Muttersprache: Ich packe meinen Koffer

Mother tongue: I'm packing my suitcase

Are you like me and counting down the days until the long-awaited start of the vacations? When the computer is turned off, the suitcase is dragged up from the cellar and you slip into your bathing suit? At the latest after my family doctor diagnosed me with a veritable vitamin D deficiency, all I want to do is get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Although - we're going to Ireland this summer, so sunshine is a bit of a problem. The weather forecast at least makes me think of wellies and tippets rather than Mallorca acne. Which has something to be said for it. (Next time I'll report back here and give you some tips for traveling to Ireland with a child).

But no matter whether you're boarding a plane or checking into the swimming pool around the corner in the near future: Our urge to plan the best time of the year completely should stay at home. We should be able to relax and not be dragged from one leisure highlight to the next. Which is more or less how I used to spend my vacations. Fly there, take care of the luggage, race off. Check off locations, check off locations, check off locations, fall into bed, same program the next day. After all, you didn't want to miss anything. Been there, done that. The first time I traveled in this mode with a child, it quickly became clear that it wouldn't work. My head was buzzing, the child was grumbling, we lost shoes, caps, pacifiers and finally our nerves. After the vacations, we were ready for a vacation. I've since realized that another person has actually joined our little travel group. And that this little person definitely requires adapted travel planning.

The other day, for example, we were in London and would have risked loud protests if we hadn't walked to "the men in the big hats" in front of Buckingham Palace. Or to the magnificent playground in Hyde Park, where we stormed a pirate ship in memory of Lady Di. And get talking to the city's moms, dads and nannies. Getting to know the real life. It was a real eye-opener for me. Of course, our little human also wants to discover this world, which is still quite unknown to him. And so we experience the city behind the travel guide. With this in mind, it's worth planning more time to not just hunt for hotspots, but to follow the bug that your child is already chasing. And which may lead you to places you would otherwise never have discovered.

For sunbathers
Surely the coolest towel in the bathing area: beach towel from Molo
Is it also available in my size? Swimsuit from Mini Rodini
Fits everything: Beach bag from Noé & Zoe

For mountaineers
With the backpack from Mini Rodini you can get on the cat
No chance for dazzlers: peaked cap from Noé & Zoe
Even if you don't make it to the summit, cheer yourself up with Hugo loves Tiki

For bad weather frogs
Playing nicely with the kitchen from Sebra
Toucan napkins from Meri Meri for the party afterwards
Doing the circus - but only with Maileg, please