Making 'Taking the Trip' a Little Easier

Written by TULA Contributor, Jenn Tims of Move4Moments 

One Last Staycation/Vacation or “School Break” Destination:

With summer break coming to an end there may be time to squeeze in one last vacation or staycation. These are some of my favorite kid friendly destinations (across all TULA Markets)…and also conveniently located places you can zip over to during school breaks!

CO: Mountains (Vail), Broadmoor (Colorado Springs), Gaylord Rockies (Denver)

TX: Hyatt Lost Pines (outside of Austin), Corpus Christi (Cinnamon Shore), San Antonio (JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa)

AZ: Phoenix Desert Ridge (JW Marriott Resort & Spa or Marriott Vacation Club)

NC: Asheville (Omni, The Biltmore Estate), South Carolina (Montage Palmetto Bluffs)

The Perfect Time to Travel with Younger Kids:

**If you have a younger child or homeschool: mid August (right after school starts up) until right before Labor Day *then again after Labor Day until the end of September is an amazing time to travel and save on discounted hotel & airfare and skip the busy crowds! One of my favorite destinations to take advantage of this is 30A (which is normally super hot & crowded). A lot of people don't know this, but right now through September 30th Southwest has non stop flights between Denver & Panama City, which isn’t normally available.

School’s Out For the Summer!! Now What?

What about school is back in session & parents are ready to reconnect or you can finally take that much needed girl’s trip?

This is one of my favorite “couples” resorts at the moment & an easy Southwest non stop flight! Hyatt’s Impression Isla Mujeres. The complimentary catamaran transportation, golf cart rental to bop around the island & amazing food & views will make you feel like you’re on the other side of the world!

Girl’s Trip Destination Ideas:
Impression Isla Mujeres

Bardo Savannah

The Inn at Mattei's Tavern.

Tips for Leaving Your Kids When Traveling:

I know that leaving your little ones behind for a trip can tug at the heartstrings a little bit. I want to encourage you that taking time away from your kids to refill your batteries doesn't make you any less of the amazing mom you are.

What I have learned is with a bit of preparation, you can ease both their worries and yours. 

Here are four tips to help smooth the separation:

Love Notes: Slip sweet messages in their lunch boxes or scatter heart-shaped notes around their room at night. Remind them that your love travels with them wherever they go.

Wrist Hearts: I do this at school drop off too! With a black sharpie I draw a little heart on my wrist and theirs and tell them “let’s squeeze it when we’re missing each other & when we do it’ll send love into our hearts” **I’ve seen this done on the palm before, but after one hand wash or a sweaty recess or water table play I promise the tears will flow. The wrist has always been a little safer for us! ;)

Books to Share: Introduce them to comforting stories like 'Invisible String' or 'No Matter What' that reassure them of your unbreakable bond and can offer them solace while you're away.

Quality Time: Before you depart, carve out special moments together. Play cards, draw together, or create a cozy fort to snuggle in. Building these memories strengthens your connection and helps them feel secure in your love, even in your absence.

Also, if you are just not ready, that is okay. Part of my vows to my husband were “in times we cannot travel I will find adventure in your heart and that’ll set me free” & honestly sometimes being “home” is the best place to be. Build a fort, camp in the backyard, get IHOP to go & eat breakfast at a new playground. Travel can happen in time and it can happen when you (both) are ready. My hope is that we can share and learn from each other as a community. 

COMMENT below your favorite tip when leaving your kids on a trip for others parents to learn from and SAVE this post for the next time you travel without your kids!

Visit the links below or follow me on insta: “Move4Moments” for more family travel tips!

More Helpful Travel Tips:

Making bedtime easier on vacation

Have a baby who doesn’t sleep when you travel

My favorite travel stroller

“30A” of Texas

1 week of activities in Vail, CO