Vacationing with kids is basically a crap shoot. You never know how it’s going to go. You’re uprooting everyone from your stable chaos at home and jumping right into an unstable chaos somewhere else.
Going into a family vacation with realistic expectations is crucial. The number one thing we try to remember is that everyone is on vacation… kids and adults alike.
While adults might love a change of scenery… kids thrive on routine, safe spaces, and familiar comforts. On vacation, their entire world flips for a few days, and that’s a big deal.
We have to prioritize things like naps, downtime, extra snuggles, and open conversations about how it’s okay to express our feelings throughout the vacation. Acknowledging that they’re adjusting too makes a huge difference in how the whole trip goes.
We started traveling when Cora was around three years old. Our first family trip was to Myrtle Beach—the same trip we got engaged. I’ll remember it forever. But what I’ll also remember is the moment I realized that vacationing with kids is tough. Beautiful….Yes, but not easy. The sooner you accept that, the better it gets for everyone.
Then there was Disney World when Cora was six. Hands down, our worst vacation experience to date. We spent a small fortune just to walk through those gates, and within 15 minutes, we wanted to turn around and leave. She was in a horrible mood all day..tired, overstimulated, overwhelmed, and unsure how to handle her emotions. The one smile we got? When she saw Rapunzel. That was it.
Lesson learned:
1. She doesn’t even remember that trip now.
2. Our expectations were way too high.. for us and for her.
That experience changed how we vacation. Now, we slow down, plan rest periods, go to bed early enough to have snuggles and decompress, but most importantly, we talk about everyone’s vacation hopes ahead of time (this has been a game changer).
Aidric always wants to swim and hit the arcade. We may not hit the arcade on day one, but he knows what to expect, and we make sure he gets his time too. Cora likes to read in seculded pleaces.. we always scout out a cozy, tucked-away spot for her. Knowing what each person hopes for helps us create a trip that feels good to everyone.
Let’s be real… meltdowns and chaos are inevitable. They just are. How you handle those moments will make or break your trip. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being prepared, flexible, and kind.
James and I have been together for almost 20 years. Over time, we’ve learned how to balance each other out. I’ve worked hard to be understanding… understand where others are coming from and what they’re feeling. That’s helped me in motherhood, marriage, and vacation mode. Being on vacation, especially as a family, is weirdly hard.
In the U.S., we live such scheduled, busy lives. When we finally slow down, it’s like we don’t even know how to relax. Some families stick to a vacation schedule, others completely wing it. Some plan every detail, others go with the flow. No matter your style, just remember: your kids are on vacation too. And they need your grace just as much as you need that margarita.
Brandy
FamAbLE 