I made 9 mistakes when I took my 1-year-old to Hawaii for our first big family trip. If I could do it all again, here's what I'd do differently.

Emily HochbergOct 15, 2022, 19:42 IST

I came back from Hawaii with fond memories and lessons learned.Emily Hochberg/Insider

This summer, I went to Oahu, Hawaii, with my husband and 1-year-old on our first big family trip.
We made great memories but if I did it all again, I'd be sure to learn from the following mistakes.

This summer, I planned a vacation to Oahu, Hawaii, with my husband and 1-year-old daughter. It was our first time visiting Hawaii as a family.

Me with my husband and daughter at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I first learned that, as a parent, traveling with a small child isn't a vacation — it's a trip. I should have had that mindset from the start.

On "vacation" in Hawaii with my daughter.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I wish I better prepared for our flights and packed a few key carry-on items.

My daughter sitting on my lap, looking out of the plane window.Emily Hochberg/Insider

When we landed in Hawaii, we picked up a rental car, which I thought would give us freedom to explore and travel between hotels. Booking transfers would have been cheaper.

My daughter in the car.Emily Hochberg/Insider

When we landed in Hawaii, we picked up a rental car, which I thought would give us freedom to explore and travel between hotels. Booking transfers would have been cheaper.

I tried to have too many nice meals at restaurants. Our trip would have been less stressful for everyone if we chose takeout.

Trying to distract my daughter with an iPhone to get her to eat (L), and her hiding behind my dress at our hibachi dinner (R).Emily Hochberg/Insider

One of my biggest mistakes was clear when we checked into our first hotel and our room wasn't ready. I neglected to pack day bags to use the pool.

Waiting around for our room to be ready.Emily Hochberg/Insider

I should have had a better on-the-go nap plan.

A rare moment where my daughter fell asleep in her stroller.Emily Hochberg/Insider

When our room wasn't ready at check-in at Aulani, I should have checked with hotel staff about it sooner than I did.

Trying to soothe my girl at Aulani.Emily Hochberg/Insider

My daughter was a big fan of the pools, especially kiddie waterslides. I wish I had a waterproof phone holder so I could have captured more memories.

My daughter loved the waterslide at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.Emily Hochberg/Insider

There was a lot we did wrong on this trip. But I don't regret it for one second.

I'll cherish the memories we made on this trip, good and bad.Emily Hochberg/Insider

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I made 9 mistakes when I took my 1-year-old to Hawaii for our first big family trip. If I could do it all again, here's what I'd do differently.

This summer, I planned a vacation to Oahu, Hawaii, with my husband and 1-year-old daughter. It was our first time visiting Hawaii as a family.

I first learned that, as a parent, traveling with a small child isn't a vacation — it's a trip. I should have had that mindset from the start.

I wish I better prepared for our flights and packed a few key carry-on items.

When we landed in Hawaii, we picked up a rental car, which I thought would give us freedom to explore and travel between hotels. Booking transfers would have been cheaper.

I tried to have too many nice meals at restaurants. Our trip would have been less stressful for everyone if we chose takeout.

One of my biggest mistakes was clear when we checked into our first hotel and our room wasn't ready. I neglected to pack day bags to use the pool.

I should have had a better on-the-go nap plan.

When our room wasn't ready at check-in at Aulani, I should have checked with hotel staff about it sooner than I did.

My daughter was a big fan of the pools, especially kiddie waterslides. I wish I had a waterproof phone holder so I could have captured more memories.

There was a lot we did wrong on this trip. But I don't regret it for one second.