Growing up, I always loved break — spring, summer, winter? Didn’t matter. It meant time off from school to make memories and play The Sims hang out with my friends. As I got older, it was an excuse to dance on elevated surfaces (do people still do that?) and play The Sims hang out with my friends — but this time with alcohol involved.

Now that I’m a *cough* 30-something mom with a whole herd of beings who expect me to pick up the mental load — and all of their actual shit — day in and day out, breaks of any kind are not only impossible to get, but prove to be pretty exhausting in reality. That’s why, when I realized my toddler was about to have a week off from daycare for spring break (at two years old, mind you), I knew I was screwed.

My husband and I both work from home! We have a 4-month-old! I haven’t had a real night’s sleep in over three years! And while the thought of putting in PTO to go on our first family vacation sounded cute in theory but horror-inducing in reality, we knew it was that or try to somehow hang on to our jobs while our toddler screamed during our Zoom calls for a week.

So, we booked a family vacation. Granted, we knew it wasn’t going to be relaxing. I mean, we were bringing a toddler, an infant, and two dogs. That’s not a vacation — that’s an evacuation with better views.

But still, after surviving back-to-back newborn phases and approximately 900 daycare colds, the idea of going somewhere (anywhere!) that wasn’t our living room felt… necessary. So we loaded the car with roughly half our house, shoved a sound machine between the car seats, and set off on our first-ever family beach trip.

Our destination? Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa — aka, the first place I’ve ever stayed that felt equally prepared for a beach-loving toddler, a night-waking baby, and a mom who just wanted to drink coffee alone for 10 minutes.

As someone who had expectations as high as sea level, I’ll admit that 24/7 relaxation might not be possible, but I may have cracked the code on how to vacation with kids without wanting to set myself on fire and get a blanket ban from all hotels on the East Coast. It was so shockingly not miserable I even bugged Lee Hunter, the director of marketing and sales at Kimpton Vero Beach, for more advice. (Sure, I was buzzed from the complimentary happy hour, but honestly, that’s on Lee for the heavy pours.)

Here’s everything I learned (and everything I packed) to make vacationing with kids a little less daunting and — hear me out — maybe even kind of fun?

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A Guide To Going On Vacation With Young Kids

Start Packing While the Baby’s Still in Utero

Image Credit: Rachel Varina

Because by the time you’re chasing a toddler with a sunscreen stick, it’s too late to order cute swim diapers. When I tell you I started packing two weeks ahead of time, I mean it. The only way to survive a family vacation is to start prepping like it’s your full-time job. (Which is fun, because being a parent is a full-time job. Oftentimes, on top of having another full-time job. Love it here.)

Anyway, I’m talking sunscreen (the good stuff), rash guards, wide-brimmed hats, water bottles, snacks, and at least one beach toy that won’t instantly blow away or get “accidentally” chucked at a stranger. If you’re like me and forgot the beach toys (I know), at least make sure to go to a resort that provides them — along with an in-room play yard, a MamaRoo swing, dog beds, and bowls — and yes, an inflatable beach ball my son still tries to sleep with. Thanks for that, Kimpton.

Also? According to Lee, the one thing every parent forgets is a first-aid kit. You will need Band-Aids. And aloe. And something for motion sickness (which doubles as a hangover remedy, IYKYK). If you pack nothing else (lol), pack that.

Oh, And Overpack the Essentials Like It’s Your Job

Because it kind of is. Once you’ve nailed your master list of sunblock, water bottles, and baby beach gear, it’s time to embrace the more-is-more mentality you’ve had for every weekend trip and pull out your “must be checked” suitcase.

Think: two extra swimsuits (per person), snacks they’ll actually eat (read: not the “fun new bars” you packed optimistically), backup everything (clothes, diapers, wipes), and yes, your beloved noise machine — even if it takes up half your carry-on.

No, you don’t need seven outfits for dinner or multiple pairs of heels. But extra underwear? Always a good idea. Same for pajamas. Same for socks. Same for Ziplocks. (For snacks. For wet clothes. For the dead sea creature your toddler insists on bringing home.)

Basically, if you think you might need it, pack it. If you think you won’t? Still pack it. Your future self — digging through a suitcase at 2 a.m. trying to find a clean pair of pants after an explosive diaper — will thank you.

Choose a Resort That Can Handle Your Shitshow

Image Credit: Rachel Varina

Not just kid-friendly — we mean meltdown-at-check-in, “where’s the pacifier,” full-family-freak-show friendly.2

The truth is, a lot of places say they’re family-friendly because they offer chicken fingers on the menu. But when you’re traveling with tiny humans (and possibly a dog, a breast pump, and a partner who “doesn’t mind sleeping on the pullout” after your toddler takes over the bed), you need more than a half-hearted kids’ menu.

What you actually want is a resort that anticipates chaos. Spacious suites. With microwaves. And refrigerators. And breast milk coolers. Cribs that aren’t just theoretical. Easy beach access. Walkable food options so you don’t have to Uber five miles for mac and cheese. And yes, a lobby that won’t judge you for rolling in with two strollers, four tantrums, multiple barking pets, and a screaming baby.

Lee says the difference between a good family trip and a great one is in the details: things like flexible mealtimes, connecting rooms, and on-hand entertainment like game rooms or free scooters to keep even the most impossible-to-please kid occupied. Before you book, stalk the website (and maybe the TripAdvisor photos) and make sure your resort can actually handle you — not just your occupancy.

Only Book a Place With a Spa. Non-Negotiable.

Look, family vacations are not relaxing by default — they’re loud, sticky, and involve at least one person crying before breakfast (sometimes it’s you). That’s why finding a resort with an on-site spa is crucial. Even if you only manage to escape for a 50-minute massage or a 30-minute face steam while your kid is napping or busy collecting seashells, it can recalibrate your entire nervous system.

Honestly, that’s kiiiinda why I chose this Kimpton property. Yes, the kid amenities were incredible. Yes, I got a little too toasted on the complimentary happy hour (more on that later). But most importantly, I heard about the spa treatment — specifically the Couples Escape Ritual, which included a foot rub, massage, exfoliation, scalp massage, and shower (!) for two, all while being pummeled with Champagne for multiple hours. It was, hands-down, the sexiest thing that has ever happened to me. And my kids were made the old-fashioned way, so do with that what you will.

Lee recommends checking ahead to see what kind of childcare or kid-friendly programming the resort offers — that way, you can “book spa services or romantic dinners during kids’ programming or nap time to truly unwind.” He gets it. A pool is nice, and walkability is great. But unless there’s someone on-site trained to knead out the tension you’ve been holding in your shoulders since 2020, it’s a no from me.

Invest in Literally Anything That Buys You 10 Minutes of Peace

Here’s the thing about traveling with kids: You are not going to get peace and quiet. But you can buy yourself a few stolen moments of sanity — and honestly, that’s worth its weight in goldfish crackers.

Portable fans? Essential. Sound machines? Crucial. A blackout tent like the SlumberPod? Life-changing. I’m telling you, being able to turn a bright hotel room into a baby cave is the difference between “Wow, that nap actually happened!” and “Guess we’re skipping dinner because someone is feral.” Paired with an inflatable toddler bed, and boom — two kids asleep at the same time in one hotel room. (It’s giving miracle.)

And yes, I fully lugged our Snoo on this trip. Was it excessive? Debatable. Was it necessary? Absolutely. Whatever sleep setup your kid is used to at home, bring a version of it — sound machine, lovey, bent-up bedtime book, and all.

Don’t Sleep on the Underrated Perks

Image Credit: Rachel Varina

When you’re traveling with kids, the little things aren’t so little. In fact, they’re kind of everything. Free lobby coffee? Life-changing when your toddler wakes up at 5:47 a.m. Kid-sized fridges for breast milk or formula? A game-changer when you’re panic-pumping at 10 p.m. Pet-friendly rooms with no size restrictions or fees? Suddenly, you don’t have to board, and bringing your dog doesn’t feel like a logistical nightmare.

And while we’re on the topic: Always consider a place that offers a free happy hour and snacks. You do enough. You deserve to chug some wine at 4 p.m. while you “check if your key still works” (it did). As Lee put it when I cornered him during said happy hour, “It’s a small luxury, but one that can set the tone for a much smoother morning, especially when the day is packed with beach time, pool splashing, and exploring the area.” Yes, please.

So before you book your hotel based on a “kid-friendly” buzzword, look a little closer. Are the beach chairs and umbrellas included? Will someone hand you a glass of Champagne at check-in? Can you caffeinate without waking the entire room? These are the real questions that matter.

You’re Not “Overscheduling,” You’re Just Avoiding a Public Tantrum

There’s a fine line between “making memories” and “melting down in front of a dolphin statue.” That’s why a little pre-planning goes a long way. Before you leave, book the zoo tickets, make the dinner reservation, and triple-confirm whatever “family activity” your resort swears your kid will love. Then, build in breaks — but like, intentional ones. Not the kind where everyone’s hangry, and you’re Googling “closest playground near me.”

Lee adds that pre-booking dining and activities when possible is key. Basically, make space to breathe, but also know that a solid itinerary can save your sanity (and prevent your kid from demanding a three-hour golf cart ride while you’re trying to relax). Because you know who loves “going with the flow”? Literally, no one under six.

Let the Grandparents Be the Real MVPs

Image Credit: Rachel Varina

About three hours into planning this trip, I spiraled and texted my parents to please, for the love of God, come with us. Within minutes, they were in — dog and all — which is how we ended up sharing a suite with two kids, two adults, two grandparents, and three (yes, three) dogs. And somehow? It was kind of great. I said kind of!!!

No, it wasn’t a solo staycation where no one touched or talked to me for 72 hours (the dream). But it was nice, in the “we’re making memories and also my husband and I don’t have to do every single thing every single second” kind of way. I’m not saying every family trip needs a multi-generational headcount, but built-in babysitters who think your toddler’s jokes are adorable and not at all redundant, no matter how many times the punchline is fumbled? Not the worst thing in the world.

My husband and I snuck out for drinks (plural and uninterrupted), I went to the spa twice (pinch me), my parents got beach time with the grandkids — and we all survived in the same hotel room without a single passive-aggressive fight. That’s growth.

So if you’ve got a decent relationship (or a good enough therapist) and your parents are game, extend the invite. Worst case, you get a little backup during bedtime. Best case, you get a bonus nap and your mom cleans the baby bottles without being asked. Either way, you win.

Or Honestly… Just Leave the Kids at Home

Look, family vacations can be sweet. They can be bonding. They can even be kind of fun if the stars align and no one throws up in the rental car. But you know what else they can be? A reason to plan your next trip without the kids.

As Lee wisely told me, “Family travel doesn’t need to be rushed to be rewarding.” Which, yes, is beautiful and true — but also made me think… What if it wasn’t rushed or family? What if it was just you, your partner, and another go at that Couple’s Escape spa treatment — minus the mid-scalp massage text from your mom about the dog peeing on the floor and your toddler stealing a mop from the cleaning crew and refusing to give it back. (Again, my sincere apologies, Kimpton.)

So yes, do the family trip. Make the memories. Pack the snacks, the fan, and the four sets of pajamas. But also? Start casually dropping hints that next time, Grandma’s house sounds like a great vacation spot… for the kids. Because once you’ve experienced a vacation where someone else does the dishes, the bedtime, and the 5 a.m. wakeup? You’ll want a round two — and this time, it’s robes only.