I once relished every opportunity to travel, whether it was by plane, car, or foot. The thrill of adventure was unmatched. However, after having two little ones under five, my perspective has dramatically shifted. While my friends and even my partner may not share my sentiments, I often find myself preferring to pay for a babysitter for a weekend escape rather than enduring a family trip. Don’t misunderstand; I cherish the idea of creating memories with my children. My own parents took me on countless excursions, and I have fond memories of those experiences. I do intend to travel with my kids in the future, but only when they’re a bit older. So, dear Grandma and friends, here’s why the kids won’t be joining us this time around:
1. Overwhelming Preparation
It seems simple, but those who have attempted it understand the chaos. The amount of gear a child requires for an outing is already astonishing. Now multiply that by ten, and you have an idea of our packing list. I’ve created lists for my lists! Considerations for weather, possible accidents, and activities abound. Do I risk leaving behind their beloved nighttime companion, or do I face the consequences of a sleepless night without it?
2. The Travel Saga
Regardless of the mode of transport, it’s always a struggle. The children are bubbling with excitement until just minutes into the journey when they start asking how much longer until we arrive. An hour in, and the snacks are gone; twenty minutes later, they have exhausted the activities I prepared. All that remains are sugary treats and a possibly regrettable dose of Benadryl. By the time we reach our destination, we look as if we’ve run a marathon—twice.
3. The Arrival Experience
Upon arriving, witnessing my children’s reaction is akin to how I would feel if I won the lottery! Their excitement is through the roof—shrieking, jumping, and racing around, risking injury. Even though they’ve been awake since the crack of dawn, calming them down proves impossible. This is the definition of overstimulated!
4. Mealtime Challenges
No matter what I bring or what is offered, mealtime becomes a dreaded affair. There’s always a complaint: “This noodle isn’t right.” “This cheese looks funny.” Or worse, “I’m not hungry.” Thus begins the battle. I chop up noodles, stir the cheese sauce, and remove suspicious green specks. When nothing works, I resort to whatever snacks I can find in my purse. One meal down, and we’re still at it.
5. Nighttime Woes
Without a doubt, bedtime is the part of traveling I dread most. I long for the day when my children are old enough to sleep comfortably in their own sleeping bags adorned with their favorite characters. For now, they depend on the familiarity of their beds, especially in an unfamiliar space. If by luck they each get their own room, it’s perfect until odd noises or shadows disrupt their sleep. The entire night devolves into discussions about what each noise signifies, while I miss out on the fun with friends who are enjoying their evening.
While it’s wonderful for the kids to reconnect with family and friends, that joy accounts for only a fraction of the trip. The remainder of the time, I’m focused on their needs—hungry, tired, possibly constipated, and sick. It’s a taxing experience for everyone, especially me. My vacation quickly turns into a series of managing demands while navigating the ups and downs of travel. So for now, I’m looking forward to some adult-only trips. Want to see the kids? Let’s host a visit at our home. We’d love to have you and promise to show you all the shadows in your guest room before bedtime.
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Summary
Traveling with young children can be a daunting task filled with preparation, challenges during travel, and difficulties at mealtime and bedtime. While the excitement of arrival is palpable, it often leads to exhaustion for the parents. For a more enjoyable experience, some parents choose to travel without children, reserving family adventures for when the kids are older.