Meryl Mukenge knows all about it. The crying, the fussing, changing plans because your child is sick, and never being able to go anywhere without ‘the bag’.
But she also knows all about the joy on her daughter’s face when she saw a waterfall for the first time, and the wonder in her eyes when she saw the Blyde River Canyon. ‘You mean the world to me, so let me show you the world,’ Meryl captioned one of her images on social media with her three-year-old daughter, Isabelle in her arms.
Meryl and her husband, Pascal, are a wonderful example teaching us that travelling with a baby can – and should – be done. Originally from the Congo, Meryl came to South Africa to study law and Pascal is a medical doctor at Steve Biko Hospital in Gauteng. Just more proof that having busy work and study careers should not stop anyone from travelling.
They believe exposing themselves and Isabelle to travel, nature, and adventure is crucial, and we couldn’t agree more.
Here’s what she loves about travelling, and some stellar advice on how to make your little one part of it.
What is your favourite destination in South Africa?
The Eastern Cape is our favourite, because it has sentimental memories for us. My husband proposed in Tsitsikamma National Park and we got married in Morgans Bay. The province has many beautiful places to visit, the landscape is incredible and there is so much to do, like surfing in Jeffreys Bay or having a family picnic on the dunes in Oyster Bay.
Addo Elephant Park is a must-visit for animal lovers, and the farm stays in the Eastern Cape is the sort of accommodation the whole family will enjoy.
What inspires you on the road?
Creating memories and sharing life-changing experiences with my family inspires me to travel. Learning and growing while travelling is a big thing for us. You learn a lot about yourself and your surroundings when you travel. It’s something we hope our daughter grows up to learn. You learn about other people and other cultures and it makes you more compassionate as a person and you realise the world is bigger than just you and we are all in it just trying to be better humans.
What are your tips for families with young kids who want to travel, but find it daunting?
Preparation is key. And remember, it gets easier the more you do it.
Here are some things that can help:
-Research your destination and plan your time there (as much as you can, it will most likely change!).
-Look for accommodation that is suitable for your travel style but can accommodate kids comfortably too (is there enough space for them to run around? Are there expensive breakables that you might have to pay for later?).
-Try and find activities that both you and your kids will enjoy – no use doing things that bore you only to keep them happy!
-If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, bring enough toys or other stimuli to keep them entertained on the road, at restaurants or wherever you go.
-Food stops are very, very important, hungry kids are not fun to travel with!
-Always be ready for sudden changes. Sometimes we plan something and then Isabelle hates it, and then it’s okay to change it up and go with the flow.
-Your kids will feed off your energy, so try and enjoy the trip and actually have fun, no matter the circumstances.
-Being in nature is so beneficial for the whole family, try to do activities that allow your kids to interact with their surroundings and the environment.
-Children cry in public, it’s okay and normal. Don’t get embarrassed, just be there for your child.
-Always pack extra clothes in case the weather changes or your child gets messy.
You can follow their adventures on Instagram.
Pictures: Meryl Mukenge
ALSO READ
Awe-inspiring aerial footage of the Swakop River meeting the ocean
