I have never, and will never, plan a trip around my kids.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I've never understood why families (or single parents) plan vacations around their kids. Disney World? No, thanks. Kid-friendly hotels in Paris? Not a chance. Best parks and themed play studios while in Italy? Ha!
Hear me out.
First of all, I get it – you want to make sure your kids are entertained, happy and occupied while you explore a new place. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to create a kid-focused itinerary to achieve that. Kids are naturally curious and adaptable, and are actually not that difficult to entertain. They can find joy and engagement in unexpected places – if you give them the chance.
What Vacations Are Supposed to Be
A vacation should feel like a break. It’s a time to step away from your routine, immerse yourself in a new environment, and return feeling refreshed and reenergized. If you find yourself doing the same things on vacation that you do at home – chasing kids at the park, searching for the "perfect" playground, or exclusively eating chicken nuggets – you’re not taking a vacation; you’re just relocating your daily routine.
Instead, consider vacations as an opportunity for everyone in the family to grow, learn and experience something new. Travel is an incredible way to:
- Immerse in new cultures: From language and traditions to food and art, kids can absorb so much by simply observing and participating in the rhythms of a different place.
- Learn about history and diversity: Visiting museums, historic landmarks, or local markets can spark curiosity and foster appreciation for the world’s vastness and diversity.
- Do what you wouldn’t do at home: Whether it’s walking through an ancient city, seeing rare wildlife, or exploring breathtaking natural landscapes, travel offers unique opportunities you simply can’t replicate in your backyard.
How We Approach Travel as a Family
Before having kids, I traveled non-stop. Friends had a hard time keeping track of where I was and my list of must-visit countries just kept growing. I’ll admit, after I had kids, big trips did go on the backburner for a few years. But, by the time my son was 8 months old, I was back on an airplane – this time, with kid in tow. Today, my kids have visited 15 cities across 3 continents. I’ve never stayed at a “kid-friendly” resort, sought out any amusement parks, or looked for the family-friendly restaurants. And guess what? My kids have not complained one single time. On the contrary, they love it! Two summers ago we walked, on average, 20,000 steps per day in Italy – my daughter was 7 years old at the time. She was awesome. My kids have walked, chased trains (oops, we may have almost missed one!), eaten at Michelin rated restaurants and climbed hundreds of steps to the top of Church domes. They rocked it – each and every time.
Kids are adaptable and they will adapt to the adult-friendly places just fine, I promise! All you need to do is give them the chance. Take your kids to museums. Bring them to fine dining restaurants. Let them marvel at the beauty of architecture. They’ll surprise you with how much they absorb and enjoy.
Ways to Make Traveling with Kids Easier:
To be clear, traveling with kids isn’t always seamless. My son has been known to need a hospital in a few cities and jet lag sometimes got the best of us. But with a little planning and flexibility, it doesn’t have to be stressful:
1. Ship Essentials Ahead of Time: If you’re traveling with little ones, order diapers, wipes, or other bulky necessities online and have them delivered to your accommodation before you arrive. This saves valuable luggage space and ensures you’re ready to go from the moment you land.
2. Invest in a Lightweight Travel Stroller: Forget the oversized, luxury strollers. When my kids were young, I traveled everywhere with a $32 Cosco stroller from Walmart. It was lightweight, foldable, and easy to maneuver – perfect for exploring without added hassle.
3. Pack Smart, Not Excessively: Focus on versatile clothing and essentials. Kids don’t need a suitcase full of toys—they’ll find plenty to keep them entertained in their new surroundings. If possible, take advantage of any laundry services at your destination, so you can re-wear your gear.
4. Set Realistic Expectations: Ok, yes, there will be unpredictable moments and perhaps a meltdown here or there (maybe even coming from you) – but when you expect it, it’s easier to manage. Be prepared for these unpredictable moments (they would have happened at home anyways – so, in these moments, just go with the flow and know that this, too, shall pass – maybe with a bribing scoop of gelato).
5. Engage Them in Adventure: Involve your kids in planning (to an age-appropriate extent). Let them pick a museum, learn a few words in the local language, or chose which pastry to try at the café.
Redefine “Kid-Friendly”
"Kid-friendly" doesn’t have to mean playgrounds, theme parks and French fries. It can mean exposing children to the beauty, history, and diversity of the world in a way that inspires curiosity and wonder.
So, the next time you plan a family trip, remember: vacations don’t need to revolve around keeping your kids entertained. They need to be vacations for you, too. Trust your kids to rise to the occasion. You might just create memories you all cherish forever.
Cuddle,
Suzanne
