The term vacation often conjures up images of blissful relaxation—whether it’s a serene cabin retreat in the mountains, sunny days at the beach, or magical moments at a theme park. You might envision laughter, memorable photos, and a chance to unwind. However, if you’re a parent, that illusion is quickly shattered. What was once a vacation is now merely a trip, and a costly one at that. Instead of relaxation, you often find yourself more drained than before you left. And let’s not forget the added joy of traveling with in-laws, complete with micromanagement and complaints about your kids’ behavior.
Ah, the joys of family vacations! If your getaway involves burning cash, arguing with your partner, and eagerly awaiting your children’s bedtime—only in a different city—then congratulations, you’re on a family “vacation.” Isn’t parenthood wonderful?
My mom is already hounding us about a major family trip next summer, but honestly, vacations with them are just too stressful. We’re heading to Disney and spending enough money to avoid listening to any bickering or worrying over the kids near the water!
Confessions of a Family Vacation
Confession #12345678: My sister-in-law is really pushing for a joint vacation this summer. Sorry, but I can’t stand her attitude, and her kids? Not happening!
Confession #12345679: Our first big family trip is approaching—me, my partner, our kids, my parents, my sister, and her boyfriend. It’s our first and last. My mom’s constant control is making everyone miserable. We’re taking our kids and doing our own thing for the rest of the trip.
Confession #12345680: I’ve enjoyed not seeing my sister-in-law and brother-in-law during the pandemic, but now that things are opening up, she’s desperate for a vacation together—hard pass! I’d rather endure a root canal than spend time with them.
Confession #12345681: Traveling with your own kids is exhausting enough, but throw in extended family, and suddenly you’re questioning every life choice you’ve made.
Planning a big family vacation is usually accompanied by anxiety. You hope your teenage stepdaughter doesn’t tag along, as she’s likely to act spoiled and ruin everything while facetiming with her mother the entire time.
Confession #12345682: I’m sipping wine alone on our so-called “family vacation” because my stepdaughter will throw a tantrum if my husband spends time with me instead of her. It’s tough being stuck in the middle.
Confession #12345683: Our first vaccinated getaway reminded me that traveling with kids (3 and 12) is utterly draining. From now on, I just want to travel with my partner. Dealing with a sleepless toddler and a whiny tween? No thanks.
Confession #12345684: When kids are young and tiring, you might think things will improve as they grow. Wrong. Teenagers are just as demanding, if not more expensive.
As the vacation comes to a close, my husband took his time off at the same time as me, ruining my chance for a break. I needed at least a day or two to myself!
Confession #12345685: I stopped cleaning a month ago, hoping someone else would help out. Nope! Now I get to spend my vacation day cleaning because no one else lifts a finger. And my partner wants me to cut the grass today too? Haha, no way.
Confession #12345686: Just two days before our vacation, my husband asks what else we can do besides sit on the beach. Why is he bringing this up now? He might as well stay home; our child and I will have a great time without him.
And if it’s not your kids making your trip feel like anything but a vacation, it’s your partner. Why can’t moms catch a break?
I don’t want to go on vacation with the kids. I just want to relax!
Confession #12345687: Parents should automatically receive a second (child-free) vacation as soon as they return from a trip with their kids.
Confession #12345688: I swear one of my kids gets sick either the night before or the first night of every vacation we plan. There goes our Fourth of July—ugh!
The harsh reality is that if you truly need to unwind, you require someone else to take care of your kids. Sure, vacationing with them might yield fun memories and plenty of photos, but it offers no real rest.
I will never vacation with my “friends” again. Destinations filled with fake experiences and people? No, thanks.
Confession #12345689: Once again, we’re splitting the costs for a vacation rental, but we’re stuck with the uncomfortable pull-out couch. How is that fair?
Confession #12345690: At 30 years old, nearly every camping trip or vacation I’ve had has coincided with my period! Why?!
Confession #12345691: So far, the only thing keeping me sane on this “vacation” is some edibles.
And then there are all the other not-so-pleasant factors—getting stuck on a bad pull-out couch, dealing with your period, or navigating the drama with friends who make you feel like you’re back in middle school. None of this aligns with the idyllic vacation you envisioned.
Despite all this, there’s a reason we keep doing it. We love capturing the delight on our kids’ faces when they meet Disney princesses, catch waves at the beach, or camp under the stars. Yes, it might involve enduring a trip to the Grand Canyon with difficult in-laws, but we’ll take our rest when the kids are grown and Grandma can’t join us anymore. Until then, better pack those edibles.
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Summary
Family vacations often turn out to be exhausting trips rather than relaxing getaways, especially when kids and extended family are involved. The experience frequently leads to stress, arguments, and a longing for a true break. Despite the chaos, capturing joyful moments with children during these trips is a significant reason parents continue to take them.