What is it really like traveling with a tot? Interview with @latrice.jovanni

Today I will be interviewing the beautiful Latrice Jovanni from www.playdateswithblake.com! I wanted to provide you all another mommy's insights on traveling with young children. Read below to see what it's really like traveling with a tot and don't forget to check her out on Instagram @latrice.jovanni.

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Latrice and I am a mama that loves to explore and travel with my 2 year old tot Blake. I currently work for an insurance agency and within the next year in a half I will be quitting corporate America and will open up my own salon and spa. My goal as a mom is to give my daughter all the necessary tools she needs at a young age so she will be financially free by the time she graduates from high school.

What made you decide to begin traveling with your child? I’ve often heard people say, “they won’t even remember it!” Why is traveling with your baby important to you?

I took my first international trip when I was 21. I feel that if I would have began traveling at a younger age I would have been exposed to so many other opportunities. I also had Blake at 24 and I didn't want to stop traveling because I had a baby, so I made the decision to bring her with me everywhere I went to expose her while she's young. When people say " why are you taking her with you, she won't even remember it" my response is always " She won't remember it but I will". I have memories and pictures to share with her when she's older. For me it's about the experience that I want to create with my child. Everyone has a thing they love to do with their child. Weather its watching a favorite show together, playing in make up, etc my thing just happens to be travel. There's just something about watching your child being in another country for the first time. The feeling is unexplainable.

What essential items made travelling with your little one easier? Was there anything you found to be unnecessary?

Hands down, my number one travel essential is the mountain buggy bag rider. It cuts out having to worry about a stroller, which I think is great and one less thing you have to worry about. I would say pack what is necessary and don't overpack because it can become a headache.

Have there been any obstacles to traveling with your little one? If so, how did you overcome them?

I wouldn't say there was anything I necessarily had to overcome. Blake is officially off the pacifier so I know our next trip that will be something that may be a challenge because she will have to find a way to soothe herself if she starts getting fussy.

Tell us a little bit about your last trip together.

We just came back from Jamaica and it was our first trip together. Honestly this was the best trip that I've been on hands down. I know my kid is fearless and nothing really scares her. But she took me as well as everyone else how well she interacted with the dolphins. It was such a special moment and its those moments that make traveling with her worth everything.

What is the best tip or trick you can give parents who are thinking about traveling with their children?

The best tip that I would give is to take something that will entertain your child on the plane ride. Bring their iPad and download their favorite games and movies. One thing I also found helpful was leading up to the trip I would tell her that we were going somewhere new and we were gonna have so much fun. I really think it made a difference in the way she took everything in.

Anything you want to share that we may have missed?

Don't overthink about traveling with your child just do it! Especially if they are under 2 they'll fly for free, Take advantage while you can!

Don't forget to check out his Mama's blog at www.playdateswithblake.com !