Parental Leave in Paradise: Rediscovering Joy with Two Under 2 in Puerto Rico

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By L. A. Ledesma

Becoming a parent is a profound journey. It’s magical, messy, exhausting, and exhilarating—often all at once. And while the world seems to tell new parents that their adventurous days are over, we found travel with little ones to be not only possible, but life-changing.

When our second child, Tiko, was born, our firstborn, Tilly, was only one. Sleepless nights, endless diapers, and healing from birth made life hectic. Yet, amidst the joy of welcoming our baby, there was something else—an ache to reclaim the part of us that had fallen in love with exploration. We wanted to rediscover the magic of travel, not just for ourselves but for our growing family. So, in the spirit of bold decisions, we took a leap during our parental leave and booked a trip to Puerto Rico.

This wasn’t our first rodeo. By Tilly’s first birthday, she had already experienced more plane rides than many adults in a year, visiting multiple countries. But this was different. Two kids under two? Nerve-wracking. As the departure date approached, excitement danced with anxiety. What were we thinking? Two parents, two lap infants, 19 hours of travel—what could possibly go wrong?

Spoiler: a lot. But also, a lot went right.

When we arrived at the airport, we were told our meticulously chosen seats were “not allowed” because the airline only had one infant oxygen mask per row. Sitting together with two lap infants was impossible. Despite multiple calls with booking agents, no one had caught this issue. Suddenly, our well-planned family seating for six legs of the trip was out the window.

If there’s one thing parenthood teaches, though, it’s resilience. We rolled with it, found a solution, and chalked it up to another challenge conquered as a family.

Our Arrival in Puerto Rico

We finally landed in San Juan, the warm beach air and the sight of the ocean instantly revived our spirits. As we watched our children sync their naps with the rhythm of the island, we couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty they bring to every moment. Our children remind us daily of the beauty in wonder, faith, and the simple miracles we often overlook.

What followed was two weeks of sun-kissed beaches, coconut breezes, and tropical flavours—an experience that was both exhilarating and healing. Puerto Rico offered not just a vacation, but a journey of rest and rejuvenation

One of the most magical moments came when we learned about the Bioluminescent Bay near La Parguera. We had heard it was a must-see, but could we really brave it with an 8-week-old and a toddler? A chance conversation with a local woman, who generously offered to take us out on her family’s boat, opened up an unforgettable adventure. We decided to dare.

It was 11 p.m. (yes, well past bedtime.) Under a blanket of stars and moonlight, we found ourselves gliding through still waters, far from the noisy crowds. As my husband and Tilly swam in the glowing ocean, the water shimmered with bioluminescence like something out of a dream. I sat on the edge of the boat, our newborn asleep in my arms, with my feet dangling in the warm, glowing water. There we were—four of us, soaking in a moment so surreal it felt like a fairytale.

Our daughter still talks about the “sparkly magic water” to this day, and even if she doesn’t remember every detail, the experience is woven into the fabric of her growing identity. During our travel adventures, we have learned that in our children’s laughter and curiosity, we glimpse the divine gift of new beginnings. A reminder that every journey, like theirs, is full of hope and grace.

Is Travelling with Littles Worth It?

People often ask if travelling with kids this young is even worth it—after all, they may not remember it.

But we’ve learned that while they might not recall every destination or every little moment, what they do experience shapes them in unseen ways. It fosters curiosity, resilience, and an openness to the world that’s foundational, even if the memories are more in our hearts than theirs.

Then there was San Juan. The old-world charm of the forts and castles, the vibrant streets of Condado, the feeling of sand between tiny toes and the warm ocean air on our faces. It wasn’t just a trip, it was therapy. The sun, the sea, and the slowness of island life offered us the chance to reset, reconnect, and rest. In those moments, we found healing from the sleepless nights and the newborn haze.

Through the window of parental leave, Puerto Rico’s coastline reminded us that even in the heart of newborn parenthood, adventure and renewal await on the horizon.

In the U.S., there’s a rush to get women back to work within weeks of giving birth, often squashing the bonding time that the “fourth trimester” so desperately needs. But through travel, we discovered something powerful: the way adventure creates space for healing, for joy, and for shared experiences that draw families closer. In those early postpartum days, travel wasn’t a luxury; it was a lifeline.

Puerto Rico, with its vibrant culture and serene landscapes, became the canvas for our family’s second postpartum chapter. A place where adventure didn’t just remain possible with two under two, it blossomed into something even more beautiful. The laughter of our children, their wide-eyed wonder, and the shared moments of joy made every experience richer and every memory more precious.

So, to all the parents out there, overwhelmed by the logistics and anxieties of travelling with little ones, we say this: Pack your bags, and take the leap. Sure, there may be hiccups along the way. But the moments of magic and connection during parental leave far outweigh the challenges. 

Parental Leave Reflections & Future Plans

As we reflect on our time in Puerto Rico, one thing is clear: Travel has a unique way of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, and when we open ourselves up to those experiences, we rediscover parts of ourselves we may have forgotten.

In the grand embrace of nature, where the ocean kisses the sky and the wind whispers through the palms, we found a healing far deeper than rest—an unspoken renewal that mended the tender places postpartum had left behind. And sometimes, those discoveries come with sparkling magic water under a midnight sky.


About the Author

With an insatiable wanderlust, adventures for the author began long before parenthood, exploring iconic destinations such as Rome, Santorini, and Athens on a honeymoon, and countless U.S. locales along the way. Upon welcoming children into the world, a deep desire emerged to ensure they grow up immersed in the vastness and beauty of the world; understanding our small place in the face of its wonders. Now, as the parent of three young explorers—all under the age of three—these journeys continue, with each trip introducing the little ones to the transformative power of travel.

From the sun-kissed beaches of Hawaii to the cobbled streets of France, the lush landscapes of Croatia, the vibrant colours of India, the historic charm of Portugal, and the serene beauty of Puerto Rico, each destination holds a special place on the family’s travel map. Before their first birthdays, each child had already visited numerous countries during parental leave, leaving tiny footprints on breathtaking places. For this family, travel is not just about the destinations; it’s about fostering curiosity, building resilience, and creating a lifetime of shared memories.

Their new book, Fun-Sized Explorers: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Traveling with Infants and Toddlers, is filled with practical tips, expert hacks, and heartwarming stories from these adventures. A must-read for parents eager to explore the world with their little ones in tow.

Follow them on Facebook for new releases, upcoming itineraries, and travel insights and don’t forget to grab a copy of Fun-Sized Explorers on Amazon!

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