How not to feel bad when other families go on a trip every break

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Most people are not traveling to Europe or the Caribbean. FYI OPhttps://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/786331.page

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/786331.page

[Anonymous]

I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

We’re in public in Bethesda & ski in Europe every year. Not something we talk about with our kids’ classmates parents unless we are friends, or I guess if our kid brings it up at school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

We are in FCPS and a sizable number of kids seem to travel. I think there is a mix of domestic and international destinations. But it doesn’t seem competitive? Maybe it’s a subgroup of people in the area who are competitive and/or constantly post online? I’m not friends on social media with any of my kids’ friends’ parents so I have no idea re: their travels unless my kid mentions something.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My problem isn't envy as much as it's disgust and anger at how bad it is for the environment to take 4 int'l flights multiple times per year.

That is a drop in the bucket compared to India and China.

We're all still in the same bucket.

[Anonymous]

I'm jealous too! We could afford to go, but don't because my ES kids are not the greatest travelers and I don't have the brain space/energy to plan the trips.

So, I've looked to plan smaller trips (short driving distance) or days out with the kids that we will all enjoy and we also do take the opportunity to visit friends and family who we don't get to spend as much time with. So not as exciting for me as Europe, but still fun. I'm hoping as the kids get older they will be able to manage travel much better and we can do trips abroad. For now, the family is generally happy with the local trips we do.

[Anonymous]

We all literally live in an international tourist destination...hit up the Smithsonians and call it a day!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

We are in FCPS and a sizable number of kids seem to travel. I think there is a mix of domestic and international destinations. But it doesn’t seem competitive? Maybe it’s a subgroup of people in the area who are competitive and/or constantly post online? I’m not friends on social media with any of my kids’ friends’ parents so I have no idea re: their travels unless my kid mentions something.

We also live in FCPS (McLean). Most people we know travel for spring break. We travel domestically or internationally. I don’t think anyone is competing with others over where they go for break. Over the years, we have done driving trips, Florida, Caribbean, Mexico and Asia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

We are also in public in Bethesda and know folks going to Europe (a few), skiing ours west, tropical destinations, some driving to more local beaches/resorts, and some staycations. Wide mix and no one is promoting or judging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m wondering if OPs kids go to private school. We are in a public school (in bethesda) and this is not typical. Of my kids many friends I think one is going to Europe. The rest are hanging around here or going to Florida or driving to see family. I’ve never even met anyone that skis in Europe (except a family member of mine whose aunts are lived in Switzerland so would go to visit every couple years) — none of my neighbors do that as far as I know.

+1. We are in public at a school with 40% Farms. And there are still plenty of kids going to the above type places and/or their families second homes on breaks. It’s comical that posters think that anyone rich enough to vacation well MUST be at a private school.
We are also in public in Bethesda and know folks going to Europe (a few), skiing ours west, tropical destinations, some driving to more local beaches/resorts, and some staycations. Wide mix and no one is promoting or judging.

[Anonymous]

Focus on yourself, not them. You feel bad bc you are comparing. But the comparison is flawed, it's based on image. Appreciate all you do have, including a family!

If you want to travel, then save up. You can even look for deals for mini vacation. We love taking the Amtrak and kids are half priced

Also what I do is I print ny favorite photos every year. When I feel bad about 'not doing enough' I just look at our photos and remember all the fun we DO have!

[Anonymous]

I understand feeling bad, but like others have said, focus on what you can do. Camping, starting new hobbies with the family, teaching kids life skills like how to fix things around the house or cooking/baking, taking advantage of the free museums in DC and programs, festivals, and exhibits are all ways to expose your kids to new experiences and have fun as a family.

I will also say that our kids' school has a lot of families that do international travel, but many of those trips are also to visit family.

[Anonymous]

Spring break has gotta be the most miserable week of the year to travel / try to go somewhere “cool”. Unless these folks are also flying private, then I could care less because everywhere / everything during spring break is over priced and over crowded

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spring break has gotta be the most miserable week of the year to travel / try to go somewhere “cool”. Unless these folks are also flying private, then I could care less because everywhere / everything during spring break is over priced and over crowded

Not disagreeing but spring break and summer are only times to travel with older kids bc of school and ECs. It’s expensive and crowded but only options.

[Anonymous]

Comparison is the thief of joy. I wish I had grandparents to visit. That sounds wonderful.

Also, why can't you take a very modest vacation, like to a state park cabin?