Category Archives: Germany

What to Pack When Traveling with a Toddler

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Famous Germany Castle

I’d be lying if I said our recent 12 day trip to Germany was easy. It wasn’t. Athena, my rambunctious toddler, cried a lot, slept a little, and missed naps, reminding me of why people say, “The terrible twos”. There is no question in my mind that the trip was worth it though. It changed my way of travel and my ideas about traveling with a toddler. I feel like I can accomplish anything now and I’m ready to take on even more destinations for extended periods of time. There were a few packed items that helped us along the way, making our trip more simple and manageable. I’ve shared them below with hopes that you see the world with your children in tow. Life is worth living and traveling with your family is an amazing, eye-opening experience regardless of age. Share your tips for traveling with a toddler below and we’ll eliminate the notion that it’s impossible.  Continue reading →

A GoPro, an XShot, & a Toddler – Germany Bucket List Made Reality

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Athena and I covered Germany in true bucket list style. The expression on her face says it all.

****Our trip to Germany was sponsored by the German National Tourist Board. Thank you for making the impossible, possible!***

Kinderhotel‏ Oberjoch – The Best Alternative to Caribbean Resorts

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Kinderhotel, Germany

Most American families opt for all-inclusive, Caribbean resorts for their family vacation. It’s easy and provides tons of options for all family members. Naively, I assumed it was the only legitimate option as well, but I recently discovered Kinderhotel Oberjoch in Germany. It’s the most toddler-friendly, all-inclusive property that I’ve visited and the best alternative to all-inclusive, Caribbean resorts. If you want something different and you’d like to experience Europe but you still dream of all the conveniences of an all-inclusive, look no further; Kinderhotel Oberjoch is a family-friendly Paradise that truly understands the needs of families with younger children. Continue reading →

Top 10 Bucket List Activities in Germany (Toddler Edition)‏

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Castle Visit in Germany

There’s no shortage of awesome adventures in Germany; from wingsuit flying to paragliding over the Alps, you can do it all. What sights should you visit when traveling with your family, especially young children though? Most families assume that because they have young children, they should stick to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean but it doesn’t have to be that way. After a two-week, whirlwind adventure in Germany, I’ve come up with a German bucket list of ten family things to see and do while you’re in the country. Since traveling with a toddler can be so difficult, I’ve decide to make a toddler addition. And to prove how manageable it is, I’ve traveled to each of the destinations during two weeks on my own with Athena. If I can do it on my own, you can definitely do it as a family. Continue reading →

Best Toddler Moment of our Germany Trip – Affenberg Salem

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Feeding the Apes in Affenburg

The weather in Germany, with rain showers daily, hasn’t been ideal for touring. Try standing at a bus station with a soaking wet toddler and explaining that the bus still won’t be here for 20 minutes and you’ll understand. When I saw Affenburg Salem, a trail that leads through the home area of about 200 monkeys, on our schedule, I almost skipped it. I wasn’t sure if the train and bus ride would be worth the zoo-like experience, especially in the heavy rain that we were getting that morning. How naive was I? Affenburg is nothing like a zoo and more like being in the Planet of the Apes. It was the best toddler, and mommy, experience of the trip. Having hands-on opportunities like this one give more meaning to travel and are well-worth a few uncomfortable minutes in the rain.  Continue reading →

The Castle on Everyone’s Bucket List – Neuschwanstein

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Neuschwanstein-Castle, Germany

When I was in my early 20s & backpacking around Europe, I had visions of what dreamy landscapes & majestic castles I would see. While Italy and Greece were at the top of my list for countries to explore, one image stood out in my mind as the best of Europe; it was Neuschwanstein Castle. I couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful. Pictures didn’t seem real. I needed to see it for myself. I never made it to Germany on that trip so Neuschwanstein remained on my bucket list for more than a decade… until yesterday! I finally made it to my fantastical castle & it was everything I imaged.  Continue reading →

The Curious Mind of a Toddler in Fussen, Germany

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Curious-Athena-in-Fussen-Germany

It’s obvious to see that when Mom isn’t within arms reach, Athena is looking for trouble. I don’t mind though; that’s what toddlers do and how they learn. We explored Fussen, Germany by foot yesterday. Rather than bringing the stroller and pushing Athena around while she just sat there, I let her wonder and choose the places and sights that she wanted to visit. We had an open evening and it was a perfect way to let her have some fun. I caught her curious mind in a short serious of photos and thought it would be interesting to share. Watch as the water fountain catches her attention. Continue reading →

Germany by Train- Toddler Approved

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Train ride from Garmisch Partenkirchen to Fussen

I asked Athena, “What do you want to do most today?” “I want to ride the train,” she replied just as quickly as I’d asked. It’s been her favorite thing to do. She loves the entire process including getting tickets, riding the elevator, waiting on the platform, listening to the conductor blow the whistle, picking a seat, giving her ticket to the conductor, and watching everything pass by out the window. It’s all like going to an amusement park and I get to experience it with her rather than driving myself. The public transportation system is definitely toddler and parent approved.  Continue reading →

11 Days in Germany with A Toddler – What Excites & Worries Me

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Castle Neuschwanstein

Tomorrow, Athena and I leave for Germany. It’s just us and planes, trains, buses, castles, parks, unique accommodations, bucket list adventures, family fun, and authentic cuisine. Without a doubt, I’m excited and so is Athena. We’ve been dreaming about it for more than a month, talking about all of the new experiences we’ll have and what we’ll see. What excites me, though, is equally matched by what scares me. I’m traveling internationally with a toddler who definitely exhibits moments of “the terrible twos.” What am I thinking as I plan for this bonding experience? Find out below.  Continue reading →