For our first trip out of the city, we chose the easy, family-oriented escape of The Taaras, where I traded bucket lists for simple moments watching my son discover soft sand. (Left image by @thetaarasmalaysia)
There’s a different kind of planning that happens when you start travelling with a one-year-old. Not the kind that revolves around where to go or what to see, but everything in between and more. Previously, travel was about building bucket lists, saving restaurants, and leaving room for spontaneity. Now, it’s about triple-checking the diaper bag before leaving the house, working out nap times around flight schedules, and it mostly feels like stepping into the unknown, not for adventure, but with a quiet hope that everything will be okay. For the most part.
When my child’s first birthday was coming up, I didn’t feel like throwing a party. I wanted to do something that marked the year in a more personal and experiential way. We decided to travel to Pulau Redang instead, and booked a short stay at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort. It’s an easy, family-oriented island escape that felt manageable for our first out-of-the-city trip with a baby.
Ascending together: Lessons from our first flight
To get there, we boarded a small propeller plane, the kind I would have enjoyed without thinking twice before becoming a mother. This time, it felt overwhelming. The engine noise was louder, more noticeable. I worried about how my baby would handle this change.
But when we were on the plane, it was more than fine. My son was completely absorbed and curious about what was happening, looking out the window and taking everything in. The loud hum of the engine didn’t seem to bother him. It hit me right then that this was all new to him—his first flight, his first time seeing clouds from above, his first experience with changing pressure and unfamiliar sounds. And for me, it was a new kind of first too: the first time when travelling wasn’t about me anymore.
Island rhythms: Finding a pace that fits
When we arrived at the resort, it felt like relief more than anything. The beach was exactly what you hope for but don’t always get. Clear water, soft sand, and calm waves. A setting where travelling with a baby feels manageable rather than stressful. It made a BIG difference. And my baby loved it immediately.
There was no hesitation after the first few minutes. Sand in both hands, then straight into the mouth before I could react. He had already decided this was where he wanted to be.
The village effect: Hospitality that holds you
When you’re travelling with a baby, “nice” isn’t enough. You start to notice practical details you might have overlooked before: shade, easy access, and quiet spaces. What stayed with me most, though, was the people.
There were moments during meals when a staff member would gently step in and distract my child, making faces and playing little games, just enough so my husband and I could eat while the food was still warm. For once, we weren’t rushing or taking turns. We were just sitting together, finishing a meal like we used to.
At one point, they even assigned someone to help look after us during our stay. Not in an over-the-top way, but quietly attentive. They checked in, remembered what we needed, and made things easier without us having to ask. And for my baby’s birthday, they arranged a cake and even decorated the room.
Simple joys: Trading sightseeing for first times
Most of our days were uneventful in the best way. We didn’t plan much. We couldn’t, even if we wanted to. Everything revolved around naps, moods and timing.
So, we kept it simple. Beach in the morning. Back to the room. Out again later.
Watching my child experience things for the first time turned out to be enough. The way he hesitated at the water, then slowly got used to it, and when, for the first time, a soft wave brushed against his face, he let out a surprised, excited laugh. When the heat became too much, we retreated to the indoor play area, which had more than enough toys and activities for him to crawl, explore, and recharge.
Reclaiming the ‘I’ in motherhood
I also realised it doesn’t always have to be all about your child every minute. One afternoon, I took some time for myself at the spa while my husband stayed with our son. That short break made a bigger difference than I expected. It was a reminder that I can look after my child and still make space for myself too.
One of the nicest parts of travelling as a mum is meeting other families. You end up chatting, swapping little tips, and sharing what worked and what didn’t; small conversations that make the experience feel lighter and more connected.
Milestones in the sand: A celebration of presence
On his birthday, we didn’t plan anything beyond just being there. No fuss, no schedule, none of the things I might have once thought were necessary to make a moment feel significant. Travel used to mean doing more, seeing more, filling the day so it felt worth it. This time, it was the opposite.
We sang, just the three of us, while the sea carried on in the background, unchanged. My baby didn’t understand the moment; he was focused on what was right in front of him—pressing his fingers into the cake and diving in without hesitation. The moment passed quickly, but it stayed with me.
Not because it was a milestone, but because it showed me how much the experience of travel had shifted. Because in that quiet, unplanned way, it felt like his birthday had landed exactly where it needed to. Just us, present, together. And that felt like more than enough.
The reshaped journey: Travelling as a mother
I used to think travel was a break from real life. Now, I travel carrying motherhood with me. Everywhere I go, it comes too. The responsibility, the awareness, the constant presence of someone who depends on me completely.
The days slowed down. The small things became enough. Even the difficult moments felt softer, like they belonged to the experience instead of interrupting it. And I realised I wasn’t trying to go back. I was learning how to travel as a mother. And for the first time, I found myself looking forward to it. To more journeys, more places, and every version of him I’ll grow alongside.
Motherhood didn’t take travel away. It reshaped it.
All photos are by and courtesy of the writer, Danisha Nair, unless otherwise stated.
