How to Enjoy a Low(er) Stress Family Vacation

If a mom wants to enjoy a low-stress trip, does she have to travel without her kids? We say no! It is possible to take a trip with your family and actually come back feeling like you’ve been on vacation. It just takes a little preparation, both mentally and physically, and then some strategies for keeping the peace while you’re away.

In this episode of the iMOM Podcast, we share our horror stories of family vacations (that we obviously survived)—from projectile vomit, to regretting ordering the rigatoni, to a camper full of bugs. We’ve experienced some lows, but no matter what happened, our family vacations have always created memories. That’s one of the most valuable conversations we have in this episode about low-stress trips. You’ve got to accept that just because you’re on vacation, you don’t get to stop parenting, your kids won’t automatically be angels, and every moment isn’t going to be perfect. If you find that you’re stressed when you travel or bummed about the way things are unfolding, ask yourself if your expectations are unrealistic.

On top of big picture ideas, we also share some practical tips for what to pack, how to keep kids entertained and well-behaved on road trips, and how to navigate treats! And, of course, we don’t forget about your needs, Mom. While you might not be able to escape for a spa day, you can still have a low-stress trip and get your needs met. We talk about a husband’s role in making that happen and how moms can get away for a few minutes to recharge. If you’ve got a vacation coming up, we hope some of these ideas help you enjoy the time with your family and let go of some of the stress that comes with traveling.