Trips with kids under 6 that felt like a “real vacation”

[Anonymous]

For kids under 6 (all of them?) - you need a sitter or nanny. Then its a real vacation.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:It's definitely about adjusting expectations. I don't love bringing the kids to Europe because going at their pace makes me feel like I'm missing out on seeing things.

We have loved doing national parks because even if we're doing a short, flat hike, I'm going to see something beautiful and enjoy the fresh air.

Beach vacations definitely are the most work with kids and not my favorite. But a cruise or resort helps - so I don't have to prepare any food at all, including snacks - there's always a treat or fruit that is easy to grab, and if I want a drink there's someone to deliver it. If the kids need downtime, I can sit on the balcony with a book while they rest or watch TV and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.

How are beach vacations the most work? Get up eat a quick breakfast, go to the beach, lunch break, go back to beach or hang out at pool, grab dinner, watch a movie play a game. Repeat for X days?

DP, but I think it depends on the age of kids, which beach, and where you’re staying. With really little kids and rough-ish water, it’s not at all relaxing, especially when you’re not staying oceanfront. There can also be so much schlepping of stuff if the kids are too little to help carry it.

We’ve been going to Cape Charles, VA, for the last few years and *that* is ideal IMO: calm water, tidal variation that makes the beach more interesting, a cute small town that’s easily walkable, etc.

Thanks, DP. I was the one who posted that it was a lot of work. And your explanation is why. It's watching the kids like a hawk and the schlepping. Chairs, towels, umbrella, blanket, toys, snacks, water. Sunscreening constantly. And then if we're in a house, it's all the basic maintenance and cooking (even if it's simple foods).

Agreed. Beach resort is the way to go. No schlepping and no cooking or cleaning.

You still have to watch your kids constantly around water, whether pool or ocean, and that’s exhausting.

My kids wear floaties in the pool. It isn’t exhausting.

That is not pool safety.

[Anonymous]

My favorite vacations with kids that age were the ones where I didn't mind slowing to their pace. Maine / Acadia was wonderful - not too hot, lots of kid-paced activities, very pleasant for all of us.

If I felt like I was missing out on things by sitting in a hotel room for a nap every day, or had to push kids to keep going and ended up with cranky kids as a result, that's not so fun. But kids don't stop being kids just because they are away from home - they still require all the same things they require at home, so the vacation needs to be built around that expectation.

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Anonymous wrote:My kids are 3&6. We’ve taken some vacations that feel
More like a trip. It’s more about everyone’s attitude and vibe. We went to Maine last year and portland was not great for us…heat wave. Year before, portland was great. My kids do better in small towns/small cities or in rural spots and don’t enjoy sightseeing. They like beaches, hiking, grabbing food, markets are usually fun.

The most relaxing vacation has been to a family camp: Silver Bay, YMCA. It’s at lake George, NY

I think it really depends on what type of vacations a person enjoys. Family camp sounds so unappealing to me. I would not want to go to this type of vacation with or without kids.

+1

Neither camping nor resorts are my kind of trip. If you’re just going to sit in a resort, I don’t understand why you would go anywhere at all.

Family camps aren't for everyone. I think there are some misconceptions about them though. What's nice about Silver Bay is you can eat all your meals there without having to cook if you want, no driving necessary, childcare on campus (8-11 Monday-Friday or full days for older kids if you really want), and activities are all included but you can pay for some specialty things like stained glass, pottery, jewelry making which was super relaxing to my husband. They have a library with excellent book recommendations, seminars you can go to if you'd like and great chairs to relax and read. You aren't exactly camping or roughing it...you are in a cabin. Some of them have been remodeled and are really nice, others are simple but pleasant. It's also not usually super hot so we love it. Again, if you like luxury trips, it won't be fun but for us it's nice. I like to pair it with another trip that is more high activity, more adventure.

[Anonymous]

"Real vacation" for parents or the kids?
If for kids, the just like anywhere that is not structured. A beach is usually popular unless the kid hate the ocean or have fear of sharks, waves and sand. Most kids love the beach or should I just say playing in the sand.

Real vacation for the parents? It takes alot of balance. I find that bringing the the grandparents help a bit. You take a few days doing adult stuff and excursions while the grandparents watch the kids for a few hours or a full day.
If you find a resort, the grandparents do not even have to cook. Just watch and play with the kids until you get back. Of course you can't do this for all the days you are on vacation. Some grandparents love spending that time with the grandkids without the parents around. You will need to check what they like of course and don't expect them to be babysitters all the days on vacation.