Is it a Vacation with Kids or Just a Trip?

I read an interesting article in yesterday’s Baltimore Sun (Sunday, June 28)entitled “No Such Thing as Vacation with Small Kids”.  The author, with 3 children 5 and under, states that a vacation is really not a vacation, when travelling with children.

Some of her “complaints” – hotels are horrible, not having a washing machine and children dining out.  Many of these problems can be solved by staying in homes.  She makes the point that hotels are one room basically and when the kids are asleep, the parents have to be still and quiet so as not to wake them.  If you have a house, kids can sleep in separate rooms!  Home and hospitality exchanges almost always include a washer and dryer and you don’t have to dine out if you have a house in which to prepare meals.  I believe that doing home or hospitality exchange may be the key to turning your next trip into a vacation (with the kids)!

I also am a firm believer that in much of life, children are easily adaptable but you must give them opportunities.  Like other parents who say “I would never take my 4-year old to a business mixer” – I do.  I’ve been taking her since she was born.  She’s been to Rotary, business networking events (least couple a month), many restaurants and she’s traveled a lot.  I believe that taking her out so much I teach her what proper behavior is in such venues.

I have also stretched that thought into my traveling life.  I hear so many people say I don’t travel, I have kids.  I think that’s the mistake they make. My daughter has been to 13 countries and we have a big trip planned for Sep – just me and 4-year old to Spain and Morocco for six weeks.  She loves staying in other places, must be in her genes. 🙂