Ironically, around this time last year, I wrote a lovely article on tips for mamas traveling with children. And then my daughter entered toddlerhood. Forgive me for keeping it real, but honestly, traveling with a toddler in tow is about as exciting for me as a diaper blowout at 35,000 feet.
Probably because that has actually happened to me – twice, on the same trip.
I’m an extremely detail-oriented planner, always bracing for the what-ifs of life.
I can’t help it - it’s my nature.
I’m a New York girl with a lot of experience under her belt. Life until this point has prepared me for just about anything it seems, well, except for toddler airplane poop-fests.
It’s not that I don’t want to enjoy the beauty of traveling with my family – I do. I’d like very much for my daughter to see the world just like I have, but not until she’s out of diapers. If you’re anything like my family, and have the opportunity to get away only very rarely, you can bet your last diaper I want to make the event as simple and painless as possible.
Call me lazy – I don’t care, but I think I’ve figured out the best way to travel with a family in tow.
The staycation.
I love it. Having settled into life in south Florida, I guess I’m at an advantage when it comes to taking a family a staycation. We are, of course, surrounded by an endless buffet of beautiful beaches to enjoy. Knowing that I can cut down on the stress of traveling and still enjoy a vacation, make lifelong memories, and give my family a break from the hassle and stress of day-to-day life is quite possibly – the greatest thing ever.
Here are the three reasons why a staycation is your best choice with little ones:
1. No flying
Think about it – you’re losing the stress of all that comes with flying. The crowds at the airport. Navigating airport security while carrying an arsenal of ways to keep your child busy throughout the ordeal. Flight delays. Flight cancellations. Diaper blowouts in turbulence. Holding patterns with an overtired baby. The look you give your husband when he says, “Why are you so worked up?” Oh, my goodness, just writing this gave me anxiety.
2. Less stress on the wallet
Last time I traveled from Fort Lauderdale to New York City, I spent about $800 on airfare for my family of three. And when the flight was two hours delayed, we spent about $100 entertaining ourselves at the airport. We’re a family where every penny counts, and even though we didn’t say it out loud, I know my husband shared the same “this money could have best been spent elsewhere” thoughts – especially because my daughter isn’t yet at an age to remember or appreciate the effort we put in. Hopping in the car and filling up on gas is way more cost effective – plus you have the control to take the necessary breaks for when things with the kids get a little hairy.
3. Because no one said you have to travel the globe for a good time
In twenty years, your children won’t remember how many stars the hotel had on that summer vacation. They won’t recall the thread count of the sheets, the popularity of the city, or even how good the food tasted. They’ll look back and think of the memories made, the times spent together, and how happy it made them to see their parents unwind a bit. Take it from me, a staycation, no matter how close to home, is the perfect way to vacation with your family.
After all, the greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories – and those can certainly be made in your own backyard, with ease and convenience.
