Entry FeedVacation with kids can be a challenge, and so much extra work! Before Kids, Husband and I went away a lot, and far off, exotic destinations (OK, maybe not too exotic). Now, we plan, plan, and plan some more.
It seems like there is so much to do just to get away - days of laundry to ensure that everyone has the clothes that they want to take away; planning routes and stops; booking hotels far in advance to ensure that we have enough room, and there is a pool...
When I was a kid, my sisters and I used to climb into the station wagon (yes, wood-paneled!) and go on crazy long driving trips - before on-board DVDs (ok, actually before VHS if you must know). We argued over music, who got stuck on the hump, and who was in charge of getting snacks from the cooler for our parents up front. But did we have fun? Always. Like the time we went south and left the crayons to melt in the car. Or sleeping in the back of the station wagon while our parents drove through the night to get to Florida in one day (before seat belt laws). And getting there was really just half the fun.
As a parent, I know that all of the work and money of family vacation is far outweighed by the benefits of taking a vacation today.
What are some of the benefits of family vacations?
- The kids aren't getting any younger - they grow up so fast! Seriously - soon they won't want to go away with you.
- Vacations are adventure - great seeing and experiencing new things together! See something new - and the kids may even learn something while having fun.
- Get to relax together - things move a little more slowly... no schedules, fewer rules...
- Everyone is in play mode on vacations - kids get to see us on their level, playing and having fun from morning until night.
- Away from home - away from the stress, the schedules, and the daily grind. We all need to get away from it all.
- Quality AND Quantity time - Yes, together, 24 hours a day, 7 days...
- Finally, you are creating a family history. Stories that they can tell their children... a shared history is a glue that holds the family together.
Here are some suggestions for planning family vacations:
- Ensure that your location is family friendly. Kids won't have fun if they are including in something that is obviously intended for adults.
- Pool. Always a pool. Indoors all year round. Outdoors if warm enough in summer.
- Food options. Don't plan on eating out three meals a day. Kids know what they like, and you will get tired of the $10 kids meal that doesn't get eaten. Bring a cooler. Find a grocery store, and sandwich it. PB &J is always an option. Include cereals for breakfast and PRESTO - only dinner is hot.
- Know your family. Are you the museum kind? Do you sail? Camp? Love the beach? Just want to sit around a pool? Plan the bulk of the vacation and for what you know your family will love, and then add a dash of something new.
- Kids move slowly, and tire easily. DON'T OVER PLAN! They need breaks, rest-stops, and regularly scheduled meals to keep them in good spirits.
- Consider going with friends or family. People the kids already know, who have kids the same age. The more the merrier! And the kids start to entertain themselves.
- Bring games. Plan for the rainy day with family games that you never seem to have time to play at home. Great for evenings after dinner (especially if you make every vacation a vacation from TV as well)
We've taken the kids on planes, cars, and boats. Children travel well, and introducing them to travel at young age help make them ready for adventure and flexible. Family vacations are some of the best family time...
Don't forget the camera!