We love our kids—but we need time apart from them to focus on our inner lives and adult relationships too. Whether it’s a romantic vacation with a partner, a guy’s/girl’s getaway, or a solitary retreat, taking a vacation without the little ones can be a great way to refresh yourself, as well as give your children quality time with grandparents or other caregivers. On the other side of the coin, “skip-gen” vacations—where Nanna and Pop-Pop take their grandkids on a trip without Mom and Dad—are gaining in popularity. So no matter who is jetting off and who is staying at home, here’s some tips to get you and your kids ready.
Parents Traveling Without Kids
- Make a List: Chances are, there’s a lot of things in your day-to-day life with your kids that you don’t even think about—but your care provider will need to know. What’s the name of their doctor, dentist, or absolute favorite snack? Do they have any allergies, and where is their emergency medication when they need it? If you’re traveling during the school year, what are their teachers’ names and contact information? Put together a packet of important references, routines, and other information.
- Start Off Small: If this is your first time leaving the kids behind, it might not be the best time to plan that grand tour of Europe you’ve always wanted. Start with a short weekend trip and save the longer journeys until your children are more accustomed to the idea.
- Prepare Your Kids: Give your children a few weeks to get used to the idea of being without you for a little while. Spend some time with their caregiver ahead of time to plan activities for their stay. Make plans to call them while you’re gone. Pack a care kit with a favorite book, special toy, and maybe a surprise to open after you leave.
- Plan for the Worst Case: Nobody likes to think about it, but we need to be ready for it all the same. In our family we have a fireproof lockbox that I’ve dubbed the “beer truck box:” if my husband and I are ever “hit by a beer truck” (ie. die unexpectedly) it contains our wills, all the family birth certificates and Social Security cards, and other important paperwork. Make sure you have everything you need in order, and that your caregiver knows where to find it.
Kids Traveling Without Parents
- Give Permission: Between trafficking concerns and children being abducted during custody battles, authorities are likely to become concerned if they come across a minor far from home without one or both parents. Download and fill out a Child Travel Consent Form to provide proof of your consent (and to authorize the caregiver to make any emergency medical decisions in your absence).
- Involve Them in Planning: Show your children a map of their destination. What would they like to do when they go there? What would make the trip special for them? The anticipation of the trip can be almost as rewarding as actually going there!
- Pack Supplies: Things like a favorite stuffie or special treat can help stave off the homesickness. Giving the kids a gift card or money for souvenirs will help teach them about money responsibility—and ease the burden on the grandparents taking them past all the gift shops!
- Take Pictures: Older kids will love having a camera to take pictures along their journey. Make arrangements to connect and share them during their trip—and work together on a photo album when they return
- And finally, take your time apart in stride. Your kids are in good hands—and you all could use a break.
 | Christi Esterle- ACC Travel Advisor |
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