First things first. Let’s set it straight. Traveling with kids isn’t exactly a vacation; it’s a trip.
I recently got back from Kennebunk, Maine, with my husband and our two kids (3 & 6). While it was so nice to have time off from work and my daily responsibilities like cleaning, packing lunches, meeting deadlines, and attending meetings, it was also a challenging and tiring experience. IYKYK.
The Highs of Vacationing with Young Kids
- A change of scenery is good for everyone
- Much-needed time off from the work grind
- Unlocking core memories in special places
- Not being rushed in the mornings with school and work
- New experiences for us all
- Extra hands for helping (my immediate family was also in Maine)
- Kid-friendly beaches and museums
- Ice cream dates (is there such a thing as too much ice cream on vacay?)
- Bumping into other families and meeting new little friends
- Awesome new playgrounds
- Family walks in beautiful areas
- Nostalgia (it’s fun visiting spots I went to as a kid!)
- Napping beachside in the car while my toddler naps
The Lows of Vacationing with Young Kids
- Pre-trip Packing (oh, so much packing)
- Routines get thrown way off
- Awkward or unusual sleeping arrangements
- Bedtime battles
- Picky eating at restaurants
- Stress
- Meltdowns
- Lots of time in the car
- Sandy messes everywhere
- Poopy diaper-changing on the beach
- Whiny toddlers
- Coming home to loads of laundry
- Figuring out how to get back on our routine after so many days off
I’m sure so many can relate to this highs & lows list. Just know, the vacation highs always outweigh the lows. When you look back, which I often do on so many of the trips we’ve been on with the kids, I always remember the good stuff. The special family bonding time really can’t be beat.
My kids are still very young, and I can imagine that traveling with them will get easier over time. For right now, in the thick of it, it can really be a lot.
Now… where’s my vacation from vacation?
