols
We flew Delta, and the process was very smooth and extremely clean. They handed out sanitizing wipes as you got onto the plane, plus passed around ziplock bags with waters, snacks, and more wipes once we were on the plane. The flight attendants were very strict about wearing masks on the plane and covering your nose.
We brought a copy of our negative test results and our printed approvals from St. Thomas to show proof at the airport, once we landed in St. Thomas. It was as a simple as that!
The Destination: COVID Protocols
Once we arrived at the airport in St. Thomas, we got a taxi van to our resort. Masks were required in the taxis and pretty much anywhere indoors in St. Thomas. We did stay outside the majority of the trip. We made a point to only eat dinner outside, especially since we were with my family (a bigger group). They required masks when you went to the pool bar (although, they weren’t super strict if you kept your distance, since we were outside), in the restrooms, workout rooms, etc. They were also very strict on not having more than 6 people at a table. We had more than 6 people in my family on the trip, which was slightly frustrating to not be able to sit together, even though we were all together in one party. It wasn’t too big of a deal though. We just got two tables next to each other when we went out. I will say, since they are pretty strict on their rules, it makes you feel safe on the island.
Coming Home: COVID Protocols
There wasn’t anything in particular we had to do when preparing to leave St. Thomas. We were not required to get a COVID test or quarantine when traveling out of St. Thomas back to Atlanta. We did go through customs before getting on the airplane. I always recommend having your passports just in case (even though St. Thomas is US Territory), because they did ask for them when going through customs.
The flight home was pretty much identical to the flight to St. Thomas. Everything went pretty smooth. I do LOVE the fact that Delta leaves an empty seat in your row due to COVID. With a child under 2, you do not have to pay for an extra airplane seat, which means usually your little one is on top of you, in your lap, the entire flight. However, with COVID, we were able to have a whole row of 3 seats, which was super nice with Ansley. We were able to spread out, and she had her own seat, even though she was climbing on us most of the flight, HA! Overall, it was an easy experience flying during COVID.
Ansley was awake the entire flight and fell asleep on me as we were landing
Vacation with a Toddler
Typically, I am way ahead of the game when it comes to packing and prepping for a trip. I’m pretty OCD and organized and get a little stressed when things aren’t in order. However, we had a lot going on leading up to this trip, so I ended up waiting until the last minute to pack. We pulled it off though!
Packing for a Toddler
When we travel, I like to pack Ansley’s stuff first. This trip was unique, because we were going to an island in January. If you have a child, you know they grow out of their clothes quickly. With it being colder weather in January, I was afraid none of Ansley’s summer clothes would fit for the warm weather in St. Thomas. I ended up snagging a few new items from Old Navy and Target (tip: I went up a size to 18-24 months for the new items, so they will hopefully fit next summer! She’s in 12-18 months, currently.) Thankfully, most of her summer clothes still fit, and I didn’t have to buy much at all for this trip.
I always use packing cubes for Ansley’s items, because they help tremendously with keeping her tiny little clothes and shoes super organized and put together in one place. When it comes to packing, I go through each day, from the time we wake up to when we go to bed, to plan out her outfits (i.e. pajamas, swimsuits, swim shoes, swim diapers, hats, sunscreen, extra t-shirts, shorts, dinner outfit, diapers, sleep sack, etc). I also categorize her outfits into the packing cubes based on the type of outfit (i.e. all pjs in together, all swimsuits together, etc), so I know where everything is located when I arrive). I use the smaller packing cubes for her toiletry items, so they are separate and easy to grab when needed. Once all her items are in the packing cubes, I easily stick them in her suitcase. We did use a full-size check suitcase for her stuff for this trip, so we would have a little extra space for miscellaneous items like her sound machine, monitor, extra diapers, and floats.
Shop Suitcases and Packing Cubes Below
We decided to bring two floats. This one we used all Summer and when she was much smaller. It’s great from 3-24months and is super sturdy. I love that it is not inflatable, so it can never pop. We also brought a puddle jumper float that my parents had stored at their house. It was a little too big for her, so we had to hold onto to her when using this one. They do make smaller sizes, like the pink one I linked below. We ended up holding her most of the time we were in the pool or ocean though, but I am glad we brought options. Plus, we were able to fit them in the suitcase, since we had an extra check bag.
Shop Floats Below
Since Ansley is walking and running all over the place, I wanted to make sure she had some good pool/beach shoes. We grabbed these native dupes as well as these rainbow slip ons and loved them both! The native dupes were the best for sand, ocean, pavement, etc. They stayed on her feet and were super easy for walking around. They also come in tons of cute colors! The slip on shoes were also perfect for walking on the pavement, by the pool, or just to throw on when we were going to breakfast or walking around the resort. I was afraid she would trip or scuff her toes in these, but she had no issues whatsoever! They fit perfectly and were absolutely darling!
Linking a few of Ansley's swim gear below
Flying with a Toddler
Currently, when we are at home, we use the Uppa Baby Vista Stroller and the Maxi Cosi 3 n 1 Convertible Car Seat. We also used Uppa Baby’s Car Seat, the Mesa, until Ansley turned 1. For Traveling purposes, we wanted to get a smaller, less expensive umbrella type stroller that could potentially get a little beat up and was easier to cart around. (I want to keep my Uppa Baby in good shape ;).
So, we snagged this Summer 3D Mini Convenience Stroller for our trip for just $45. At first, it was slightly challenging to figure out how to easily open and close it, but we finally got the hang of it. I liked that it was small and folded up tight for traveling. It also has a nice basket and two cupholders in the top compartment. We pulled out our Mesa Car Seat to travel, so that we didn’t have to bring our big toddler car seat. We wanted to make sure we had a car seat for cabs or any car rides when we arrived, and it was perfect. (We did not bring our car seat base, since the Mesa allows you to strap into the seat belt).
Once we were at the airport to head to St. Thomas, we decided to go ahead and check the car seat at the baggage counter. (Last year, we bought a cheap car seat traveling cover, which you can find on Amazon. Nothing special but does the job). We used the Summer 3D stroller to get Ansley around the airport and once we got to the gate, we just checked the stroller before hopping on the plane. You can also check the car seat at the gate, if needed, which we did on the way back.
Linking our Car Seats and Strollers Below
As far as keeping Ansley entertained on the airplane, we brought a few smaller toys and books that could easily fit in her diaper bag, plus a few snack options, water, and milk. Milk and water for babies and toddlers are allowed through security. I’ve traveled with breastmilk, whole milk, and water for Ansley, and they are all allowed through security, if it’s for your child. Security will just check your bag and “test” the milk and water as you go through. I would make sure to have a cover or top on the bottle/sippy cups for sanitary purposes, since they have to take it for a second.
Other than the few small toys we brought on the plane, we actually didn’t bring many other toys for the week. I am happy we didn’t, especially since we were barely in the room. Our resort actually had sand buckets and beach toys for her to use while we were there.
Here are a few of our favorite “on the go” toys, books, snack cups, and suppy cups!
Favorite snack cups and sippy cups
Small toys and books for on the go
Once we were there, we were provided with a crib, sheets, and a high chair (most places should have all of this). Otherwise, you can always check a pack n play with sheets. I’ve linked the one we use below.
Pack N Play and Sheets
Packing for Mama
To be honest, I pretty much wore all the same outfits from last year on this trip, because I didn’t make time to buy new ones. Plus, most stores had not released spring/summer items yet. I did, however, grab a new swim suit from Target. I typically always buy my suits from Target. They fit well, they’re super cute and mom-friendly, plus they don’t break the bank!
My Target Swim Suits
My Coverups and Sunnies
Overall, it was such an awesome trip! I am so glad we took the extra time and effort, during the COVID craze, to get away, unplug and spend time with family!
One thing I’ve learned this past year is to truly soak up time with the people in your life that mean the most. Make unforgettable memories, don’t sweat the small stuff, and live life to the fullest each and every day!
If you have any other questions regarding this post, leave them in the comments below:)
