We’re going to Burma!
I know I’ve been hinting and generally coy about the *big* trips I’ve been planning for this year, before Minnie starts school.
Obviously I like to cultivate an air of mystery, but I also never quite believe they’ll go ahead until everything’s booked. And as I still need to apply for visas, I could be eating my words… but as I’ve now paid for two (non-refundable) flights and the first three nights of our accommodation, I think I can say it.
After years of wanting to visit, we’re going to Burma! [EDIT: We made it – check out some more of my Burma family holiday adventures here]
Before I even started the blog, I had plans to travel there – my sister-in-law is from the country (and she calls it Burma, giving me a neat get-out from the Myanmar vs Burma debate) and I had flights booked for my brother’s wedding celebrations there.
Then I discovered I was pregnant – and as malaria tablets are needed for most of the areas I particularly wanted to visit, including Inle Lake, I had to cancel. Malaria tablets and pregnancy are not a good mix unless you absolutely can’t avoid it. (Malaria, obviously, is worse).
At the moment, I’m in the slightly excited but quite stressed phase of planning. Along with those visas and the malaria tablets, Minnie needs a whole set of jabs (and I need to buy a whole set of treats/bribes).
I also need to sort out five internal flights and four more hotels, as well as airport transfers and guides. Then do some more planning about the flight: our longest yet at around 14 1/2 hours on the way out, including a short stopover in Bangkok.
Oh, and checking that Minnie’s summer wardrobe, especially her UV rash vests, still fits. It is going to be HOT – apart from a short stay in the hills outside of Mandalay, I’m expecting 35C plus, probably 40C in a couple of places.
I’m even wondering about breaking out the baby carrier for the first time in ages (although there’s the strong possibility tropical heat plus a three-year-old, however petite, will squash me).
But as with all our trips so far, you never quite know what you can do with kids and what they can handle until you try. Some sensible planning, quite a bit of winging it, and a very excited little girl usually see us through.
A lot more posts to come… not least more on our itinerary and planning for our family holiday in Burma. Let me know what you think of big trip no 1 – and what you’d like to know if you’re thinking of something similar?
Image copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER
How exciting is that! When are you flying?
Very! We’ll be visiting next month (well, subject to visas etc!)
Very exciting news! My HS teacher works at an international school in Yangon and she posts amazing photos of day to day life and excursions there. It looks like such a fascinating, beautiful place and it’s definitely on my bucket list. Best of luck with the visas and planning, I’m looking forward to reading more about your trip!
What an amazing place to work – it is such a fascinating country, can’t wait to discover it more.
So exciting Cathy! Burma is somewhere I would love to go. It’s great you have some insider knowledge courtesy of your sister-in-law. Children are so adaptable and usually don’t really notice the heat. Look forward to hearing more about the planning and the trip!
I am so excited – and I hope you’re right about the heat. Maybe she’ll be scampering around while I’m panting away 😉 And really looking forward to seeing a few less touristy things courtesy of my sister-in-law and her family (as well as the big sights, of course!)
How very exciting! I’m looking forward to reading all about your trip, it sounds fantastic.
Thanks! Lots to organise but very exciting.
I’m seriously jealous 🙂 I looked over the river from Thailand into Burma several years ago and was desperate to visit then! Really looking forward to reading your posts about the trip.
I’ve been trying to go for a few years too and not quite managed – can’t wait!
Sounds like an awesome trip! I haven’t thought much about Burma but I’m looking forward to what you have to say about it when you get back.
Thanks! It’s such a fascinating country.
I am beyond jealous of you! I’ve never made it to Burma but always wanted to go. I can’t wait to read all about it. What an exciting trip, and a wonderful experience for your little girl.
I have been wanting to go for so long – can’t wait to actually get the planning finished and get out there.
I never announce where I’m going for a holiday until I’m actually and physically in my destination. A lot of things could go wrong so I don’t want to jinx it.
It’s so cool to know that someone like me is out there. We’re probably just worrying too much. :p
I know – it feels a bit like tempting fate. And I am usually worrying too much 🙂