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The term “vacation” conjures up blissful images, doesn’t it? Picture a serene cabin in the mountains, sun-soaked days at the beach, or a magical adventure at a theme park. You might imagine laughter, beautiful photos, and a chance to unwind… That is, until you have kids. Then suddenly, it’s no longer a vacation; it’s merely a trip. An expensive one at that, often leaving you more drained than when you set out. And if you’re particularly “fortunate,” you might even be accompanied by your in-laws, listening to your mother-in-law micromanage everything and complain about your kids’ behavior.
So, if you find yourself burning cash, arguing with your partner, and ticking off the minutes until your kids finally sleep—just in a different city—welcome to family travel! Parenting is truly an adventure, isn’t it?
My mother is already nagging us about a big family trip next summer; traveling with them is stressful, and I’m just not interested. We’ll be at Disney, spending enough to avoid their bickering or worrying about the kids near the water!
Confessions of a Family Traveler
Confessional #1: My sister-in-law is pushing for us to take a vacation together this summer—sorry, but you and your husband are insufferable, and your kids? Not happening!
Confessional #2: Our first big family getaway with my parents, siblings, and their partners has turned into a nightmare. My mom’s controlling nature is ruining it for everyone, so we’re taking the kids and doing our own thing for the rest of the trip.
Confessional #3: I’ve enjoyed not seeing my sister-in-law and brother-in-law during COVID. Now that things are opening up, she’s relentless about getting together—hard pass! I’d rather endure a root canal than spend a week with those people.
Vacationing with your own kids is tiring enough, but throw in extended family, and suddenly you’re second-guessing every decision you’ve ever made.
Confessional #4: We’re planning and saving for this big family getaway, praying our teenage stepdaughter doesn’t show up—she’ll just make it her mission to act spoiled and ruin everything while FaceTiming her mom.
Confessional #5: I’m stuck drinking wine alone on our “family vacation” because my stepdaughter will throw a tantrum if her dad spends time with me instead of her. It’s a tough spot for him, but I’m tired of compromising because she’s “just a kid.”
Confessional #6: After my first vaccinated vacation, I realized that trips with kids (ages 3 and 12) are downright miserable. From now on, I only want to travel with my husband.
Confessional #7: When they’re little, you might naively think, “It’ll get easier as they grow up.” Wrong! Teenagers are just as whiny, and way more expensive.
Confessional #8: My vacation is ending tomorrow, and my husband’s time off ruined mine. I needed a day of solitude. I feel drained.
Confessional #9: I stopped cleaning a month ago, hoping others would pitch in. Nope! Now I’m spending my vacation day cleaning up after everyone else, and my husband wants me to mow the lawn too. Haha, no thanks.
Confessional #10: Just two days before we leave, my husband asks what else there is to do besides sit on the beach. Why bring it up now? He should just stay home, and my child and I can go have fun without him.
Confessional #11: If it’s not your kids driving you crazy, it’s your partner. Why can’t moms get a break?
I just want to relax on vacation, dammit!
Confessional #12: Parents should automatically be entitled to a second (child-free) vacation the minute they return from a family trip.
Confessional #13: I swear, one of my kids gets sick the night before or the first night of every vacation we’ve planned. There goes our Fourth of July. Ugh.
The hard truth is, if you truly need to unwind, you need someone else to take care of your kids. Sure, vacationing with them might create fun memories and endless cute pictures, but it offers zero relaxation whatsoever.
I will never vacation with “the girls” again. Locations filled with fake things and fake people, having fake experiences? No thanks.
Confessional #14: We’re paying equal shares for the vacation rental, yet we’re stuck with the pull-out couch. How is that fair?
Confessional #15: At 30, nearly every camping trip or vacation I’ve taken has coincided with my period!!! Why, oh why?
Confessional #16: So far, only edibles are keeping me sane on this “vacation.”
And then there are all the other annoying factors—getting stuck on an uncomfortable pull-out couch, dealing with your period, or navigating through friends who make you feel like a middle schooler again. None of these elements align with the dreamy getaway you envisioned.
Yet, we keep doing it. We cherish the joy on our kids’ faces when they meet Disney princesses, ride waves at the beach, or snuggle in a tent in the mountains. Yes, we may have to endure sightseeing at the Grand Canyon with our critical in-laws, but we’ll find time to relax when the kids are grown and Grandma is too old to tag along. Until then, let’s not forget to pack those edibles.
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Summary
Family vacations often turn into exhausting trips rather than relaxing getaways, especially when kids and extended family are involved. Many parents find themselves dealing with stress and chaos, leaving them longing for a break. Despite the challenges, capturing joyful moments with children remains a rewarding experience.
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Keyphrase: Family vacation exhaustion
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