Ah, the word “vacation” — it conjures images of blissful escapes, right? You might envision serene cabins in the woods, sun-soaked days by the beach, or fun-filled adventures at an amusement park. You dream of laughter, photo ops, and that elusive moment of relaxation… that is, until you factor in the kids. Suddenly, it’s not a vacation at all; it’s just a trip. An expensive one, at that. And good luck finding any rest, especially if you have the pleasure of traveling with in-laws who might just add to the chaos.
So, if you find yourself burning through cash, squabbling with your partner, and eagerly awaiting the moment the kids finally crash—except now, you’re in a hotel room instead of your living room—congratulations, you’re officially on a family getaway! Isn’t parenting fantastic?
My friend Laura is already stressing about our upcoming family trip next summer. Family vacations are always a hassle, and I’m not looking forward to it. We’re planning a Disney trip and want to enjoy our time without the added drama of family bickering or worrying about kids near the water.
Confessions of a Family Vacation
Confessional #12345678: My sister-in-law is insisting on a joint vacation this summer. Sorry, but her personality is unbearable, and her kids are little terrors. No way that’s happening!
Confessional #12345679: Our first big family vacation with my husband, kids, parents, sister and her partner, and my brother. It’s going to be a nightmare because my mom is a total control freak. We’re taking our kids and doing our own thing for the rest of the trip.
It’s been a relief not having to see my sister-in-law during the pandemic, but now that things are opening back up, she’s pushing for a vacation together—HARD PASS! I’d rather have a root canal than spend a week with them.
Family vacations can be exhausting enough on their own, but throw in extended family, and suddenly, you’re questioning all your life choices.
Planning a family trip often involves praying your teenage stepdaughter doesn’t tag along, as she can turn it into a nightmare by acting like a spoiled brat while FaceTiming her mom.
Confessional #12345680: I’m sitting alone with a glass of wine on our “family vacation” because my stepdaughter will throw a tantrum if her dad spends time with me instead of her. It’s sad for him, but I’m tired of having to endure her behavior.
After my first vaccinated trip, I remembered just how dreadful vacations with kids can be. I think I’ll just travel with my husband from now on—taking the kids is exhausting!
When they’re young, you might mistakenly believe trips will improve as they get older. That’s a myth! Teenagers are just as demanding, if not more so.
Confessional #12345681: My vacation is almost over, and it’s been ruined because my husband took time off at the same time. I desperately needed a day or two to myself. I’m completely drained.
The reality is that if you genuinely want to relax, you need someone else to take care of the kids. Family trips can create lasting memories and plenty of adorable photos, but they offer zero time to recharge.
I’ll never vacation with a group of “friends” again. Why would I want to be surrounded by fake experiences and fake people? No thanks.
And if it’s not your kids making your vacation a hassle, it’s your partner. Can a mom ever get a break?
Confessional #12345682: I just want to enjoy some peace and quiet on vacation.
Parents should automatically be granted a second vacation (child-free) as soon as they return from a family trip.
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Despite all the chaos, we still cherish capturing those magical moments when our kids experience joy—whether it’s meeting a Disney princess or having a blast at the beach. Sure, there will be some grumbling along the way, but we’ll catch up on rest once the kids are grown and Grandma is too frail to join us. Until then, don’t forget to pack those edibles!
For more insights on family dynamics, you can also check out this other blog post here.
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