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Parenting
Why Take a Family Vacation?
by Emily Thompson
Updated: December 1, 2023
Originally Published: July 24, 2016
Vacationing before kids can be a blissful escape. You unwind, savor delightful cocktails, indulge in late-night escapades, and relish sleeping in. However, when children enter the picture (some of whom may have been conceived during those idyllic trips), the question arises: is it even worth it anymore?
Family vacations often come with their own set of challenges. Kids squabble, whine, and complain just as much—if not more—than they do at home. If I’m going to deal with that chaos, I’d rather stay home where I can send them to their rooms if they misbehave and enjoy the comfort of my own bed. Kids often don’t grasp the concept of “vacation” as a break from routine, and as a parent, it’s a whole new ballgame.
They struggle to sleep. Convincing children to settle down in an unfamiliar setting is often more challenging than teaching them basic hygiene. The excitement of new surroundings leads to endless exploration, and when they finally start to drift off, they suddenly find the bed uncomfortable, resulting in a rather tense family dynamic.
Finding food that appeals to them is another hurdle. If a restaurant doesn’t have their favorite nuggets, they’re likely to burst into tears over the menu. Breakfast options that don’t include their specific cereal can lead to pouting, leaving you feeling fantastic about their lack of sleep and subpar meals. But hey, let the fun begin, right?
Then there’s the dreaded loss of their beloved “lovey.” The moment you realize it’s been left behind, you might as well turn around and head home. The constant reminders of what they can’t do without their precious stuffed animal can be exhausting.
Overstimulation is a common issue for both kids and adults. Everyone seems to suffer from the “What’s Next?” syndrome when on vacation. Days filled with activities and new sights can lead to an overwhelming desire for more stuff, more experiences, and more everything.
Bathroom breaks become an adventure of their own. While out and about, you’ll find yourself endlessly searching for restrooms, as someone always needs to pee or get changed. At times, it feels like you should have just booked a vacation in a restroom instead.
Exhaustion sets in. I’m convinced a mother coined the term “I need a vacation from my vacation.” The kids are thrown off their routine, living on a diet of grilled cheese and French fries, and their sleep schedules are in disarray. You may even find their behavior remains problematic for a week after returning home, yet you still snap photos of these “wonderful” moments.
Despite the chaos, we continue to embark on family vacations. In hindsight, the beautiful, transformative experiences shine brighter than the struggles. Soon enough, you’ll find yourself planning the next adventure with rose-tinted optimism.
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In summary, while family vacations can be chaotic and exhausting, they are often worthwhile for the lasting memories they create. You might find yourself looking back fondly on those moments, despite the bumps along the way.