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What Car Seat and Stroller Should I Buy? This question can drive any  new parent completely insane. I researched strollers and car seats until my eyeballs turned red—and I was this close  to pulling my hair out. In the end, here’s what I learned and what we finally landed on. Just remember: there is no perfect system . Every option has pros and cons, and as soon as you think you’ve found “The One,” your baby will grow out of it. So at a certain point, you just have to pick something and go for it. It’ll be fine! Jump To: Travel Car Seats Travel Strollers - Our Secret Hack Travel Car Seat/Stroller Systems (Doona vs. Evenflo) Compact Travel Strollers Baby Wearing WS&T Packing Tip : Don’t get too bogged down in Reddit subs, Facebook boards, and endless review sites. It’s way  too much information, and people get really  opinionated. It's like finding an apartment. If you know you can't live without on-site parking and in-home laundry, you might be willing to sacrifice on some other features. Decide what's most important to you and pull the trigger. Otherwise, you'll never get out of the stroller/car seat game alive. Best Travel Car Seats (Our Faves) :   Infant-Safe Car Seat: We been using the Uppababy Mesa  car seat during AJ's pre-toddler phas\]=[-po';l[, which we scored in great condition on Facebook Marketplace. (Side note: If you need to clean a particularly snack-crusted car seat, take it to a self-car-wash station and use the hi-pressure spray hose – works like a charm!) Because it’s such a crucial safety item – especially on a long road trip – we’ve decided to travel with our own car seat so we always know what we’re getting. Lightweight and Budget-Friendly When AJ grows out of her infant car seat, we will traveling with the Cosco Scenera NEXT . It’s a hugely popular, budget-friendly travel seat – and for good reason: Cosco Scenera NEXT  Pros Affordable : usually between $44–$59. Lightweight : only 6.8 lbs.! Highly rated  in crash tests (though not the plushest). Rear-facing limit : up to 35 lbs. or 36 inches. Scenera NEXT Cons Installation  with a seatbelt can be a bit trickier than your average car seat. No big handle , so it’s less convenient to carry around. At some point, you might just bite the bullet and bring your (heavier) regular car seat on trips. But for little ones up to about +/- 2.5 years, the Cosco Scenera NEXT can be a real game-changer. If you’re traveling to a destination where you have access to a car seat (or if your rental car company can provide one), you may not need to lug your own through the airport. Just be sure to figure out how you’re getting to and from your home airport: whether that means ordering an Uber with a car seat option or arranging a safe ride another way. Safety first! Best Travel Strollers Infant-Friendly Travel Stroller After an unhinged  amount of research, we ended up with a super affordable travel stroller: the Snap N’ Go.   It’s basically a frame that lets you clip in any car seat in the world, no adapters required. One of the most convenient features of our regular stroller is being able to pop the car seat right on, so having that ability on the go is huge. We paid around $90 for it. For a glorified granny shopping cart, it has surprisingly survived 20+ flights and multiple countries. Does it handle like a dream? Definitely not . We practically hug  our Uppababy Vista  (another Facebook Marketplace find!) when we get home. Still, the Snap N’ Go more than earns its keep for a few reasons: We don’t care if it gets banged up.  We’ve all seen those viral TikToks of airport staff tossing strollers around. If it gets damaged, well… it’s already paid for itself. It’s much lighter than our regular stroller.  One of our main goals is to stay nimble while traveling; hauling a 17-pound stroller around the world is not  ideal. It has a big storage basket.  Perfect for stashing a diaper bag, souvenirs, or extra snacks. We don’t rely on a stroller overseas.  In many foreign cities, there are cobblestones, hills, and bustling tourist areas that aren’t exactly stroller-friendly. We mostly use the Snap N’ Go for cruising through airports, hitting the occasional museum, or giving our baby a “seat” at the lunch table. WS&T Money Tip: Every stroller company has a sexy travel case that perfectly fits their product, but we’ve been totally fine with our much cheaper, universal Amazon bags for stroller and car seat. Often, what makes the best travel stroller or car seat (and accessories) is nailing that perfect confluence between features and price, right?   BUT…   If you’re traveling with an expensive stroller which you purchased new, I do recommend splurging on the manufacturer-specific travel case. (E.g. If you purchased a new Uppababy stroller and use the Uppababy travel case , they should compensate you for travel damage.) Travel Strollers: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly All-In-One Travel Stroller Systems (aka Doona vs. Evenflo) If you’re considering a convenient, all-in-one car seat and stroller combo, here are two popular options: Doona Car Seat & Stroller:   This is a big hit with many traveling families – we often spot it at airports. Before we decided on our Snap N’ Go, we actually considered renting a Doona from a baby gear rental service to test it out. That’s definitely something you could do before investing. Buyer Beware:  I spent several weeks hunting for a used Doona on Facebook Marketplace, but every single listing turned out to be a scam. I’m not sure why Doonas specifically attracted scammers, but here’s what tipped me off: They messaged me constantly  (normal sellers aren’t that persistent). They addressed me as “ma’am” in a strange way (just felt off). Most importantly, they wanted a Venmo deposit up front. Never  send money before you’ve actually got the product in hand!        Doona  Pros: All-in-one  car seat and stroller, so you only manage one piece of baby gear. FAA approved  if you purchase an airplane seat for your baby and need a car seat on board. Great if you’re in and out of Ubers or taxis  – no need to lug around a separate stroller. Easily collapsible . Ideal for big city  living with lots of public transport or quick taxi rides.             Doona Cons: Price : it costs around $550 (without accessories). Weighs 16.5 pounds  on its own, so things get heavy fast. The handle is pretty short , which can be awkward for taller parents. Can be a little clunky  to load into a car. Not approved  for use in Canada. Minimal storage  and limited sun canopy – you might need to bring a light blanket or an extra shade. Good for babies up to 35 lbs , and it’s rear-facing only. Evenflo Shyft Dualride :  This is the other stroller/car seat combo option. This is a fan favorite – except for the weight.                 Evenflo  Pros: Offers the same main benefits  as the Doona, plus it’s typically more comfortable  for baby, has a bigger sun shade , and is Canada-approved . Better price : around $375 (without accessories). Both Doona and Evenflo Shyft have the same weight/height limits  (up to 35 lbs/32 inches), but parents report they can use the Evenflo longer  due to its design. Taller stroller handle —more comfortable for taller caregivers.             Evenflo Cons: The heaviest  combo option: about 19 lbs  with the car seat and stroller components (without the base). Unlike the Doona, you have to remove the front wheels  to install it as a car seat without the base (which you’ll likely do if traveling). On this week's episode: Skepticism What About When My Baby Can Sit Up on Their Own? Even though I was convinced AJ would stay my sweet, tiny baby forever, leading research suggested she would have to grow up. Here are the options for travel-friendly strollers once your little one isn't quite so floppy... Travel Stroller: Once your baby can sit upright, a whole new world of super-compact travel strollers  opens up. There are several similar models out there—each with its own features and price point. You’ll find fans who swear by every option, so you can’t really go wrong. Check for secondhand deals, too! In general, going cheaper  makes sense for travel strollers. If it gets banged around or lost, you’ll be less devastated. Plus, if you’re like us, you might not use it a ton while actually on the road. Friends swear by their GB Pockit! Here are a few popular lightweight contenders (most fit in an airplane’s overhead bin ): Gb Pockit All Terrain : 12.3 lbs, around $188. Mamazing Ultra Air : 11.6 lbs, around $219. Colugo Compact Stroller : 16 lbs, around $225. Uppababy Minu V2 : 16.9 lbs, around $400; might  fit overhead. Bugaboo Butterfly : 16 lbs, $479. What about baby-wearing while traveling? T: AJ's First flight! E: You cannot convince me she was ever that small. I love baby-wearing because it enables me to be much more mobile and flexible while we sight-see. T and I often switch off wearing AJ, though I tend to wear her more often because I love sniffing her head. And it’s a great workout (haha)!   I’m sure you’ve figured out which carrier you like, and the great thing about wraps and carriers is that you can easily take them on the road. We use the Ergobaby Embrace  which I find quite… ergonomic – as the name suggests. T finds it a little less comfortable for him over long periods. When AJ got to the age where she wanted to be outward-facing, we switched to the Ergobaby Omni Classic . We're big fans!   We are excited to start using a kid backpack soon where AJ can really see the sights in a seated position. Our fellow traveling parents love using backpacks around cities and on hiking trails. We will report back about our favorites. Beyond the Stroller/Car Seat. . ?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Today's episode: Skeptics Unite Welcome to your super deep dive into traveling with a baby or young kids. Buckle up, we're jumping in! Jump To: Baby Passports Airport Security with Baby in Tow Checked vs. Carry-On Luggage Travel Stroller & Car Seat Systems Sleeping Arrangements Flying with Your Baby for the First Time?  It’s beyond question nerve-wracking. We took our first flight with AJ when she was a fresh nine weeks old, and guess what? Easiest flight ever. Tiny babies are sometimes  magical like that – eat, sleep, and repeat. I felt like queen travel mom. Then came the flights at ages five months, six months, and up. Let’s just say my travel crown slipped a bit. It gets more challenging but just keep reminding yourself it’s worth it. In our experience, she’s had some flights where she’s fussier than others, but fortunately – and knocking repeatedly on wood – she’s taken to flying pretty well. Real Talk: It’s Hardest on You. The truth is, the hardest part of flying isn’t your baby. It’s you. Specifically, your anxiety. “What if she cries? What if she doesn’t stop? Do the other passengers hate us?” (Spoiler: most are too busy watching their in-flight movie to care.) I’ve worked hard to find my inner Zen – reminding myself that: The flight will end. The flight will end. The flight will end. The crying will stop. The crying will stop. The crying will stop. People with headphones are your best friends. If it helps, imagine you’re on a plane with other parents who get it . And hey, if someone does give you the side-eye, remember: you’ll never see them again. Timing is Everything Here’s the deal: You know your baby best. AJ does great on early morning flights because, like her mom, she’s as chirpy as a plaza at sunrise. Late-night flights work too, though you’ll need to tailor your bedtime routine to a very new environment. Late afternoons? Not our vibe. It’s AJ’s witching hour. But when it can’t be helped, we’ve learned to roll with it. And if she changes her preferences next week? That’s the parenting journey in a nutshell, right? This Type A mom is working REALLY hard on being flexible! At WS&T, we only go into detail about flying economy class. If you’ve racked up a bunch of points and are able to fly business class, that is AWESOME. Try not to look down on the rest of us as we file past you to our coach seats... So, How Do You Get a Baby Passport? US Baby Passports: The Cutest Legal Document You'll Ever See Getting a passport for your infant is a rite of passage (with picture you'll laugh about forever). We got AJ a passport when she was nine weeks old, and T had to hold her head up for the photo. It was so precious.   To get a passport for your infant, check out this detailed guide on the U.S. State Department website: The Baby US Passport Checklist (Bureaucracy, but Cuter) Print and Fill Out the Application Form Pro tip: Don’t let your baby fill it out – those tiny hands are terrible at administrative paperwork. Bring Baby’s Birth Certificate – you’ll need the original and  a copy. The original will be mailed back to you with the passport. IDs + Copies for Mom and Dad Passport Photo Time! – make an appointment at a passport photo location near you. We recommend participating USPS offices. Show Up (Both Parents, if Possible) – if both parents can make it, great! The birth certificate will prove your relationship to the baby. If only one parent can attend, check the extra documentation requirements. Fees, Fees, Fees Bring the payment, and maybe some snacks. Timeline Tip They’ll tell you it takes 4-6 weeks, but ours arrived in just three (cue the happy dance). Need it faster? Shell out for expedited service and quicker turnaround. For more details, check out the U.S. State Department website . What is it Like Getting Through the Airport & Security with Your Baby? After many flights, my family and I have a good system down, though yours will vary based on how much luggage you like to bring (see our luggage breakdown below!).   Step 1: Dress for Success and Arrive Early (but Not Too  Early) Pack yourself a change of shirt for the plane in case things get messy – on a long enough timeline, they will. Dress the kid(s) for comfort and ease. We love the Magnetic Me’s because they are lightweight but offer good coverage. The material is the perfect blend of cozy and stretch, and they’re super easy for diaper changes. Check out our gear up page for all of our travel product picks! We aim to arrive 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight. Why? Because babies operate on a "fuss window" timer, and the less downtime before boarding, the better. Add extra time if you're juggling overseas travel or busy seasons. Step 2: Baby-Wearing Works for Us We use our stroller to move our personal items and car seat through the airport. So, baby-wearing through the checkpoint has been key. Bonus: So far, I’ve never been asked to remove AJ from her carrier for the metal detector in the US. (But it has happened internationally, so be prepared for anything). Step 3: TSA Pre-Check Is Your Best Friend I’m a total convert. If you’re from the US, it really makes all the difference. Imagine breezing through security – often in 15 minutes or less – without having to untie your shoes or pull out your liquids. With TSA Pre-Check, that dream can come true. And good news: your kiddo can tag along until they turn 17 (as long as they’re on your reservation). WS&T Travel Tip: TSA Pre-Check costs $85 for five years, but many travel credit cards cover the fee as one of their benefits. Read more on my favorite travel credit card here . Apply here for TSA Pre-Check. Schedule a brief interview at numerous locations – often you won’t need to go to the airport for the approval interview.   If you’re interested in applying, start here . But Wait… Should I Get Global Entry Instead? If your travels take you across international borders more often, Global Entry might be your VIP pass to sanity. It includes all the access benefits of TSA Pre-Check (hello, shorter lines!) but adds expedited customs processing when you re-enter the U.S.  The Basics Global Entry Cost : $120 for a five-year membership (and it includes all Pre-Check benefits). Pre-Check Only Cost : $85 for five years (and it doesn’t include Global Entry). Use Case : Global Entry is ideal if you fly internationally often; Pre-Check is more suited for frequent domestic travelers. Why We Chose Pre-Check Over Global Entry We mostly fly domestically, so Pre-Check is the MVP in our household. It’s more practical for shorter trips, where the biggest annoyance is standing in long security lines with a stroller and baby gear. Confession Time: My Bermuda Mishap Okay, full disclosure: I tried to get Global Entry, but… I got rejected. Why? A youthful run-in involving Customs in Bermuda that somehow followed me for 15 years (the drinking age is 18 in Bermuda; McLovin ID, you get it). Who knew an innocent misunderstanding (seriously!) could haunt your permanent record? So, Pre-Check it is. Anyway, back to the sage advice…   Step 4: Post-Security Baby Olympics Once you’re through security, it’s a question of keeping your child entertained (i.e. tiring them out) until boarding. Lately, we've been spreading a Toki Mat by our gate and letting her practice her interpretative baby yoga moves. (Wow, that sentence was so neatly granola, it should have been a haiku). Sometimes Toki sells imperfect mats at a discount. The padding is key for catching the Leaning Tower of AJ during her frequently toppling phase. A sigh of relief every time you see her tip backward and the hard airport floor isn't cracking her little head. We use that mat interchangeably with the more compact Crate & Kids mat , depending on how much luggage we're schlepping (or what we're able to sneak into our gate check bags). The Fold & Go folds down even smaller than the Toki. My sister uses and swears by her Bloom Play & Go , which is awesome but a little schwanky for us (put it on your registry!). Despite it's larger size, the Bloom still folds down incredibly small. She straps it into her car seat before gate checking.   Step 5: Last Pre-Flight Diaper We change her diaper one more time before the flight, buying us some extra time before we have to brave the tiny plane bathroom. Getting off the flight, we’ll often find a family/companion care bathrooms for a group trip. Packing for Travel with a Baby: A Real Puzzle Packing for travel with a baby or young kid is… insane. How does something so small needs so much stuff? In my backpacking days, I was a pack-light queen. I had a whole system and could throw everything together in a few hours the night before a trip. Now it’s more like a full military operation – with lists, categories, and a million tiny items you didn’t know existed until you had a baby. But don’t worry, with a system in place, it gets easier. Here ’s what we’ve learned: TSA can't resist a man in a kilt. Be sure your carry-on salsa is under 3 oz. or you'll be asked to drink it. Should I Check Luggage or Carry On?   My husband and I are obstinate carry-on-ers, so we’ll jump through a lot of hoops to stick with carry-on only. Before our first trip, we did a trial run of carrying baby + bags to make sure we could actually move through the airport. This strategy will become a lot harder (maybe impossible!) with another kid, but for now, we've got a good system. Our Carry-On Stratagem: Parent’s Bags : T carries a trusty Osprey 40L backpack with his essentials, while I wheel my beloved Away “The Bigger Carry-On.” WS&T Travel Tip: Different planes, different requirements. Sure, it fit in the overhead bin on that international flight. But if you’re flying a smaller plane in-country, you may be stuck checking that backpack, either at the gate or in advance. Baby Bag Next up, we have our main diaper bag, aka AJ's luggage.I’m obsessed with our Dagne Dover diaper bag backpack – it’s a lifesaver. They have really good Black Friday sales. Personal Item Don't forget about the under-seat bag that qualifies as your "personal item" per the airline. Better you think of it as the Day Tripper, smaller than your full-sized diaper bag, this small under-seat-day-tripping-personal-item-diaper-snack bag * phew * should be ideal for short travel trips when a full diaper bag is overkill. We've opted for a great bag with a gender neutral look so a certain parent can feel his comfort, grace, and swagger. (T still blushes every time he slings my Ube purple Dagne over-shoulder, so I'm speaking directly to him). Check out the well-priced, very functional Hap Tim under-seat diaper backpack . Maneuvering Through the Airport T wheels the stroller through the airport, piled high with the car seat and personal bag. T carries his backpack, while E baby-wears and wheels the Away suitcase with the Dagne Dover fitted onto the handle (it has a little sleeve for just that purpose). Gate Checking: A New Parent’s Best Friend Gate checking is our secret weapon for bulky baby gear. Here’s what we do: Use large, cheap zip-up bags (thanks, Amazon!) to protect stroller and car seat. In some instances, an airline will let you gate check a stroller and/or car seat without requiring them to be in bags. But not always, so don’t risk it. Stash extra items like a blanket or diapers inside a stroller or car seat bag for extra padding. (Shh, we won’t tell.) Now, that’s our system for domestic travel. Full disclosure: T and I somehow managed to SHARE that small 40L Osprey backpack on our trip to Colombia because we wanted to travel super light. I know, I know. But that’s our personal preference. Which reminds me, packing cubes are life-affirming! There's nothing worse than packing like you're going to squeeze through the eye of a needle, only to have a TSA spot check shoot everything out like one of those snakes-in-a-can gags. Please Explain Why Packing Cubes Don't Come Standard With EVERY Suitcase Purchase? If you're sharing a bag with a partner, or just want to make travel life easier during a trip of packing and unpacking, grab some multi-size compressible cubes. You'll never go back.   We always aim to avoid having to wait at baggage claim. But if you pack more, or you prefer not to lug everything through the airport, or you have older kids who need more gear, you can always check some bags to feel less like a pack mule while walking through the terminal. What Car Seat and Stroller Should I Bring on My Trip? This question can drive any  new parent completely insane. I researched strollers and car seats until my eyeballs turned red—and I was this close  to pulling my hair out. In the end, here’s what I learned and what we finally landed on. Just remember: there is no perfect system. Every option has pros and cons, and as soon as you think you’ve found “The One,” your baby will grow out of it. So at a certain point, you just have to pick something and go for it. It’ll be fine! WS&T Packing Tip : Don’t get too bogged down in Reddit subs, Facebook boards, and endless review sites. It’s way too much information, and people get really opinionated. It's like finding an apartment. If you know you can't live without on-site parking and in-home laundry, you might be willing to sacrifice on some other features. Decide what's most important to you and pull the trigger. Otherwise, you'll never get out of the stroller/car seat game alive. Travel Car Seats: Infant-Safe Car Seat: We currently use the Uppababy Mesa  car seat, which we scored in great condition on Facebook Marketplace. (Side note: If you need to clean a particularly snack-crusted car seat, take it to a self-car-wash station and use the spray hose – works like a charm!) Because it’s such a crucial safety item – especially on a long road trip – we’ve decided to travel with our own car seat so we always know what we’re getting. Lightweight and Budget-Friendly When AJ grows out of her infant car seat, we will traveling with the Cosco Scenera NEXT . It’s a hugely popular, budget-friendly travel seat – and for good reason: Cosco Scenera NEXT  Pros Affordable : usually between $44–$59. Lightweight : only 6.8 lbs.! Highly rated  in crash tests (though not the plushest). Rear-facing limit : up to 35 lbs. or 36 inches. Scenera NEXT Cons Installation  with a seatbelt can be a bit trickier than your average car seat. No big handle , so it’s less convenient to carry around. At some point, you might just bite the bullet and bring your (heavier) regular car seat on trips. But for little ones up to about +/- 2.5 years, the Cosco Scenera NEXT can be a real game-changer. If you’re traveling to a destination where you have access to a car seat (or if your rental car company can provide one), you may not need to lug your own through the airport. Just be sure to figure out how you’re getting to and from your home airport: whether that means ordering an Uber with a car seat option or arranging a safe ride another way. Safety first! Travel Strollers Infant-Friendly Travel Stroller After an unhinged amount of research, we ended up with a super affordable travel stroller: the Snap N’ Go.   It’s basically a frame that lets you clip in any car seat in the world, no adapters required. One of the most convenient features of our regular stroller is being able to pop the car seat right on, so having that ability on the go is huge. We paid around $90 for it. For a glorified granny shopping cart, it has surprisingly survived 20+ flights and multiple countries. Does it handle like a dream? Definitely not . We practically hug  our Uppababy Vista (another Facebook Marketplace find!) when we get home. Still, the Snap N’ Go more than earns its keep for a few reasons: We don’t care if it gets banged up.  We’ve all seen those viral TikToks of airport staff tossing strollers around. If it gets damaged, well… it’s already paid for itself. It’s much lighter than our regular stroller.  One of our main goals is to stay nimble while traveling; hauling a 17-pound stroller around the world is not  ideal. It has a big storage basket.  Perfect for stashing a diaper bag, souvenirs, or extra snacks. We don’t rely on a stroller overseas.  In many foreign cities, there are cobblestones, hills, and bustling tourist areas that aren’t exactly stroller-friendly. We mostly use the Snap N’ Go for cruising through airports, hitting the occasional museum, or giving our baby a “seat” at the lunch table. Money Saver: Every stroller company has a sexy travel case that perfectly fits their product, but we’ve been totally fine with our much cheaper Amazon bags for stroller and car seat.   BUT…   If you’re traveling with an expensive stroller which you purchased new, I do recommend splurging on the manufacturer-specific travel case. (E.g. If you purchased a new Uppababy stroller and use the Uppababy travel case , they should compensate you for travel damage.) WS&T Travel Tip: Take a photos and/or video of your stroller before the flight and check it as soon as you retrieve it from gate check or baggage claim. If it’s damaged, take photos and go right away to the service desk for your airline. Each airline has a different policy, but on some airlines, you can fill out paperwork and get compensation for the damage. Other airlines only offer travel vouchers, so check the airline policy before you fly.   Can I Just Bring My Regular Stroller? Go With What You Know You can always travel with your regular stroller and car seat if that’s what makes you most comfortable. The main downsides are the weight of non-travel strollers and the risk of damage. Compact Travel Strollers: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly All-In-One Travel Stroller Systems (aka Doona vs. Evenflo) If you’re considering a convenient, all-in-one car seat and stroller combo, here are two popular options: Doona Car Seat & Stroller:   This is a big hit with many traveling families – we often spot it at airports. Before we decided on our Snap N’ Go, we actually considered renting a Doona from a baby gear rental service to test it out. That’s definitely something you could do before investing. Buyer Beware:  I spent several weeks hunting for a used Doona on Facebook Marketplace, but every single listing turned out to be a scam. I’m not sure why Doonas specifically attracted scammers, but here’s what tipped me off: They messaged me constantly (normal sellers aren’t that persistent). They addressed me as “ma’am” in a strange way (just felt off). Most importantly, they wanted a Venmo deposit up front. Never  send money before you’ve actually got the product in hand!        Doona Pros: All-in-one  car seat and stroller, so you only manage one piece of baby gear. FAA approved  if you purchase an airplane seat for your baby and need a car seat on board. Great if you’re in and out of Ubers or taxis  – no need to lug around a separate stroller. Easily collapsible . Ideal for big city living with lots of public transport or quick taxi rides.             Doona Cons: Price : it costs around $550 (without accessories). Weighs 16.5 pounds on its own, so things get heavy fast. The handle is pretty short , which can be awkward for taller parents. Can be a little clunky to load into a car. Not approved  for use in Canada. Minimal storage  and limited sun canopy – you might need to bring a light blanket or an extra shade. Good for babies up to 35 lbs , and it’s rear-facing only. Evenflo Shyft Dualride : This is the other stroller/car seat combo option. This is a fan favorite – except for the weight.               Evenflo Pros: Offers the same main benefits  as the Doona, plus it’s typically more comfortable for baby, has a bigger sun shade , and is Canada-approved . Better price : around $375 (without accessories). Both Doona and Evenflo Shyft have the same weight/height limits  (up to 35 lbs/32 inches), but parents report they can use the Evenflo longer due to its design. Taller stroller handle —more comfortable for taller caregivers.             Evenflo Cons: The heaviest combo option: about 19 lbs  with the car seat and stroller components (without the base). Unlike the Doona, you have to remove the front wheels  to install it as a car seat without the base (which you’ll likely do if traveling). What About When My Baby Can Sit Up on Their Own? Even though I was convinced AJ would stay my sweet, tiny baby forever, leading research suggested she would have to grow up. Here’s the direction I went when she could sit up by herself. Travel Stroller: Once your baby can sit upright, a whole new world of super-compact travel strollers  opens up. There are several similar models out there—each with its own features and price point. You’ll find fans who swear by every option, so you can’t really go wrong. Check for secondhand deals, too! In general, going cheaper  makes sense for travel strollers. If it gets banged around or lost, you’ll be less devastated. Plus, if you’re like us, you might not use it a ton while actually on the road. Also, word to the wise: your fold-up travel stroller counts as one of your carry-on items, so make sure you've counted your bags before you try to board. Check with your specific airline to see if you're allowed to bring an extra carry-on for baby (e.g. many airlines allow an extra diaper bag); in that case, you'll be okay bringing your travel stroller onboard along with your normal allotted luggage. Worst case, you can bring a case for the travel stroller and gate-check. Friends swear by their GB Pocket! Here are a few popular lightweight contenders (most fit in an airplane’s overhead bin ): Gb Pockit All Terrain : 12.3 lbs, around $188. Mamazing Ultra Air : 11.6 lbs, around $219. Colugo Compact Stroller : 16 lbs, around $225. Uppababy Minu V2 : 16.9 lbs, around $400; might fit overhead. Bugaboo Butterfly : 16 lbs, $479. T: AJ's First flight! E: You cannot convince me she was ever that small. What about baby-wearing while traveling? I love baby-wearing because it enables me to be much more mobile and flexible while we sight-see. T and I often switch off wearing AJ, though I tend to wear her more often because I love sniffing her head. And it’s a great workout!   I’m sure you’ve figured out which carrier you like, and the great thing about wraps and carriers is that you can easily take them on the road. We use the Ergobaby Embrace which I find quite… ergonomic – as the name suggests. T finds it a little less comfortable for him over long periods. When AJ got to the age where she wanted to be outward-facing, we switched to the Ergobaby Omni Classic . We're big fans!   We are excited to start using a kid backpack soon where AJ can really see the sights in a seated position. Our fellow traveling parents love using backpacks around cities and on hiking trails. We will report back about our favorites. Ah, Sweet Sleep. What About a Bed for My Baby While We Travel? Pre-Rolling Babies (a.k.a. the Easy Phase) Before your baby learns to roll, travel sleep setups are a breeze. Starting with swaddles, we looked for breathable materials that could adapt to changes in temperature from hotels, Air Bnbs, etc. My God, we used so many (fortunately, most were hand-me-downs). Some made her sweaty and some left her limbs too cold. We had luck with a couple of options that suited our needs depending on the travel climate. Pests & The Monster Under the Bed For an added layer of security against pests and Monsters, Inc , we often brought along a tiny collapsible tent that fit miraculously well in T's Osprey 40L backpack. The compact KidCo Pea Pod pup-tent has internal padding and a vital see-through net for peeking in on the wee incarceree. When she was a little older  –  but still not old enough to roll  –  AJ slept like a marshmallow in her Merlin Magic Sleep Suit right on the hotel bed. Extra bed deal at no extra charge? Pre-Roll score! On our trip to Colombia, we booked hotel rooms with two beds, and we just put her in the middle of the bigger bed in her Merlin Magic Sleep Suit . What a cute fluff ball! This suit turned out to be a good transitional sleep solution between the full swaddle and rolling. She really liked it. We only bought one so we did need to employ our travel detergent a couple of times. Again, this only works before they become mobile. When the rolling started, who could say where AJ would end up!? Post-Rolling Realities Once your baby starts rolling, things get... interesting. Here’s what works: Pack ‘n Plays : Convenient but bulky. If you’re traveling domestically, you can rent or borrow one. On one trip we found one at our destination for $30 on FB Marketplace in excellent condition, so it wasn’t a huge expenditure. For the infrequent international trip, consider buying one locally and donating it before you leave. Guava Lotus Travel Crib : Lightweight, portable, and a favorite among travel parents. (It’s a splurge at $292, but worth it if you travel often.) Co-Sleeping : Not for everyone, but if it works for your family, it’s a great option for logistical ease. Be sure to assess safety recommendations and what works for you. Follow the link for safety information and tips.   Where Should My Toddler Sleep While Traveling?  For an older kid who is out of the Pack N’ Play era, here are two options: 1.     Co-Sleeping:  This may be your co-sleeping moment. But make sure you’re all able to get some sleep. Nothing worse than being too exhausted to enjoy your vacation. 2.     Inflatable Bed:   Once your baby graduates from the crib stage, consider an inflatable toddler bed. The Hiccapop Inflatable Travel Bed is a fan favorite – it packs down small, inflates quickly, and fits a standard crib sheet. WS&T Travel Tip: Call Ahead. Many hotels and Airbnb listings offer cribs or Pack ‘n Plays, but it’s always useful confirming availability in advance. Nobody wants a surprise game of "Where will Baby sleep?" at check-in. The Packing Game Head over to our packing list and gear essentials page for a handy guide to packing for kiddos (and all our favorite products)! How much clothing should I pack for my baby? How long is your trip? Will you be able to do laundry? We like to bring an eco-friendly travel sized laundry detergent so we can spot wash in the sink, but we also try to book an Airbnb or find a laundromat about halfway through our trip. The aha! moment comes when you realize you only need to bring about half a trip’s worth of clothes.   Can I buy formula, diapers, or other baby items at my destination? Trev and I like to remind ourselves that babies live everywhere we travel.  That means you’re likely to find all the major baby items including diapers, wipes, medicine, formula, and baby food at your destination. We usually pack enough for several days then supplement upon arrival. Check out our complete packing checklist.   I will say that even name-brand diapers on a recent trip to South American were notably worse than our diapers at home (shady dealings behind the scenes…), so we had to change her more often.   What if my baby is old enough for a highchair or booster seat? You can’t count on finding highchairs as you go, and you don’t always want your kid on your lap at a restaurant. What do you do?   There are a few options for portable booster seats which we recommend once your baby needs one. Clip-on highchairs can be convenient, but there are enough instances where they’re incompatible with tables – not to mention the fact that there’s no food tray – so they’re not our top recommendation. We love our foldable (!) booster seat: The Bombol Booster is the coolest. It’s a splurge. But it folds down to the size of a book! We love it. BUT! They recently lost their US distributor, so if you're in the US, you'll need to find one secondhand. Stick with me for Part II of the Ultimate Travel Guide for Kids... Our Favorite Gear for Kid & Baby Travel?   Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Say it Loud: Keep the Adventure Alive After the Kids Arrive! At WS&T, we’ve set out to prove – to ourselves and to fellow travel enthusiasts – that it’s absolutely possible to keep the adventure alive after the kids arrive.   In this joint article, Eve and Trev share their (I mean, our) thoughts on traveling with little ones, practical tips for making it easier, and a dose of inspiration for new parents who still yearn to explore the world. You’re here, which means your sense of adventure can’t be quenched.   If you’re like us, travel is more than a relaxing getaway; it’s a way to connect with the world. We can’t get enough of unique foods, interesting people, and awe-inspiring natural splendor – and we don’t believe becoming parents means putting a stop to that. Your Protective Instincts Are Screaming... T:  When we decided to start a family, E worried that our cherished travel life might die – or worse, that we’d be tormented by wanderlust but never able to act on it. She made me promise we’d do everything in our power to keep the dream alive. Fast-forward to AJ’s arrival, and suddenly we were sleep-deprived zombies, hyper-aware of every potential danger, and obsessed with nothing but keeping our tiny human alive. For a while, caring for a newborn is all-consuming. But then that irresistible travel bug bit again. We regularly visit family on the opposite coast, so we got a fair amount of practice traveling with a baby domestically. Still, that first international trip felt daunting. Your protective instincts (especially Eve's) start screaming, so every plan seems to require a full security detail and an armored car! E: Before AJ’s arrival, I decided to put a (very ambitious!) international trip on the books for when she was about 5 months old. I figured we could totally do it, we just needed to change up our more spontaneous traveling style to make it baby-proof. We usually have a rough itinerary but allow for last-minute changes based on how we like each place and what we feel like doing (shout out to refundable hotels!). Instead, I planned every detail  of this baby trip, practically noting the step count between hotels and train stations at each destination. But as the trip approached, I started to freak out about the really, really  long flight ahead and the potential language barrier. When we found out that the destination was going to have a serious cold snap during our visit – turning our pleasant vacay into a wintry trial – Trev and I agreed that we should listen to the signs. We cancelled the whole thing (everything was refundable, thank goodness) and booked our Colombia trip instead. We felt comfortable with the language, the time difference was only two hours, and the plane trip was closer to what AJ was already used to. And, the itinerary was very adventurous and exciting for us too. We returned to our usual travel style; while we planned and researched in-depth, we allowed for places to inspire us to stay – or to move on more quickly if the mood struck. The moral of my story? Listen to your mom-instincts! You don’t want to dread your trip, and you want to stick to the kind of travel you already like. At the same time, stepping outside your comfort zone is good for you, your relationship, and your child who gets to experience the world, meet new people, gain flexibility, and try to put everything in his/her mouth in a whole new country. Children Live There, Too! T:  I grew up in a town of fewer than 5,000 people. At 15, I traveled to Scotland to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I was terrified, so I came up with the world’s silliest mantra: “People live there, too. People live there, too.” And the absurdity actually helped.  It’s the same mantra I used when, in my early 20s, I drove from Arizona to New York City in a used minivan full of my worldly possessions: “Other people have moved here, too. Other people have moved here, too.” The takeaway is that we’re not huddled in a covered wagon headed into the absolute unknown – it’s just unknown to us . My personal revision for traveling with a baby is: “Children live there, too!”  Kids are raised in different cultures and environments all over the world. Duh. But the mantra reminds me that if other families thrive there, we've just got to get ourselves there and we'll be fine.  Some might ask, “What’s the point of traveling with a baby if they won’t remember it?”  Our favorite response is, “We can always go back!”  Visiting a place only once is rarely enough anyway. E: No notes! People everywhere have kids who eat food, wear diapers, and make a lot of noise in exactly the wrong situation. I find repeating Trev’s mantra especially helpful whenever AJ starts crying in public. She’s just a baby! People get it. Well, except that one grumpy guy watching Fast & Furious 7  on the plane… but just ignore him. You know what every destination also has? Moms who’ve been there, done that. Colombia was filled with moms both young and old who were thrilled to meet AJ and help her get to know the country.  Is AJ saving these memories on her permanent hard drive? Not yet. But we’re confident that they’re contributing to her having a rich and full life - and very happy parents. Plans, Plans & Logistics... T:  You know the old adage: “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap." There’s a parallel in travel: “It takes a lot of planning to be this spontaneous.”  We’ve always been travelers who enjoy improvisation and unplanned detours. Those days aren’t gone – but now, if we want the freedom to be spontaneous, we need logistics systems that allow us to pivot without chaos, all while keeping AJ content and safe. The good news? After a few test runs, traveling with our newest teammate is getting easier and easier  – not breezy  exactly, but it’s definitely feeling more manageable. Let's be clear. We plan like crazy SO we can feel more comfortable improvising. It's nice to have options A thru M, so we can pivot if necessary. Whether it’s a coup or a weather snafu, we're famous for turning our travel plans on a dime, but we generally do so with a good idea of what's next. 110F (43C) and 100% humidity. PIVOT! E: I always travel armed with a few key resources: a good base of research about the country I’m visiting, itinerary options for several different scenarios, and a wild plan Z if everything goes sideways (or it’s really, really hot and I get really, really cranky).  With AJ in the mix, we have added a few preparations to our list: Bookmark hospitals in each of our destinations Note the country’s emergency number Carry a small first aid kit, a simple supply of baby medicine and a thermometer Make sure you know how to ask for help in the local language.  Do what you need to do to feel peace-of-mind before and during your trip, and like I said before - always listen to your instincts. Extra prep doesn’t mean spontaneity is gone, it just means you’ll be able to approach each schedule change and pivot armed with plenty of good information. Why Must We Go? New Parents, Don't Stop Traveling! T:  Most travelers agree that visiting unfamiliar places and engaging with new cultures is one of life's greatest gifts and among its greatest teachers. We have to put ourselves out there to see firsthand how vast and varied the world is – how ideas, tastes, beliefs, and traditions can be simultaneously exotic, yet oddly similar to, our own. Travel doesn’t just open new roads to explore; it opens new neural pathways in our minds. It endows wisdom and humility, it makes us better critical thinkers, more empathetic and adventurous. It makes us better decision-makers and representatives of our own culture. It's food for the brain and soul.  E: What he said. My answer to “why do you travel?” is more prosaic: I travel because I have to. To me, exploring new places, eating new things, encountering new cultures, and getting a little lost is what makes life worth living. It’s what gets me through the work grind year after year: that magical light at the end of the tunnel when you’re feeling so burned out. While our trips aren’t exactly “vacations” - sometimes I feel like I need a vacation afterward - they refresh and renew my soul. I hope AJ feels the same way! Anwho... Becoming a parent can consume every ounce of energy, risk tolerance, and spirit for adventure. That’s okay. But if you still ache for travel, WS&T is here to help you face the fear of getting back on the proverbial horse – this time, with a baby on board. So, one more time: New Parents, Don't Stop Traveling! Little lady's first flight For those of us who spent years saving and seizing every opportunity to see new places, the adventure bug  is part of our identity. Why should that change just because we have a new addition to the fam?  How often have we heard people say, “I used to travel a lot, but then the kids arrived…” ? At WS&T, putting those travel dreams on permanent hold was unthinkable. Still, we recognized that parenthood would profoundly change our routines, energy levels, and priorities. The only way to preserve our passion for adventure while meeting AJ’s needs was to up our planning game. WS&T Takeaway:  You absolutely can  keep your travel dreams alive after kids. If adventures bring you joy, you owe it to yourself – and your little one(s) – to continue exploring and enriching your world and theirs. Bon Voyage! Need Essential Gear to See the World ? Click below to check out some great options for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

When you travel to places where mosquitos have voting rights and pay taxes, vigilance is key! Our family loves tropical destinations, but they can come with some unwelcome downsides. There’s the heat and humidity, the never-dry clothes, and… the bugs. Insects in warm, humid climates aren’t just annoying; they can also carry diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Zika. So, how do you keep those pesky critters at bay while traveling? Here are some of our best tips to help you and your kids stay bite-free in bug-land. 1. Use Insect Repellent Choose a  kid-friendly repellent  with DEET (under 30%), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, as these are effective against mosquitoes carrying tropical diseases. Reapply repellent frequently, especially in humid conditions where sweat can wear it off. Avoid applying it to hands, eyes, mouth, or irritated skin. If possible, spray it on clothing rather than directly on the skin. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH DEET? IS IT SAFE TO USE DEET ON KIDS? I really and truly hate insect bites, and I am particularly sensitive to mosquitos. Seriously, if there’s a mosquito within a mile, it will find me, feast, and call in all of its relatives. I’ve always found that DEET-based insect repellents are the most effective for me, but you hear lots of scary stuff about DEET and I wanted to make sure it's also safe at protecting my kid from insect bites. Here’s what the research says: DEET is not an insecticide. It’s not poisonous to mosquitoes. They, like many of us, appear to hate the scent. DEET has been extensively studied – with over 50 years of data on its use – and is considered  safe for children  when used correctly. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that  DEET concentrations up to 30%  are safe for children over  2 months old . Studies published in the  New England Journal of Medicine  and the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  confirm that DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents, especially in tropical regions. To minimize risk,  apply sparingly , avoid hands, eyes, and mouth, and wash off repellent when indoors. Prefer alternatives?  Picaridin  is another effective and safe option for kids.  BESIDES INSECT SPRAY, HERE'S SEVERAL WAYS TO PROTECT KIDS (AND YOURSELF) FROM INSECT BITES WHILE TRAVELING: 1. Outfitting Your Ride Use a mosquito net on the stroller. See below for our pick. 2. Dress for Skin Coverage Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are essential in tropical areas. This will also help prevent sunburns – win-win! Choose  moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics  to keep kids cool while still protecting their skin. We’ve used and recommend some great options that are both breathable and excellent for covering the little ones.  Opt for  light-colored clothing , as dark colors tend to attract more bugs. Tuck pant legs into socks to prevent unwanted hitchhikers. 3. Avoid Peak Insect Activity Mosquitoes in tropical regions are most active at  dawn and dusk , so limit outdoor activities during these times. Avoid areas with  stagnant water , like swamps, rice paddies, and dense jungle trails, as these are prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes. When I lived in Singapore, this was our constant refrain: STAY AWAY FROM STAGNANT WATER. Stay in well-screened accommodations to minimize exposure. 4. Keep the Environment Bug-Free Use  mosquito nets  over cribs, strollers, and beds—especially in accommodations without proper screening. A light spray of DEET at the flaps and seams of a mosquito net works like a charm at keeping bugs away from weak points. Ensure windows and doors have  intact mesh screens  to keep bugs outside. A little DEET around the holes in a screen is like a liquid patch for window weak points. Always  check for standing water  around your lodging and notify staff if you notice any breeding spots. (Remember the refrain!) If you know you’re going to be in a jungle environment, consider a mosquito net you can hang around your and the child’s bed. Failing everything else, wake your husband at 2:00 AM when that familiar high-pitched whine drags you from the depths of sleep. Turn on EVERY light in the room and MAKE him find the invader! 5. Thoughts on Natural Repellents & Barriers I honestly never have great luck with natural repellents in a super mosquito-y area, but here are some of the options if you’d like to try! Essential oils like  citronella, tea tree, and eucalyptus  can help, but always test a small amount first to check for skin reactions. Research suggests  bug-repelling wristbands  simply aren't effective. Use permethrin-treated clothing for added protection. If dining outdoors,  use mosquito coils or plug-in repellents  to deter insects. 6. Check for Bites & Remove Ticks After outdoor activities, do a  thorough tick check , especially on the scalp, behind ears, underarms, and around the waist. If you find a tick,  remove it with tweezers  and clean the area with antiseptic. Monitor any bites for signs of infection or allergic reaction and seek medical attention if needed. Mosquitoes! They're one genuinely unsavory aspect to world travel that we all contend with at some point. My husband rarely gets bit. Some of us are utter magnets. But beyond worrying about how to protect kids from insect bites while traveling, it's worth some peace of mind to remember not every mosquito is carrying something nefarious, and even less – approximately 1 in 300 – are likely to develop an illness as a result of a bite by an infected mosquito. So, fight the good fight. But try to keep some perspective when that itchy red dot invariably appears. Keeping the Bugs at Bay?  Click below to check out some TSA size-approved curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

A little rainy, a lot happy! Should you travel to the Azores? Absolutely. If you're wondering, "What even are the Azores?" Read on! We loved our visit to São Miguel, the largest of the Azorean archipelago. It's a stunning volcanic island afloat in the North Atlantic with a plethora of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and kayaking to dining out in Ponta Delgada to cultural exploration. You can also just drive around the extremely beautiful countryside, gazing at cows. They outnumber people, no joke! If you’re looking for an overview of the Azores covering everything from the history to the different islands to weather to transportation, check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here ! If you’re traveling with kids, we also have mega-guides on kid travel (everything from flight hacks to jet lag to our favorite travel gear). Here’s how we spent  four perfect days in São Miguel, and how you can too – kids and all! 4-Day São Miguel Itinerary Quick Peek: What are the Azores? When to Go to São Miguel Traveling on a Budget Arrival Information Where to Stay Where to Eat Day 1: Ponta Delgada + Gorreana Tea Plantation Day 2: Sete Cidades + Crater Lakes Day 3: Waterfall Hike + Furnas Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell Even More Activities on São Miguel I'm New Here. What Are the Azores? I once found myself asking the same thing... Our flight search results first gave us the idea to go to the Azores! We were planning a trip to Portugal, and E spotted a great flight deal on Azores Airlines, with a stop in São Miguel. We were intrigued! We decided to book the two trip legs separately, giving us a glorious 4-day stopover in São Miguel. You’ll fly into the main city of Ponta Delgada. They speak Portuguese, though we didn't have trouble getting by on English. The Azores are a perfect WS&T destination: less luxury travel & high-energy nightlife, more soaking in nature and culture. The Azores are an oasis in the middle of the North Atlantic. Located about 1000 miles west of Lisbon, they’re even more remote than Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands, and Iceland. Looking out from any of the many jaw-dropping viewpoints, you truly feel like you’re in the middle of the ocean. São Miguel is about 290 square miles (or 746 square kilometers)—roughly the size of Maui. It’s around 40 miles (65 km) long and 9 miles (15 km) wide at its widest point. The lush archipelago is made up of nine volcanic islands, which sprung from the lava eruptions beneath the ocean floor. There are tons of opportunities for outdoor activities ranging from very adventuresome to quietly contemplative, as well as whales to watch, hot springs to soak in, and tea to sip. The islands have invested heavily in sustainable eco-tourism and conservation of their many natural resources. For more on Azorean history, weather, language, and island-hopping, see our Essential Guide to the Azores . São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, is a lush, volcanic paradise over 1000 miles from mainland Portugal. Nicknamed the “Green Island,” it boasts crater lakes, dramatic coastlines, and steaming hot springs. Settled by the Portuguese in the 15th century, São Miguel has a rich seafaring past and was once a key stop for ships crossing the ocean. Today, it blends old-world charm—cobblestone streets and baroque churches—with wild natural. It’s also been the recipient of tons of recent investment by the E.U., so you’ll notice that many of the buildings and much of the infrastructure feels brand new. When Is the Best Time to Visit São Miguel? As we often say at WS&T, there’s no bad time to travel. And we know that sometimes, kids’ schedules mean you can only travel during certain weeks of the year. Each season in the Azores offers something unique, and as long as you’re prepared for the variable weather, you’ll have a great time no matter what. And honestly, even during high season the weather is super variable since you’re on a rock in the middle of the ocean… there was one or two times that we had to return to a site on a different day because it was too foggy to see on our first attempt. June–September (High Season): Warm, sunny, and perfect for hiking, swimming, and whale watching. Hydrangeas bloom, everything’s picture-perfect—but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time. April–May & October (Shoulder Season): Milder weather, fewer crowds. Spring is lush and green; October has lingering summer warmth and vineyard harvests, though with a bit more rain. November–March (Off Season): Cool, rainy, and quiet—but peaceful and atmospheric. Great for hot springs, low prices, and empty trails. Just bring layers and flexibility. Best Whale Watching: April to June is peak for migratory giants like blue and fin whales. Summer offers calm seas and frequent sightings of sperm whales and dolphins. Even in winter, resident species can often be spotted—especially around Pico, Faial, and São Miguel. WS&T Travel Tip: No matter the time of year, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket (for both wind and rain); the weather changes on a dime! Can You Travel to São Miguel on a Budget? Hey, cow gazing is free! You can travel to São Miguel on a budget… to a point. Flights from mainland Europe can be surprisingly cheap, especially with low-cost carriers. Coming from the US, we were pleasantly surprised by the flight prices on Azores Airlines. Once you’re on the island, your biggest expenses will be the rental car and your accommodations. Rental car prices were reasonable in September, but the accommodation prices tended to be higher than what we normally go for – which is why we went with slightly more affordable Airbnbs. But keep in mind that we’re not talking crazy expensive – you should be able to find hotels for less than $200/night. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can use the public bus system and look for a hostel or guesthouse. Many of the island’s best experiences—like hiking to crater lakes, soaking in hot springs, or wandering coastal towns—are either free or cost just a few euros. Even dining out can be reasonable, with plenty of casual spots serving fresh local food without tourist prices. The most expensive time to visit São Miguel—and the Azores in general—is June through September , which is peak season. Holidays can also spike prices—especially around Easter and Christmas—when both locals and travelers are on the move. If you’re looking to save, aim for the shoulder seasons (April–May or October).  So, it’s doable on a budget, though the hotel options are fairly limited and we definitely recommend planning to have a rental car. Arriving in São Miguel If you’re flying into São Miguel from the U.S., Europe, or anywhere around the world, you’ll land in Ponta Delgada at the João Paulo II Airport, located a short 2 km outside of the city. Check out SATA Air Açores (aka Azores Airlines) for flight deals. We were pleased to find that our flights to São Miguel were inexpensive and the flight was less than 6 hours from New York City. If you’re coming from Europe, the flight was only 2.5 hours from Lisbon. WS&T Money Tip: There is a range of ATMs in the arrivals hall, so it should be easy to withdraw a chunk of Euros to start your journey. There is also a currency exchange counter if you’ve brought cash with you. Try to use your travel credit card as much as possible! Get those points and fee reimbursements! Learn more about the card we trust in  our article covering all the pros and cons  to travel cards.  Flying in! Getting to Your Hotel : We highly recommend renting a car on São Miguel – it’s absolutely the best way to see the island! We rented a car from EuropCar and had a great experience. Here’s what you need to know about renting a car in São Miguel: The main car rental agencies have their offices clearly visible in the main arrivals hall, just after baggage claim. Although you’ll see many smaller companies with rock-bottom prices, we highly recommend choosing a rental car agency you’re familiar with. We’ve had bad luck with some of these “cheapy” companies in the past because they are inconveniently located and require extra steps like hard-to-find shuttle buses. That was the case in São Miguel; I had originally booked a car through something called Ace Rentals, which apparently had a shuttle bus which arrived out in the parking lot. I could not find it! I tried calling them and couldn’t get through. Frustrated, we finally got a taxi to their address, but we couldn’t find it at first because the agency has a small office located inside Way2Azores, a larger rental car agency. I was so annoyed with their lack of customer service, pre-arrival info, or details on the internet, that I cancelled the rental and went with EuropCar. That was probably the only annoying thing on our whole time in the Azores! Cheap companies also usually: Offer lower-quality vehicles. Have bad customer service. Make it difficult to change your plans or report an issue. Final price may be higher. Anyway, I’m sure some folks have a perfectly fine experience with Ace or Way2Azores, but especially if you’re traveling with kids it’s much more convenient to go with a known rental brand and have your car right outside the airport, rather than going through a bunch of extra hoops. WS&T Tip: Rent as small a car as possible for you & your fam! You’ll thank us on narrow streets with tight parking, or out on rutted scenic roads with minimal turnout points. Other Transport Options: Public Transportation: If you’re solo or backpacking on a budget. You board the bus , tell the driver your destination, and pay the fare based on where you’re headed (usually under €3 per person). You can get a monthly pass, but that requires a visit to the bus company’s office in Ponta Delgada. Google Maps is surprisingly accurate for stops and schedules, though buses tend to run 5–10 minutes late. Service between major towns like Ponta Delgada and Furnas is decent but limited, so plan ahead. Rideshares: No Uber or any other ridesharing companies exist on São Miguel yet! Taxi: São Miguel has yellow taxis (with very friendly drivers!). You’ll see the line of taxis right out front as you exit the airport. Remember to double check the fare and ask if they take credit cards before you mount up. WS&T Bratpacker Tip: Make sure your Taxi has the rear seatbelts accessible before loading up all your luggage. Sometimes the driver needs to dig them out of the seat for you. Where to Stay in São Miguel 3 Stars: A little hard to eat my morning Cheerios São Miguel has a surprising amount of geographic variety for such a small island! We actually decided to stay in two different Airbnbs despite our short trip, because we wanted to get two distinct experiences on the island. The great thing is that the island is small enough that you’ll be able to see everything you want no matter where you stay. You can’t really go wrong. In fact, if you don’t mind staying outside the walkable city center, you might want to research hotels and Airbnbs and go with whatever looks coolest to you, rather than specifically choosing an area first. Either way, here’s an overview of the different regions of the island: Ponta Delgada & the South Coast: This is the island’s hub—home to the airport, most restaurants, shops, and a livelier vibe. It’s a great base for first-time visitors, with easy access to nearby sights, bus connections, and a walkable central city area. Furnas (East): A lush, steamy valley known for hot springs, geothermal activity, and botanical gardens. It’s quieter and more traditional, perfect if you’re into nature and a slower pace. Sete Cidades & the West: Dramatic scenery with crater lakes, cliffs, and rolling green hills. It’s less populated and more about scenic drives and hikes. Great for day trips, though might not be a place you’d want to base yourself – unless you find a great rental! North Coast: A mix of farmland, surf spots (like Ribeira Grande), and sleepy villages. You’ll find black-sand beaches, tea plantations, and fewer crowds. The Interior: All about the nature! You’ll find volcanic peaks, thermal springs, and epic views, especially around Lagoa do Fogo. Our Hotel Picks on São Miguel : We chose to stay in two different Airbnbs during our trip. The first was in a modern tech-park sort of area right outside Ponta Delgada. Swank apartment with easy access to the city. Then we stayed in a fairly remote farmhouse in the far East of the island, with a long, tricky dirt entrance. But the gorgeous valley views (and nearby cows!) made it totally worth it. Note that if you’re staying somewhere more remote, you’ll want to plan ahead for dinner – we cooked dinner in our Airbnb kitchen. If you’d prefer to go for a hotel, here are some wonderful options: Casa do Campo de São Francisco : Family-friendly suites in a lovely Azorean building, right in downtown Ponta Delgada. Self-parking and buffet breakfast. Convento de São Francisco:  Located on the southern coast near the beach, this boutique hotel is a gorgeous historical building that was a former convent. Outdoor pool, self-parking, and breakfast included. **Note the similarity in name to the hotel above! Whales Bay Hotel : Modern hotel with family-friendly apartments, spa, gym, pool, breakfast, and parking. Located in a small village with other amenities and activities.  Northwest coast. Casa do Moinho : Simple but well-kept guesthouse near the southeast coast with a rooftop terrace and free parking. AirBnB : Consider an Airbnb apartment in the center of town, which will make baby life a little easier! Where to Eat in São Miguel São Miguel is known for ultra-fresh seafood, slow-cooked stews, and island-grown produce. You’ll find Atlantic favorites like lapas (grilled limpets with garlic and butter) and cracas (gooseneck barnacles)—strange-looking, but a local delicacy. Don’t miss the cozido das Furnas , a hearty meat-and-veggie stew slow-cooked underground using volcanic steam. It’s possibly more novel than delicious (shh, don't tell the locals I said that), but you certainly won’t go hungry. Local beef is high quality, and spicy chouriço sausage is everywhere—sometimes flambéed in aguardente . Bakeries serve up pillowy bolo lêvedo (part English muffin, part brioche), creamy queijadas da Vila , and pão com chouriço . São Miguel also grows its own pineapples in greenhouses (they’re small and sweet), and has Europe’s only tea plantations at Gorreana and Chá Porto Formoso. Wash it all down with a glass of volcanic Azorean wine— Verdelho from Pico is especially popular—or a nip of passionfruit liqueur.  Our Restaurant Picks on São Miguel: The famous limpets at A Tasca ·       A Tasca (Ponta Delgada): Set in the heart of Ponta Delgada, A Tasca is casual but always super busy. The menu covers all the traditional dishes from Azorean cheeses and chouriço to fresh seafood and buttery limpets. Pro tip: go early or be prepared to wait (and grab a drink while you do). We came too late on our first try, so we ended up coming here for lunch on our way out of town.   ·       Otaka (Ponta Delgada): This intimate spot blends Japanese technique with local Azorean ingredients: sashimi with São Jorge cheese or toro with island yuzu. Try the thoughtfully-presented tasting menu, and book ahead! ·       Casa Nostra Açores (Ponta Delgada) : Schwanky dinner with elevated Azorean fare. Some dishes were better than others (the “old cow” wasn’t our favorite, but that’s probably on us for ordering it…) but the apps and the pasta dishes were delicious, especially the steak tartare. ·       Cais 20 (São Roque, just outside Ponta Delgada): A local favorite for seafood, Cais 20 is right on the water and perfect for a long, leisurely lunch. The seafood rice and grilled limpets are popular but ask what the fresh catch is that day. Unpretentious and hearty. ·       Restaurante Associação Agrícola (Ribeira Grande area): This one’s for the carnivores. Located at the island’s farming co-op, this restaurant serves some of the best steak on São Miguel—pair with bold red wine or a garlicky punch of pimenta da terra . ·       Tony’s (Furnas): Tony’s is the go-to for cozido , the hearty volcanic stew slow-cooked underground. It’s an experience! ·       Bar Caloura (South Coast) This cliffside seafood restaurant near Água de Pau is worth the detour. You’ll eat overlooking the sea, often with local fish caught that morning. The grilled tuna is delicious. ·       A Quinta (Lagoa): Set in a restored farmhouse, A Quinta offers a more refined take on traditional Azorean flavors in a cozy setting surrounded by gardens. Someone cut me off, please ·       Solar Branco Eco Estate: Inside the elegant Solar Branco Eco Estate , the Gin Library holds one of the world’s largest collections of gin. You can book a tasting experience or just sip a craft G&T in an old colonial villa surrounded by gardens. Bonus: there’s also an intimate sushi restaurant on site that brings a little Tokyo-meets-Atlantic luxury to the island. You have to book ahead, and this spot is not really near anything else so you’ll be making a (fun!) special trip. Adults only, and you gotta dress up a little bit. Now we’ll dive into our 4-day São Miguel Itinerary! Note that we’ve assumed you’re basing yourself near Ponta Delgada, but if you decide to stay elsewhere or split your time, feel free to mix up the order of the days and activities! Also, if you’re into more adventurous activities like boat trips or spelunking, jump down to our list here ! Day 1: Ponta Delgada + Gorreana Tea Plantation Welcome to São Miguel! Start your morning in Ponta Delgada , the island’s charming capital. Grab breakfast at a local café— bolo lêvedo with butter and a strong espresso is a solid choice—then take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, checking out some of the city’s historical sites along the way. Take a pic at the Portas da Cidade , the city’s iconic archway, and peek into Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião , a dramatic 16th-century church. The Mercado da Graça is nearby and worth a wander if it’s early in the morning (it really empties out later in the day). Locals come here for pineapples, fresh cheese, and colorful produce. E is obsessed with museums great and small, epic and weird, so we had to hit up the the Carlos Machado Museum. It offers a mighty quirky mix of natural history, religious art, island heritage—and lots of old, creepy taxidermy animals—all set inside a former convent. After your city exploration, hop in the car and head northeast toward the Gorreana Tea Factory —about a 40-minute drive. Take a quick pause at the Miradouro de Santa Iria , a clifftop lookout with sweeping ocean views and rolling green hills that seem to go on forever. WS&T Travel Tip: Dude. Every viewpoint on this island is insanely gorgeous. Stop at all of them. At the Gorreana Tea Factory, you’ll find Europe’s only tea plantation. You can walk through the factory floor, watch the old machines in action, and then sample their black and green teas on a terrace that overlooks neat rows of tea plants running all the way to the sea. They also have yummy pastries. You can go on a mini-hike through the fields of tea leaves as well. If you’re curious to compare, Chá Porto Formoso is just a few minutes down the road. It’s smaller and more intimate, with equally scenic views and a cozy café. On your way back toward Ponta Delgada, you can opt for a visit to the Caldeira Velha , a magical nature preserve with a geothermal hot spring nestled into a lush, jungly valley. You can walk through the nature paths (which have an interesting signage about the geological history) and you can also soak in the hot springs. They have a parking lot and a changing room with lockers. They do timed reservations, which are a good idea especially during busy months. Kid friendly! If you’re feeling peckish afterward, swing through Ribeira Grande , a laid-back coastal town with a pretty historic center and a few cafés perfect for a late lunch. You’ll find lava-stone architecture, surfy vibes, and maybe a bolo de arroz , which is a sort of Portuguese rice muffin situation. As you make your way back toward the capital, consider one final detour: the Plantação de Ananás A Arruda , just ten minutes outside of Ponta Delgada. Here, greenhouses cultivate São Miguel’s famously sweet pineapples using a slow, traditional method that takes nearly two years from start to finish. It’s a short, self-guided visit, and you’ll find a small museum and shop with pineapple goodies. Wrap up your day with dinner back in Ponta Delgada (check out all our favorite spots above) then get a good night’s rest! Day 2: Sete Cidades + Crater Lakes Grab some breakfast in Ponta Delgada (we somehow ended up in a small café with a giant pile of meat & eggs which was surprisingly delicious, though made us want to crawl back in bed for a nap), then say hello to the passing cows as you head west. Today you’re visiting Sete Cidades, São Miguel’s legendary twin lakes tucked inside a massive volcanic caldera. The drive is beautiful—rolling green hills, winding roads, and glimpses of the Atlantic as you climb higher. If the skies are clear, make your first stop at Miradouro da Vista do Rei , one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Azores. From here, you’ll see the two lakes—one blue, one green—nestled side by side inside the ancient crater. They’re actually connected, but the color difference is real and part of local legend. WS&T Travel Tip: Be ready to swap day-plans here; we tried to visit Sete Cidades on our second day and were thwarted by super heavy fog, so we came back the next day and had a lovely, clear view. Nearby, the Água de Pau Aqueduct and its most photogenic stretch, the Muro das Nove Janelas (“Wall of the Nine Windows”), are remnants of an ambitious 17th- and 18th-century engineering feat—built to carry spring water from the hills to Ponta Delgada. A fun stop for history lovers! For an even more dramatic vista, stop at the Miradouro da Boca do Inferno . Tucked just a short drive (and quick hike) from Lagoa do Canário, this viewpoint offers a sweeping, almost surreal panorama of the Sete Cidades caldera, with views stretching across Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa Rasa, Lagoa de Santiago, and Lagoa do Canário. The path to the viewpoint is short and well-marked, winding through mossy forest and volcanic ridgelines. On a clear day, it’s one of the most breathtaking vistas you’ll find anywhere on the island. Check out the nearby shell of the Monte Palace Hotel . This abandoned 1980s five-star resort looms over the viewpoint like a ghost of tourism dreams past. It’s graffiti-covered, crumbling, and oddly cinematic. You’re not allowed to go inside, though a lot of people do (of course). It’s definitely eerie! This is also a great place to grab lunch from a cute food truck called Komaki Burger Truck—the burgers were really good! If you’re up for a big hike after lunch, the Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades trail is a local favorite with a dramatic payoff. This 7.5 km crater-rim hike (about 2.5–3 hours one way) serves up panoramic views almost the entire way. It’s not too difficult, but pack layers—clouds and sun like to trade places often here. If you’re short on time or energy, you can always hike a shorter stretch and drive the rest of the way down into the village. Depending on your timing, you can also grab lunch in the village. Then, you’ve got a few options. You can wander around the lakeshore, rent a kayak or paddleboard (calm crater = smooth paddling), or visit the tiny but charming São Nicolau Church . If your legs still have some hike left in them, consider the Lagoa de Santiago trail nearby—shorter, lush, and leading to a lesser-known emerald crater lake. On your way back, detour to Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado for an unforgettable sunset to end your day… well, besides dinner, of course! Day 3: Waterfall Hike + Furnas Day 3 dawns! By now, we were completely entranced by São Miguel’s charms, and we were already discussing how we would split the year between home in the US and a picturesque, volcanic rock cottage. Start your day on the island’s quiet southeast coast in the village of Faial da Terra , where the hike to Salto do Prego begins. This trail doesn’t get as much buzz as some of the crater hikes up north, but it was peaceful and beautiful—we really enjoyed it. The loop is about 4.5 km (a little under 3 miles) and takes around 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to pet the mossy stone walls and tangled fern canopies. The main event is the waterfall itself: Salto do Prego, a tall, narrow cascade spilling into a cold pool tucked in a green ravine. As you head back, keep an eye out for Sanguinho , a partially restored ghost village along the trail. It’s a small cluster of stone houses that were once abandoned, now slowly coming back to life. We ended up grabbing picnic items from the little market in Faial da Terra for lunch, or you can eat in Furnas. After the hike, you’ll drive about 30 minutes north to Furnas , the geothermal heart of São Miguel. You’ll likely smell Furnas before you see it! Sulfur hangs in the air, thanks to the bubbling fumaroles and steaming vents that dot the landscape. Stop by Lagoa das Furnas , where you can actually watch locals and restaurants pulling pots of cozido —a traditional meat-and-veggie stew—out of holes in the volcanic soil. Yes, it cooks underground in the earth for hours! Volcano stew! We did part of the hike that encircles the Lagoa and really enjoyed the views… and the random wizard statue. Before you eat, take a walk through the Caldeiras das Furnas , a surreal stretch of steamy craters and boiling pools right in the middle of town. It… is… aliiiiive! If you have time, stop by the Terra Nostra Gardens where you can wander around or take a hot spring dip (just don’t wear your best swimsuit—those minerals leave a mark). Another option for a hot springs soak is Poça da Dona Beija . It’s a series of shallow, mineral-rich pools, artfully landscaped with bamboo, ferns, and flowing thermal water. It’s open late—usually until 11 p.m. Entry is €8 per adult for a 1.5-hour session (cash or card accepted), and you can rent towels and there are lockers on site if needed. Check out the Casa Invertida —or Upside Down House—an architectural curiosity, this structure is actually a cleverly designed power station that appears to be flipped on its roof, complete with a grass-covered “floor” overhead. The Azores—so quirky! Then it’s time to try the stew! Try Tony’s or Restaurante Vale das Furnas , both known for their cozido das Furnas . It’s a big pile of meat and veggies: layers of beef, pork, chicken, sausages, cabbage, kale, potatoes, and yams, all slow-cooked in volcanic heat. We shared one cozido and were barely able to get through two thirds of it… it is a lot of food. Meanwhile, there was a very businesslike German couple to our right who each ordered a cozido and proceeded to put. them. away. Very impressive. By the time you drive back to Ponta Delgada (about 45 minutes), you’ll be full, slightly sulfur-scented, and ready for a cozy sleep. Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell Before you leave this magical place, make sure you eat something you haven’t tried yet! We decided to finally sample the limpets as our last meal in the Azores… they were yummy!  Then, it’s time to drive your rental car back to the airport… or call the airline and extend your stay! If you’re interested in more adventurous activities, be sure to read on. More Ways to Soak, Paddle, and Explore on São Miguel If you’re up for more adventuresome activities or have older kids, check out these exciting options. Most are not baby-friendly, so we’ll just have to come back when AJ’s older! Boat Trip and Snorkeling on the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo This dramatic little islet just off the south coast is actually the flooded crater of an ancient volcano, now a perfectly round natural swimming pool surrounded by cliffs and teeming with marine life. The only way to reach it is by boat (available from mid-June to September-ish), and while the ride is short—about 10 minutes—the logistics take a bit of planning. Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the ecosystem, so it’s essential to buy tickets online in advance and arrive early , even if you’ve pre-booked. The ticket office opens at 9:45, but the queue starts forming well before 8:30, especially in peak season. After you snag your spot, you’ll wait again to board your scheduled boat (usually starting around 10:00 AM and running hourly until 5:00 PM). Return ferries typically depart about 10 minutes past each hour, giving you flexibility to stay as long as you like—though on sunny days, you might find yourself lingering longer than planned. Once there, expect a rugged setup—sunbathing happens on lava rock, not lounge chairs—so bring snorkel gear, a beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a backpack cooler with snacks . The water is stunningly clear and calm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around in a natural “bride’s ring” of turquoise. On sunny days, you could easily spend a few hours here. If the weather turns or space fills up fast, you might be in for a shorter visit. Whale Watching! The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales, and Picos de Aventura runs eco-conscious tours from Ponta Delgada, and you can also check out Moby Dick Tours and Terra Azul. Blue whales glide by in spring, sperm whales hang out year-round, and you’ll likely spot dolphins tagging along too. You’re not guaranteed a sighting, but when it happens, it’s magic… or so Eve hears! Sea Cave Tour from Rabo de Peixe If you want something a little more off the beaten path, head to Rabo de Peixe on the north coast for a boat tour of sea caves, cliffs, and dramatic coastline. You’ll zip along the Atlantic, ducking into grottos and sea arches while learning about the island’s volcanic geology and the deep-rooted fishing culture that still shapes daily life here. It’s rugged, wild, and a refreshing contrast to the calmer south shore. To book, look for local tour operators based in Rabo de Peixe or nearby Ribeira Grande—many offer online reservations (check Get Your Guide) , especially during summer, but some still operate more informally, so it’s worth calling ahead or stopping by the marina to check availability. Tours tend to be small-group and weather-dependent. Kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas or Lagoa das Sete Cidades For a quiet glide across a crater lake, you can rent kayaks at both Sete Cidades and Furnas . At Sete Cidades, rentals are available right at the lakeside near the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes. The setup is casual: no advance booking usually needed, and you’ll be paddling out into wide-open water with mountains rising all around you. Furnas, on the other hand, is more enclosed, and often draped in mist. You can rent kayaks near the Terra Nostra Garden entrance; hours can vary, so it’s best to go earlier in the day. In both spots, the water is calm and beginner-friendly. Bring cash just in case and know that hours may be weather-dependent. Early mornings tend to be the best—less wind, fewer people. Cave Tour at Gruta do Carvão If you want to go underground, Gruta do Carvão in Ponta Delgada gives you a peek into the island’s volcanic plumbing system. This ancient lava tube winds beneath the city, lined with bizarre rock formations, mineral colors, and just enough eerie lighting to make it feel like an adventure. Tours are guided and run several times a day, but it’s smart to book ahead online or call , especially in high season—they do limit group sizes, and spots can fill up. It’s a short and fascinating stop (about 30–45 minutes), perfect for a rainy day or a change of pace from the coast. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and they’ll give you a hard hat.  Explore Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste On the island’s remote northeast corner, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park has waterfalls, cobbled pathways, and a misty forest. It’s free to enter and open year-round, with no set hours—just show up and wander. The main waterfall is a stunner. Short trails wind through lush greenery, and there are picnic areas if you want to linger. Parking is available nearby (and usually easy), and there’s a small café and restrooms on-site during high season. It’s one of the most photogenic pockets of São Miguel, so bring a camera—and a rain jacket.   Ready for More? After exploring the best of São Miguel, we hope we’ve whetted your appetite for travel. Check out our guides to Colombia and Oaxaca next! Traveling with a Tiny Trekker?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

São Miguel is a lush, lava-born Azorean island floating out in the middle of the Atlantic. It’s a place where you can hike around volcanic craters in the morning, soak in hot springs by afternoon, and eat stew cooked underground by dinner. If you're wondering what activities there are on São Miguel Island, you're in the right spot. The island has a slow pace, but there is plenty to keep you busy! You can kayak across crater lakes, spot whales off the coast, explore lava tubes, and swim inside an ancient sunken volcano. If you’re looking for a more laid back itinerary, you can sip gin in a garden, sample tea at Europe’s only plantation, or just cruise around the countryside marveling at the lovely cows (they outnumber people!). Almost everything is kid-friendly, though your kiddos will need to be a little older for the boat activities, spelunking, and surf camp. No matter the time of year, we recommend bringing a light rain jacket (for both wind and rain); the weather changes on a dime! If you’re looking for an overview of the Azores covering everything from the history to the different islands to weather to transportation, check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here! If you want a detailed 4-day itinerary to begin your exploration of São Miguel – including all our restaurant recommendations – check this out ! From big hikes to hot springs to hidden waterfalls, here are 12 of the best activities on São Miguel Island! 1.     Explore Sete Cidades + Iconic Viewpoints + Hike the Caldera Rim It's way too pretty! Sete Cidades are São Miguel’s legendary twin lakes nestled inside a vast volcanic caldera. If the skies are clear, head first to Miradouro da Vista do Rei for that postcard-perfect view of the green and blue lakes. We actually tried to do this on our second day but it was so foggy that we decided to return the next day. Luckily, we got a really incredible clear view on our second try! Nearby, check out the Muro das Nove Janelas , the dramatic aqueduct wall that once supplied Ponta Delgada with water. Then continue toward Miradouro da Boca do Inferno , a short, magical hike that leads to one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic spots on the island. It’s a 10–15 minute walk from the Lagoa do Canário parking area, winding through mossy trees and up a volcanic ridge. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, the Vista do Rei to Sete Cidades trail follows the crater rim for 7.5 km (about 2.5–3 hours one way), with nonstop views of lakes and coastline. Not feeling the full hike? Walk a portion and drive the rest. Down in the village of Sete Cidades, you can rent a kayak, visit the tiny São Nicolau Church, or refuel at a local café. For a short, lush hike, check out the nearby Lagoa de Santiago trail , which leads to a hidden emerald crater lake with far fewer crowds. 2.     Spend the Day in Furnas: Hot Springs, Volcano Stew, and Steamy Trails Furnas is São Miguel at its most surreal—misty, steamy, and sulfur-scented in the best possible way. Start at Lagoa das Furnas , where you can watch cozido stew being unearthed from the steaming ground. It’s cooked underground in volcanic soil for hours! Nearby, stroll through the Caldeiras das Furnas , a bubbling landscape of fumaroles, hot springs, and hissing vents. For a soak, head to Terra Nostra Gardens (entry includes the famous thermal pool surrounded by exotic plants) or Poça da Dona Beija , a series of landscaped mineral pools tucked into the forest. Poça is open until 11 p.m., so it’s a great evening wind-down. Entry is €8 for 1.5 hours; towel and locker rentals available. When it’s time to eat, try the cozido at Tony’s or Restaurante Vale das Furnas . We shared one cozido at Tony’s and were barely able to get through two thirds of it… it is a lot of food. Meanwhile, there was a very businesslike German couple to our right who each ordered a cozido and proceeded to put. them. away. Very impressive. 3.     Visit the Gorreana Tea Factory Europe’s only tea plantation is right here on São Miguel, and Gorreana makes for a nice stop. You can walk through the working factory, where antique machines hum and clatter as they sort, roll, and dry tea leaves, then head upstairs to a tasting terrace with sweeping ocean views. They serve their signature black and green teas alongside locally made pastries—try the green tea cake! Afterward, stretch your legs with a short self-guided walk through the nearby tea fields. No booking needed, and it’s free to visit. Just a few minutes down the road is Chá Porto Formoso, a smaller plantation with a more intimate vibe, period-costumed guides, and equally scenic views—worth a stop if you’re curious to compare. 4.     Boat Trip and Snorkeling on the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo This dramatic little islet just off the south coast is actually the flooded crater of an ancient volcano, now a perfectly round natural swimming pool surrounded by cliffs and teeming with marine life. The only way to reach it is by boat (available from mid-June to September-ish), and while the ride is short—about 10 minutes—the logistics take a bit of planning. Daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the ecosystem, so it’s essential to buy tickets online in advance and arrive early , even if you’ve pre-booked. The ticket office opens at 9:45, but the queue starts forming well before 8:30, especially in peak season. After you snag your spot, you’ll wait again to board your scheduled boat (usually starting around 10:00 AM and running hourly until 5:00 PM). Return ferries typically depart about 10 minutes past each hour, giving you flexibility to stay as long as you like—though on sunny days, you might find yourself lingering longer than planned. Once there, expect a rugged setup—sunbathing happens on lava rock, not lounge chairs—so bring snorkel gear, a beach towel, plenty of sunscreen, and a backpack cooler with snacks . The water is stunningly clear and calm, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around in a natural “bride’s ring” of turquoise. On sunny days, you could easily spend a few hours here. If the weather turns or space fills up fast, you might be in for a shorter visit. 5.     Whale Watching! I really wish I took this pic. The Azores are one of the best places in the world to see whales, and Picos de Aventura runs eco-conscious tours from Ponta Delgada, and you can also check out Moby Dick Tours and Terra Azul. Blue whales glide by in spring, sperm whales hang out year-round, and you’ll likely spot dolphins tagging along too. You’re not guaranteed a sighting, but when it happens, it’s magic… or so Eve hears! 6.     Sea Cave Tour from Rabo de Peixe If you want something a little more off the beaten path, head to Rabo de Peixe on the north coast for a boat tour of sea caves, cliffs, and dramatic coastline. You’ll zip along the Atlantic, ducking into grottos and sea arches while learning about the island’s volcanic geology and the deep-rooted fishing culture that still shapes daily life here. It’s rugged, wild, and a refreshing contrast to the calmer south shore. To book, look for local tour operators based in Rabo de Peixe or nearby Ribeira Grande—many offer online reservations (check Get Your Guide) , especially during summer, but some still operate more informally, so it’s worth calling ahead or stopping by the marina to check availability. Tours tend to be small-group and weather-dependent. 7.     Kayaking on Lagoa das Furnas or Lagoa das Sete Cidades Ahhh. Bliss. For a quiet glide across a crater lake, you can rent kayaks at both Sete Cidades and Furnas . At Sete Cidades, rentals are available right at the lakeside near the bridge that separates the green and blue lakes. The setup is casual: no advance booking usually needed, and you’ll be paddling out into wide-open water with mountains rising all around you. Furnas, on the other hand, is more enclosed, and often draped in mist. You can rent kayaks near the Terra Nostra Garden entrance; hours can vary, so it’s best to go earlier in the day. In both spots, the water is calm and beginner-friendly. Bring cash just in case and know that hours may be weather-dependent. Early mornings tend to be the most peaceful—less wind, fewer people. 8.     Cave Tour at Gruta do Carvão If you want to go underground, Gruta do Carvão in Ponta Delgada gives you a peek into the island’s volcanic plumbing system. This ancient lava tube winds beneath the city, lined with bizarre rock formations, mineral colors, and just enough eerie lighting to make it feel like an adventure. Tours are guided and run several times a day, but it’s smart to book ahead online or call , especially in high season—they do limit group sizes, and spots can fill up. It’s a short and fascinating stop (about 30–45 minutes), perfect for a rainy day or a change of pace from the coast. Closed-toe shoes are a must, and they’ll give you a hard hat.  9.     Explore Ribeira dos Caldeirões in Nordeste On the island’s remote northeast corner, Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park has waterfalls, cobbled pathways, and a misty forest. It’s free to enter and open year-round, with no set hours—just show up and wander. The main waterfall is a stunner. Short trails wind through lush greenery, and there are picnic areas if you want to linger. Parking is available nearby (and usually easy), and there’s a small café and restrooms on-site during high season. It’s one of the most photogenic pockets of São Miguel, so bring a camera—and a rain jacket. 10.  Pineapples at Plantação de Ananás A Arruda Just ten minutes outside of Ponta Delgada, São Miguel’s famously tangy pineapples are grown in greenhouses here using a traditional method. You’ll stroll through the steamy, vine-draped greenhouses on a short self-guided tour, then swing by the mini-museum and shop, where you can sample pineapple liqueur and stock up on jams, candies, and other tropical treats. No need to book ahead, and parking is available on-site. It’s a great stop en route to or from the airport if you want to squeeze in one last burst of island flavor. 11.  Experience the Gin Library + Sushi Dinner Gorgeous presentation, even better food. Inside the elegant Solar Branco Eco Estate, the Gin Library holds one of the world’s largest collections of gin—over 1,000 bottles and counting. You can book a guided tasting experience or simply sip a craft G&T in an old colonial villa surrounded by gardens and Atlantic breezes. Bonus: there’s also an intimate, upscale sushi restaurant on-site. The estate is not really near any major sights—so make it a dedicated evening outing. Reservations are a must for both gin and sushi: book directly through the Solar Branco website . Note that it’s adults-only, and dress is smart-casual. 12.  Surf Camps! If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, São Miguel is a great place to start. Santa Bárbara Beach , near Ribeira Grande, is the island’s most popular surf spot, with golden sand, consistent swells, and dramatic cliffs framing the horizon. Local surf schools offer everything from one-off lessons to multi-day surf camps with gear, instruction, and even lodging included. Most lessons are beginner-friendly and include a warm-up, beach basics, and about 90 minutes in the water. Our friends had an incredible experience doing a 10-day surf camp through Salt Lips . You can usually book online, but in high season, it’s smart to reserve ahead. Surfing here is best from spring through fall, and wetsuits are included. You’ll need one! Ready for More? Check out our Essential Guide to the Azores here!   If you want a detailed 4-day itinerary to begin your exploration of São Miguel – including all our restaurant recommendations – check this out ! Wanna Make Your Activities Even Better?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials   Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Welcome to our 7-day dive into festive and DELICIOUS Oaxaca de Juárez! Per capita, I am hard-pressed to think of a destination more rich in culinary bounty just a short walk from its lovely city center. If you speak food, you belong here. We fell in love with Oaxaca de Juárez instantly. It’s one of those special places that just clicked with us, and we spent much of our visit fantasizing about what it would be like to move there. From that first bite of a tamale con mole , Oaxaca hooks you – on the city’s food scene, history, and vibe. Picture a city (that, at times, feels more like a town) surrounded by rugged mountains, bursting with history, color, and some of the best overflow-your-table cuisine you’ll ever have. Its deep Indigenous roots—Zapotec and Mixtec people have lived here for thousands of years—are messily layered with the history of Aztec and Spanish conquests. You can see the city’s past on full display at the ancient ruins of  Monte Albán  (a UNESCO site) and  Mitla . Note: Oaxaca's capital city shares its name with the state in which it's seated. Properly, the city is known as Oaxaca de Juárez. This guide refers specifically to the city, and at times we may shorthand: Oaxaca City. The streets are lined with bright, colorful buildings, rooftop bars with great views, cobblestone alleys covered in street art, and stunning churches. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s top foodie destinations. The best stuff is often on the street or in the markets (think smoky haze and grilled carne asada at  20 de Noviembre Market  or tamales  at  Mercado de la Merced ) but you’ll find no shortage of bold, modern restaurants by Oaxacan chefs spinning new takes on traditional flavors (you’ll hear that phrase a lot!). Oaxaca is also the heart of mezcal production, so you don’t have to go far to find a good mezcal bar. You can also venture a few hours to  Santiago Matatlán , aka mezcal country, where every corner has a mezcalería. Prepare to get smoky and weird! Oaxaca is also totally baby-and-kid-friendly (though by no means stroller-friendly!); people love kids here! If you have kiddos, you might find yourself eating more memelas  and drinking less mezcal , but there’s still plenty to keep you well-fed and well-entertained with little ones in tow. Here's our full 7-day itinerary for an amazing week in Oaxaca de Juárez and the surrounding areas. We suggest basing yourself in the city and doing day trips, though you can certainly spend a night or two in any of the surrounding areas. We found that there was so much to do just steps from the historic city center, we were grateful to have the whole week! If you don't have as much time, or you're heading to the coast next, check out our condensed-but-awesome 3-day Flash Trip guide ! And don't forget to check out our “ eating your way through Oaxaca ” guide for all things food and our favorite restaurants in the city! 7-DAY OAXACA ITINERARY – QUICK PEEK Day 1: Landing and Getting Settled Day 2: Explore Oaxaca City Day 3: Cooking Class or Tree of Tule Day 4: Monte Alban Day 5: Herve del Agua and Mitla Day 6: Continue Exploring Oaxaca City Day 7: Head Home (and start planning your next trip!)  When to Go to Oaxaca City Things get festive around Christmas! As we often say at WS&T, there's no bad time to travel. Each season in Oaxaca offers something unique. October–March: High Season This is the most popular time to visit, with cooler, dry weather and clear skies. Mornings and evenings are crisp, and days are pleasantly warm. Major festivals like Day of the Dead  and Christmas  make this a magical (but busier) time of year. Expect more tourists and higher prices. April–May: Shoulder Season The hottest and driest months of the year. While it’s not the most scenic time (landscapes are parched), it’s great for travelers looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices. Bonus: April’s Traditional Chefs Festival  is a must for foodies! June–October: Rainy Season Don’t let the rain scare you—showers usually come in the afternoon, leaving mornings free to explore. Everything turns lush and green, and aside from July’s Guelaguetza Festival , it’s generally less crowded. Just pack an umbrella and stay flexible with your plans. Now let's get into the itinerary! Day 1: Arrive In Oaxaca City Our first meal in the city Welcome to Oaxaca! Let the adventure begin! Getting to Oaxaca You’ll most likely change planes in Mexico City, hopping on another flight for the last hour to Oaxaca de Juárez. You’ll land at Oaxaca’s Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán, located a brisk 7km outside the city. It's a cute airport and they've made safe transport to the city efficient. Getting Cash: Money : We grab some Mexican Pesos from an airport ATM (best rates) or use the currency exchange counter if we’ve brought cash. WS&T Money Tip: Travel credit card for points. Our rec.  And a card w/ fee reimbursement for the ATM. (Some Argentine ATMs charged $6-10 USD, so thank you, Fidelity! Getting to Your Hotel: The trip from the airport to the city center will take about 18-25 minutes, depending on time of day. Taxi: When you emerge into the arrivals hall, you’ll find a taxi kiosk located right next to the rental car booths. Prices are set and posted for two different zones of the city, depending on exactly where you’re headed. Make sure to have your hotel address handy.  You can choose a private yellow taxi or a cheaper colectivo van, where you’ll share with several other passengers. If you go for a colectivo , make sure you have an available seatbelt to buckle in your car seat. A private taxi ride should cost you about 500 MXP ($24.31 at the time of writing) while a colectivo  is about 175 MXP per person ($8.50 at the time of writing). Since colectivos charge per person, depending on how many family members you have it might be worth it to go for the private taxi. WS&T Money Tip: Find out the price beforehand and ask if they take credit cards. Otherwise, make sure you have enough cash on hand. Rideshare: Uber is currently (at least officially) banned in Oaxaca City after a protest by the taxi unions. DiDi is another ride share app which is  available in Oaxaca City, though more often than not it will just match you with a local taxi. Taxis are the best way to get around, just make sure that if you’re hailing one outside the airport you confirm the price in advance. Car Rental: If you plan on renting a car, you may want to wait until you’re headed out of Oaxaca City as you really don’t need one to get around the (very walkable!) town. If you would like to rent a car, head to the car rental booths in the arrivals terminal and find your agency. You can also rent a car for a day trip at a rental location in town. We didn’t rent a car during our stay, but we’ve heard good things about Ñuu Kava Renta de Autos and Only Rent A Car on Mariano Matamoros in Centro. Public Transportation: Oaxaca’s bus system is kinda complicated and not very convenient; the best option on a budget is to book seats on a colectivo .  Where to Stay in Oaxaca City Wondering which neighborhood to choose in Oaxaca de Juárez? Read on! ZÓCALO The Zócalo is the bustling heart of downtown Oaxaca, a lively square shaded by trees and packed with activity day and night. When people refer to the staying in “Zócalo,” they mean the area south of Avenida de la Independencia . Market stalls line its edges, selling all sorts of trinkets, while restaurants spill onto patios with live music. Street food carts and performers keep the energy high, though things quiet down later at night. Staying here means you’re within a short walk of Oaxaca’s top sights, including the famous Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez. Most hotels and hostels in the area are set in historic colonial buildings, surrounded by landmarks like the former Government Palace and the grand Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption . For first-time visitors who want to be in the center of it all, the Zócalo is a great choice! SANTO DOMINGO Santo Domingo is the neighborhood just north of Avenida de Independencia in El Centro. It is a lively part of the city, full of art, music, and rooftop restaurants. Named after the beautiful Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán , it has colorful colonial streets, local shops, and plenty of places to explore. It’s a bit more expensive than other areas, but with great hotels, good food, and easy access to Oaxaca’s main attractions, it’s a great option! EL LLANO El Llano is a quieter neighborhood just northeast of Santo Domingo, centered around the tree-filled Parque Juárez El Llano (which was once a zoo! Check out the golden lion statues in each corner of the park). Here you’ll be close to Centro but farther from the tourist crowds. Mornings and evenings in the park are popular for locals, with families rollerblading, jogging, or grabbing snacks like elotes , nieves , and tacos. This is a more affordable and quieter neighborhood, so it’s a good choice if you’re traveling with kids. Hotel Recommendations in Oaxaca City Ayook (Zócalo): Beautiful hotel in a very central location. Smallish rooms (as you’ll normally find in Oaxaca), but a nice included breakfast for those kiddos who wake up hungry. Hotel Dainzu (Zócalo): With a great location and lovely green courtyard, this simple but cozy boutique hotel is a fan favorite. Hotel Casa del Sótano (Santo Domingo): Simple, welcoming hotel with kind staff and a nice restaurant on the property, as well as a rooftop jacuzzi! Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere (Santo Domingo): Colorful, pleasant hotel with a great location and lovely outdoor area – and a heated pool. A little more expensive than our other picks. Eco Hotel Las Mariposas (El Llano): Cozy, family friendly spot with inviting gardens, though they only have twin-bed rooms.  Airbnb: There’s no shortage of well-situated Airbnb options in Oaxaca City, and this might be the best choice for you if you’re traveling with kids. We actually split our time between a cute Airbnb (with a rather rustic bathroom) and a fun hotel near the main food markets. Now that you’ve made it to your hotel or Airbnb and settled in, it’s time to eat! Head over to our big, deep dive of Oaxacan cuisine to get started, then check out our restaurant recommendations for everything from street food to dinner to mezcal .  Day 2: Explore Oaxaca City WHAT TO DO IN OAXACA CITY Wandering through the colorful colonial center of Oaxaca City is a feast for the senses which could easily... eat... up many days. Allow yourself some freedom to just explore and spend time in the central plazas, where there is always something lively going on. We were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Oaxaca City, which was so warm and festive. Centro becomes an almost nonstop cycle of events, parades, and concerts. Thanks to the sheer preponderance of families, the revelry manages to retain a small city vibe through which you can still navigate the bustle with relative ease. And keep in mind that the most important thing you can do all day every day  in Oaxaca City is eat. You can think of every other activity as a warm-up for your next incredible meal! Start your tour of the city in the Plaza de la Constitución , a pedestrian-only square surrounded by arcades. You’ll find nonstop vendors, musicians, political rallies, you name it. The Catedral de la Asunción  has a beautiful façade and a large (if cavernous) interior, while the Museo del Palacio  building is worth a look as well.  We loved the exhibit of contemporary Oaxacan art at the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños , which is open until 6PM in case you need a pre-dinner activity.  The Teatro Macedonio de Alcalá  is a colonial confection, especially if you can sneak inside for a peek at the interior. Then, learn about the region’s gorgeous textiles at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca .  Just north of the city center in Santo Domingo, you’ll find a great mix of local and international contemporary art at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo  (MACO). The extravagant Mexican Baroque church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán  was a highlight too. The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca  just next door has some incredible treasures from the region, especially from the Monte Alban site (which you’ll be visiting later in the itinerary!). Fair warning, they are weirdly strict about how you walk through the museum; you can only travel in one direction, and I got reprimanded for trying to backtrack. If you’d like to get out of the museums and churches and into nature, definitely hit up the Jardin Etnobotanico  – a true breath of fresh air (and weird cacti). West of the city center, you’ll find the Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad , which contains a nationally revered statue of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, the Museo Rufino Tamayo  has some lovely artifacts in a historic building, and you can see a gorgeous Indigenous jewelry collection at the Museo Belber Jiménez.   As we strolled through the city, we stumbled on libraries, art centers, and cultural oases… it’s such a dynamic place! You can while away hours just wandering through the many markets of Oaxaca, from Benito Juarez to 20 de Noviembre  to the massive Mercado de Abastos  (we didn’t find the Mercado de Artesanías too exciting). This is also the perfect way to combine sightseeing and eating!  Where to Eat in Oaxaca City This is such a food paradise, that we can’t possibly keep our recommendations limited to this article. Check out our deep dive into Oaxacan cuisine along with a ton of restaurant recommendations so you can eat your way through town! If you're traveling with your baby, check out our thoughts on what to do when your baby gets fussy at a restaurant! Day 3: Take a Oaxacan Cooking Class or Visit the Árbol de Tule On Day 3, start the day off with a market atol , the pancakes at El Tendajon, or one of a million delicious options in the city. Today, you can choose one of two exciting day-trip options, depending on your preferences! Option 1: Oaxacan Cooking Class We signed up for El Sabor Zapotec , a wonderful cooking class run by Reyna, the Indigenous Zapotec chef extraordinaire who lives in a small village just outside the city called Teotitlán del Valle. We met the shuttle bus at a designated pickup spot (easily walkable in town), then drove to Reyna’s lovely home, past arid landscapes and field after field of mezcal, for an introduction to our menu for the day: sopa de frijol , mole amarillo , fried squash blossoms, and a traditional dessert.. After that, Reyna took our small group to the local farmer’s market, where we got to shop for the day’s ingredients (and pick up a few beautiful souvenirs from the people who actually made them). Back at Reyna’s extensive outdoor kitchen, we roasted chiles, fried squash blossoms, and learned how to make mole  the old-fashioned way: grinding everything on a metate  or grinding stone which was deeply grooved and passed down for generations. We were… not good at it, but it was fun to try! Afterwards we enjoyed the best part: feasting on our several-course meal, with a side of mezcal  to wash it all down.  If you’d like to book this class, check out their site here – we don’t get a kickback, we just loved the experience! Option 2: Visit the Árbol de Tule Located about 13 km east of the city, the small village of Santa Maria del Tule is famous for its absolutely enormous Montezuma cypress tree, known simple as Tule. It is incredibly large and impressive, at least 36 meters around and weighing a shocking 500 tons. It’s over 2000 years old and makes a compelling case for being the widest tree in the world.  Tule is sacred to the Zapotec people, and your kids will have fun picking out the animal shapes hidden in the branches which have earned Tule its nickname: Tree of Life . It is definitely worth a visit! How Do You Get to the Árbol de Tule? Rental Car: If you have a rental car, this will be an easy (if trafficky) trip. Park on the edge of town and walk up to the tree.  WS&T Travel Tip: If you’re planning to do several days of day trips (see the rest of the itinerary) and you have a kid who needs a car seat, this may be the time to snag a rental. Taxi or Rideshare: Since Ubers are currently banned in Oaxaca, you can use the rideshare app Didi or skip the middleman and hail a taxi. This will be one of the easiest options for your day trip, you just might have to bring your stroller/car seat combo for the trip. The good news is that the town of Santa Maria del Tule is fairly stroller-friendly.  Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (and combine with another site). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca or Descubre Oaxaca . Bus : If you’re solo or have older kids, flag down a local bus on Niños Héroes near the intersection with Boulevard José Vasconcelos, one block east of the baseball stadium. The front of the bus will say “Tule” and the driver will be able confirm. Buses are cash-only, so keep some pesos handy. At the time of writing, the cost is around $8 pesos per ride. Rent a Bike: If you’re up for an adventure, you can rent bikes and cycle the 13 kilometers (around 8 miles) to Tule. You can get an inexpensive bike rental at Zona Bici or Bicicletas Pedro Martinez (which also offers guided bike tours). Some sites claim that it’s an easy, no-stress ride, but we found it to be somewhat challenging: first, navigating the city from the bike rental shop to the highway required full attention, then there were some stretches along the highway where you were sharing the road with traffic. For most of the trip, however, you’re on a nice wide bike path right in the middle of the highway. And the ride is straight and flat for most of the way. We found it to be a vigorous experience; doable but definitely on the harder side, depending on your cycling skill. How do you visit the Árbol de Tule? Once you arrive in Santa Maria, you can’t miss the gigantic tree in the middle of the central square. You can get pretty close for free, but if you want to enter the gate and walk around the tree, you’ll pay a small fee (about MXN 15). It’s open from 8am-8pm. What else can I do around the Tule tree? What else is there to do around the Árbol de Tule? If you want to spend the day in Santa Maria, start with a stroll through the Mercado de Artesanías , where you’ll find a collection of colorful textiles, souvenirs, clothing, bags, and more. It’s a little tacky, but you never know what you might find… Next, treat your taste buds at Mercado Antojitos , a lively food hall filled with budget-friendly eats and drinks.  Ready for a bit of nature? Head out to La Calera del Tule , a nearby hiking area just outside town. The trail leads to a beautiful scenic viewpoint. On your way back, take a peaceful pause at Los Cinco Sabinos , a charming garden featuring a group of Montezuma cypress trees. They might not be giants like the big guy, but they’re still a lovely and tranquil spot to relax. Wrap up your day with a mezcal experience —you can visit El Sabor de Oaxaca  bar right in town for a tasting. Day 4: Day Trip to Monte Alban Today, get ready to visit one of the region’s most exciting ancient Indigenous sites – and a bit of a sleeper hit compared to its very well-known cousins like Chichen Itza.  The Zapotec city of Monte Alban was founded around 500 BCE, and was excavated and restored in the 1930s. It’s located on a gorgeous hilltop where you can take in sweeping views of the valley and admire the sheer scale of structures. WS&T Tip: The sun can be intense and there’s not much shade, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. In fact, the site is enormous, so you may want to pack a picnic if you plan to explore the whole thing.  When you arrive at Monte Alban, you’ll stand in line for a ticket and then you can climb up to the site to begin your tour. At the entrance, there’s also a souvenir shop and museum , which is small but has some important treasures found during the site’s excavation. If you’re really interested in the history of the site, you can hire a guide at the entrance. There isn’t much signage once you’re inside. How do you get to Monte Alban? Rental Car:  If you have a rental car, you can drive right up to the site’s parking lot. Taxi or Rideshare: Use the rideshare app Didi or hail a local taxi for an easy and inexpensive trip to Monte Alban. They’ll drop you off at the parking lot. Again, if you have a kiddo you’ll need to deal with the car seat situation – and Monte Alban is not stroller-friendly. We haven’t tried this, but you could ask the ticket booth folks to hold onto it, possibly for a fee.  Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (and combine with another site). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca  or Descubre Oaxaca . How do I get back to Oaxaca City from Monte Alban? Bus: If you took a taxi or Didi to get to Monte Alban, you can easily return on a public shuttle bus. You buy a paper ticket from a vendor in the parking lot, then chill until the next bus arrives and hop on. They seem to leave every hour, or every 30 mins on weekends. Walking: If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a 2-hour downhill walk through the outskirts of Oaxaca – passing through some slum areas – back into the city center. WS&T Foodie Tip: Don’t forget as you go through the itinerary, you’ll notice that we kept the activity-load fairly light: usually one major site or field trip per day. This is strategic, as you’ll need plenty of time to EAT in Oaxaca de Juárez! Day 5: Day Trip to Hierve el Agua and Mitla Today, you can head out to Hierve el Agua, an incredible calcified rock formation that looks like a gushing waterfall. Afterwards, you can check out the stunning, well-preserved Indigenous burial site at Mitla, which is about a 45-minute drive from Hierve el Agua. Despite the name, which means "Boil the Water," the water isn’t hot—it’s a refreshing 72°F—but it does bubble up from underground thanks to natural spring pressure. Important Note: Check with your hotel or a tourism agent before heading to Hierve el Agua; in the past few years they’ve had issues with over-tourism, so they’ve limited how many visitors can check the place out each day. At the time of writing, that limit is 200 visitors per day. As a result, it may be easiest to see Hierve el Agua with a tour… but over here at WS&T we’re not that excited about group fun unless absolutely necessary, so consider booking a driver for the day.  Admission is about MXN 50, and parking is about MXN 100. The park is open from 7am to 5pm, and we highly recommend arriving early. What Should I Bring to Hierve el Agua? Sunscreen! It is often quite hot at the site, which has very minimal shade, so plan accordingly. Water! Hierve del Agua sits at 5000 feet elevation, so you'll need to stay hydrated. Hiking shoes or good sandals Bathing suit + towel if you'd like to swim Consider water-safe shoes if you swim How far is it from Oaxaca City to Hierve el Agua? Hierve el Agua is located in the town of San Isidro Roaguía,  about 70 km from Oaxaca City. It takes about 1 hour and 25 mintues-2 hours to drive there, depending on traffic and road conditions. How do you get to Hierve del Agua? Tour:  A tour can be a stress-free way to visit Hierve, though you'll be beholden to the group itinerary for the day. If you book a tour, you’ll likely also stop at Mitla and one or more mezcalerias  along the way.  Rental Car : This would be a great day for a car rental so you can see both Hierve el Agua and Mitla stress-free. Taxi or Rideshare: Use the rideshare app Didi or hail a local taxi for an easy and inexpensive trip to Monte Alban. They’ll drop you off at the parking lot. Again, if you have a kiddo you’ll need to deal with the car seat situation – and neither site is very stroller-friendly. Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (for both sites). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca  or Descubre Oaxaca . What Do You Do at Hierve del Agua? The short trail to the pools is a bit steep but worth it, with sweeping views of the Sierra Madre del Sur and giant blooming agave stalks popping up here and there. Along the way, you’ll pass stalls selling snacks, cold drinks, beer, micheladas, and piña loca—a mezcal cocktail served inside a pineapple and topped with chamoy, chile, and lime. If you’d like to hike to a different view of the two petrified falls, the longer trail takes about 40 minutes each way. The hike is about 1.6 miles with a 623-foot elevation gain. It’s not too hard, and there are spots to rest along the way. It's a kid-friendly hike. You’ll get an up-close view of both the 98-foot Cascada Grande and 39-foot Cascada Chica, formed over thousands of years by mineral-rich water that left behind frozen-in-time rock formations. Afterwards, enjoy your piña loca  or go for a dip! Be careful at the edges of the pools, which can be slippery. You might want to wear water-safe shoes, epsecially for kid-feet. As always, be respectful of the site, which has experienced vandalism in the past! Visiting Mitla Mitla was a sacred site to the Zapotec people before the year 1000—a place where they held important religious ceremonies and buried their elite. The name Mitla  comes from the Nahuatl word Mictlán , which means “Place of the Dead.” Later on, when the Zapotecs started to lose power , the Mixtecs came in  and began burying their own royalty there.  Today, the site is decorated with jaw-dropping stone mosaics that are among the most intricate and well-preserved in the country.  Mitla itself is a fairly uninspiring town, although we did enjoy wandering around the central square. There also happened to be a lively outdoor market in progress when we were there, which was great. It’s a half day trip, so you can combine with Herve del Agua especially if you have a car or book a driver for the day. How far is Mitla from Oaxaca City? Mitla is about 46 km or a 1-hour drive from Oaxaca City, depending on traffic. How do I get to Mitla?  Rental Car : If you have a rental car, you can drive to the edge of town, then walk up to the Mitla site at the top of the hill. Taxi or Rideshare : Use Didi or a local taxi for an easy and inexpensive trip. Again, if you have a kiddo you’ll need to deal with the car seat situation – Mitla is not really stroller-friendly. Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (for both sites). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca  or Descubre Oaxaca . Bus : We had a more time consuming but super easy bus ride to Mitla. We went to the Oaxaca Bus Station ( located here  at Central de Abasto, 68090 Oaxaca, Mexico). Look for a bus with a large “Mitla” sign in the window or ask for help locating the Mitla bus. There is no set bus schedule, but buses leave frequently, sometimes as often as every 15-20 minutes. We waited about 40 minutes for the bus. In Mitla, you can have lunch at a few different spots including Restaurante Doña Chica or Yalnadoo . Day 6: Continue Exploring Oaxaca City There are plenty more day trips around the area… you could go on a mezcal  tour, explore more Indigenous towns and villages, or go hiking. The possibilities are endless! But since you’ve been sightseeing like mad – and this will surely not be your last visit to Oaxaca City – we recommend enjoying the last full day of your trip in the city itself. Take in any museums you missed, and most importantly, visit more of the restaurants on your list (or revisit your favorites).  So. Good. This would be a great opportunity to check out the Restaurante Coronita . This is the lobby restaurant for the Hotel Coronita, whose faded beauty feels nostalgic. Beware the odd hours – they close early so we ended up coming for lunch. The star of the menu here is the “seven mole tasting,” an absolute treat which brings you around Oaxaca via seven of its most distinctive moles. From the spicy sweetness of the fruit-forward moles to the rich, dark chocolaty goodness of the mole negro , this will be a true experience. Come very hungry! Check out our full foodie guide for all of our recommendations, and an overview of Oaxacan cuisine. Day 7: Head Home (and start planning your next trip!)  It’s time to pack up all of your souvenirs, grab one last tamale  and head home. You’ll be dreaming of mole  for weeks to come, we can attest to that. We hope you enjoyed your time in the incredible Oaxaca City… next up, check out our everything-guide to visiting Colombia ! Wanna Make Your 7 Days Even Better?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials

What do international travelers need to know about vaccines? For US-based travelers going abroad, the CDC offers a nifty drop down menu so you can check the country you're planning to visit to see if an immunization is recommended or required by that country before you're permitted entry. Some vaccines -- such as Yellow Fever -- may be mandatory for entry in certain countries. Disclaimer Note: The following must not be considered medical advice. Follow up with the appropriate medical authorities in your jurisdiction related to the issues covered herein. Note that some countries requiring immunizations may not allow entry if you can't produce documentation that proves you've been poked. Considering the cost of travel, it's not worth the risk of hoping nobody checks your immunization records. The good news is, many of the vaccines required for travel to certain areas offer lasting immunity. The Yellow Fever vaccine, for instance, should offer lifelong immunity. What Do I Need to Know About Travel Vaccines? Check Requirements and Recommendations Early It can take time to procure a vaccine in your area. Plan well ahead. Different destinations have different vaccination requirements and recommendations. Check official sources like the CDC Travel Health Notices  (for U.S.-based travelers) or your local equivalent. Get Routine Vaccines Up to Date Before focusing on travel-specific shots, make sure your routine immunizations (e.g., tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella, flu) are current. This helps protect both you and the communities you visit. Plan Ahead Certain vaccines require multiple doses or need to be administered weeks in advance. Aim to schedule your travel clinic or doctor’s visit at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Keep in mind some health facilities may have limited vaccine availability. Mind the Paperwork Some countries require official vaccination certificates, especially for diseases like Yellow Fever. Carry originals and keep copies in a safe place. Digital documentation (if accepted) is handy, but it’s wise to have paper backups. What Parents with Small Children Should Know About Travel Vaccinations Keep Routine Vaccines Up to Date Before focusing on travel-specific immunizations, ensure your child’s routine vaccines (e.g., DTaP, MMR, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, etc.) are fully current. Staying on schedule not only helps protect your child but also the places you visit. Plan Early, Especially for Infants Some travel vaccines are age-restricted (e.g., certain vaccines aren't recommended or aren’t approved for very young infants). Start talking to a pediatrician or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks (or more) before your trip to discuss eligibility and timing. Ask Your Pediatrician About an Early Dose of Certain Vaccines Like Measles For our upcoming trip to Europe, we got AJ an early dose of both the measles vaccine and the Hepatitis A vaccine, both of which are recommended for international travel. She will still need the regular doses of both when she turns 1, but she was able to get an early boost because of our travel plans. Consider Special Health Factors If your child has underlying health conditions or is immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Some vaccines may need to be delayed or require special caution and individualized guidance. Got the jab? Now, get the gear . Click below to check out some great options for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Is Oaxaca City a great destination for a quick getaway? Absolutely. Look no further for an unforgettable experience in this DELICIOUS city. Per capita, I am hard-pressed to think of a destination more rich in culinary bounty just a short walk from its lovely city center. From that first bite of a tamale con mole , we fell in love with the city. That's precisely what makes this place the perfect choice for a Flash Trip: 3 Days Oaxaca-style. The streets of Oaxaca city are lined with bright, colorful buildings, rooftop bars with great views, cobblestone alleys covered in street art, and stunning churches. You can see the city’s past on full display at the ancient ruins of  Monte Albán  (a UNESCO site), perfect for a half-day trip. Oaxaca is also totally baby-and-kid-friendly (though by no means stroller-friendly!); people love kids here! If you have kiddos, you might find yourself eating more memelas  and drinking less mezcal , but there’s still plenty to keep you well-fed and well-entertained with little ones in tow. Don't forget to check out our “ eating your way through Oaxaca ” guide for all things food and our top food picks in the city. And if you have more time, explore our full 7-day itinerary ! FLASH TRIP OAXACA INDEX: When to Go to Oaxaca City Arrival Information Where to Stay Where to Eat What to Do Best Day Trips When to Go to Oaxaca City (Oaxaca de Juárez) As we often say at WS&T, there's no bad time to travel. Each season in Oaxaca offers something unique. October–March: High Season This is the most popular time to visit, with cooler, dry weather and clear skies. Mornings and evenings are crisp, and days are pleasantly warm. Major festivals like Day of the Dead and Christmas make this a magical (but busier) time of year. Expect more tourists and higher prices. April–May: Shoulder Season The hottest and driest months of the year. While it’s not the most scenic time (landscapes are parched), it’s great for travelers looking to avoid crowds and enjoy lower prices. Bonus: April’s Traditional Chefs Festival is a must for foodies! June–October: Rainy Season Don’t let the rain scare you—showers usually come in the afternoon, leaving mornings free to explore. Everything turns lush and green, and aside from July’s Guelaguetza Festival , it’s generally less crowded. Just pack an umbrella and stay flexible with your plans. Getting to Oaxaca City You’ll most likely change planes in Mexico City, hopping on another flight for the last hour to Oaxaca de Juárez. You’ll land at Oaxaca’s Aeropuerto Internacional Xoxocotlán, located a brisk 7km outside the city. It's an adorable airport and they've made safe transport to the city efficient. Arrival Information Getting Cash: Money : We grab some Mexican Pesos from an airport ATM (best rates) or use the currency exchange counter if we’ve brought cash. WS&T Money Tip: Travel credit card for points. Our rec.  And a card w/ fee reimbursement for the ATM. (Some Argentine ATMs charged $6-10 USD, so thank you, Fidelity!) Getting to Your Hotel: The trip from the airport to the city center will take about 18-25 minutes, depending on time of day. Taxi: When you emerge into the arrivals hall, you’ll find a taxi kiosk located right next to the rental car booths. Prices are set and posted for two different zones of the city, depending on exactly where you’re headed. Make sure to have your hotel address handy.  You can choose a private yellow taxi or a cheaper colectivo van, where you’ll share with several other passengers. If you go for a colectivo , make sure you have an available seatbelt to buckle in your car seat. A private taxi ride should cost you about 500 MXP ($24.31 at the time of writing) while a colectivo  is about 175 MXP per person ($8.50 at the time of writing). Since colectivos charge per person, depending on how many family members you have it might be worth it to go for the private taxi. WS&T Money Tip: Find out the price beforehand and ask if they take credit cards. Otherwise, make sure you have enough cash on hand. Rideshare: Uber is currently (at least officially) banned in Oaxaca City after a protest by the taxi unions. DiDi is another ride share app which is  available in Oaxaca City, though more often than not it will just match you with a local taxi. Taxis are the best way to get around, just make sure that if you’re hailing one outside the airport you confirm the price in advance. Car Rental:  If you plan on renting a car, you may want to wait until you’re headed out of Oaxaca City as you really don’t need one to get around the (very walkable!) town. If you would like to rent a car, head to the car rental booths in the arrivals terminal and find your agency. You can also rent a car for a day trip at a rental location in town. We didn’t rent a car during our stay, but we’ve heard good things about Ñuu Kava Renta de Autos and Only Rent A Car on Mariano Matamoros in Centro. Public Transportation:  Oaxaca’s bus system is kinda complicated and not very convenient; the best option on a budget is to book seats on a colectivo .  Our first meal in the city! Where to Stay in Oaxaca City Wondering which neighborhood to choose in Oaxaca de Juárez? Read on! ZÓCALO The Zócalo  is the bustling heart of downtown Oaxaca, a lively square shaded by trees and packed with activity day and night. When people refer to the staying in “Zócalo,” they mean the area south of Avenida de la Independencia . Market stalls line its edges, selling all sorts of trinkets, while restaurants spill onto patios with live music. Street food carts and performers keep the energy high, though things quiet down later at night. Staying here means you’re within a short walk of Oaxaca’s top sights, including the famous Mercado 20 de Noviembre  and Mercado Benito Juárez. Most hotels and hostels in the area are set in historic colonial buildings, surrounded by landmarks like the former Government Palace and the grand Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption . For first-time visitors who want to be in the center of it all, the Zócalo is a great choice! SANTO DOMINGO Santo Domingo is the neighborhood just north of Avenida de Independencia in El Centro. It is a lively part of the city, full of art, music, and rooftop restaurants. Named after the beautiful Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán , it has colorful colonial streets, local shops, and plenty of places to explore. It’s a bit more expensive than other areas, but with great hotels, good food, and easy access to Oaxaca’s main attractions, it’s a great option! EL LLANO El Llano is a quieter neighborhood just northeast of Santo Domingo, centered around the tree-filled Parque Juárez El Llano  (which was once a zoo! Check out the golden lion statues in each corner of the park). Here you’ll be close to Centro but farther from the tourist crowds. Mornings and evenings in the park are popular for locals, with families rollerblading, jogging, or grabbing snacks like elotes , nieves , and tacos. This is a more affordable and quieter neighborhood, so it’s a good choice if you’re traveling with kids. Our Hotel Recommendations in Oaxaca City Ayook (Zócalo): Beautiful hotel in a very central location. Smallish rooms (as you’ll normally find in Oaxaca), but a nice included breakfast for those kiddos who wake up hungry. Hotel Dainzu (Zócalo): With a great location and lovely green courtyard, this simple but cozy boutique hotel is a fan favorite. Hotel Casa del Sótano (Santo Domingo):  Simple, welcoming hotel with kind staff and a nice restaurant on the property, as well as a rooftop jacuzzi! Hotel Casa de la Tía Tere (Santo Domingo): Colorful, pleasant hotel with a great location and lovely outdoor area – and a heated pool. A little more expensive than our other picks. Eco Hotel Las Mariposas (El Llano): Cozy, family friendly spot with inviting gardens, though they only have twin-bed rooms.  Airbnb: There’s no shortage of well-situated Airbnb options in Oaxaca City, and this might be the best choice for you if you’re traveling with kids. We actually split our time between a cute Airbnb (with a rather rustic bathroom) and a fun hotel near the main food markets. Where to Eat in Oaxaca City This is such a food paradise, that we can’t possibly keep our recommendations limited to this article. Check out our deep dive into Oaxacan cuisine  along with a ton of restaurant recommendations so you can eat your way through town! We have articles on best breakfasts and cafés, best street food, lunch and dinner options, and the incredible markets you can explore. If you have kids in tow, check out this post ! As always, when you find your own delicous restaurant picks, please let us know and we'll add to the list! Day 1: Explore Oaxaca City WHAT TO DO IN OAXACA CITY Wandering through the colorful colonial center of Oaxaca City is a feast for the senses which could easily... eat... up many days. Allow yourself some freedom to just explore and spend time in the central plazas, where there is always something lively going on. We were lucky enough to spend Christmas in Oaxaca City, which was so warm and festive. Centro becomes an almost nonstop cycle of events, parades, and concerts. Thanks to the sheer preponderance of families, the revelry manages to retain a small city vibe through which you can still navigate the bustle with relative ease. And keep in mind that the most important thing you can do all day every day  in Oaxaca City is eat. You can think of every other activity as a warm-up for your next incredible meal! Start your tour of the city in the Plaza de la Constitución , a pedestrian-only square surrounded by arcades. You’ll find nonstop vendors, musicians, political rallies, you name it. The Catedral de la Asunción  has a beautiful façade and a large (if cavernous) interior, while the Museo del Palacio  building is worth a look as well.  We loved the exhibit of contemporary Oaxacan art at the Museo de los Pintores Oaxaqueños , which is open until 6PM in case you need a pre-dinner activity.  The Teatro Macedonio de Alcalá  is a colonial confection, especially if you can sneak inside for a peek at the interior. Then, learn about the region’s gorgeous textiles at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca .  Just north of the city center in Santo Domingo, you’ll find a great mix of local and international contemporary art at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo  (MACO). The extravagant Mexican Baroque church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán  was a highlight too. The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca  just next door has some incredible treasures from the region, especially from the Monte Alban site (which you’ll be visiting later in the itinerary!). Fair warning, they are weirdly strict about how you walk through the museum; you can only travel in one direction, and I got reprimanded for trying to backtrack. If you’d like to get out of the museums and churches and into nature, definitely hit up the Jardin Etnobotanico  – a true breath of fresh air (and weird cacti). West of the city center, you’ll find the Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad , which contains a nationally revered statue of the Virgin Mary. Nearby, the Museo Rufino Tamayo  has some lovely artifacts in a historic building, and you can see a gorgeous Indigenous jewelry collection at the Museo Belber Jiménez.   As we strolled through the city, we stumbled on libraries, art centers, and cultural oases… it’s such a dynamic place! You can while away hours just wandering through the many markets of Oaxaca, from Benito Juarez to 20 de Noviembre  to the massive Mercado de Abastos  (we didn’t find the Mercado de Artesanías too exciting). This is also the perfect way to combine sightseeing and eating!  Day 2: Take a Oaxacan Cooking Class or Visit the Monte Alban On Day 3, start the day off with a market atol , the pancakes at El Tendajon, or one of a million delicious options in the city. Today, you can choose one of two exciting day-trip options, depending on your preferences! Option 1: Oaxacan Cooking Class We signed up for El Sabor Zapotec , a wonderful cooking class run by Reyna, the Indigenous Zapotec chef extraordinaire who lives in a small village just outside the city called Teotitlán del Valle. We met the shuttle bus at a designated pickup spot (easily walkable in town), then drove to Reyna’s lovely home, past arid landscapes and field after field of mezcal, for an introduction to our menu for the day: sopa de frijol , mole amarillo , fried squash blossoms, and a traditional dessert.. After that, Reyna took our small group to the local farmer’s market, where we got to shop for the day’s ingredients (and pick up a few beautiful souvenirs from the people who actually made them). Back at Reyna’s extensive outdoor kitchen, we roasted chiles, fried squash blossoms, and learned how to make mole  the old-fashioned way: grinding everything on a metate  or grinding stone which was deeply grooved and passed down for generations. We were… not good at it, but it was fun to try! Afterwards we enjoyed the best part: feasting on our several-course meal, with a side of mezcal  to wash it all down.  If you’d like to book this class, check out their site here – we don’t get a kickback, we just loved the experience! Option 2: Visit Monte Alban Monte Alban is one of the region’s most exciting ancient Indigenous sites – and a bit of a sleeper hit compared to its very well-known cousins like Chichen Itza.  The Zapotec city of Monte Alban  was founded around 500 BCE, and was excavated and restored in the 1930s. It’s located on a gorgeous hilltop where you can take in sweeping views of the valley and admire the sheer scale of structures. WS&T Tip: The sun can be intense and there’s not much shade, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. In fact, the site is enormous, so you may want to pack a picnic if you plan to explore the whole thing.  When you arrive at Monte Alban, you’ll stand in line for a ticket and then you can climb up to the site to begin your tour. At the entrance, there’s also a souvenir shop  and museum , which is small but has some important treasures found during the site’s excavation. If you’re really interested in the history of the site, you can hire a guide at the entrance. There isn’t much signage once you’re inside. How do you get to Monte Alban? Rental Car:  If you have a rental car, you can drive right up to the site’s parking lot. Taxi or Rideshare: Use the rideshare app Didi or hail a local taxi for an easy and inexpensive trip to Monte Alban. They’ll drop you off at the parking lot. Again, if you have a kiddo you’ll need to deal with the car seat situation – and Monte Alban is not stroller-friendly. We haven’t tried this, but you could ask the ticket booth folks to hold onto it, possibly for a fee.  Hire a Driver: Less cost efficient but more convenient, you can book a driver for a half day or a full day (and combine with another site). Leave the car seat and kid supplies in the car while you explore. Ask at your hotel, or check out Turismo El Convento de Oaxaca  or Descubre Oaxaca . How do I get back to Oaxaca City from Monte Alban? Bus:  If you took a taxi or Didi to get to Monte Alban, you can easily return on a public shuttle bus. You buy a paper ticket from a vendor in the parking lot, then chill until the next bus arrives and hop on. They seem to leave every hour, or every 30 mins on weekends. Walking:  If you’re up for an adventure, you can take a 2-hour downhill walk through the outskirts of Oaxaca – passing through some slum areas – back into the city center. Day 3: A Relaxed Farewell Before you leave the city, make sure you eat something you haven’t tried yet!  This is your moment for a final  garnacha , taco al vapor , or traditional breakfast. If you're not leaving until later in the day, check out any of the museums or city sites you missed, or just head to the Zócalo and soak in the local festivities. We're sure you'll want to plan a return trip soon! If you have more time in the area, make sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Oaxaca City! Wanna Make Your Flash Trip Even Better?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials

E: $200?! Ha! I'll give you $20. T: Oh god, we're gonna die. Checkpoints, shakedowns, and bribes. Some travelers call it a rite of passage – the so-called “squeeze.” Maybe one day I’ll see it that way too. But after years driving on Latin American roads, it was on Colombia’s Ruta 90 along the Caribbean coast that I finally got my taste of what it’s really like being behind the wheel when police ask for a bribe while you're traveling. Not once, but twice in two days! Come to think of it, I wasn’t behind the wheel for long. Colombian shakedowns play out like theater, and if you’re at center stage, you’d be a fool to think you can just sit back and watch. The whole point of these theatrics – both literally and figuratively – is to get you out of the driver’s seat and into the game. Er, melodrama. So, what do you do if you get stopped by the police while traveling and the police ask for a bribe? If you take a road trip through Central America, South America, or parts of Africa and Asia, it's more than likely that you'll get stopped by police while traveling, especially if you're obviously foreign. Sometimes there's a legitimate reason for the stop, but if you know you didn't do anything wrong or it quickly becomes clear that the police are acting fishy, then you'll know you're in a shakedown. Getting pulled over by police while on a trip can be scary. Read on to learn what you can expect from a police encounter on the road. Quick Takeaways It's Just Business  – It's intimidating, but try to remember it's not personal (lol) Negotiating is a Thing  – If you're not carrying $2M USD, haggling is fine. In fact, it's expected. Laws for the Lawless  – They'll say you broke a law. Think of it as an ice breaker. Bribes on the Road  – Police in some countries are woefully underpaid, and use this highway extortion to supplement their meager salaries. It sucks. My first thought was, ‘Man, I should have worn sunblock.’ That equatorial sunlight is fierce. We were three hours into our four-hour drive from Cartagena to a tiny dot on the map that sits just above Santa Marta in the department of Magdalena. Minca is a pleasingly dingy bohemian micro town nestled about 2,000 feet (600m) above sea level against the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which also happens to be one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world (topping out at a whopping 18,700 feet (5700m) above sea level. Hippy cafés, hard-to-access ecolodges, screeching parrots, claustrophobic stone streets, and a noisy river – my kind of small town. But getting there along Ruta 90 was an adventure unto itself. When we weren’t flying down the highway to keep pace with traffic, avoiding drivers who would force oncoming traffic to use the shoulder as they casually overtake enormous packs of vehicles, or dodging cross-dressing locals trying to make you laugh for tips, we were slamming on our brakes with everybody else, to avoid the infamous speed trap cameras that allegedly draw a fine for any speed over the posted limit. The navigation app Waze knows where these cameras are so you won’t be caught unawares, but without cell service, you’ve got to learn pretty quickly what to look for.   I should say that the Ruta 90 highway is a well-maintained route with wonderfully wide paved shoulders – as much as another vehicle lane – on either side. Prepare yourself: You will spend at least some of your trip driving along the side of the road when oncoming passers/overtakers come sailing toward you in a lane that used to belong to you. We’ll get into much greater detail about the actual sport of driving in Colombia in another article .   Let’s get back on track. We’d nearly reached Tasajeras, along a strip of Ruta 90 slicing through a strip of land that separates an egret-infested lagoon from the Caribbean Sea. I passed a police checkpoint where a pair of cops were standing next to a motorcycle. Less than five minutes later, I saw that signature green motorcycle in my passenger mirror, working its way up the right shoulder. When they were even with me, they signaled to pull over. The first thing they did was ask me to get out of the car. You’ll read all sorts of things about whether or not you should step out. Some argue you should never get out of your car. I’m not convinced it makes a difference when it comes to negotiating, but hey, to each your own. I complied. If not for their neon green-trimmed motorcycle jackets with the National Police insignia, badges, and sidearms, these guys could have been ambassadors from the board of tourism. We shook hands. He asked about my Spanish. (It’s so-so). How are you? How’s your trip? Are you liking Colombia? What do you think about our country? What’s the best part so far? Along with the standard questions a customs agent might ask: Where are you going? Where have you been? How long are you staying? What’s the purpose of your visit?   We chit-chatted like long lost friends. Then we arrived at the crux and the shakedown began. The senior officer took the lead, his tone never deviating from its friendly, casual nature. "So, you probably didn’t see that school zone back there . Anyway, that’s a small problem for you. Safety is pretty important to us. " Being my first shakedown, I simply pointed out that I’d been obeying all posted signs when he pulled me over. Claro. It’s easy to miss. You probably didn’t see the zone. So many signs, so many changing speeds.   Okay, so... I’m not going to reason my way out of this? Unfortunately, I really didn’t know where to go from there. Oh, shoot. Um. Sorry? While the senior officer moved us along to the next phase of the shakedown, a phase we’ll call Gentle Punitive Threats, his partner stationed himself at the passenger window to chat up my wife. How old’s your baby? How are you liking Colombia? (If possible, this guy was even friendlier than his partner).   Oh, did I mention that the senior office had all our papers – passports, driver licenses, rental permitting? I remember reading once that this is the second big no-no when you’re pulled over. To recap: Never Exit the Car and Never Give Them Your Papers. Those dispensing bribe wisdom often justify these no-no’s by declaring, “They do not have the right to…” But I’ve always wanted to answer that with, “Technically, I don’t think they have the right  to ask for a bribe. But that ship has sailed, yeah?” Call me crazy, but I like the idea of trying to maintain a smooth working relationship with an armed person in a position of authority. If the guy's got a gun and asks for your paperwork, you're pretty much going to give it to him.   So, there I am. He’s got all my info and that Colombian sun is beating down on my skin. Mr. Senior Officer really set the table by hinting at jail time, the towing of my rental, and cancellation of my passport. Obviously, I knew all that was as silly as it was unlikely, but we were rapidly plumbing the limits of my Spanish. Sure, I knew we were supposed to begin the final act – Negotiations – but I didn’t know how to get us there. Which made me nervous. And I think even my English would start to fall apart during a shakedown.   Was I supposed to start throwing around numbers? You know in the movies when somebody cuts the small talk and says, “So, what you do want? Money?” And the other guy gets all insulted, whips out his gun, drops a killer one-liner about criminal integrity, and puts two in my stomach.   We were standing at the edge of a lagoon. What if I said something wrong and these two guys dumped us all in the weeds? How are you liking Colombia? What’s the best part so far?     Honestly, in retrospect, I feel kind of bad for the senior officer. The guy did everything he could to lead this old horse to water. He just couldn’t make me drink. I think he was just about as exasperated as me. He whipped out… his phone and called on your friend and mine, Google Translate. Gee thanks, Silicon Valley. "I don’t really see a way to fix this. Unless you want me to help you? Do you want me to help you?" I nodded like an idiot and said I did. He asked me to make him an offer. Finally! Just blurt a figure and we can be on our way. Except: What if I lowballed the guy? Bang! Bang! Bang! I shrugged and said I wasn’t sure. At this point, we’d been standing at the back of my rental for twenty minutes.   It was his partner who realized how fruitlessly dense I was being. And on cue, my hungry baby made her presence known. On some pretense of looking at our IDs and paperwork, the other officer reached into the driver’s window and placed all of our paperwork and passports on the dash. He tapped the senior officer on the arm and almost, almost rolled his eyes. The senior officer typed I’m not going to fine you . And they let us go.   Now, before you stop reading and steal a page from the chapter of my life entitled, He’s Really That Thick & Sometimes It Works, you may want to read further about the return trip on Ruta 90.   I’ll keep it short. We had a great time in Santa Marta and Minca. On our return journey, we made it approximately five miles shy of our first shakedown when I was pulled over doing less than 5mph in a traffic jam. This time, it was three cops, one of whom was a supervisor. The script unfolded pretty much just as before, except my interlocutor this time was a serious pro. He didn’t beat around the bush. After we’d exchanged pleasantries, he named his price. This time my wife, bless her, leaned out of the passenger window and told him that figure was ridiculous. There was no lagoon by the side of the road, but I immediately began to imagine something even more unsavory. But like I said, the guy was completely unfazed. He, after all, knew exactly how the game was played. The art of the shakedown isn’t about turning the screws so tightly that tourists raise hell or complain to anybody who might listen. It’s about working within the parameters of what’s just admissible enough to keep the scheme intact. God forbid some pasty-faced tourist were to write a long, boring article about a certain highway where shakedowns are prevalent. He started at USD $190. The representative negotiating on my behalf – that sounds cooler than ‘ my wife spoke sternly from the backseat of our rental... on account of my puckered bum’  – she told him we weren’t carrying that kind of cash, and the money we had was barely enough to cover the tolls. In the end, she talked him down to about USD $25. I think she even asked for a receipt. Possibly as a joke. I’m still not sure.   I guess the takeaway from this meandering story is that, by and large, to the cops who engage in this sort of shakedown, it’s just business. Part of a shadow economy that’s as casual as breathing. As travelers from countries leveraging extremely favorable exchange rates, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise when it happens. I’m sure some who read this are laughing. In so many countries, haggling really is like breathing. Most Americans think the price is the price, and that negotiating is offensive to one or both of the parties involved.   The best practice is probably to just stay friendly, cut to the chase, do the deal, and get back to your adventure. You’re not likely to offend these guys by lowballing. Negotiating shouldn’t stress us out. Just keep it light. It’s also helpful if you’ve got a spouse who engaged in a fierce daily haggle over taxi fares during the four months she spent in Senegal.   One last word. Colombia is the first country in Latin American and the Caribbean to have adopted a novel vehicle safety inspection program wherein you may encounter checkpoints intended to ensure that the vehicle you’re driving has standard safety features like a fire extinguisher, seatbelts, etc. These checkpoints look a lot different than those manned by police in green uniforms. If you’re pulled over for one these, let them know you’re driving a rental car. They should let you proceed without actually conducting the inspection, but if they do - rental cars all come with the required safety kit in the back. Shakedown left you with some spare change? Click below to check out some great options for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Is Cartagena a great destination for a quick getaway? Absolutely. Cartagena, Colombia’s Caribbean jewel, pulses with life and energy. Coming from the cool mountain air of Bogotá, we felt the shift immediately – humidity hung in the air, the streets burst with vibrant music and color, and the city’s colonial charm was undeniable. It's the perfect choice for a Flash Trip: 3 Days Cartagena-style. It’s one of Colombia’s most touristed spots, so we braced ourselves for crowds and higher prices but found the experience more than worth it. Here’s how we spent three fantastic days in Cartagena , and how you can too – kids and all! If you want to spend more time on the Caribbean, check out our tips and itinerary for a trip along the coast. FLASH TRIP CARTAGENA INDEX: When to Go to Cartagena Weather Packing Essentials Is it Safe to Visit Cartagena? Arrival Information Where to Stay Where to Eat What to Do Best Day Trips When to Go to Cartagena Cartagena's drier and cooler season is December-April, when you'll find temperatures generally in the high 80 ° s (around 31 ° Celsius). This period is Cartagena's summer, and when you'll find the most tourists (especially around the holidays and March/April). Keep in mind that the city is humid all year round. At WS&T we believe in braving the worse weather for fewer crowds, especially because off-seasons or shoulders-seasons tend to be cheaper. May-December tends to have higher rainfall, which peaks in October. We happened to visit in October and besides a few showers, we were lucky that it wasn't very rainy at all. Sometimes you have to go for the peak season because that's when the kids' vacation times are, but we don't think there's a "bad" time to visit Cartagena! Weather in Cartagena Cartagena is hot and humid  – no getting around it. After packing raincoats and sweaters for Bogotá, we dug out shorts and AJ’s portable fan  as soon as we arrived. Even during the rainy season, the daily thunderstorms were brief and perfectly timed for family siestas. Packing Essentials: Lightweight, breathable clothing Sunscreen (for kids 6 months and up) A portable fan (lifesaving for little ones!) Plenty of water Is it Safe to Visit Cartagena? In covering roughly 1,700 km (1,000 mi) in a rental vehicle, the times felt unsafe were both during our roadtrip on the Caribbean Coast, where we experienced an uncomfortable police shakedown  (that was more of a nuisance than an actual danger) and the driving itself. But I will get into that in our post on driving in Colombia . Everywhere else that we went - including the city of Cartagena, Bogotá, Medellín, and the Zona Cafetera, people were warm and friendly. E felt the same on a previous trip to Popayán. Police and military presence were notable, and cities we visited felt safe. Read more of our thoughts on safety in Colombia here . We also recommend you read our cheeky post on general travel safety ! So, is it safe to visit Cartagena? We say yes! Arriving in Cartagena Getting to Cartagena was a breeze with Colombia’s excellent domestic flight network, one of the longest-flying in Latin America. We flew into Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núñez , just 10-15 minutes from the historical city center. WS&T Money Tip : There is a range of ATMs in the arrivals hall, so it should be easy to withdraw a chunk of Colombian Pesos to start your journey. There is also a currency exchange counter if you’ve brought cash with you. Try to use your travel credit card as much as possible! Get those points and fee reimbursements! Learn more about the card we trust in our article covering all the pros and cons to travel cards. Getting to Your Hotel : Taxi : We used the official yellow airport taxis. They quoted us COP 16,000 (~$3.70). WS&T Money Tip: Always confirm the taxi price upfront and ask about using credit cards if necessary. Uber/Didi : These ride-hailing apps worked well for us. WS&T Bratpacker Tip: Make sure your Uber has the rear seatbelts accessible before loading up all your luggage. People tend to be lax about using rear seatbelts in Colombia, so sometimes the driver needs to dig them out of the seat for you. Public Transportation:  Cartagena has the TransCaribe bus lines which are by far the cheapest way to get around, but for the short trip into the city, we recommend skipping the hassle of the bus and going with taxi, ride share, or car rental. Car Rental : We decided to rent our car at the airport, so we turned left outside of baggage claim and found the National Car Rental suite. Only one person could fit in the tiny office, so T stayed outside playing with AJ while E did the voluminous paperwork . Once again, the process was lengthy, but the customer service was impeccable. Then we walked over to the car rental lot and found our car, which was super easy. We drove through the Cartagena traffic to our hotel, where T dropped E off to check in and ask about parking.  Where to Stay in Cartagena Cartagena is wonderfully walkable, so we stayed in the Centro Histórico  (the walled city) to make exploring easy. WS&T Travel Tip: Hotel parking is ballet and origami in equal measure. You may need to drop your travel partner at the hotel and circle the block while they inquire about parking. By circle the block, we mean follow the massive one-way flow of traffic around Cartagena’s historical center until you can weave your way back to the hotel. Oftentimes, you’re going to be renting a spot on the street close to your hotel. It was pretty informal, but there was someone observing the cars 24/7. Cost varies. We paid approx. 20,000 pesos every 24 hours. Our Hotel Picks : Soy Local Centro Histórico : Simple, budget-friendly, and centrally located, with kitchenettes for baby life. Great price! Voilà Centro Histórico : Schwankier modern amenities, breakfast, pool, and coworking spaces. Awesome location. Casa del Arzobispado : A splurge-worthy former 17th-century palace with a gorgeous pool and included breakfast. AirBnB : Consider an Airbnb apartment in the center of town, which will make baby life a little easier! Where to Eat in Cartagena Check out our cheat sheet on Colombian cuisine  for a food-obsessed overview of the country's flavors, staples, and signature dishes. Centro Histórico : Pascal : A lifesaver for families with great breakfast options. Candé : Upscale Colombian seafood dishes. La Cevicheria : Fresh ceviche in a vibrant setting. Getsemaní : La Cocina de Pepina : A local institution for Caribbean seafood. Lunático : Mediterranean-Colombian fusion that’s perfect for takeout. Healthy Options : After all the rich food, sometimes it’s time for a little restorative therapy. Epoca Café Bar : Trendy with a great coffee selection. El Bololó : Caribbean protein bowls and tropical smoothies. What We Did in Cartagena Day 1: Exploring the Walled City There are just enough activities to fill three days in Cartagena without feeling overwhelmed. When in doubt, wander through the lively streets and just soak it all in! After settling in, we hit the cobblestone streets of the Centro Histórico. The energy here is infectious so just hanging out to people watch is fantastic – vendors selling fresh mango and papaya, stunning colonial architecture, and music echoing through the alleys. The fruit is heavenly. Our First Stops : Parque del Centenario : AJ was mesmerized by the sloths, monkeys, and giant iguanas lounging in the trees. Puerto del Reloj (Clocktower) : This iconic gateway led us into the vibrant walled city, where we sampled sweets from the Portal de los Dulces . Plaza de la Aduana : Cartagena’s largest square, perfect for people-watching. From here, check out any of the city’s museums today or tomorrow. They aren’t necessarily the most epic museum’s you’ll visit, but all are filled with interesting artifacts and information and housed in gorgeous old buildings.  You’ll find across Cartagena that most public squares or historical figures have major ties to the slave trade, which boomed for over 300 years in Colombia until its abolition in 1851. Cartagena’s Black and mestizo population survived in the face of generations of horror and now makes up a major (maybe the  major) cultural force of Colombia’s Caribbean region. Museums We Loved : Santuario San Pedro de Claver : A sobering yet beautiful tribute to Colombia’s patron saint. Museo de Arte Moderno : Small but packed with impressive Colombian modern art. Museo Naval del Caribe : Even if ships aren’t your thing, the naval history here is fascinating. If you missed the much larger Museo de Oro  in Bogotá (or just really love gold!) check out the Museo de Oro Zenu . Gabriel Garcia Marquez fans can visit his mausoleum inside the convent cloister called the Claustro de la Merced. We ended the day wandering through Getsemaní , a lively, mural-filled neighborhood. Dinner was takeout from Lunático  so AJ could keep her drama-lite bedtime routine. Day 2: Day Trips or City Exploration We debated heading out of town or diving deeper into Cartagena. Here’s what we learned: Option 1: Day Trip - See Below for a Day Trip Deep-Dive Islas del Rosario : A group of coral islands perfect for snorkeling. We heard good things about Islabela day trips (around $85-95 USD). Playa Blanca : Gorgeous but crowded. If you go, arrive early or on a weekday for a quieter experience. Aviario Nacional de Colombia : This bird sanctuary is near Playa Blanca and a hit with kids. Option 2: More Cartagena We started with breakfast at the lovely (and air-conditioned) Pascal , then took a taxi (30-45 minutes) to the Convento de la Popa for a bird’s eye view of the city and a visit to a chapel built in 1606 . The 360° views from this hilltop chapel are breathtaking. WS&T Travel Tip: Ask your taxi driver to wait while you check it out, and make sure to negotiate the price in advance – aim for around $50,000 pesos round trip including the wait. Back in the city, check out any museums you missed yesterday! As the afternoon winds down, wait for temperatures to cool off a bit then set out to explore the city’s massive walled fortifications. You can walk along the walls – and in some places, take a ramp to walk on top of them – for seven miles!  Most visitors begin back at the Puerto del Reloj  and proceed clockwise around the city (or as much as you’d like to explore).  The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas  is an engineering marvel with great views - take a short (but toasty) walk via Avenida Pedro de Heredia or an even shorter taxi ride. In the evening, enjoy more of Cartagena’s great spots to eat – or if you’re en familia , grab takeout and settle in for a cozy night! You could always revisit Encanto  (10th time?). Day 3: A Relaxed Farewell Before you leave the city, make sure you eat something you haven’t tried yet! This is your moment for a final pan de bono , tropical fruit with sprinkled chili, or a traditional fried snack at Fritos de Doro. Then, it’s time to grab a taxi or a DiDi back to the airport… or continue on down the coast or on to explore the rest of Colombia! Great Day Trips from Cartagena Looking to escape the city for a day? Here are some fantastic day trips to consider. For a full rundown of our Caribbean Coast recommendations, check out our detailed guide . Traveling with babies?  Keep in mind that many of these destinations are water-based or require a boat ride, which may not be ideal for little ones. We’re already planning to come back when the kids are older! Islas del Rosario Just 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) southwest of Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario are a stunning archipelago of 27 coral islands. While most are too small to explore, several islands are accessible by boat and offer excellent snorkeling and less crowded beaches. Isla Grande The largest of the islands, Isla Grande, features affordable resorts like Cocoliso  and Isla del Sol (a pricier option) for beach access and snorkeling.If you’re in the mood to splurge, consider staying overnight at the secluded and luxurious Coralina Island Resort  on Isleta. How to Get to the Islas del Rosario Boat Tours : Boats depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita Puerto 1 , located just south of Parque de la Marina. Choose between slower, cheaper boats or faster, pricier options. Many operators offer package tours that include Playa Blanca, snorkeling stops, or even a visit to an aquarium. Boats typically leave between 8–10 AM and return around 3:30 PM, so it’s a good idea to book early. We’ve heard great reviews about day trips to Islabela , which cost around $85–95 USD per person. Check platforms like Viator for options and pricing. Playa Blanca Playa Blanca is a breathtaking 3-kilometer stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water—perfect for a quick beach escape. Located just 45 minutes from Cartagena, it’s a convenient getaway, but there are a few things to note: Crowds : Playa Blanca is very popular, especially on weekends and during high season. Arrive early or go on a weekday for a more relaxing experience. Costs : You’ll need to pay for a beach chair, and expect to interact with numerous vendors throughout the day. Jet Skis : The surfline can get crowded with jet skis, which can be noisy and create a less tranquil atmosphere. If you’re willing to navigate the hustle, Playa Blanca offers pristine sand and gorgeous water that’s well worth the trip. How to Get to Playa Blanca Boat : Depart from Muelle de la Bodeguita Puerto 1 —you may be offered package tours that combine Playa Blanca with the Rosario Islands. Taxi or Rideshare : A straightforward and comfortable option if you prefer to avoid the boats. Aviario Nacional de Colombia If you’re heading to Playa Blanca with kids (or if you’re a bird lover!), add a stop at the Aviario Nacional de Colombia . Located just five minutes from the beach, this aviary is like an upgraded bird zoo, home to a wide variety of species. WS&T Travel Tip: Water and sunscreen. Water and sunscreen. Water and sunscreen. Ready for More? After exploring the best of Cartagena, why stop there? The Caribbean Coast has so much more to offer. Check out our full guide to the coast and get ready for endless adventure! Staying Cool on the Coast?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.

Will I Ever Be Able to Eat Internationally in a Restaurant Again? Let’s be real: eating out with a fussy baby or whiny toddler can be tough on each and every person involved. Sometimes it’s just meltdown city. But here at WS&T, we’re all about doing the hard things – travel meltdowns included. Mourning the Old Travel Ways One of the biggest adjustments we had to make once we started traveling internationally with our baby was accepting that we couldn’t do it like we used to. Gone are the days of breezing through airports with a carry-on travel pack and enjoying romantic 8 PM dinners. Alas, mourn them and move on. But  the payoff is that you (still!) get to see new places and show your little one the world. And let’s be honest: that pint-sized traveler (love you, AJ) is part of the fam now, so they get some say in the dinner plans. The Great Dinner Meltdown Phase Midway through our trip to Colombia, AJ suddenly flipped from an easygoing newborn (who’d peacefully snooze in her stroller) to a “Needs Her Bedtime Right Now” baby. After one especially hellish dinner attempt in Medellín, we realized: Parenting = Pivoting. Constantly. For the rest of our trip, we embraced her early bedtime and new witching hour by: Eating Dinner Early : Snag a 4:30 or 5 PM reservation. Bonus: this is a sneaky way to grab an open table at popular spots. Cooking at Home (Airbnb Style) : We did this in Salento, experimenting with fresh market finds in our Airbnb kitchen. Hotel Picnics : Grab takeout and enjoy it in your room. Perfect for sampling popular restaurants minus the fear of a dining room meltdown. Admittedly, we’ve had a couple midday meltdowns, so we’ve taken turns stepping outside or, in one case, packing our lunch to go. Daytime picnics also became our go-to when AJ couldn’t hang with the restaurant vibe at all. Colombia’s Baby Obsession "Barkeep, pour me a cold glass of milk" One unexpected perk in Colombia: people love  babies. On three separate occasions, waitresses appeared out of nowhere and asked to hold our fussy little one. We were able to get a few bites in, and they got their baby fix. Win-win. Goodbye Nightlife (For Now) I won’t sugarcoat it: giving up anything resembling nightlife was tough. T, ever the optimist, found a silver lining – he always does, even if we’re lost in the jungle. Since we were stuck in our hotel or Airbnb after bedtime, we turned it into “us” time: a beer and a movie, a quiet hour with our books or travel journal, or some distraction-free conversation. Bonus: everyone is well-rested for an early start the next morning. The Future of Dining Out: Baby's Fussy Travel Meal Diverted As AJ grows older, we know her bedtime will shift, and soon she’ll actually join us for dinner. We can’t wait for that stage – and if all goes according to plan, we’ll be subconsciously infusing her with French table manners (shout-out to Bringing Up Bébé  by Pamela Druckerman). But for now: picnics and pivots all the way! So, to all the parents wondering if you’ll ever again dine internationally without a meltdown : Yes! But it might look a little different while the surprise baby-fussy-travel-meal could rear its head. Embrace the early seatings, the takeout picnics, and the on-the-fly changes. It’s not exactly glamorous, but it’s still so worth it – because you’re out there seeing the world, tiny travel buddy in tow. Keeping the Kids Happy & Fed on the Road?  Click below to check out some curated picks for making life easier when traveling with (and without) small children. Visit GEAR UP  For More Outstanding Travel Essentials Copyright © WS&T. All rights reserved.