I wish I could claim that it sounded like a great plan back then, but that would be a stretch.
I’ve traveled before with my children, specifically my 5-year-old and my newborn. While those trips had their moments of enjoyment, they hardly fit the traditional definition of a vacation. A vacation typically embodies relaxation, rejuvenation, and perhaps even a good book or two. However, traveling with kids transforms the experience entirely.
This time around, I was bringing along my 5-year-old and my 3-month-old baby. Let’s be honest—I wasn’t expecting much in terms of downtime.
So, no, it didn’t feel like a smart choice—before, during, or after the trip. We did share some joyful moments. While trips with kids might not equate to a classic vacation, they are certainly more enjoyable than sitting in an office worrying about deadlines. So let’s focus on the positives!
Surprisingly, the flight was manageable. The baby slept the entire journey, which avoided any drama from fellow passengers, and thankfully, no meltdowns occurred. My 5-year-old also handled the flight well, staying entertained with movies and requesting more snacks. The flight was relatively short (about four hours), and we made it through unscathed. Our accommodations were fantastic—a beachfront hotel featuring two easily accessible pools and a poolside bar, which made transporting our gear a lot simpler. The weather was delightful, the food delicious, and the atmosphere family-friendly.
Challenges Along the Way
Now onto the challenges. Grab a comfy seat; this might take a while…
Despite the smooth flight, there was a little hiccup—I had to deal with an unexpected diaper blowout 35,000 feet in the air. As for my 5-year-old, he was glued to his screen but also had a knack for breaking the rules by leaving his seat, and those snacks he kept asking for? They were either out of reach, nonexistent, or cost an arm and a leg.
The hotel was so appealing that my 5-year-old refused to leave it. He spent hours watching the SpongeBob movie playing in the lobby, and, of course, I had to stay with him because, for some reason, 5-year-olds can’t be left unattended. The baby managed to survive his beach outing without sunburn or dehydration, thanks to the portable shade we brought along and the multitude of sunscreen and silly hats I carried. Carrying all that gear probably helped me shed a few pounds, so there’s that silver lining.
One of my main objectives on vacation is to sleep in. There are no buses to catch, no bosses to impress, and no reason to rise before 9 a.m. However, the baby’s sleep patterns took a hit in unfamiliar surroundings, leading to a few restless nights, and my 5-year-old mysteriously woke up at 5:30 every morning, eager to resume his viewing of the SpongeBob saga he had already memorized. Clearly, extra sleep was off the table.
As is common at vacation spots, food prices were steep, which would have been acceptable had my son not refused to eat anything we bought. Drinks were overpriced too, and we ended up blowing our budget trying to drown our frustrations about traveling with two young kids. Souvenirs were ridiculously priced, and my son managed to lose or break everything we purchased. Even babysitters came at a premium, and our kids were not exactly the quietest companions.
At the end of the week, we spent a significant amount of money to escape our daily routine and create memorable experiences with our children. We achieved both, despite one child being too young to recall any details and the other mostly remembering every single line from that SpongeBob movie.
Vacations can be enjoyable. Parenting is rewarding (yes, really—just bear with me). But traveling with kids presents its own set of challenges. It has its highlights, and despite the hurdles, it’s likely worth it in the end. However, it’s a far cry from the carefree days of pre-parenthood. After becoming a parent, everything shifts—for better or worse.
When it comes to vacations, it’s often more challenging.
This article was originally published on June 1, 2023.
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Summary
Traveling with kids may not resemble a traditional vacation, but it brings its own set of joys and challenges. While you might not get the relaxation you hoped for, the experience can be rewarding and memorable, even if it’s nothing like the carefree days of your past.