Family vacations are meant to be a time of rest, rejuvenation, and creating special memories together. But if you’re a mom, you know how easily they can turn into a full-time job—just in a different location. Between planning activities, making sure everyone is entertained, and keeping up with all the little details, vacations often feel like anything but relaxing for moms.
However, if you’re traveling with tweens or teens, you actually have a golden opportunity to find balance and carve out real relaxation time for yourself. Older kids can be more independent, giving you the space to rest and recharge while still ensuring they have a fun, fulfilling trip.
The key? Strategic scheduling. Here’s how you can plan activities in a way that allows you to enjoy the vacation, too.
Use Mornings to Your Advantage when Traveling with Tweens and Teens
One of the biggest perks of traveling with tweens and teens is that they actually like to sleep in. Instead of fighting this natural tendency, embrace it! If you’re an early riser, use those quiet morning hours for some much-needed alone time. Grab a coffee from a local café and take a peaceful walk on the beach or through the city. Read a book on the balcony while the world is still quiet. Take advantage of spa services that open early and start your day with a massage.
On the flip side, you can also schedule early morning activities for them while you enjoy some relaxation. If you’re staying at a resort or a destination that offers guided activities, look for things that are exciting for them but don’t require your full participation. A beginner surf lesson, a guided nature hike, or a hotel-hosted teen event can be the perfect way to keep them engaged while you sit back and enjoy some downtime.
Plan “Mom Breaks” into the Activities
Just because you’re doing things as a family doesn’t mean you have to be actively involved in every single moment. Choosing activities where your kids are entertained but you don’t have to be hands-on is a game changer.
For example, if your destination offers cooking classes, let your tweens and teens get hands-on while you enjoy sipping a cappuccino and watching from the side. If they’re into adventure, sign them up for ziplining, a ropes course, or a rock-climbing experience where you can relax as a spectator instead of a participant.
Other great options include:
A guided city tour where someone else leads the way, so you don’t have to navigate
A hotel movie night or kids’ club activity that allows you to book a spa treatment
An escape room or VR gaming experience that they can enjoy while you lounge at a nearby café
The key is to let go of the guilt that you have to be involved in every moment. By picking experiences that they’ll love and that give you a break, everyone wins.
Divide and Conquer
Not every moment of vacation has to be spent together. Sometimes the best way to keep the whole family happy is to split up for a bit so that everyone gets to enjoy what they want.
If you’re traveling with another adult, such as your spouse, partner, or another family member, take turns. Maybe one afternoon, you go get a massage while they take the kids to an amusement park. The next day, you switch, and they get their own relaxation time while you handle an activity with the kids.
If you’re traveling solo with your kids, look for safe and structured activities where they can have fun on their own. Many resorts and hotels have teen clubs, gaming rooms, or hosted activities where tweens and teens can hang out while you take time for yourself. Even an hour or two of relaxation can make a huge difference in how refreshed you feel.
Set the Tone for Evenings
After a long day of sightseeing and adventures, the evenings should be a time to wind down. Instead of packing the night with back-to-back activities, build in a slow and restful routine that works for both you and your kids.
If your hotel has a pool, a beachfront lounge, or a cozy outdoor space, make it your spot to unwind. Let your tweens and teens swim, play games, or scroll on their phones while you sip a glass of wine, enjoy the sunset, or simply relax in the quiet.
Another great option is room service or a casual dinner at the hotel. Not every meal has to be an elaborate restaurant experience. Sometimes, a low-key meal where everyone can just enjoy the moment is the perfect way to end the day.
Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy the Trip
One of the biggest mindset shifts moms need to make when planning a vacation is realizing that you don’t have to be the entertainer, the planner, and the problem-solver at all times. Your kids are old enough to handle some independence, and it’s okay to take time for yourself.
Let them sleep in while you go for a morning walk. Book that massage while they’re in an activity. Enjoy a peaceful meal without feeling guilty that they’re off doing their own thing for a while. Vacations should be just as refreshing for you as they are for the rest of the family.
By strategically planning your days, you can create a travel experience that is balanced, enjoyable, and—most importantly—relaxing for you, too.
Find the Sweet Spot
Traveling with tweens and teens is a unique stage in family vacations. They’re old enough to enjoy activities on their own, but still young enough to want to share experiences with you. By scheduling your trip wisely, you can ensure that everyone gets the best of both worlds: adventure for them, and relaxation for you.
What are your favorite ways to sneak in relaxation on a family vacation? Let me know in the comments!
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