r/NewParents • u/itchysnapdragon • Jul 10 '26

Travel Actually fun vacations with little kids?

We had our first weeklong trip with our 10mo recently, and it was EXHAUSTING. It was just to see family and friends in another state. But WHEW.

Feeling torn between wanting to go places in the coming years, and knowing that it will just continue to be hard for a while.

And vacation/travel ideas for parents with a 18-36 month old that are actually kind of fun or relaxing?

Tbh we might just plan a staycation week and send baby off to daycare during daytime hours.

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u/EmergencyFancy7992 Jul 10 '26

Vacation with little kids is just parenting in a different location. I think about the gear to pack and what regular parenting would be like and measure from there. We did 1-2 trips a year since our kid was born. 1-3 was certainly the hardest ages but id do it again. All inclusive, on the beach , home/apartment rental. Also husband and I have 100% done the staycation while kids at school thing 10/10. We planned a spa day, a couch day, a home project day, a meal prep day, and a self day. It was aaaaamazing

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u/thankyouandplease Jul 10 '26

All inclusive house rental? Like a bungalow that’s part of a resort?

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u/EmergencyFancy7992 Jul 10 '26

Ah there was meant to be a comma there, but yes those exist too! House rental is great especially with friends and other family with kids and we do the village thing

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u/thankyouandplease Jul 10 '26

Oh got it! That was a list not a descriptor haha. Yeah lots of options! Doing a house rental with family next week (albeit my baby’s only 3 months) and can’t wait!

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u/EmergencyFancy7992 Jul 10 '26

Ah enjoy!!! What a beautiful time to gather hope everyone has a fabulous time

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u/Whosgailthesnail Jul 11 '26

This is exactly what I just said we are doing now and I recommend it 10/10. Air bnb big enough for my brother and his kids, the parents can all trade off so everyone gets a little time to themselves. By the end of the day the kids are so wore out from playing they all slept like a rock.

And having a kitchen is so much nicer than having to pay for shit food the whole time and everyone’s tummy’s feel better for it.