Family Vacation Survival Guide

Family. Vacation.

What do those two words bring to mind? A few of my initial thoughts: STRESS, sleepless nights, tantrums, LOTS of togetherness, fun(ny) memories, STRESS, etc…

I’m a huge planner, and I find that making lists and not procrastinating (I know, harder to say than do) are my two biggest tools to survival in both every day life and on vacation. So here goes: I’m giving (yes, giving) you my guide to Family Vacation Survival, and hopefully you’ll not only survive, but also thrive and make memories to last a lifetime while you’re at it.

7-10 Days Pre-Trip

Finalize your lodging. Whether that’s a camping site, hotel, VRBO or AirBnb. And I mean all of the places you stop at along the way to your final destination also. Make a plan, and get that weight of not-knowing off your shoulders. I know a lot of people prefer to randomly stop off the highway if it’s a road trip, but that ain’t me, honey. My husband sent me a full route, including stops, of our trip 5 days prior to leaving, and that’s how I like it. Sure, we’ll be flexible if things happen (cough, vomiting children, cough), but I’ve got a guideline, and now I’m good (well, a little better).

Make lists. Lists are my biggest love in life (after my children and husband — calm down). And lucky for you, I’ve made lists already.

 

 

 

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If you’re not going to a resort where you need to book the dolphin excursion 5 years before you travel, the time to research Activities and Excursions is now. I generally like to ask on local Facebook groups for tried and true activities that people in my community have already done at the location. I even find that there are some avid road trippers out there who are more than happy to share their advice (and the least disgusting rest stops). It can also never hurt to Google/Yelp “Things to do in Timbuktu with 2 screaming banshee children”.

1-3 Days Pre-Trip

Deep breaths. You’re going to be in paradise (or a living Hell) really soon. Let’s hope for the first option, and figure out how to make it happen. I like to start packing a couple of nights before the trip. “Packing” doesn’t necessarily mean putting things in suitcases, but it could just be pulling out certain things that you won’t need until the trip, and setting them aside, only to be destroyed 15 minutes later by your curious toddler. It also means doing the laundry that you know you’ll for sure need on the trip — stock up on those fresh undies!! I’ve used these packing cubes in the past, and I find them super helpful when it comes to separating little people clothing because I pack both kids in one suitcase.

Now’s the time to get excited and begin to let go. Vacations are never going to go the way we vision them in our pina colada on the beach-filled minds, but they are as good as our attitude makes them. For example, I know my kids both vomit in the car, so I properly line our car seats, bring extra clothes, clean them up, and be done with it! On to the next!

Start talking to your kids, especially littles, about vacation. How fun it’s going to be, how you’re going to get there, fun things you’ll do in the car/plane/train/spaceship, and what they should expect. When you’re preaching to the tiny choir about “going with the flow” it’s a good time to internalize this also. Kids will totally feed off of your energy level, so if you’re stress-free, then they will be too, and you can enjoy that mixed drink when everyone arrives happily.

Make sure you pack your carry-on the night before, too!

Travel Day

It’s finally here! The key to this successful journey will be 1) going with the flow and 2) remaining calm (easier said than done). Of course, maybe you should raise your voice if your toddler tries to hop on a plane to Hong Kong, but you get what I’m saying. Say it with me, “THIS.DAY.WILL.NOT.GO.AS.YOU.PLANNED”. It’s just reality. The more you can rinse, lather and repeat this phrase, the better your attitude and outcome. Promise!

Plan lots of extra time for everything, especially with littles. We like to plan to leave our house 4 hours before the flight, because, in reality, we’ll end up leaving 3 hours before the flight, which will really only leave us 2.5 hours at the airport, and you know, #security. Or if you’re driving and it’s only supposed to take 12 hours, budget for 15.

Check your carry-on two, three, four times. It’s going to be your savior on travel day. (See The Ultimate Carry-on). Get excited, and go with it! You’re going on vacaaaaation!!

We bought a Kindle Fire specifically for traveling — sue me, we support screen time. Since our most recent trip was a very long road trip, we also got a mount for the headrest in the backseat. That way both of our kids could watch the screen and there was no fighting. I assume that once Azi turns 2 we’ll need an additional Kindle so they can each have one. I love that it has the option to filter to age appropriate shows, and the fact that it also has games and interactive apps is a huge plus for me also. This will go in our carry on, but it will probably be our saving grace for travel day. I also will have a huge snack bag and a grab bag of small goodies and activities to keep everyone occupied. Ultimate Carry-on post coming soon!

So you made it!

First off, Mazel tov! It’s really hard traveling with kids, whether you’re going to Target or going to Thailand, but the experiences are SO worth it. I hate living out of a suitcase, so if possible, I try to unpack a little bit, even if that means just some organized piles on the floor. If I can see something that looks a bit more organized than piles in a suitcase, it helps me relax and enjoy more.

As far as logistics go, we always try to put the kids in separate rooms, but it’s not always possible. We have our noise machines with us no matter what, and everyone just sort of adjusts to their new surroundings. I usually expect a few wake ups at least for the first night, so we have lots of extra loveys and bottles on hand. We also aren’t as strict about nap time on vacation, but we definitely carve out time for it because sleeping is SUPER important to us. Some can function without, but our family can’t. Check out my post about our sleeping training and sleep schedules here.

We’re a bit more lenient when it comes to junk food too. Vacation is supposed to be a memory-making time for everyone, so let a little loose, and let your kids create memories too. The more fun everyone has on vacation, the easier it will be.

When the fun is over, and it’s time to think about going home, everyone re-packs a little differently. Even if I’ve done laundry, I always throw every item of clothing we brought with us into the laundry machine. So if you don’t need to fold clothing for space-purposes in the suitcase, I find it easier to simply throw everything in — I realize I may be in the minority on that front, but I do everything I can to make things a little easier on myself. And why fold twice?

I factor in some transition time back to real world, both for myself and also my kids. The easy flow of vacay is very different to the everyday hustle and bustle of our normal lives. It’s always nice to come home, but try not to get overwhelmed by the piles of laundry, etc. I have to unpack the night we get home. I can’t go to bed before suitcases are put away, but if you aren’t as OCD as I am, take it slow. Don’t stress, and everything will fall (or magically fly) back into place. If something went REALLY well or REALLY was a nightmare on vacation, I make a mental (or real so I don’t forget) note of it, and that way I don’t make the same mistake twice.

All in all, even a total nightmare vacation ends up creating memories and stories that will last beyond your lifetime. I hope these tips help you and yours get the R&R you need to fuel the awesome, super, fantastic lady you are!

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