Wait. Is it possible to enjoy your holiday as a traveling mom? Kids are running around. Heart in your mouth at the thought of a child getting lost in unfamiliar terrain. Not a minute of alone time to actually relax or spend quality time with your partner. Sounds like the chances of having a meaningful traveling vacation are slim.
I understand. Kids can be a handful. And as a mom, you want to make sure that your kids are safe during the holidays. Of course, you also want to be rest assured that you can enjoy your vacation without feeling guilty in the end.
But what if I said that there are some tricks you can use to travel? And still enjoy your holiday even with the kids around? You’ve been busy all year, and you deserve to relax and rejuvenate. So I gift you the four ways you can achieve just that below.
Table of Contents
Plan, plan, plan
I think it’s a mom-thing to be constantly in planning mode. We plan for everything, and everyone and travel is not an exception. And dear mom, you’re right. In fact, planning is crucial to enjoying your holidays.
A good plan is what will give your holiday a little more structure. As well as keep you on top of the situation in case of any eventuality. But of course, you all know that.
There are some key details you must take note of when you’re traveling with your kids. One of them is to make sure that the accommodation you chose is such that it has activities specifically for kids. You want to make sure that you have your kids engaged as much as possible and that they have fun while you enjoy some quiet time. If you decide to go to the South, you would want to check Big Bear cabins for rent in California. Lots of perfect accommodations to choose from that your kids will surely love.
Another thing you should have planned out is a routine for your kids. This may be a little tricky because you may not be able to recreate the same routine from home, but having set times for naps will let you know when you’ll have some free time for yourself to – at the very least – enjoy a bubble bath and some wine.
Purposefully schedule relaxation as part of your itinerary.
Let’s face it: if you don’t specifically schedule things in your calendar or planner, they would never get done. Setting aside relaxation is one of them.
When do you want to wind down and relax for the day? Would you rather chunk your me-time and spread them out at different times throughout the day?
Knowing exactly when you want to relax will help you schedule your kids’ activities as well. It’s all a part of being strategic with your time to make the best use of it. But you won’t be able to grant yourself that time to enjoy your travel unless you put “relaxation,” “enjoyment,” or “me-time” (or however you want to call it) in your planner or calendar. To take it a little further, set the alarm on your phone.
Engage in activities with the kids
Traveling with your kids doesn’t have to be chaotic. Share special relaxing moments with your kids, and you’ll love every moment of it.
One favorite of mine is going on tours led by professional tour guides. It always makes touring around the city, not only fun but also engaging. It is educative too – definitely something the kids can benefit from. A lot of travel packages and agencies come with interesting tours. The Tour Guy, an international tour company, provides an array of great family tours you can be a part of.
You can also check out the museum, or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, take a nice stroll through the city with the kids. It’s calm, fun, and you get to relax as well as savor the ambiance of those special sights.
Relish each moment with gratitude
After all the sightseeing, soaking up the sun, and maybe a bit of salsa, your travel experience is one worth being grateful for. In fact, the true sense of enjoyment comes when you relish each moment you have both alone, with your partner or with your kids.
So even if your travel experience was hectic and there were times you wished you could disappear to an island alone, you have always to be grateful. When you appreciate every experience, your holiday starts to have more meaning.
One of my favorite practices is to keep a gratitude journal. I learned that there are so many benefits that come with expressing gratitude. So, before you start your vacation, write at the top of your gratitude journal, “What my vacation has taught me to be grateful for.” Challenge yourself to write three things you are grateful for during your vacation. If you have more to put on the list, then go ahead!
At the end of your vacation, you’ll see a long list of what you’re grateful for. You’ll not only feel a lot happier, but each day spent on your vacation will be one spent with intention.
Are you ready to enjoy your vacation?
As a mom, it can be a little difficult to relax even if we wanted to. But I’m sure now you know it’s not as tough as you thought it was.
Yes, we love kids and enjoy having them around, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt actually to enjoy some personal time while traveling. So with the right plan in place, scheduling relaxation and committing to it, finding relaxing things to do with the kids and practicing gratitude daily, you have the secrets to making the most of your holiday and come home refreshed and rejuvenated.