5 Reasons I’m Not Traveling with My Kids

I used to be all about exploring new places, whether it was by plane, car, or on foot. The thrill of adventure was my jam. But now that I have two little ones under the age of 5, my enthusiasm has taken a nosedive. Friends and even my partner might not see things my way, but honestly, I’d much rather pay for a babysitter than endure the chaos of a family trip. Don’t get me wrong—I cherish the idea of creating memories with my kids, just like my parents did for me. I’ve been lucky to explore countless historical and exciting places, and I absolutely want to do the same for my children. However, I’m convinced we’ll wait until they’re older. Sorry, Grandma! Sorry, friends! This weekend, the kids are staying home, and here’s why:

1. The Packing Process

You might think packing for a day out is straightforward, but if you’ve done it, you know the struggle is real. The amount of stuff one kid needs is already mind-boggling, so imagine multiplying that by two! You need lists for lists, and you have to plan for everything: weather, spills, accidents, and activities. Plus, there’s the eternal debate over whether to pack that beloved nighttime buddy—risk losing it or face bedtime without it?

2. Travel Day Madness

No matter how you slice it, traveling with kids can be a nightmare. They’re buzzing with excitement…until about 15 minutes in when they start asking, “Are we there yet?” An hour later, the snacks are gone, and just 20 minutes after that, they’ve exhausted every activity you packed. You’re left with only candy and maybe some Benadryl for survival. By the time you finally arrive, you look like you just ran a marathon… twice.

3. The Arrival Experience

When we finally reach our destination, the kids’ excitement resembles my reaction to winning the lottery—pure chaos! They’re shrieking, jumping, and running around, completely disregarding the fact that they’ve been awake since 5 a.m. It’s the ultimate case of being overtired, and good luck calming them down anytime soon.

4. Mealtime Battles

No matter what I bring or what’s offered, meal times are always a struggle. “This noodle isn’t right,” “the cheese looks weird,” or simply, “I’m not hungry.” The negotiations begin—cutting up noodles, stirring cheese sauce, and picking green specks off their plates. When all else fails, I’m fishing stale Wheat Thins and gum out of my purse. One meal down, a million more to go…

5. Bedtime Dread

Bedtime? Oh, that’s the worst part of a trip. I can’t wait for the day my kids can sleep on the floor in their adorable sleeping bags. Right now, they’re used to their cozy beds, and the thought of them roaming around in a strange place terrifies me. If you’re lucky enough to have separate rooms, just wait for that one strange noise or shadow to wake them up, and you’ll spend the night explaining the difference between creaks and shadows while everyone else enjoys a glass of wine.

Sure, the kids love seeing family and playing with friends, but that’s just a slice of the trip. The rest falls on me. It’s a balancing act of keeping them happy and managing their needs, which is exhausting! So for now, I’m all about adult getaways. Want to see the kids? Just come visit us at home; we’d love to show you all the shadows in your room before bedtime.

If you’re curious about home insemination and motherhood, check out some great resources like this one or this one. And if you’re looking for information on fertility treatments, UCSF has an excellent resource on IVF that you might find helpful.

Summary: Traveling with young kids can turn into a chaotic experience, from packing to meal times to bedtime struggles. While I cherish the idea of creating memories, I prefer to wait until my little ones are older before embarking on family adventures. For now, I’ll stick to adult trips and invite family over instead!