How to Make a Vacation Feel Like a Vacation Even with Kids

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How to Make a Vacation Feel Like a Vacation Even with Kids

Let’s be honest… vacationing with kids can feel like more work than staying home. But with a little strategy and the right mindset, your trip can feel like a true vacation for everyone… including you.

Here’s how to actually enjoy your time away, even with little ones in tow:

1. Pick the Right Destination for Your Family

Choose places designed with kids in mind. This makes all the difference.

• Family-friendly cruises like Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line (which welcomes kids as young as 6 months) offer built-in entertainment and childcare so everyone can relax. There is a fee per hour for 6 months to 3 years, but it the best money we spent! From 3 years and over it is complimentary and we are so excited now that our youngest turned 3 this year and is potty trained!
• Theme parks like Disney or Universal are designed for all ages and can create magical memories. There's many rides without height requirements and the whole family can enjoy. For the rides with height requirements, you swap and take turns. Plus, kids 2 and under are free! Lastly, there are also many theme park sitter services in Orlando who can come to your hotel room or theme park and help out. 
• All-inclusive resorts that cater to kids’ specific age groups make vacationing seamless. Some, like Beaches, welcome newborns, while others may require children to be age 4 and potty-trained.

Knowing what age ranges these destinations cater to can truly make or break your trip.

2. Bring a Second Set of Hands

If your destination doesn’t offer complimentary or paid childcare or in-room babysitting, consider bringing a family member (hello, grandparents!) or hiring help.

We offer vacation and destination wedding babysitting so you can enjoy a date night or just some quiet time, knowing your little ones are cared for. Feel free to schedule a complimentary meeting! 

3. Have Patience and Realistic Expectations

This isn’t an adults-only getaway and that is okay. You may still be changing diapers or dealing with meltdowns, but you’re doing it somewhere beautiful. Personally, I’d rather change diapers at sea or at Disney than at home.

Many people, even family or friends, may question why travel with kids who may not remember, but it's not about them, it's about you enjoying your kids and not the daily tasks of cooking or making your bed. It's a nice break from everyday life. It's a time to be able to spend with them and enjoy them or time to have plenty of date nights and connect with your partner. 

4. Trust That Kids Will Adapt

Children are resilient. They adjust to time zones, new routines, theme park characters, and different beds faster than we think. Mine now look forward to hotel stays and love exploring new places. (Just a tip: disconnect the hotel phone first thing unless you want them calling housekeeping every five minutes!)

5. Don’t Overschedule

This is a common mistake. Jam-packing your itinerary leads to stress and rushed moments. Instead, plan just one or two main activities a day with plenty of downtime in between.

Give yourselves space to breathe.

I believe that many parents blame the kids for feeling like the vacation wasn't a vacation, but even in an adults-only vacation when you overschedule, you lead yourself to stress and rushed moments and then needing a vacation from the vacation. 

6. Build in Time to Actually Relax

If you’re paying for a resort, not just a place to sleep, enjoy it! Schedule pool days, sit in the hot tub, watch movies under the stars, or enjoy a cocktail while the kids are at the kids’ club.

Make rest part of your itinerary, not an afterthought.

Our bodies are like batteries and we need time to recharge. I understand for some, it may feel like you need to do everything and see everything, but that's how you get yourself exhausted and unable to enjoy your time away from home. 

Also, take into consideration the weather. If it's going to be hot, you will need time recuperate if you're not used to it. (Hint hint: summer in Florida lol) 

Remember: traveling with kids won’t look like your pre-parenthood vacations, but it can still feel magical, rejuvenating, and fun. With the right destination, support, and mindset, you really can enjoy the moment.

Let us know how we can help you plan a trip that’s just as refreshing for you as it is fun for the whole family.

With care and gratitude, 

Cruise Planners - Ana & Travis 

702-482-7774