Having a Kid Hasn't Held Us Back from Traveling & Living Abroad

This is our daughter, Valencia. She's This is our daughter, Valencia. She's six years old and addicted to travel. six years old and addicted to travel. six years old and addicted to travel. How's this possible? How do we know? And How's this possible? How do we know? And How's this possible? How do we know? And if you like to travel, but you feel like if you like to travel, but you feel like if you like to travel, but you feel like kids are holding you back, please make kids are holding you back, please make kids are holding you back, please make sure you fasten your seat belt securely, sure you fasten your seat belt securely, sure you fasten your seat belt securely, insert the metal tab into the buckle, insert the metal tab into the buckle, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and tighten by pulling the strap because and tighten by pulling the strap because and tighten by pulling the strap because you're going on an adventure with us. you're going on an adventure with us. you're going on an adventure with us. Valencia's introduction to traveling Valencia's introduction to traveling Valencia's introduction to traveling internationally started when she was internationally started when she was internationally started when she was just 9 months old. And let's be honest, just 9 months old. And let's be honest, just 9 months old. And let's be honest, she hardly remembers it. In reality, the she hardly remembers it. In reality, the she hardly remembers it. In reality, the steps were initiated even before that steps were initiated even before that steps were initiated even before that because we needed to get her a passport. because we needed to get her a passport. because we needed to get her a passport. >> Oh, who are we? Well, we are Valencia's >> Oh, who are we? Well, we are Valencia's >> Oh, who are we? Well, we are Valencia's parents. Or at least that's basically parents. Or at least that's basically parents. Or at least that's basically how we've been known by the other how we've been known by the other how we've been known by the other parents at her school since she was 2 parents at her school since she was 2 parents at her school since she was 2 years old. years old. years old. >> For real though, I'm Josh and this is >> For real though, I'm Josh and this is >> For real though, I'm Josh and this is Kaye. We've been living and traveling Kaye. We've been living and traveling Kaye. We've been living and traveling abroad since 2009. We've been to almost abroad since 2009. We've been to almost abroad since 2009. We've been to almost 100 countries and Valencia is now at 33. 100 countries and Valencia is now at 33. 100 countries and Valencia is now at 33. By the way, Valencia is also known by By the way, Valencia is also known by By the way, Valencia is also known by her nickname, CIA, which we'll likely her nickname, CIA, which we'll likely her nickname, CIA, which we'll likely use from here on. use from here on. use from here on. >> Cia first boarded an airplane in October >> Cia first boarded an airplane in October >> Cia first boarded an airplane in October 2020 as we moved from the United States 2020 as we moved from the United States 2020 as we moved from the United States to Portugal. Although we had traveled a to Portugal. Although we had traveled a to Portugal. Although we had traveled a bit around the US by car before this, bit around the US by car before this, bit around the US by car before this, this was her first flight, and it was a this was her first flight, and it was a this was her first flight, and it was a long first one to have. We flew from long first one to have. We flew from long first one to have. We flew from Miami to Paris, then from Paris to Miami to Paris, then from Paris to Miami to Paris, then from Paris to Porto. So, what kinds of things did we Porto. So, what kinds of things did we Porto. So, what kinds of things did we do to prepare for this trip? And how did do to prepare for this trip? And how did do to prepare for this trip? And how did CA do? Let's jump into that. Before CA do? Let's jump into that. Before CA do? Let's jump into that. Before flying, I requested a seat with a flying, I requested a seat with a flying, I requested a seat with a bassinet. In larger airplanes, there are bassinet. In larger airplanes, there are bassinet. In larger airplanes, there are areas to fix a bassinet to the wall. If areas to fix a bassinet to the wall. If areas to fix a bassinet to the wall. If you have a child under two, this is the you have a child under two, this is the you have a child under two, this is the best place to get for long flights. You best place to get for long flights. You best place to get for long flights. You see, under two, they fly free, but they

see, under two, they fly free, but they see, under two, they fly free, but they have to sit on your lap. Having the have to sit on your lap. Having the have to sit on your lap. Having the bassinet allows for more space for them, bassinet allows for more space for them, bassinet allows for more space for them, a break from holding them the whole a break from holding them the whole a break from holding them the whole time, and the best part, having them time, and the best part, having them time, and the best part, having them sleep. There's no extra cost for this sleep. There's no extra cost for this sleep. There's no extra cost for this either. So, if you can get this seat, either. So, if you can get this seat, either. So, if you can get this seat, it's the best. Alternatively, you could it's the best. Alternatively, you could it's the best. Alternatively, you could have your baby in a bucket car seat in have your baby in a bucket car seat in have your baby in a bucket car seat in the seat next to you, but then you're the seat next to you, but then you're the seat next to you, but then you're paying for the extra seat. It's nice paying for the extra seat. It's nice paying for the extra seat. It's nice because they can sleep and you're because they can sleep and you're because they can sleep and you're comfortable, but it comes at a cost. For comfortable, but it comes at a cost. For comfortable, but it comes at a cost. For us, the seating arrangements were us, the seating arrangements were us, the seating arrangements were perfect. There were two seats in front perfect. There were two seats in front perfect. There were two seats in front of the wall for the bassinet. Since Josh of the wall for the bassinet. Since Josh of the wall for the bassinet. Since Josh had Pincho, he had to sit in the row had Pincho, he had to sit in the row had Pincho, he had to sit in the row behind me because dogs need to go under behind me because dogs need to go under behind me because dogs need to go under the seat in front of you. And where the the seat in front of you. And where the the seat in front of you. And where the bassinet seating is, there are no seats bassinet seating is, there are no seats bassinet seating is, there are no seats in front of you. Nobody was sitting next in front of you. Nobody was sitting next in front of you. Nobody was sitting next to me. So that meant once we got up in to me. So that meant once we got up in to me. So that meant once we got up in the air, I could use the extra seat to the air, I could use the extra seat to the air, I could use the extra seat to put muchneeded items on. On to what put muchneeded items on. On to what put muchneeded items on. On to what those items are in a second. Long those items are in a second. Long those items are in a second. Long flights can often get cold, so having flights can often get cold, so having flights can often get cold, so having your baby properly dressed is important. your baby properly dressed is important. your baby properly dressed is important. I put Sea in some comfy PJs that were a I put Sea in some comfy PJs that were a I put Sea in some comfy PJs that were a zip-up onesie of long sleeves and pants. zip-up onesie of long sleeves and pants. zip-up onesie of long sleeves and pants. She runs hot, so this was plenty, but if She runs hot, so this was plenty, but if She runs hot, so this was plenty, but if she would get cold easily, then I would she would get cold easily, then I would she would get cold easily, then I would have layered a bit more. We also have layered a bit more. We also have layered a bit more. We also intentionally took a night flight in intentionally took a night flight in intentionally took a night flight in hopes she would sleep a lot. Cia has hopes she would sleep a lot. Cia has hopes she would sleep a lot. Cia has always been a good sleeper, so that's always been a good sleeper, so that's always been a good sleeper, so that's exactly what happened. Since I had the exactly what happened. Since I had the exactly what happened. Since I had the bassinet, she could lay down. But here's bassinet, she could lay down. But here's bassinet, she could lay down. But here's the bad thing. Anytime we hit turbulence the bad thing. Anytime we hit turbulence the bad thing. Anytime we hit turbulence and the seat belt sign came on, I had to and the seat belt sign came on, I had to and the seat belt sign came on, I had to remove her from the bassinet and buckle remove her from the bassinet and buckle remove her from the bassinet and buckle her to me. Before flying, they give you her to me. Before flying, they give you her to me. Before flying, they give you a special small buckle that loops into a special small buckle that loops into a special small buckle that loops into your seat belt so they have their own your seat belt so they have their own your seat belt so they have their own while you hold them. So obviously the while you hold them. So obviously the while you hold them. So obviously the downside is I had to pick her up when we downside is I had to pick her up when we downside is I had to pick her up when we hit turbulence, which unfortunately

hit turbulence, which unfortunately hit turbulence, which unfortunately happened a few times. So, as gently as I happened a few times. So, as gently as I happened a few times. So, as gently as I could, without trying to wake her up, I could, without trying to wake her up, I could, without trying to wake her up, I would lift her out of the bassinet and would lift her out of the bassinet and would lift her out of the bassinet and hook her onto me. Only one time did she hook her onto me. Only one time did she hook her onto me. Only one time did she wake up and lightly fuss before I rocked wake up and lightly fuss before I rocked wake up and lightly fuss before I rocked her back to sleep in my arms. So, it her back to sleep in my arms. So, it her back to sleep in my arms. So, it wasn't terrible, but if you have a wasn't terrible, but if you have a wasn't terrible, but if you have a finicky sleeper, then this could be finicky sleeper, then this could be finicky sleeper, then this could be stressful. So, that extra seat next to stressful. So, that extra seat next to stressful. So, that extra seat next to me ended up being very nice because I me ended up being very nice because I me ended up being very nice because I could lay out all the essentials and be could lay out all the essentials and be could lay out all the essentials and be prepared. I had extra blankets, prepared. I had extra blankets, prepared. I had extra blankets, stuffies, and toys ready to grab and stuffies, and toys ready to grab and stuffies, and toys ready to grab and distract if needed, along with binkies distract if needed, along with binkies distract if needed, along with binkies and of course her bottle. Having the and of course her bottle. Having the and of course her bottle. Having the main things that I could just grab and main things that I could just grab and main things that I could just grab and not have to rumage through or look for not have to rumage through or look for not have to rumage through or look for made it much easier to mitigate any made it much easier to mitigate any made it much easier to mitigate any meltdowns. Now, obviously, this was my meltdowns. Now, obviously, this was my meltdowns. Now, obviously, this was my first time doing this, so I wasn't a first time doing this, so I wasn't a first time doing this, so I wasn't a pro. I learned from other moms who did pro. I learned from other moms who did pro. I learned from other moms who did it before me. Sia was such a chill baby it before me. Sia was such a chill baby it before me. Sia was such a chill baby that we had zero problems on the flight, that we had zero problems on the flight, that we had zero problems on the flight, which was a blessing. But I do think which was a blessing. But I do think which was a blessing. But I do think there were certain things we did there were certain things we did there were certain things we did beforehand that really helped. For beforehand that really helped. For beforehand that really helped. For example, the night flight worked out for example, the night flight worked out for example, the night flight worked out for us. Since we knew she was a good us. Since we knew she was a good us. Since we knew she was a good sleeper, we were banking on the air sleeper, we were banking on the air sleeper, we were banking on the air pressure not being an issue, and it pressure not being an issue, and it pressure not being an issue, and it wasn't, but I did have pacifiers at the wasn't, but I did have pacifiers at the wasn't, but I did have pacifiers at the ready. This is super important for the ready. This is super important for the ready. This is super important for the pressure. Also, having plenty of milk pressure. Also, having plenty of milk pressure. Also, having plenty of milk was important. I pumped right before was important. I pumped right before was important. I pumped right before getting on the airplane. Nowadays, many getting on the airplane. Nowadays, many getting on the airplane. Nowadays, many large airports have special feeding and large airports have special feeding and large airports have special feeding and pumping pods or rooms. So, research the pumping pods or rooms. So, research the pumping pods or rooms. So, research the airport you're flying out of and find airport you're flying out of and find airport you're flying out of and find where those are. If they don't exist, where those are. If they don't exist, where those are. If they don't exist, look to see if they're family restrooms look to see if they're family restrooms look to see if they're family restrooms or even handicap restrooms, which gave or even handicap restrooms, which gave or even handicap restrooms, which gave you more space. Doing this right before you more space. Doing this right before you more space. Doing this right before I got on the airplane meant that I I got on the airplane meant that I I got on the airplane meant that I didn't have to stress personally and I didn't have to stress personally and I didn't have to stress personally and I had fresh milk for the takeoff. Also,

had fresh milk for the takeoff. Also, had fresh milk for the takeoff. Also, the great thing is that pumps and liquid the great thing is that pumps and liquid the great thing is that pumps and liquid formula and breast milk can all be taken formula and breast milk can all be taken formula and breast milk can all be taken on the plane as extra carryons. I had on the plane as extra carryons. I had on the plane as extra carryons. I had two soft coolers full of frozen breast two soft coolers full of frozen breast two soft coolers full of frozen breast milk that I brought. I was not leaving milk that I brought. I was not leaving milk that I brought. I was not leaving all that hard work behind. Now, what's all that hard work behind. Now, what's all that hard work behind. Now, what's funny about this is when we arrived in funny about this is when we arrived in funny about this is when we arrived in Paris, we had to go through another Paris, we had to go through another Paris, we had to go through another security check and they took every security check and they took every security check and they took every single bag out and ran it through some single bag out and ran it through some single bag out and ran it through some special machine. Thankfully, we weren't special machine. Thankfully, we weren't special machine. Thankfully, we weren't in a rush and I could just resituate as in a rush and I could just resituate as in a rush and I could just resituate as needed. So, CIA slept most of the flight needed. So, CIA slept most of the flight needed. So, CIA slept most of the flight to Paris. I was prepared with all of her to Paris. I was prepared with all of her to Paris. I was prepared with all of her favorite things just in case. Once we favorite things just in case. Once we favorite things just in case. Once we got to Paris and were waiting for a got to Paris and were waiting for a got to Paris and were waiting for a flight to Porto, it was daytime. So, I flight to Porto, it was daytime. So, I flight to Porto, it was daytime. So, I changed her into normal clothes that changed her into normal clothes that changed her into normal clothes that were layered and then we gave her plenty were layered and then we gave her plenty were layered and then we gave her plenty of age appropriate stimulation around of age appropriate stimulation around of age appropriate stimulation around the airport. So by the time we got on the airport. So by the time we got on the airport. So by the time we got on the next flight, she was ready for a the next flight, she was ready for a the next flight, she was ready for a nap. nap. nap. >> After arriving in Portugal and knowing >> After arriving in Portugal and knowing >> After arriving in Portugal and knowing how restricted air travel was at the how restricted air travel was at the how restricted air travel was at the time, we ended up doing a lot more car, time, we ended up doing a lot more car, time, we ended up doing a lot more car, train, and bus travel, which brings its train, and bus travel, which brings its train, and bus travel, which brings its own set of pros and cons. First of all, own set of pros and cons. First of all, own set of pros and cons. First of all, traveling by car is awesome because we traveling by car is awesome because we traveling by car is awesome because we can pick up and go whenever we want. can pick up and go whenever we want. can pick up and go whenever we want. There's hardly any real rush because There's hardly any real rush because There's hardly any real rush because we're not fixed to a bus or train we're not fixed to a bus or train we're not fixed to a bus or train schedule. We can stop whenever we want schedule. We can stop whenever we want schedule. We can stop whenever we want to eat something or to go use the to eat something or to go use the to eat something or to go use the bathroom. Let's be honest, at this early bathroom. Let's be honest, at this early bathroom. Let's be honest, at this early stage with CIA, it's really nice. She's stage with CIA, it's really nice. She's stage with CIA, it's really nice. She's in diapers, doesn't tell us when she in diapers, doesn't tell us when she in diapers, doesn't tell us when she needs to go to the bathroom, so it's all needs to go to the bathroom, so it's all needs to go to the bathroom, so it's all gas and no breaks. The downside to gas and no breaks. The downside to gas and no breaks. The downside to driving, as she got even a little bit driving, as she got even a little bit driving, as she got even a little bit older, was how to entertain her or older, was how to entertain her or older, was how to entertain her or console her if she got upset. Most the console her if she got upset. Most the console her if she got upset. Most the time we would both be in the front seat time we would both be in the front seat time we would both be in the front seat as driver and co-pilot. And if CIA got as driver and co-pilot. And if CIA got as driver and co-pilot. And if CIA got fussy, the co-pilot would have to loosen

fussy, the co-pilot would have to loosen fussy, the co-pilot would have to loosen the belt and try to calm her down and the belt and try to calm her down and the belt and try to calm her down and figure out if she was hungry, bored, or figure out if she was hungry, bored, or figure out if she was hungry, bored, or wet. So, we started planning the driving wet. So, we started planning the driving wet. So, we started planning the driving times around her nap schedule so she times around her nap schedule so she times around her nap schedule so she could sleep a majority of the time. This could sleep a majority of the time. This could sleep a majority of the time. This is not something that we have to worry is not something that we have to worry is not something that we have to worry about when it comes to taking a bus or a about when it comes to taking a bus or a about when it comes to taking a bus or a train. Having someone else responsible train. Having someone else responsible train. Having someone else responsible for getting us from point A to point B for getting us from point A to point B for getting us from point A to point B meant that we could spend more time with meant that we could spend more time with meant that we could spend more time with CIA on the journey to the destination. CIA on the journey to the destination. CIA on the journey to the destination. We could talk, read to her, play games, We could talk, read to her, play games, We could talk, read to her, play games, feed her, and as she got a little older, feed her, and as she got a little older, feed her, and as she got a little older, she always had a little more space, or she always had a little more space, or she always had a little more space, or at least a tray table to play with her at least a tray table to play with her at least a tray table to play with her toys. toys. toys. Starting around 2 years old, we began to Starting around 2 years old, we began to Starting around 2 years old, we began to communicate with CIA a lot more when it communicate with CIA a lot more when it communicate with CIA a lot more when it came to preparing her mentally for came to preparing her mentally for came to preparing her mentally for travel. We started telling her about the travel. We started telling her about the travel. We started telling her about the trip days, weeks, or even months in trip days, weeks, or even months in trip days, weeks, or even months in advance. This has really worked for us advance. This has really worked for us advance. This has really worked for us and her. Kids, like most people in and her. Kids, like most people in and her. Kids, like most people in general, like predictability because it general, like predictability because it general, like predictability because it makes us feel safer. Sure, we like makes us feel safer. Sure, we like makes us feel safer. Sure, we like spontaneous surprises, but when it comes spontaneous surprises, but when it comes spontaneous surprises, but when it comes to such a big change or variance from to such a big change or variance from to such a big change or variance from everyday life, the mind needs a little everyday life, the mind needs a little everyday life, the mind needs a little buffer time to prepare. Right.

buffer time to prepare. Right. buffer time to prepare. Right. >> Right. So, telling her the purpose of >> Right. So, telling her the purpose of >> Right. So, telling her the purpose of travel also became very important. We travel also became very important. We travel also became very important. We would talk about who we were going to would talk about who we were going to would talk about who we were going to visit. Like for example, your best visit. Like for example, your best visit. Like for example, your best friend Maya in London or Jon Gigi are friend Maya in London or Jon Gigi are friend Maya in London or Jon Gigi are meeting us in Asia or we're going to go meeting us in Asia or we're going to go meeting us in Asia or we're going to go see your cousins back in the US. And see your cousins back in the US. And see your cousins back in the US. And importantly, we would tell her that importantly, we would tell her that importantly, we would tell her that we're going to try this new food like we're going to try this new food like we're going to try this new food like rice noodles in Asia. rice noodles in Asia. rice noodles in Asia. >> Okay, the rice and noodle one is funny >> Okay, the rice and noodle one is funny >> Okay, the rice and noodle one is funny because of course she eats a lot of rice because of course she eats a lot of rice because of course she eats a lot of rice in Portugal and pasta in general because in Portugal and pasta in general because in Portugal and pasta in general because well, most kids do. So, we say rice well, most kids do. So, we say rice well, most kids do. So, we say rice because it's something familiar. And if because it's something familiar. And if because it's something familiar. And if we had said pork fried rice before she we had said pork fried rice before she we had said pork fried rice before she had a really good concept of what that had a really good concept of what that had a really good concept of what that is, she might have rejected it outright. is, she might have rejected it outright. is, she might have rejected it outright. But when we got to Malaysia and But when we got to Malaysia and But when we got to Malaysia and Singapore and wanted to eat some foods Singapore and wanted to eat some foods Singapore and wanted to eat some foods that were like fried rice dishes, she that were like fried rice dishes, she that were like fried rice dishes, she was just fine with it. It just couldn't was just fine with it. It just couldn't was just fine with it. It just couldn't be too spicy. With noodles, we still be too spicy. With noodles, we still be too spicy. With noodles, we still have to remind her from time to time have to remind her from time to time have to remind her from time to time that pasta and noodles are basically the that pasta and noodles are basically the that pasta and noodles are basically the same thing. It's just coming from same thing. It's just coming from same thing. It's just coming from different countries and it's done a different countries and it's done a different countries and it's done a little differently in each country. I little differently in each country. I little differently in each country. I couldn't just say we're going to eat couldn't just say we're going to eat couldn't just say we're going to eat ramen because she hadn't been exposed to ramen because she hadn't been exposed to ramen because she hadn't been exposed to it enough yet. Her very first time it enough yet. Her very first time it enough yet. Her very first time eating ramen was actually in Dusseldorf.

eating ramen was actually in Dusseldorf. eating ramen was actually in Dusseldorf. We went for a soccer match in the tuneup We went for a soccer match in the tuneup We went for a soccer match in the tuneup to the 2022 World Cup. And if you don't to the 2022 World Cup. And if you don't to the 2022 World Cup. And if you don't know, Dusseldorf has a huge Japanese know, Dusseldorf has a huge Japanese know, Dusseldorf has a huge Japanese population. Because of that and the fact population. Because of that and the fact population. Because of that and the fact that good ramen is one of my favorite that good ramen is one of my favorite that good ramen is one of my favorite dishes on the planet, we knew [music] dishes on the planet, we knew [music] dishes on the planet, we knew [music] that we were going to eat it regardless that we were going to eat it regardless that we were going to eat it regardless of how CIA felt about it. We found a of how CIA felt about it. We found a of how CIA felt about it. We found a cute little hole-in-the-wall Japanese cute little hole-in-the-wall Japanese cute little hole-in-the-wall Japanese ramen spot and got two dishes and some ramen spot and got two dishes and some ramen spot and got two dishes and some edetamame knowing that Sea would at edetamame knowing that Sea would at edetamame knowing that Sea would at least eat that. She's had edetamame least eat that. She's had edetamame least eat that. She's had edetamame before and loves veggies in general. before and loves veggies in general. before and loves veggies in general. Little did I know she'd love ramen Little did I know she'd love ramen Little did I know she'd love ramen noodles. She basically ate half of my noodles. She basically ate half of my noodles. She basically ate half of my dish. I didn't care to be honest. I was dish. I didn't care to be honest. I was dish. I didn't care to be honest. I was happy and I was proud as well. We had happy and I was proud as well. We had happy and I was proud as well. We had discovered or better yet unlocked a new discovered or better yet unlocked a new discovered or better yet unlocked a new food for her that I love too. How did we food for her that I love too. How did we food for her that I love too. How did we not know she'd love ramen? It combines not know she'd love ramen? It combines not know she'd love ramen? It combines two things that she loves. Noodles or two things that she loves. Noodles or two things that she loves. Noodles or pasta and like any good tuga, soup. pasta and like any good tuga, soup. pasta and like any good tuga, soup. Because traveling unlocks all sorts of Because traveling unlocks all sorts of Because traveling unlocks all sorts of different flavors for all sorts of different flavors for all sorts of different flavors for all sorts of different national dishes around the different national dishes around the different national dishes around the world, we also tried to relate it to world, we also tried to relate it to world, we also tried to relate it to something that she already knew and it's something that she already knew and it's something that she already knew and it's really worked for us.

really worked for us. really worked for us. By the time CIA turned three, she had By the time CIA turned three, she had By the time CIA turned three, she had already been in school in Portuguese already been in school in Portuguese already been in school in Portuguese language and started understanding language and started understanding language and started understanding things in both English and Portuguese. things in both English and Portuguese. things in both English and Portuguese. Okay, her English at this point is much Okay, her English at this point is much Okay, her English at this point is much better than her Portuguese, but she's better than her Portuguese, but she's better than her Portuguese, but she's still absorbing a lot from the two still absorbing a lot from the two still absorbing a lot from the two languages. She wasn't always comfortable languages. She wasn't always comfortable languages. She wasn't always comfortable speaking in Portuguese in front of us speaking in Portuguese in front of us speaking in Portuguese in front of us like she is now, but she would at this like she is now, but she would at this like she is now, but she would at this point already say singada point already say singada point already say singada or bond among other common phrases. or bond among other common phrases. or bond among other common phrases. That's when we introduced the concept of That's when we introduced the concept of That's when we introduced the concept of different countries use different different countries use different different countries use different languages. This wasn't that tricky, but languages. This wasn't that tricky, but languages. This wasn't that tricky, but it's probably because she was already it's probably because she was already it's probably because she was already exposed to English and Portuguese. No exposed to English and Portuguese. No exposed to English and Portuguese. No matter where we travel, as she's gotten matter where we travel, as she's gotten matter where we travel, as she's gotten even older, she'll ask, "What language even older, she'll ask, "What language even older, she'll ask, "What language do they speak here? English or do they speak here? English or do they speak here? English or Portuguese?" At which point, we have to Portuguese?" At which point, we have to Portuguese?" At which point, we have to introduce her to a third language if introduce her to a third language if introduce her to a third language if that applies. So, this step with CA that applies. So, this step with CA that applies. So, this step with CA meant that we would introduce very meant that we would introduce very meant that we would introduce very simple words or numbers up to five or 10 simple words or numbers up to five or 10 simple words or numbers up to five or 10 if we knew it. When we were in France, if we knew it. When we were in France, if we knew it. When we were in France, it's meour.

it's meour. it's meour. When we're in Spain, it's gracias and When we're in Spain, it's gracias and When we're in Spain, it's gracias and wenos diaz. But if we're in Koala wenos diaz. But if we're in Koala wenos diaz. But if we're in Koala Lumpur, Malaysia, we'll let her know Lumpur, Malaysia, we'll let her know Lumpur, Malaysia, we'll let her know that a lot of people speak English, even that a lot of people speak English, even that a lot of people speak English, even though their first language might be though their first language might be though their first language might be bahasa. Also, as she's gotten older, bahasa. Also, as she's gotten older, bahasa. Also, as she's gotten older, when we try to share more complex when we try to share more complex when we try to share more complex phrases, we'll ask, "How do you say this phrases, we'll ask, "How do you say this phrases, we'll ask, "How do you say this in Portuguese?" Just to be sure of her in Portuguese?" Just to be sure of her in Portuguese?" Just to be sure of her understanding going from her mother understanding going from her mother understanding going from her mother tongue to her second language. It's been tongue to her second language. It's been tongue to her second language. It's been a fun experiment, to be honest. a fun experiment, to be honest. a fun experiment, to be honest. >> That's right. And there's something else >> That's right. And there's something else >> That's right. And there's something else that's connected here when it comes to that's connected here when it comes to that's connected here when it comes to travel and trying new things. We try not travel and trying new things. We try not travel and trying new things. We try not to talk negatively about new foods, even to talk negatively about new foods, even to talk negatively about new foods, even if we have our own preferences, at least if we have our own preferences, at least if we have our own preferences, at least before Sia tries it. After she tries it, before Sia tries it. After she tries it, before Sia tries it. After she tries it, if she doesn't like it and one of us if she doesn't like it and one of us if she doesn't like it and one of us don't like it, it's okay to share our don't like it, it's okay to share our don't like it, it's okay to share our opinions. So, what I mean is we try to opinions. So, what I mean is we try to opinions. So, what I mean is we try to talk positively first. We do this about talk positively first. We do this about talk positively first. We do this about travel in general and especially travel in general and especially travel in general and especially pre-travel. We talk about all the pre-travel. We talk about all the pre-travel. We talk about all the positive things we get from traveling positive things we get from traveling positive things we get from traveling and even bring up past experiences that and even bring up past experiences that and even bring up past experiences that were positive. We think this has really were positive. We think this has really were positive. We think this has really reinforced the idea in CIA that reinforced the idea in CIA that reinforced the idea in CIA that traveling is good. We still want to make traveling is good. We still want to make traveling is good. We still want to make sure she's comfortable though, so we sure she's comfortable though, so we sure she's comfortable though, so we always let her choose her favorite always let her choose her favorite always let her choose her favorite stuffy to bring. She can pack some of stuffy to bring. She can pack some of stuffy to bring. She can pack some of her small toys and of course the blanket her small toys and of course the blanket her small toys and of course the blanket she sleeps with. We also love traveling she sleeps with. We also love traveling she sleeps with. We also love traveling with a pop-up tent she slept in. We with a pop-up tent she slept in. We with a pop-up tent she slept in. We actually ended up getting rid of her actually ended up getting rid of her actually ended up getting rid of her crib and having her sleep in it because crib and having her sleep in it because crib and having her sleep in it because when we did travel, the bed was the when we did travel, the bed was the when we did travel, the bed was the same. So that consistency meant even if same. So that consistency meant even if same. So that consistency meant even if we were in a different country, she was we were in a different country, she was we were in a different country, she was still in her own bed. Whether we're still in her own bed. Whether we're still in her own bed. Whether we're traveling in Portugal, the US, or traveling in Portugal, the US, or traveling in Portugal, the US, or anywhere else in the world, there's anywhere else in the world, there's anywhere else in the world, there's something that we have to do for CIA

something that we have to do for CIA something that we have to do for CIA that gives her some time each day to do that gives her some time each day to do that gives her some time each day to do what she enjoys. It makes sense, right? what she enjoys. It makes sense, right? what she enjoys. It makes sense, right? Could you imagine if we just dictated Could you imagine if we just dictated Could you imagine if we just dictated every hour of travel or vacation to her? every hour of travel or vacation to her? every hour of travel or vacation to her? Okay, 9:00 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 to 12 Okay, 9:00 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 to 12 Okay, 9:00 a.m. breakfast, 9:30 to 12 sightseeing, 12:1, 1 to 4:30 more sightseeing, 12:1, 1 to 4:30 more sightseeing, 12:1, 1 to 4:30 more sightseeing, and so on. Literally, sightseeing, and so on. Literally, sightseeing, and so on. Literally, nobody would like it. And young kids, nobody would like it. And young kids, nobody would like it. And young kids, older kids, and adults would hate that. older kids, and adults would hate that. older kids, and adults would hate that. So, we give her at least one, but often So, we give her at least one, but often So, we give her at least one, but often several times a day, an opportunity to several times a day, an opportunity to several times a day, an opportunity to do something she wants to do. What that do something she wants to do. What that do something she wants to do. What that usually becomes is finding a playground usually becomes is finding a playground usually becomes is finding a playground in a new city to play for 15 to 30 in a new city to play for 15 to 30 in a new city to play for 15 to 30 minutes. Playing for 30 minutes to an minutes. Playing for 30 minutes to an minutes. Playing for 30 minutes to an hour in the hotel room is another one. hour in the hotel room is another one. hour in the hotel room is another one. Yes, the hotel room. She'll start Yes, the hotel room. She'll start Yes, the hotel room. She'll start playing with a coffee and tea set and playing with a coffee and tea set and playing with a coffee and tea set and have tea parties with the toys or serve have tea parties with the toys or serve have tea parties with the toys or serve it up to us. Another thing that's become it up to us. Another thing that's become it up to us. Another thing that's become part of our search criteria when looking part of our search criteria when looking part of our search criteria when looking for hotels is a pool. If a pool is for hotels is a pool. If a pool is for hotels is a pool. If a pool is involved, we have to set aside time for involved, we have to set aside time for involved, we have to set aside time for that. We also make it a point to not that. We also make it a point to not that. We also make it a point to not just sightsee and do museums, which just sightsee and do museums, which just sightsee and do museums, which might be kind of boring for her, but to might be kind of boring for her, but to might be kind of boring for her, but to find the aquarium, science, hands-on find the aquarium, science, hands-on find the aquarium, science, hands-on museum, and things in a city that are museum, and things in a city that are museum, and things in a city that are specifically for kids. We're pretty sure specifically for kids. We're pretty sure specifically for kids. We're pretty sure this dedicated time to decide what she'd this dedicated time to decide what she'd this dedicated time to decide what she'd like to do reinforces to her that like to do reinforces to her that like to do reinforces to her that traveling is fun and gives her a chance traveling is fun and gives her a chance traveling is fun and gives her a chance to do stuff that she enjoys. At this to do stuff that she enjoys. At this to do stuff that she enjoys. At this point in our timeline, CIA is point in our timeline, CIA is point in our timeline, CIA is approaching 4 years old and 20 different approaching 4 years old and 20 different approaching 4 years old and 20 different countries visited. A couple new patterns countries visited. A couple new patterns countries visited. A couple new patterns have emerged [music] and depending on have emerged [music] and depending on have emerged [music] and depending on what kind of parent or passenger you are what kind of parent or passenger you are what kind of parent or passenger you are is where you're going to agree, is where you're going to agree, is where you're going to agree, disagree, or even thank us. Back in disagree, or even thank us. Back in disagree, or even thank us. Back in 2019, before C was even born, we were 2019, before C was even born, we were 2019, before C was even born, we were living in Singapore, and one of my best living in Singapore, and one of my best living in Singapore, and one of my best guy friends had a three-year-old boy.

guy friends had a three-year-old boy. guy friends had a three-year-old boy. He's an American. His wife's Canadian, He's an American. His wife's Canadian, He's an American. His wife's Canadian, and from time to time, they would go and from time to time, they would go and from time to time, they would go back to North America for visits. Now, I back to North America for visits. Now, I back to North America for visits. Now, I knew how active their son was. He's a knew how active their son was. He's a knew how active their son was. He's a bright, talkative kid that's very sweet, bright, talkative kid that's very sweet, bright, talkative kid that's very sweet, but he's a kid. He can't always control but he's a kid. He can't always control but he's a kid. He can't always control the volume of his voice or emotions. So the volume of his voice or emotions. So the volume of his voice or emotions. So I asked my friend, "What in the world do I asked my friend, "What in the world do I asked my friend, "What in the world do you do with Peter on a long flight like you do with Peter on a long flight like you do with Peter on a long flight like that?" And he said, "Josh." We broke that?" And he said, "Josh." We broke that?" And he said, "Josh." We broke down and just gave him a phone to watch down and just gave him a phone to watch down and just gave him a phone to watch something. We monitored his screen time something. We monitored his screen time something. We monitored his screen time and we had little breaks, but basically and we had little breaks, but basically and we had little breaks, but basically he watched the whole time. Kaylee and I he watched the whole time. Kaylee and I he watched the whole time. Kaylee and I began to take that same approach with began to take that same approach with began to take that same approach with CIA around this age. When she got her CIA around this age. When she got her CIA around this age. When she got her phone, she's pretty quiet, unless phone, she's pretty quiet, unless phone, she's pretty quiet, unless something funny happens on the screen, something funny happens on the screen, something funny happens on the screen, at which point she bursts out into at which point she bursts out into at which point she bursts out into laughter, maybe a little too loud. She laughter, maybe a little too loud. She laughter, maybe a little too loud. She wears headphones and doesn't always wears headphones and doesn't always wears headphones and doesn't always realize how loud she is, either laughing realize how loud she is, either laughing realize how loud she is, either laughing or asking for a snack. All in all, she's or asking for a snack. All in all, she's or asking for a snack. All in all, she's quiet, though, and people around her can quiet, though, and people around her can quiet, though, and people around her can be left in peace. Without a device, she be left in peace. Without a device, she be left in peace. Without a device, she would definitely be louder on planes would definitely be louder on planes would definitely be louder on planes because she'll be talking out loud and because she'll be talking out loud and because she'll be talking out loud and playing with her little figures. So, playing with her little figures. So, playing with her little figures. So, it's cute to watch her, but it's not it's cute to watch her, but it's not it's cute to watch her, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. So, we try to everyone's cup of tea. So, we try to everyone's cup of tea. So, we try to limit that, especially on planes. So, limit that, especially on planes. So, limit that, especially on planes. So, we're giving her screen time, but we we're giving her screen time, but we we're giving her screen time, but we take breaks. We also make sure her phone take breaks. We also make sure her phone take breaks. We also make sure her phone has offline games that she can play, so has offline games that she can play, so has offline games that she can play, so she's not just watching something the she's not just watching something the she's not just watching something the whole time. She's also playing games.

whole time. She's also playing games. whole time. She's also playing games. And at this age, we found plenty of And at this age, we found plenty of And at this age, we found plenty of educational games. She's learning the educational games. She's learning the educational games. She's learning the ABCs, being read to and answering ABCs, being read to and answering ABCs, being read to and answering questions about books, playing matching questions about books, playing matching questions about books, playing matching games, and so on. So, mix of watching games, and so on. So, mix of watching games, and so on. So, mix of watching and playing with built-in breaks. When and playing with built-in breaks. When and playing with built-in breaks. When we take a break, we warn her. Maybe we take a break, we warn her. Maybe we take a break, we warn her. Maybe we'll say, "This is your last show. we'll say, "This is your last show. we'll say, "This is your last show. Finish it and then we're going to take a Finish it and then we're going to take a Finish it and then we're going to take a break." Or we'll say, "You've got 5 break." Or we'll say, "You've got 5 break." Or we'll say, "You've got 5 minutes and then we're going to take a minutes and then we're going to take a minutes and then we're going to take a break." We don't want to just take her break." We don't want to just take her break." We don't want to just take her phone without warning her. phone without warning her. phone without warning her. >> One thing we always make sure we have >> One thing we always make sure we have >> One thing we always make sure we have when we're moving about a city is when we're moving about a city is when we're moving about a city is snacks. That way, we aren't stopping at snacks. That way, we aren't stopping at snacks. That way, we aren't stopping at a restaurant or store all the time. It a restaurant or store all the time. It a restaurant or store all the time. It also gives her something to do and focus also gives her something to do and focus also gives her something to do and focus on while sitting in her stroller. We've on while sitting in her stroller. We've on while sitting in her stroller. We've already mentioned how we would bring already mentioned how we would bring already mentioned how we would bring comfort from home and snacks on the go, comfort from home and snacks on the go, comfort from home and snacks on the go, but little did we know how much we would but little did we know how much we would but little did we know how much we would rely on these types of snacks was rely on these types of snacks was rely on these types of snacks was twofold. twofold. twofold. >> Well, three if you count the fact that >> Well, three if you count the fact that >> Well, three if you count the fact that we're able to eat the snacks. we're able to eat the snacks. we're able to eat the snacks. >> We're able to eat the snack, too, which >> We're able to eat the snack, too, which >> We're able to eat the snack, too, which is good, but the least important thing. is good, but the least important thing. is good, but the least important thing. So, number one, Sia has something So, number one, Sia has something So, number one, Sia has something familiar to eat that gives her a sense familiar to eat that gives her a sense familiar to eat that gives her a sense of comfort. and two, we have some kind of comfort. and two, we have some kind of comfort. and two, we have some kind of food in the hotel or Airbnb just in of food in the hotel or Airbnb just in of food in the hotel or Airbnb just in case we can't make it to a grocery store case we can't make it to a grocery store case we can't make it to a grocery store when we arrive or a new place or when we arrive or a new place or when we arrive or a new place or whatever. We've been caught out several whatever. We've been caught out several whatever. We've been caught out several times at this point where we've traveled times at this point where we've traveled times at this point where we've traveled to a nice country or city, arrived late, to a nice country or city, arrived late, to a nice country or city, arrived late, not been able to get food that she wants not been able to get food that she wants not been able to get food that she wants or likes. So, having these familiar or likes. So, having these familiar or likes. So, having these familiar snacks when she's hungry at an odd hour, snacks when she's hungry at an odd hour, snacks when she's hungry at an odd hour, or when we can't go to a store always or when we can't go to a store always or when we can't go to a store always saves us. And you never know when the saves us. And you never know when the saves us. And you never know when the grocery stores might be closed for a day grocery stores might be closed for a day grocery stores might be closed for a day or two around the holiday. Having plenty or two around the holiday. Having plenty or two around the holiday. Having plenty of snacks from Portugal has been clutch

of snacks from Portugal has been clutch of snacks from Portugal has been clutch for us on a number of occasions at this for us on a number of occasions at this for us on a number of occasions at this point. We just travel with a relatively point. We just travel with a relatively point. We just travel with a relatively small food bag just in case. That brings small food bag just in case. That brings small food bag just in case. That brings us to the next thing that really works us to the next thing that really works us to the next thing that really works for CIA. Bringing her metal water bottle for CIA. Bringing her metal water bottle for CIA. Bringing her metal water bottle from home. We always have water when from home. We always have water when from home. We always have water when we're out. It allows her to stay we're out. It allows her to stay we're out. It allows her to stay hydrated, of course, but it also allows hydrated, of course, but it also allows hydrated, of course, but it also allows us to reduce waste and costs. We don't us to reduce waste and costs. We don't us to reduce waste and costs. We don't have to buy a plastic bottle of water have to buy a plastic bottle of water have to buy a plastic bottle of water everywhere we go. And speaking of everywhere we go. And speaking of everywhere we go. And speaking of packing, there's been an evolution of packing, there's been an evolution of packing, there's been an evolution of packing for CIA that's occurred almost packing for CIA that's occurred almost packing for CIA that's occurred almost as milestone events as she gets older as milestone events as she gets older as milestone events as she gets older every year. every year. every year. >> Age four, we've stopped needing to pack >> Age four, we've stopped needing to pack >> Age four, we've stopped needing to pack diapers for number TW's. diapers for number TW's. diapers for number TW's. >> Okay, let me explain the diaper thing. >> Okay, let me explain the diaper thing. >> Okay, let me explain the diaper thing. She didn't need to sleep in diapers or She didn't need to sleep in diapers or She didn't need to sleep in diapers or wear them during the day as she would wear them during the day as she would wear them during the day as she would use the potty, but she fought going use the potty, but she fought going use the potty, but she fought going number two in the toilet. So, when she number two in the toilet. So, when she number two in the toilet. So, when she was about 3 and a half, I asked her when was about 3 and a half, I asked her when was about 3 and a half, I asked her when she was going to go on the toilet. She she was going to go on the toilet. She she was going to go on the toilet. She said she would when she turned four. I said she would when she turned four. I said she would when she turned four. I said, "Okay, deal." But the day you turn said, "Okay, deal." But the day you turn said, "Okay, deal." But the day you turn four, diapers are gone. We literally four, diapers are gone. We literally four, diapers are gone. We literally only had to pack diapers for her to go only had to pack diapers for her to go only had to pack diapers for her to go number two and then throw away. The day number two and then throw away. The day number two and then throw away. The day she turned four, the diapers we were she turned four, the diapers we were she turned four, the diapers we were done. There were a few tears that day, done. There were a few tears that day, done. There were a few tears that day, but the next day she was fine, and but the next day she was fine, and but the next day she was fine, and diapers thankfully became a thing of the diapers thankfully became a thing of the diapers thankfully became a thing of the past for us. Around the age of four, we past for us. Around the age of four, we past for us. Around the age of four, we had gotten this smaller collapsible had gotten this smaller collapsible had gotten this smaller collapsible chair with wheels that's not really a chair with wheels that's not really a chair with wheels that's not really a stroller, so that's why we called it the stroller, so that's why we called it the stroller, so that's why we called it the Rider. It was great because it was much Rider. It was great because it was much Rider. It was great because it was much smaller and lightweight. We could have smaller and lightweight. We could have smaller and lightweight. We could have her pop off and on if we need to get on her pop off and on if we need to get on her pop off and on if we need to get on escalators so we didn't have to find the escalators so we didn't have to find the escalators so we didn't have to find the elevators. It was a good transition from elevators. It was a good transition from elevators. It was a good transition from a stroller, but now that she's older, a stroller, but now that she's older, a stroller, but now that she's older, she doesn't need it anymore.

she doesn't need it anymore. she doesn't need it anymore. >> And we started to let her pack her own >> And we started to let her pack her own >> And we started to let her pack her own bag so that she could take bag so that she could take bag so that she could take responsibility and some ownership over responsibility and some ownership over responsibility and some ownership over what she brought to travel. Age 5, she what she brought to travel. Age 5, she what she brought to travel. Age 5, she started carrying her own bag. If it felt started carrying her own bag. If it felt started carrying her own bag. If it felt a little heavy, we would talk about why a little heavy, we would talk about why a little heavy, we would talk about why and what packing choices she made and and what packing choices she made and and what packing choices she made and how it impacted her comfort with her how it impacted her comfort with her how it impacted her comfort with her backpack on her back or rolling her backpack on her back or rolling her backpack on her back or rolling her suitcase around. She helped choose the suitcase around. She helped choose the suitcase around. She helped choose the outfits she wanted to take and the toys outfits she wanted to take and the toys outfits she wanted to take and the toys that were traveling with us. Age six. that were traveling with us. Age six. that were traveling with us. Age six. This was a big one for me. She no longer This was a big one for me. She no longer This was a big one for me. She no longer needed a stroller or what we call the needed a stroller or what we call the needed a stroller or what we call the rider. Okay, we can't cover as much rider. Okay, we can't cover as much rider. Okay, we can't cover as much ground, but it can be cumbersome to ground, but it can be cumbersome to ground, but it can be cumbersome to travel on planes with stuff like that. travel on planes with stuff like that. travel on planes with stuff like that. Once it's no longer a necessity, I feel Once it's no longer a necessity, I feel Once it's no longer a necessity, I feel unshackled. And if you're a returning unshackled. And if you're a returning unshackled. And if you're a returning viewer, you've probably noticed that CIA viewer, you've probably noticed that CIA viewer, you've probably noticed that CIA doesn't use it in videos anymore and is doesn't use it in videos anymore and is doesn't use it in videos anymore and is always walking by us. Valencia is always walking by us. Valencia is always walking by us. Valencia is quickly on her way to 40 countries quickly on her way to 40 countries quickly on her way to 40 countries visited. Later this year, we're taking a visited. Later this year, we're taking a visited. Later this year, we're taking a Caribbean cruise with family, so she Caribbean cruise with family, so she Caribbean cruise with family, so she will add four more to her list. She's will add four more to her list. She's will add four more to her list. She's also expressed interest in visiting also expressed interest in visiting also expressed interest in visiting Australia around Christmas break, which Australia around Christmas break, which Australia around Christmas break, which would be a blast. Will we be able to would be a blast. Will we be able to would be a blast. Will we be able to survive that flight? Stay tuned. But I survive that flight? Stay tuned. But I survive that flight? Stay tuned. But I think so. She's a seasoned traveler at think so. She's a seasoned traveler at think so. She's a seasoned traveler at this point and continues to improve and this point and continues to improve and this point and continues to improve and adapt as she gets older. We went out to adapt as she gets older. We went out to adapt as she gets older. We went out to Southeast Asia already with her, so Southeast Asia already with her, so Southeast Asia already with her, so what's a little further? We don't always what's a little further? We don't always what's a little further? We don't always put videos out about kids, but we do put videos out about kids, but we do put videos out about kids, but we do enjoy sharing pieces of our life with enjoy sharing pieces of our life with enjoy sharing pieces of our life with you and tips and tricks that we learn you and tips and tricks that we learn you and tips and tricks that we learn along the way. We hope to see you in the

along the way. We hope to see you in the along the way. We hope to see you in the next video here that's been chosen based next video here that's been chosen based next video here that's been chosen based on your viewing habits. And until next on your viewing habits. And until next on your viewing habits. And until next time, let's get moving.