69% of women polled in a recent Parents magazine poll said they dreaded traveling more with their husbands than with their children. I always am skeptical about this kind of poll (self-selected sample), but found the data interesting.
We’ve always travelled with our kids under the assumption we have about a lot of things.
If you quit doing anything because of changed circumstances, you’re choosing not to give it up, not the other way around. Aside from the financial realities, having kids is no reason to give up traveling. I’ve traveled alone with my kids (together at about six months and four years) and found the experience to be challenging but not overwhelming. Maybe because it’s because I’m a dad and not supposed to be used to this kind of thing, but I found everyone to be very helpful. Yes, the baby cried a bit and I had to mix formula on my lap and change diapers in the tiny bathroom. But, all in all, it went okay. While babies cry and little kids whine, at least they generally follow your lead and do what you say.
On the other hand, I can imagine some travel arrangements with spouses, especially some I see crowded into little seats, perpetually grumpy, over-dosing on airplane pretzels and lukewarm beer. And of course, the worst is the perfect storm of the sullen spouse, coupled with a set of uncontrollable kids.
Still, 69%? I don’t dread either a trip alone with my wife, or with kids, but then again they weren’t asking dads the question.