“Oh, that poor mom,” I thought as I watched a woman squat down in front of her sweaty toddler, who was ripping off his Mickey ears. She held his melting ice cream with the same hand she used to wipe her bangs out of her face, and some dripped on her leg. For them, this no longer felt like the happiest place on Earth. As a local, I always cringe when I’m at Disney and see a melting-down family of tourists. (The sunburn is a dead giveaway.) I think, “Nooo! This is your big vacation! You’ve spent so much money! Everything’s OK!”
Then, the tables turn, and I take my family somewhere and make the same rookie mistakes. Our expectations are too high, our itinerary too full, and I get home from vacation saying “I need a vacation.” So how can moms actually enjoy trips with kids? It’s possible! You can create memorable and enjoyable family vacations with a little planning and the right mindset. Here are 5 essential tips for how to plan a stress-free family vacation that you’ll enjoy, too.
1. Choose a Destination That Aligns with Your Kids’ Ages and Interests
We took a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains when my sons were 10 and 9. We hiked trails, rode horses… You know, mountainy things. Had we taken that trip three years earlier, I would’ve been a nervous wreck, constantly worried that someone would get hurt. It’s hard to be patient and wait for the right ages to try new adventures with your kids, but it’s worth it.
And sometimes you have to accept that a destination might not be right for your family at all. Your husband’s dream to visit all the MLB stadiums might not jibe with your non-athletic crew. Remember, you two have plenty of time without the kids once they’re out from under your wings. Make these trips as kid-friendly as possible. Selecting a destination that caters to everyone’s interests is key to an enjoyable family vacation. Consider age-appropriate activities and attractions that will keep everyone engaged and happy.
2. Avoid Exhaustion Before Your Vacation Even Begins
I’m already bummed when vacation ends. Returning to a messy house just makes it worse. I’ve learned to pick up and clean bit by bit the week before instead of staying up until 2 a.m. scrubbing toilets.
Make a plan so you can avoid starting your vacation from a place of depletion. Two weeks out, start a list and do one thing every day. Or pack a week early. Set realistic expectations for what you can get done at work. And if the beds don’t have a fresh set of sheets, trust that you’ll still sleep well when you get home. Preparing for your trip gradually can significantly reduce stress and ensure you start your family vacation feeling refreshed and ready to have fun.
3. Pack Light to Travel Easier
The less you have to carry, the easier it will be to travel. Fewer bags will also make it less likely you and your husband will bicker through gritted teeth as you play Tetris with your luggage in the trunk.
Lighten your load by asking, “Are we really going to need this?” as you pack everyone’s bags. And let the kids pack two stuffed animals, not seven. “Mr. Frog and Beary can come on the next vacation. This time, they get to hold down the fort!”
(Moms of the pre-potty trained, ignore this tip. You need the entire baby section from Target. Just bring it all, and thank your pack mule husband for carrying everything.) Traveling light is a game-changer for stress-free family trips. Less luggage means less hassle and more enjoyment for everyone.
4. Incorporate Rest into Your Schedule
Of all the tips for how to plan a family vacation, this one might be the most tempting to ignore. After all, when you spend a pretty penny to travel somewhere, the last thing you want to do is hit pause on the fun and go back to the hotel to nap or take a breather. But it’s better to have four days with a rested, happy family than seven with an overtired, bickering one.
Scheduling downtime during your family vacation is crucial for preventing meltdowns and ensuring everyone remains happy and energized throughout the trip. Even short breaks can make a big difference in overall enjoyment.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Go with the Flow
I’m a planner, and I’ve used Excel spreadsheets for more vacations than I like to admit. But once I’m in vacay-mode, one of my favorite things to say is, “Let’s see where the day takes us.” That gives you permission to let go of control, shifting everyone’s focus from what’s happening next to what’s happening now.
If you stumble upon a park and the kids are getting along while playing “pirates” on the jungle gym, don’t rush off to the next thing. Be present where you are, and you might suddenly realize you’re on vacation after all! Being flexible and adaptable to spontaneous moments is essential for a truly enjoyable family vacation. Sometimes, the best memories are made when you deviate from the plan and simply embrace the moment.
Still not convinced you can find rest on a family vacation? Listen in on this episode of the iMOM Podcast for more ideas for how to enjoy a low-stress vacation.
Creating enjoyable family vacations is achievable with thoughtful planning and a relaxed approach. What are your go-to tips for making family trips less stressful and more fun?
