We try not to let travel days stress us out too much but when they seem to never end it makes it tough! The hardest part of traveling with kids is exactly that - the traveling part! Travel days with little ones are NEVER easy, especially with a 1- and 3-year-old. It's crowded, hot, boring, and their poor little ears hurt on the plane. It gets even worse when flight times don't align with typical nap times or when you are crossing multiple time zones.
This was one of the shorter flights we've done with the kids at under 2 1/2 hours but that surprisingly didn't make it any easier.
First, we had to walk to Taksim with the kids, stroller, suitcases, and backpacks. I'd say it was about 60% uphill so that was a great workout at 7:00 am!
Then the 45-minute bus ride stood between us and the Istanbul airport. Luckily, the bus wasn't too full and was surprisingly comfortable.
The airport is always where it gets hectic.
In Istanbul airport, you go through security TWICE! That means unloading your littles more than once while being herded through scanners. This was a surprise to us as we were shuffled through security about 5 feet into the front door. Then to get anywhere in the airport it's at least a 20-minute walk. I kid you not, it's the largest airport we have ever seen!
And surprise, surprise, our flight was delayed and Ethan fell asleep right before the flight! We knew then that we were in trouble. Mr. squirmy wormy cried half the flight and kept throwing things in the aisle, trying to use it as an excuse to go run around.
It didn't get much better once we got to Vienna because while we are usually pretty good at figuring out public transit, we had the hardest time finding our way at the train station.
But, the good news is that we finally made it to our little apartment and were able to get settled in just in time for dinner and bed.
A full week of adventures in Vienna awaits!