Documenting a life in transition—from career shifts to slow family travel and expat living—one meaningful adventure at a time. Join me as I drift through change and embrace new beginnings.-- DriftToShift
Planning a warm-weather escape during the winter months? Welcome to Xishuangbanna, a tropical gem in southern Yunnan, China—known for its lush jungles, wild elephants, vibrant ethnic culture, and family-friendly adventures. With a climate similar to Hawaii, this region is perfect for winter travel, especially if you're exploring with kids. In this guide, we share our personal journey through elephant valleys, rainforest hikes, and unforgettable food—all designed with families in mind. ๐ Table of Contents Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside Getting Around Xishuangbanna Must-See: Wild Elephant Valley Hidden Gem: Jinuo Mountain Hiking Adventure Other Family-Friendly Attractions Temples to Visit (If You’re Not Traveling with Toddlers) What to Eat in Xishuangbanna Final Thoughts ๐ Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside We spent 9 nights in Xishuangbanna, split between two contrasting areas: Gaozhuang (5 nights) : Righ...
Change has been a constant theme in my life, shaping who I am and where I stand today. Growing up in a densely populated, historic city in northern China, I always dreamt of exploring the world beyond my hometown. My journey took me from Sun Yat-sen University in southern China to the United States, where I pursued my passion for biology and eventually found my calling in bioinformatics and data science. Each step was a leap into the unknown, fueled by curiosity and the desire to grow. Relocating to Singapore with my family felt like another chapter in this journey of change. It wasn’t just a physical move; it was an opportunity to reassess my priorities and explore new possibilities. After years of dedicating myself to a career I loved, I found myself craving something different — the chance to travel, spend more time with family, and embrace the unpredictability of life, even if that meant occasionally forgetting what day of the week it is. Drifting isn’t about being lost; it’s a...
A moment of stillness above the clouds —Penang Hill gave us views we didn’t expect. The city stretched beneath us, wrapped in mist, reminding us that travel with toddlers can be both peaceful and breathtaking. After two months of adventure through China, we landed in Penang, Malaysia—without much of a plan, but with an open mind. We didn’t expect to fall in love with it, but Penang quickly charmed us with its mix of flavors, cultures, and family-friendly pace. If you’re traveling with young kids and looking for a destination that’s rich in culture but low on tourist chaos, this guide is for you. Why Penang? When most Americans think of Southeast Asia, places like Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam usually come to mind. But on the northwest coast of Malaysia lies a lesser-known gem: Penang . This vibrant island blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial British influences into something uniquely its own. It’s full of personality and perfectly suited for family tr...
Family Travel Essentials for Tropical & Urban Adventures (2025)
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Traveling with young kids can be magical… and mildly chaotic. Over the years, we’ve fine-tuned our travel toolkit—one trip, one tantrum, and one too-late-to-order-takeout moment at a time. Whether you’re flying to a beach resort or taking a road trip across the country, here are our must-have tools and tips that make family travel smoother, safer, and a lot more fun.
In this guide, I’m breaking things down by sleep tools,entertainment, transportation must-haves, weather gear, and more.
๐ Good Sleep = Happy Family
Sleep is the foundation of good travel days with little ones. Here’s what we always pack to help everyone rest well—no matter where we are.
Baby Monitor
Yes, we pack the monitor (we use Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor). It lets us enjoy quiet grown-up time while still keeping an eye on the kids. But beware—some hotels don’t allow children to be left alone in the room, even if they’re asleep and being monitored. Once at a resort in Mexico, we left our baby sleeping, handed the monitor to my brother-in-law in the room next door, and went to dinner. A hotel staff member entered the room for turndown service and panicked when he saw a baby alone sleeping in the crib. That led to an awkward explanation and a lecture from the manager. Lesson learned:Airbnb is your friend.
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White Noise Machine
We love our Hatch Rest! It plays bedtime stories and lullabies and helps maintain sleep routines wherever we go. Consistent sounds = better sleep = happier parents.
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Nighttime Books & Pajamas
Routine is everything. We always bring a few favorite bedtime books and cozy pajamas to signal wind-down time—even when the time zone is new. Here are several of our favorite books: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalos Child, and Little Blue Truck Board Book
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Inflatable Bathtub
Our $18 inflatable tub is one of our favorite discoveries. It’s great for hotels without tubs or when you’re unsure about using the one provided. Packs down tiny and saves a lot of stress during bath time.
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๐ Keep Them Entertained
We keep our kids entertained with a mix of activities, screens (with boundaries!), and surprises.
Toys: A few small favorites—cars, stuffed animals, spinning window toys—work wonders.
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Art Supplies: Coloring books and stickers are our go-to, especially during flights or restaurant waits.
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Beach Toys & Swimsuits: If there’s water nearby, you’ll want both. Buy ahead so you’re not stuck paying resort prices.
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iPad (with limits): We allow some screen time for flights and long drives—Daniel Tiger, Peppa Pig, and Sesame Street are favorites. But we make it clear it’s a vacation-only rule. No iPads at mealtime helps us stay connected as a family, even if it takes a bit more effort.
Snacks: A snack at the right time can save a meltdown. Especially helpful during takeoff/landing to ease ear pressure.
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๐ Move Easily, Stress Less
Stroller
We switched from a bulky Nuna to the Bugaboo Butterfly—lightweight, one-hand fold, and carry-on approved. It’s been a game-changer.
Baby Carrier
We’ve tried them all. What finally worked? A hybrid carrier with both full buckle-in support and a hip seat option. Easy to put on, flexible for babies who want to switch between walking and being carried, and allows us to have both hands free.
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Travel Car Seat
The Wayb Pico is compact and fantastic in the U.S., but in Asia, it’s hit-or-miss. Many cars don’t have proper hooks, and in most Southeast Asian countries, car seats aren’t typically provided—people often just hold their children. Singapore is an exception where car seats are required by law and you can book rides with car seats included and enjoy great public transportation.
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๐ก Book Smarter with Family Rentals
Hotels can be tricky with kids. Rentals offer more space, a kitchen for picky eaters, and room to relax after bedtime.
Why we prefer family-style rentals:
More space to play, nap, and breathe
Kitchen access for easier meal prep
Better for multigenerational trips—like a mini family reunion!
Tips for booking:
Check the number of rooms and beds
Look for walkability to markets or attractions
Confirm cooking is allowed—even if there’s a kitchen!
In China, check if foreigners are allowed and if toilets are sit-down (trust us on this one)
Platforms we use:
Airbnb (global): Great worldwide coverage, but note that short-term rentals are illegal in places like Singapore. Always verify local laws.
China: In China, where Airbnb doesn’t work well, we recommend using trip.com (Xiecheng) and Tujia (้ๅฎถ็ฝ) instead. Be sure to check toilet types, cooking rules, and foreigner permissions.
Southeast Asia: Airbnb is more reliable. Malaysia and Thailand have plenty of family-friendly options.
Click to start booking
☀️ Weather and Health Essentials (Southeast Asia Focus)
Rain Gear
Tropical climates mean surprise downpours. Must-haves:
Umbrella (if babywearing or walking, especially when you want to block sun)
Pack both if you have space!
Mosquito Repellent
We’ve had bad luck with Cutter brand. Locals in Singapore swear by Tiger Balm-branded repellents. It is not that great either. Still hunting for the best.
Sunscreen
Sun safety is a must!
Why it matters: Protects skin from UV damage and sunburn.
Types:
Physical/mineral: Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Gentler on skin.
Chemical: Absorbs UV rays. May irritate sensitive skin.
What we use: EltaMD—a dermatologist-favorite physical sunscreen that’s lightweight and effective.
Public Transport: Excellent and tourist-friendly—just tap with a credit card
China
Gaode Map (Amap): Offers taxi-hailing, transit info, and even ticket booking
Meituan: Food delivery and in-restaurant coupons (check before dining!)
Malaysia
Grab: Rides, food, and groceries in one app. Skip the stress of driving—roads are chaotic and traffic rules aren’t always followed, especially with motorcycles.
๐ฉบ Emergency Med Kit for Little Ones
When you're far from home, a sick baby can quickly derail the best-laid travel plans. We always pack a small medicine kit just in case—because finding the right medicine or supplies in a new country (and explaining symptoms in another language) is the last thing you want to be doing at 2 a.m.
Here’s what we bring:
Baby Motrin: For fever and pain relief. (Always double-check the dosage with your pediatrician!)
Thermometer: A compact digital one is essential to know when it's time to take action.
Oral syringe: To measure and give medication safely and accurately.
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You can store everything in a zip pouch or small toiletry bag. We hope you won’t need it—but if you do, you’ll be glad you brought it!
❤️ The Secret Weapon: Help
Finally, the best travel tool? Help from family. Whether it's grandparents, uncles, aunts, or a trusted nanny, bringing someone along transforms the experience. You get a break, the kids get more attention, and everyone has more fun.
๐ Family Travel Essentials Checklist (Free Download)
It includes everything from sleep tools to sunscreen—so you never forget the inflatable tub again.
๐ค FAQ
What are the must-have items for traveling with a toddler?
A compact stroller, baby carrier, snacks, entertainment, sleep aids like a white noise machine, and an emergency med kit are essentials for smooth family travel.
How do I keep my baby entertained during flights?
Pack coloring books, window clings, surprise toys, snacks, and pre-downloaded shows on a tablet with headphones. Mixing activities helps keep little ones engaged and calm.
What medications should I bring for my child when traveling?
We recommend packing baby Motrin, a thermometer, Pedialyte, and an oral syringe in a labeled medicine pouch—just in case of fevers, teething, or tummy troubles.
Traveling with kids isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it. With the right tools, mindset, and support, it becomes less about logistics and more about memories. What’s in your travel toolkit? I’d love to hear your favorite tips or must-have items—drop them in the comments below!
Planning a warm-weather escape during the winter months? Welcome to Xishuangbanna, a tropical gem in southern Yunnan, China—known for its lush jungles, wild elephants, vibrant ethnic culture, and family-friendly adventures. With a climate similar to Hawaii, this region is perfect for winter travel, especially if you're exploring with kids. In this guide, we share our personal journey through elephant valleys, rainforest hikes, and unforgettable food—all designed with families in mind. ๐ Table of Contents Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside Getting Around Xishuangbanna Must-See: Wild Elephant Valley Hidden Gem: Jinuo Mountain Hiking Adventure Other Family-Friendly Attractions Temples to Visit (If You’re Not Traveling with Toddlers) What to Eat in Xishuangbanna Final Thoughts ๐ Where We Stayed: Bustling Gaozhuang vs. Peaceful Lakeside We spent 9 nights in Xishuangbanna, split between two contrasting areas: Gaozhuang (5 nights) : Righ...
Change has been a constant theme in my life, shaping who I am and where I stand today. Growing up in a densely populated, historic city in northern China, I always dreamt of exploring the world beyond my hometown. My journey took me from Sun Yat-sen University in southern China to the United States, where I pursued my passion for biology and eventually found my calling in bioinformatics and data science. Each step was a leap into the unknown, fueled by curiosity and the desire to grow. Relocating to Singapore with my family felt like another chapter in this journey of change. It wasn’t just a physical move; it was an opportunity to reassess my priorities and explore new possibilities. After years of dedicating myself to a career I loved, I found myself craving something different — the chance to travel, spend more time with family, and embrace the unpredictability of life, even if that meant occasionally forgetting what day of the week it is. Drifting isn’t about being lost; it’s a...
A moment of stillness above the clouds —Penang Hill gave us views we didn’t expect. The city stretched beneath us, wrapped in mist, reminding us that travel with toddlers can be both peaceful and breathtaking. After two months of adventure through China, we landed in Penang, Malaysia—without much of a plan, but with an open mind. We didn’t expect to fall in love with it, but Penang quickly charmed us with its mix of flavors, cultures, and family-friendly pace. If you’re traveling with young kids and looking for a destination that’s rich in culture but low on tourist chaos, this guide is for you. Why Penang? When most Americans think of Southeast Asia, places like Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam usually come to mind. But on the northwest coast of Malaysia lies a lesser-known gem: Penang . This vibrant island blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial British influences into something uniquely its own. It’s full of personality and perfectly suited for family tr...
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