Traveling with an Adult Child

There is nothing like spending some time with your child no matter what their age!  With my 3 children gone from home, with families of their own, that isn’t always easy.  In the past couple of years I have traveled with my daughter Aimee and her then 2 year old on a Disney cruise, visited Disney World with my daughter Emili, her husband, and 1 and 5 year old, spent time at Gulf Shores with all my kids and their families, and recently taken my 24 year old con on a solo trip to Universal.  No matter if it is one on one, or with their growing families, there are some tips to make for a smoother, more enjoyable trip for everyone.

My first trip is to talk about the trip before you travel and set some expectations and goals.  Is the plan to relax, to go non-stop, or somewhere in between?  Discussing these things and deciding on a plan that meets everyone’s idea of the perfect trip, with a little compromise thrown in goes a long way.  As parents, it is important to realize that we are not longer one “in charge” and allow input when planning.

Second, talk about money.  Who is paying for what?  Are their aspects of the trip you will pay for while the kids are expected to pitch in for other expenses.  This discussion is important to have early in the planning process to avoid assumptions, and to allow everyone to budget for the trip.

Next, make sure the trip has elements built in for everyone to enjoy.  While some might be content to spend everyday lounging on the beach, others might be more interested in spending time exploring the local area.  Just because it is a family trip doesn’t mean everything needs to be done together, in fact, a little time apart can be a good thing.  When the whole family visited Gulf Shores, the night owls went out after dinner for late night miniature golf and go carts, while the others relaxed at the condo.  While it is important to share some experiences, there is room for individual time.

Be ready to compromise, no matter how much preplanning and communication that has taken place, you will most likely have differing of opinions on something.  It might be as simple as choosing a restaurant, or even how early you are starting your day the next morning, so be prepared to give and take as you work through your differences.  Maybe take turns planning the days activities.  That allows each person to include things they enjoy, and relieves one person from all the planning.

Share the burden of responsibilities on the trip.  If the plan is to cook while on the trip, make sure everyone pitches in to ease the burden.  Like the old saying goes, many hands make light work.  No one wants to feel like they are doing the majority of the work while others are relaxing.

Last of all, avoid subjects that you know create tension and potential arguments.  While you might have some valid things that need discussed, take a break while on vacation.  This is a time to enjoy each other’s company and leave the pressures of everyday life behind, there is plenty of time for those unpleasant conversations when you return.

Hopefully I have inspired you to start planning a vacation with your children.  Family travel promotes bonding and broadens everyone’s world view.   If you’re ready, make sure and contact Pineapple Escapes to get the process started.  Our goal is to provide the best customer service and create dream vacations!

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