Traveling with Children Without Needing a Vacation from Your Vacation

Traveling with children can be such a demanding and stressful situation that it doesn’t feel like a vacation at all, but vacationing can also be a valuable form of self-care. Being intentional about taking time away from hectic home and work schedules while exploring new locations is a great means of taking care of your mental and emotional health, and vacationing with your children provides wonderful opportunities for family bonding and memory making. As we approach the height of traveling season, let’s explore some tips for making your vacation with children a restful and memorable experience for all.

Set a Budget, and Stick to It

Your vacation won’t be filled with rest and relaxation if you’re stressed about the cost of each activity, meal, and accommodation. Kids, especially, don’t need luxury resorts or fine dining to feel like they’re having the adventure of a lifetime. In order to keep your stress level low, select a destination that fits comfortably within your budget, and stick to that budget. Going into debt to fund a vacation defeats the purpose of vacationing altogether!

Maintain Reasonable Expectations

When planning a family vacation, make sure your expectations are age-appropriate and reasonable. Flying to Fiji might seem like the trip of a lifetime, but your toddler may not fare so well on such a long flight. When you select your destination, select one that is a comfortable distance from your home for the age and disposition of your travel companions. Some children are great travelers and can fly around the world, whereas others are miserable after an hour in the car. You know your kids best. In order to make certain that everyone enjoys their time, choose a destination that fits your family’s personality. The same is true when planning activities. Some kids can go all day, and other children need daily naps. Maintaining reasonable expectations about the type and duration of activities is a great way to make sure your vacation is as low-stress as possible.

Create an Itinerary, But Maintain Flexibility

Planning ahead, especially when children are involved, is always prudent. Having an itinerary can help ease stress by reducing the need for on-the-spot decision making. If your kids are old enough, allow them to have input into the itinerary. When you have a list of activities that you would like to try, prioritize them. Your lowest priority items can be optional. If you’re having a great day and are filled with energy, you can include those low-priority items on the itinerary. If everyone is tired and needs a rest, then you can eliminate the optional activities and engage in some self-care by taking some downtime instead.

Pack Smart

You can help reduce travel-related stress by packing well. Overpacking just results in crowded vehicles and excess baggage fees. Making sure you have weather appropriate clothes, a basic first aid kid, and snacks and drinks will guarantee that each member of your traveling party is comfortable, well-fed, and hydrated. If your travel involves babies and toddlers and if it fits within your budget, you can reduce what you must pack by renting baby gear at your destination.

Keep Your Priorities Straight

People have different goals when they travel. Some want to relax and unwind, while others want to experience new languages and cultures. Some travelers seek adventure and physical exertion. Keep whatever is important to you in mind. Memories can be made and family bonding can happen whether you’re relaxing at a five-star resort, camping at a state park, mountain climbing in the Alps, or anything in between. Identify what’s important to you and your family members when you travel, and make sure that what’s important to you remains a priority throughout your time away from home.

Engage in Self-Care

Parenting at home and parenting on vacation can be stressful, so don’t forget to engage in self-care. Take a walk, write about your experiences in a journal, stretch your body, stay hydrated, and only say “yes” to activities that promote your well-being. Parents often plan vacations around their children’s desires, but caregivers must practice self-care in order to be the best version of themselves.

Consider Coming Home a Day Early

While it’s tempting to maximize the number of vacation days, consider returning a day earlier than you must be home. Giving yourself a day to unpack, do laundry, replenish groceries, and pick up pets from boarding facilities allows you to re-enter your usual routine in a stress-free manner. Not affording yourself the opportunity to be prepared to resume your typical work and school schedule is a recipe for feeling as though you need a vacation from your vacation.

As you make your travel plans this summer, remember that family vacations do not have to be stressful and tiring. Plan ahead, consider the needs of each member of your group, and be gracious with yourself and others, and your trip can be fun-filled and relaxing. Prioritize your self-care, pack smart, and document your trip. Use this opportunity to bond with all the members of your group, and you will create memories to last a lifetime. Bon voyage!

If you’re ready to contact a therapist about a self-care plan this summer, click the button below to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.