Post-Divorce Travel with Children

If you are leery of going it alone with the kids, why not ask another adult to accompany you. Perhaps a grandparent or aunt or uncle might be happy to go along. They might be happy to spend some time with your children, perhaps giving you a respite to enjoy a shopping trip, museum or something which might not appeal to your kids.

When it comes to picking a destination for a vacation it’s all about location. You need to select a place that is age appropriate for your kids. For example, smaller children tend to enjoy staying in one place and are content to play in the sand. So, booking a condo or hotel at a cabin or lake would be a nice solution. Older children may need more of an adventure. You know your kids likes and dislikes best so your first step would be to try and find something that will appeal to all of your kids needs. Do they like museums, amusement parks, or rainforests? Perhaps trips to Disneyland or a cruise? The possibilities are endless. You just need to think about it carefully taking into consideration the ages of your children and your budget.

A lot of single parents suggest going to an all-inclusive resort. Family friendly resorts offer a variety of activities for children of all ages. It can be nice to know your kids are enjoying activities with other children their age while you are enjoying a few minutes of relaxation. Another plus to an all-inclusive resort or cruise is that they often offer sales. It is nice to know up front what trips will fit in your budget. Perhaps a cruise might be appealing so that you don’t need to pack and unpack and think about catching a bus or train to go do something fun. It can be delightful to sail at night and just wake up the next day, get off the boat and go explore. You can pre-select your offshore expeditions in advance so that you will know the exact cost ahead of time.

It is important, just like at home, to set boundaries. Just because you are on vacation, it doesn’t mean a free for all for the kids. They still need to know expectations such as curfews. Encourage your kids to engage other in conversation and interact with others. However, keep your guard up and trust your instincts. For example, just because someone seems friendly and nice, don’t allow your kids to go off somewhere with a stranger. In other words, even though you are on vacation, don’t forget your most important role…Parent in charge!

Keep in mind that as life goes, not all will work out perfectly. There can be delays or mishaps, but this is all part of the adventure. Vacation should be a fun time and a time to make memories with your children. It is a time to expand their world as well as expanding your relationship. It is well worth your time and your money to plan ahead and make it as fun and enjoyable for all!

Have fun!