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

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to work as a nanny and was taken on vacations. The parents spent most of the day golfing or going to the beach or on excursions wherever we went. I can imagine they enjoyed those vacations.

PP, I'm curious: how much were you paid for your work on those vacations? My spouse wants to take our part-time nanny on vacation for this kind of thing but we aren't sure how to compensate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

The salt and sand is a lot of work. You end up washing the kids several times a day, especially if they're still napping. Plus the shlepping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to work as a nanny and was taken on vacations. The parents spent most of the day golfing or going to the beach or on excursions wherever we went. I can imagine they enjoyed those vacations.

PP, I'm curious: how much were you paid for your work on those vacations? My spouse wants to take our part-time nanny on vacation for this kind of thing but we aren't sure how to compensate.

I honestly don't remember. I know everything was paid for including my own room. I think they paid me an extra overnight fee in addition to my weekly salary since I couldn't go home but they also gave me time off every day. I was much younger then and was just happy to be in the Caribbean in early December. I remember spending one afternoon floating around the pool with a pina colada in my hand and all was right with the world!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I used to work as a nanny and was taken on vacations. The parents spent most of the day golfing or going to the beach or on excursions wherever we went. I can imagine they enjoyed those vacations.

PP, I'm curious: how much were you paid for your work on those vacations? My spouse wants to take our part-time nanny on vacation for this kind of thing but we aren't sure how to compensate.

I honestly don't remember. I know everything was paid for including my own room. I think they paid me an extra overnight fee in addition to my weekly salary since I couldn't go home but they also gave me time off every day. I was much younger then and was just happy to be in the Caribbean in early December. I remember spending one afternoon floating around the pool with a pina colada in my hand and all was right with the world!

Thanks, helpful! That does sound fun and we would definitely give her time off as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

I'm the Cape Charles PP and I get it, PPs. I do think if you're oceanfront and have an outdoor shower, that helps, but still.

[Anonymous]

A beach driving distance and invite the grandparents for childcare help. Or hire a nanny.

[Anonymous]

We just stayed at an all inclusive in Cancun where our room opened out to the kiddie pool. We could sit on our patio and watch the kids. Drinks were brought to us. The kids could go into the room to potty on their own. All food was prepared for us and outdoors. It was glorious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just stayed at an all inclusive in Cancun where our room opened out to the kiddie pool. We could sit on our patio and watch the kids. Drinks were brought to us. The kids could go into the room to potty on their own. All food was prepared for us and outdoors. It was glorious.

Which one???