Traveling solo…a Dad’s perspective
A few weeks ago, I wrote about why I enjoy traveling solo with my now four-year-old son. Most of the Moms I know said they totally got me. But my Dad friends? The majority expressed a preference for eating glass over traveling alone with their children. One even remarked, and I quote, that the idea scared him more than the mental image of Al Sharpton naked.
Wusses.
But not my husband. While home on R&R (that’s rest and relaxation leave for those who don’t speak fluent military acronym), Nick took Chet on not one but two trips solo. They headed to Athens, Greece for a couple days and then went on an overnight trip to Munich. Not only did they survive with all limbs intact but they both had a great time. So, of course, as a public service to those reticent Dads out there (and the Moms who love them), I had to interview him to get his take on traveling without Mama.
What did you like most about traveling on your own with Chet?
NICK: You just never know what he’s going to say or do. While in Athens, he decided he was done walking and just dumped his cars down at the Temple of Athena Victorius. So I got to sit down and play with him a bit. Good scenery for it.
What did you like least?
NICK: Well, you have to a certain extent put your own agenda aside. We spent less time than I’d want to at some places, we didn’t see certain things I’d have liked to see since he just wasn’t up for it. And sometimes, you may have to do something he wants to do. Although, come to think of it, we didn’t really do any kid-friendly things on our trips.
What did you learn?
NICK: I learned that four-year-olds can love watching “I, Claudius” and learn to sing the entire theme song to “Scrubs”. (Mom’s note: Nick left Chet’s movies in the car and only had his own DVDs to share during the trip. I’m still not sure how I feel about this even though Chet singing “I’m No Superman” is the cutest thing ever).
What would you say was the most surprising thing?
NICK: I think the most surprising thing was just how much Chet’s mood can vary as a day goes on. You are right (Mom’s note: He said I was right! You all heard him, right?). In the morning, he’s a ball of energy and willing to do whatever. If you start at 7, he’s good for a good 3 or 4 hours. But once you hit lunch time, you need to start pacing yourself.
How did people treat you on your trips?
NICK: I don’t get the sympathy that a 5’1″-when-standing-on-her-toes woman strugging with a travel stroller does. In general, people took it a little easy on us. But for the most part, I think that if you are a 6′, 200 lb. guy, it doesn’t matter if you have a kid on your shoulders, you just won’t get a break. Although, the hockers in Greece definitely showed us some preferential treatment. They took advantage of me having a kid that might take a shine to whatever crap they were selling. I think the same 4 or 5 guys kept coming over trying to entice Chet while we were having lunch.
How did it change the way you experienced the trip?
NICK: Well, I’ve never really traveled that much without him. But without you, I’d say it’s about the same except I have to drink less and go back to the hotel earlier.
Why are there no pictures of you two?
NICK: I tried to get one of us up by the temples and found a nice lady who was willing to take our photo. But then he threw a tantrum so that didn’t quite work out.
What did you do in Athens?
NICK: We checked out the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. We only had one full day so we didn’t get to do as much as I would have liked.
What did you do in Munich?
NICK: We’ve been to Munich several times and seen a lot of the sites. So we headed to a couple of beer halls. First, to the Hofbrau Haus. But we soon discovered that they don’t serve those magical French fries. So we left early and went to the St. Augustiner Beer Hall near the Marienplatz. They had French fries and the beer there is better anyway. (Mom’s note: There are just no words for this).
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So there you have it, Dads. Not only can you safely and happily travel with your young’uns but you can even take them beer hall hopping with you. *shudder*
April 12th, 2009 | by Kayt Sukel 13 comments
1. marina k. villatoro on April 13th, 2009
i think it’s soooooooooooo great that you did this trip. my husband would be like, it’s not normal to do this alone. yet, whenever he’s with our son alone for the day, it’s the best experience, especially now that he’s growing and can enjoy doing papa and son things. it’s like this latino block that men get here! it’s a bit weird.
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
2. Jane on April 13th, 2009
Great article, Kayt (and Nick). “They had French fries and the beer there is better anyway” may be the quote of the century….
3. John on April 13th, 2009
Was this at Oktoberfest? In Oktoberfest the Hofbrau Haus is one hall the locals don’t go to. Apparently its full of Aussies and gets a little wild. My guide has lived in Munich all here life and she took me to the St. Augustiner tent. Its more civilised and the beer tastes better.
The highlight of the evening was everyone standing on the tables and benches singing “Smoke on the Water” accompanied by an oompah band. Although I believe they have recently reverted to only Bavarian Songs.
Must admit, that I didn’t spot any four year olds there though
;-)
4. Edmund Davis-Quinn on April 13th, 2009
Thats awesome that the two of you got some personal time together.
5. Caitlin Murphy on April 13th, 2009
R&R with D-A-D sounds good. Glad everyone survived.
6. Jamie Pearson on April 13th, 2009
@Kayt: My husband and I both take each of our kids away overnight twice a year. We all love the HECK out of our time together without the distractions of home and—let’s face it—siblings. It’s the best.
7. Sharlene on April 13th, 2009
My husband took the kids by himself to Vegas once. I did meet them there that afternoon but he did the 5 hour drive alone so thats something. I am hoping once they get a bit older he will attempt the overnights.
8. Mara on April 13th, 2009
I definitely admire how intrepid both you and your husband are – to be so willing to just jet off like that is fabulous. My husband has also traveled alone with our kids (only in the U.S.) and was amused and a little annoyed by how the people he encountered acted like he should be nominated for a Nobel for being willing to travel alone on a plane with the boys. He definitely got tons of offers of help.
9. Rebecca on April 14th, 2009
The look on Chet’s face as he sips a juice box in the beer hall is priceless. We need to hold a “caption this photo” contest!
10. MB on April 15th, 2009
I love love love the Munich part. Hilarious. My husband loves to go places with our oldest and can’t wait until the younger one is old enough to do stuff too. We wish we had more time off so that we could do some more travel. Oh well, we do more than most I guess.
11. Kayt Sukel on April 17th, 2009
I find this all very hilarious, too. But Nick said he wanted me to tell you all that he also took Chet to the Alte Pinothek in Munich. He just forgot to tell me while I did this interview. Perhaps because of all the memories of sweet, sweet beer?!
12. Steph Wiestling on April 17th, 2009
I love this beyond words!!! I love the honesty: “without you, I’d say it’s about the same except I have to drink less and go back to the hotel earlier”. That would be my husband’s words 100%!! And the pub crawl with a 4yo… only a dad could get away with that!! So funny!!
13. Travel India on May 12th, 2009
That was such a touching post, a great interview indeed.
Thanks for sharing.
13 Responses to “Traveling solo…a Dad’s perspective”