We are new parents and self-confessed frequent travelers. So it goes without saying that our little darling also had to get his passport ready early: At just seven months old, our baby was about to take his first plane ride. Our first vacation with a baby – we opted for a four-hour flight to the sunny island of Gran Canaria.
First vacation with baby
First vacation with seven-month-old baby experiences
The first flight with a baby was wonderful—we had so many firsts. On this vacation, our little one was able to sit up on her own for a few seconds, and she loves standing on her own little feet. But what touched me most were the many little things:
I was able to admire her eagerness to explore, as she digs her feet deep into the sand or tries to balance on a barrier rope when someone holds her over it. I was able to hear her excited squeals as her legs dip into the edge of the waves, see her feet fidgeting faster and faster in the receding sand, as if trying to keep pace with the sea and offer her a comforting breast to rest on afterward.
I remember her proud smile as she held onto the steering wheel and looked back at me, her exuberance as we tested out a small slide, and the excitement in her eyes as she spent minutes listening to the ringing of old bells in the cave museum. I smile. Happy and a little wistful. Our first trip as a trio is over. So much new every day, and above all, the relaxation of enjoying and experiencing it together.
How was the first flight with a baby?
The holiday was wonderful and we also enjoyed the flight as unproblematic felt. Four hours Flight time was not too long, but still long enough to have enough time between take-off and landing. Unbuckle and Play was therefore not a problem and a Nap was also possible. Perfect for the first flight with a baby. Want some tips? Flying with a baby or small children: How to make the flight relaxing!
First holiday with baby – Why Gran Canaria?
For the first flight with baby we looked for a holiday destination near the sea with pleasant flight duration, mild Climate & Environment, few diseases and good medical standard In addition, Gran Canaria offers, due to its practical size, short routes to most sights and a cooler interior of the islandso that we could adapt to the baby's needs at any time.
How to travel with a baby?
We simply organized our daily routine according to the needs of the baby When hungry, they ate, when tired, they slept. We put together the program around that. Since a small child cannot be planned, it is flexible Otherwise, we liked short car rides, enough breaks and plenty of time in the Shadow important. A detailed review you can find in the article Gran Canaria Holidays with Baby: Experiences & Tips
Gran Canaria vacation with baby – wwhat did we do?
- Above all, numerous enjoyed our first moments with our baby and rediscovered together every day
- The Barranco del Alamo hike through the green Alamo Gorge followed by a stroll through the mountain village of Teror
- The historical center of Las Palmas (We spontaneously skipped the city beach - no shade, not pretty and too crowded)
- A day trip to Maspalomas with dune walk and break on the sandy beach
- The mountain village Artenara including visitor center and cave museum
- Snorkeling on the beach of Tufa and a cozy break in the shady garden of the accommodation
- A hike to rock Nublo, the island's landmark
- beach day in the north of the island including a swim in the natural pool and sunset by the sea
- The historic granary Cenobio de Valeron and the Cueva de pintada visited
- Beautiful high waves on the waterfront of Agaete observed and delicious fish in Port of the Snows gegessen
- A walk through the laurel forest at The Linden Trees of Moya and a stroll through the streets of Firgas
- The coastal road We drove along the west of the island and through Puerto de Morgan strolled
- Sweet Baby photos as a valuable memory of our first time as a threesome
First vacation withit Baby – what was different?
- We were especially early at the airportto avoid stress and to allow for delays caused by the baby. It definitely makes sense to be at the airport three hours before departure when flying with a baby.
- We definitely had more luggage than before. Since we were allowed to take a large diaper bag with us on the plane for free, we still managed to stay true to our style and only traveled with hand luggage. This time, therefore, three bags instead of two - plus a child seat, of course.
- We have many little things perceived more intensely than without a child. Everything was new again. The first time flying, the first time feeling sand under your feet, the first time feeling the sea.
- We have taken care fewer program items per day so as not to overwhelm the little one and to have enough time for feeding, changing diapers and naps.
- Swimming and snorkeling were of course only possible alternately, once the dad, once the mom.
- Shadow on the beach suddenly became extremely important and pebble beaches much more attractive than before – you don't have to worry about sand getting into your mouth.
- We have shorter hikes than usual: with a baby, five kilometers was the maximum for us.
- While sightseeing we suddenly stopped at playgrounds and spent time sliding and swinging.
- We have the program adapted to the needs of the little ones: Instead of having a picnic on the hike at the lookout point (too sunny), we had the sandwiches afterwards in the parking lot while we waited for her to sleep in the baby carrier.
- We are definitely much smiled more often than without a baby. And we probably also smiled more.
First flight with baby Conclusion
The first flight with a baby was a real enrichment for us and went so well that we are now planning our first long-distance trip. Gran Canaria was a good choice and has a lot of variety to offer. The only thing we would do differently is book two or three more days. With a child you simply travel much more slowly than with two people. We will always fondly remember this first holiday together as a trio. If you are looking for a nice destination for your first flight with a baby, we can fully recommend Gran Canaria.
More inspiration for traveling with children
Tips and experiences for traveling with a baby:
- First vacation with baby: Gran Canaria here we come (travel blog)
- Gran Canaria Holidays with Baby: Experiences & Tips
- Flying with a baby or small children: How to make the flight relaxing!
Tips and experiences for traveling during pregnancy:
- Babymoon in Italy: This is how we travelled while pregnant (travel blog)
- Traveling during pregnancy: What is possible and what should you pay attention to?
- Flying during pregnancy: allowed or dangerous?