It’s often said that parenting gets easier as kids grow up. You’d think that family vacations would follow suit, but I’m starting to suspect those folks might not have kids at all—they probably just have pets they board while sipping fruity drinks on the beach.
Traveling with older kids comes with its perks, as I discovered on our first major trip in five years. I didn’t have to pack a mountain of baby food, toys, bottles, or enough clothes to outfit a small army. No more staring at the car trunk, realizing I can’t possibly fit the Pack ‘n Play or an industrial-sized pack of diapers. And naps? Forget about them. No more interruptions or tantrums over missed sleep schedules.
However, the reality of vacationing with older children isn’t quite the paradise I had envisioned. Here are a few ways my optimistic expectations were dashed:
- Packing with a Tween Is a Dickensian Nightmare
Initially, I thought I’d hit the jackpot when my tween son insisted on packing for himself. How helpful, right? Wrong. He has inherited my partner’s dubious fashion sense—let’s just say it’s not a good look. And suggesting he pack the stylish swim trunks I bought specifically for photo ops? Well, that felt like I was enforcing a strict dress code that would lead to public humiliation. - Concept of Time and Long Drives Don’t Mix
Gone are the days when “Are we there yet?” could be answered with a simple count of cartoons. My older kids are savvy enough to know that “Just one more episode” translates to hours of boredom. But that understanding doesn’t stop them from asking again just ten minutes later. Instead of napping, they’re now fully aware of how long they’ll be stuck in the car, and they don’t space out their screen time wisely either, burning through batteries like it’s a race. - Vacation Activities Are Now a Democratic Process
Older kids come with opinions—lots of them. Somehow, they operate under the impression that vacations exist solely for their enjoyment. When I want to check out local boutiques and my partner is scheduled for a round of golf, it’s chaos. No longer can I simply shove them into the stroller and dictate the itinerary. - Say Goodbye to Family Photos
Apparently, the only acceptable form of photography now is selfies. Any attempt to capture a family moment results in eye rolls and protests of embarrassment. Trying to document our adventures for posterity? Forget it. All I’m left with are awkward shots of them looking irritated while I’m doing my best to suppress my anxiety about sharks while they boogie board. - Sandcastles Are So Last Year
They might claim they want to play in the sand, but before I know it, they’re off surfing the waves with their cool uncle while I’m left digging alone. And of course, the only vacation photo I’m featured in is the one where I look like the lonely parent on the beach.
Can someone reassure me that traveling with teenagers is a walk in the park? Actually, never mind; I won’t buy it. Maybe kenneling my kids isn’t such a bad idea after all.
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Summary
Traveling with older kids can bring both benefits and challenges. From packing dilemmas to differing opinions on vacation activities, the dynamics shift significantly as children grow. While there are moments of independence and ease, parents may find themselves navigating new frustrations and the reality that family vacations are no longer just about their enjoyment.
Keyphrase: Traveling with older kids
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