As a couple, with young kids, 8/6? Some friends are looking to travel to the Bahamas, without kids, for 5 nights. I'm struggling with it, for personal reasons, but realize they will be fine. And, they just got back from Disney Orlando, we're talking about going out West for spring break to see the Grand Canyon, stay with friends in Phoenix, and possibly trek over to Disneyland, so they certainly wouldn't be going without.
If you're cool with their keepers, then go for it. They are probably old enough to handle your absence. Have they spent the night with other family before? If they enjoy the keepers, it will be like a vacation for them too.
We dont do it. Our girls are ours for the long ride,so we are fine not doing adult vacations. We've even dragged them backpacking through Scotland.
Also, if you like to camp, there are some western spots without crowds that they won't forget. Although 6 is still a little bit young.
My wife said she wouldn't want to do it when our daughter was a newborn, but she changed her mind and we went to Banff last fall while she stayed with grandparents. It was great for us to get away and and she had fun being spoiled with them so it was a win-win. She's only 2 so it's a little different, but for us it worked out great.
Depends on the wife, right? Some of them are so focused on being mom with kids that age that they can't have a good time.
My sister recently tried to put a three-hour flight between her and her one-year-old daughter for five days. She lasted two days on that beach before she changed her travel reservation and took the first flight home.
1 or 2 nights fairly local when they are in their teens isn't a big deal.......but im still not in favour of doing anything longer or farther.
My only kid is 22. Responses like this are what absolutely reinforces my decision to have a vasectomy as a single man when I was 37. They’ll be fine man. Your commitment to your kids is commendable, but you still have to have some couple time. I’m not saying this applies to anyone in this thread, but I know two women in particular (one my sister) who’s entire identity and interest in life is being ‘mom’. I just don’t how that’s long term sustainable. Not necessarily the mom thing, but just putting all your chips in one basket. Same as when someone makes their career their entire identity. What happens when you retire? What happens when the kids grow up and move out?
Kids that age should do fine with relatives or friends, it gives them some independence If your kids like the outdoors, skip Disneyland and take them to the redwoods, or Yosemite
Kids don’t need vacations, because they have no stress or responsibilities. I take my kids on trips to do things, but i would never fly them to the Bahamas...
YES! Absolutely travel without them!!! This is probably going to come off a bit sappy but I think one of the best things you can do for your kids is show them a strong marriage. The kids know they are top priority but once every week or two my wife and I have a date WITHOUT them. Also every year we have a family trip that is based around something for the kids then another trip where they go to Grandmas and we get to be just husband and wife for a few days instead of mom and dad. We’ve gone to Vegas a handful of times and even Mexico. Works for us YMMV.
My folks went to the South Pacific for 21 days when I was in preschool and look how I turned out. Ok maybe not the best example but I was just fine and well looked after. Refreshed parents are a good thing.