People often say that as kids grow older, family vacations become easier. However, after my recent trip with my two teenagers, I’m starting to suspect that those folks might be dog owners who simply enjoy sipping cocktails on the beach while their pets are boarded at a kennel.
Sure, there are perks to vacationing with older kids. I didn’t have to cram my car full of baby food, endless toys, bottles, or enough clothes for a small army. No more wrestling with the Pack ‘n Play or lugging around a mountain of diapers—thankfully, I remembered that drugstores are everywhere. And naps? Forget about it! There’s no longer a need to halt our fun for sleep schedules or face tantrums when those schedules are ignored.
But let me tell you, traveling with older children isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Here are some real reasons why my expectations of bliss were swiftly dashed:
- Packing with a Tween is Painful
Initially, I thought I hit the jackpot when my daughter insisted on packing for herself. But then I was reminded that she inherited her father’s questionable fashion sense. Unlike him, though, she refuses to admit it, making her choices even more challenging. Suggesting she wear that sundress I bought just for the beach? You’d think I suggested she wear a clown suit. Apparently, her style is of utmost importance—much to my dismay. - Time is No Longer on Our Side During Long Car Rides
Those days of placating the “Are we there yet?” question with vague references to kids’ shows are gone. My older kids know the distance and the time left. Yet, they still ask the question every 20 minutes, even right after we leave home. Moreover, they don’t seem to grasp the concept of conserving battery life on their devices. And let’s not even discuss how the lack of napping during long drives can turn a peaceful ride into an endurance test. - Vacation Plans Are Now a Democratic Process
Gone are the days when I could dictate the itinerary. My kids now have strong opinions about how every minute should be spent. They seem to think vacations are solely for their enjoyment, which leads to ambitious plans that don’t include any of my interests. When I want to browse for a new swimsuit or relax with a book, it can throw a real wrench into their self-centered vacation agenda. - Say Goodbye to Family Photos
It appears that the only acceptable photos now are selfies. My attempts to capture family memories—like standing in front of a famous landmark—are met with eye rolls and protests. Any picture I take that doesn’t feature them in a selfie is considered “so embarrassing.” I just want to prove that I let them do fun things, like parasailing, while they insist on looking unimpressed. - The Sandcastle Days Are Over
They used to love building sandcastles with me, but now? They’d rather dive into the waves with their cool uncle. I’ll be left digging in the sand, feeling like the odd one out, while they capture memories with someone who doesn’t have kids to drag around. It’s just as I feared: the only photo featuring me gets taken when I’m mid-dig, looking ridiculous.
Maybe someone can assure me that traveling with teenagers is a breeze. Actually, never mind—I wouldn’t believe it. Perhaps I’ll just consider boarding my kids next time.
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Summary
Traveling with older kids often presents unexpected challenges, from their unique fashion choices to their strong opinions on how to spend vacation time. While there are conveniences compared to traveling with younger children, the dynamics shift significantly, and parents may find themselves navigating eye rolls instead of joyful playtime.