March break is fast approaching, and now is the time that many families are putting the final touches on vacation plans. Now I want you to take a close look at that itinerary. Have you made plans for ROMANCE? Yes…romance….on a vacation….with kids!!
The reality is that for many families, the budget can only allow for 1 vacation. The option for a second “romantic” get-away is just not in the bank account. So how does a couple sneak in romance while on vacation with 2 children??
Allow me to share my story….
Last summer Hubby and I decided that our 12th wedding anniversary deserved a trip away together, and nothing screams romance more than a suite overlooking the ocean in Virginia Beach.
Imagine it, salty air flowing through the patio doors, long moonlit walks along the shore, lazy mornings in bed, room service, housekeeping and spontaneous adventure.
Nice image isn’t it? Now hit ERASE on that image.
The reality was a little more along the lines of coolers packed with juice boxes, car ride filled with arguments over the dvd player, nights of being kicked in the ribs by a mini human, and 3 days of vomiting thanks to a stomach bug that decided to tag along.
Not exactly the romance you had expected this passion diva to be writing about. Right?
Is romance possible, or is it a pipe dream??
I think it’s all in your expectations before you leave home.
Knowing that one-on-one is near impossible, that child-friendly site seeing is mandatory to eliminate boredom & temper tantrums, and that early mornings and early bedtimes are a given (for both kids and adults), will eliminate disappointment. So plan with those facts in mind…
Accommodations: A resort with Child Minding/Kids Clubs are a MUST if you would like to include PASSION in your vacation itinerary. Failing which, Suites (our personal choice) or adjoining bedrooms are a nice way to sneak in a little x-rated snuggle time.
Site Seeing: I happen to be very lucky, and am married to man that is a whiz at sourcing out activities and tourist attractions that are interactive enough to keep the children amused, allowing us to stroll hand in hand right behind them and soak in all of the interesting things, together as a couple. Fodors is a great series of books that has led us to many “off the beaten path” spots that were fantastic treasures.
Romance: Hoping for a long candle lit dinner with champagne is preposterous. Our children are NOT the type to quietly sit through a meal like that….fart jokes and conversations that consist entirely of “did not. did too. did not. did too.” do not make me quiver with excitement. Quiver with frustration perhaps.
However, holding hands on the balcony, watching the lights of freight liners far out on the ocean, and drinking cheap ultra light beer while the children slept just steps away, is going to be a moment captured in my heart forever.
Like Robert Brault said: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the BIG things
So, is it possible? Yes, Hubby and I enjoyed a stress-free, romantic vacation to Virginia Beach, WITH 2 kids in tow.
What is YOUR best “Traveling with Children” tip?
2 Responses to Romantic Vacation….with children???
Great post, Michelle! Hubby was mentioning how he’d like to go back to the Dominican (where we went for our honeymoon)…only this time he wants to bring our Little One. To be honest, I don’t think I can go that far for an extended period of time without her, so I’m all for it. Love this post.
I’m with you on that one Christine, for the most part I absolutely LOVE bringing our children along, but it is nice to create a memory or two that is just about “US” isn’t it