The Big Vacations Mom

I never thought I’d be the big vacations mom. I’m a firm believer that kids don’t need a lot of flashy entertainment or extravagant trips. Their imagination and sense of wonder can make any place extraordinary.

But I love to travel.

And there’s nothing that says just because you’re a mom you have to give up the things you love. The way I see it, being a mom adds more to the things that you love!

Vacationing with kids can be challenging. We’ve had screaming babies on flights and ill-timed fevers and meltdowns and tantrums. Even on this trip to Maui, there was one hike that Little Bro wasn’t a fan of. He whined and complained down the picturesque hill of lava rocks before we marveled at the tiny creatures in tide pools. At the end of the day he said it was a pretty cool place. We’ve learned that most bumps in the road can be overcome with a snack or a short break or fun game of red light green light.

At nine and six, the boys can do so much more than “tag along.” We rode the waves, snorkeled with sea turtles, swam under waterfalls, and even enjoyed a chocolate farm tour and tasting! The boys sat on high stools in a treehouse, weighing their opinions on chocolate flavors with the rest of the guests.

So yes, I’m a big vacations mom. I’m a big vacations mom because I loved to travel before I was a mom; I just do it now with kids. The fact that they have a great time too just adds more to the things that I love.