Traveling with kids…yes it’s worth it
Most people I have spoken to are pretty split on traveling with kids. Some have concerns about kid friendly vacations vs adult friendly vacations, about what ages the kids “will remember” the trips (and if they remember them will they appreciate them), is it really a vacation if you take the kids (you know doing the same “mom” stuff but in a different location). Well let me go ahead and tell you there is no magical solution to any of this, kids will be kids, and they won’t ever outgrow that ( see the pics below). But in my opinion you take them anyways. Even if they won’t remember the trip, you will (and to keep piling on the bad news their time at home is fleeting so make your memories because before you know it they are off to college).
If you want to be able to relax choose a resort or a cruise with a Kids Club. They will watch your precious cargo for you while you lounge around, take naps, go to the spa or just day drink by the pool. They have multiple hands-on nannies who will literally cater to your children; snacks, crafts, swimming, playgrounds, you name it, they will do it. I know VRBOs are very popular because they are cost effective but if you are at a resort you won’t have to cook or clean either.
As I mentioned above traveling is about making memories for yourself not necessarily the people around you. I have traveled with my kids when they wouldn’t remember anything but I remember and I cherish those memories. I have also traveled with my kids when they were old enough to remember things and on several occasions they didn’t want to be where I took them…and they made it known. Now, I tell myself that one day they will look back and appreciate all the traveling, but hey who knows maybe they won’t.
Some things to keep in mind when traveling with kids is they are going to have their ups and downs just like anyone else. I have witnessed grown adults melt down at airports, disney, hawaii, it just happens. Keep them rested, and keep them fed. Don’t stress about long flights, there will be lots of kids on the planes. I will add that a long flight is not the time to limit screen time and push no snacks between meals…let them eat and play games, pack a backpack full of new toys to keep them entertained. A plus if you travel with really young kids is that kids 2 and under fly free, stay free, normally eat free, and can go to Disney for free.
My kids have been traveling since they were young and I continue to drag them all over with me. I guess I think it’s important that they realize the world is a big place and has a lot to offer outside of the tiny little bubble that they live in.
