Traveling used to be a source of joy for me, whether it was by plane, car, or on foot. However, since becoming a parent to two toddlers, my enthusiasm has waned considerably. While my friends and even my partner might not see eye to eye with me, I often find myself opting to hire a babysitter for a weekend escape instead of dealing with the chaos of traveling with kids. I cherish the memories my parents created for me as a child through travel, and I plan to do the same for my children—just not until they’re older. So, dear family and friends, here’s why the kids won’t be joining us on our next adventure:
1. Extensive Preparation
It may sound simple, but parents will understand the sheer volume of items required for a day out. Multiply that by several days, and you’ll glimpse our packing list. There are preparations for every possible scenario: weather changes, accidents, and various activities. And then there’s the debate over packing a favorite toy—do you risk losing it or face the consequences of not having it for bedtime?
2. The Travel Experience
No matter the mode of transportation, the journey is strenuous. The excitement from the kids lasts roughly 15 minutes before they start asking, “Are we there yet?” An hour in, they’ve exhausted their snacks and activities, leaving only candy and possibly medications to keep them calm. By the time we arrive, we look like we’ve just completed an extreme endurance race.
3. Arrival Excitement
Upon reaching our destination, their excitement can be compared to winning the lottery—loud shrieks, jumping, and running abound. Calming them down is nearly impossible, especially after they’ve been awake since dawn. This is often when the overtired meltdowns kick in.
4. Mealtime Challenges
It doesn’t matter what I pack or what is offered; mealtime is a battleground. The noodles are the wrong shape, the cheese smells odd, or they insist they are simply not hungry. This leads to an endless negotiation over food, with snacks from my bag being the last resort. One meal down, and I brace myself for the next.
5. Bedtime Struggles
Without a doubt, bedtime is the most challenging aspect of traveling with kids. I dream of the day they’re old enough to sleep in their own little sleeping bags. For now, they require the comfort of their own beds, which is crucial in unfamiliar environments. If you’re fortunate enough to have separate rooms, a strange noise can easily wake them, leading to a night filled with discussions about what every sound is.
While kids may enjoy spending time with family and friends, the bulk of the trip revolves around managing their needs, which can lead to fatigue for everyone involved. I look forward to vacations where I can relax and unwind as an adult. If you’d like to see the kids, let’s arrange a visit at our home. We’d love to host you and show you all the quirks of our space before bedtime.
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Summary
Traveling with young children can be overwhelming due to the extensive preparation required, the challenges of travel days, the excitement upon arrival, mealtime difficulties, and bedtime struggles. While family time is important, the exhaustion that comes from managing children’s needs often overshadows the joy of travel. For now, I embrace adult-only getaways and look forward to future adventures when my children are older.