It was easy when my kids were small. We went to cheap places with a pool, preferably nearby. If they had a waterslide, all the better. The children played, soaked, shriveled and then slept soundly.
Traveling with adult children is a very different experience; much better. Now, I get to wander through museums, share the driving, enjoy late dinners and cocktails with both my children. Or, there is always the outdoor hike till you drop vacation (that’s with my son Sam). Then, it’s me dropping and sleeping soundly.
When they were little, at the beginning of the trip, I used to give each of them an envelope in the car or on the plane. Inside, depending on their age, was money. Then, I gave them instructions: I will pay for food, transportation, zip lining, or whatever else was the adventure treat, even after-dinner ice cream. You pay for anything else that you want. You do not ask me for money. If you spend it all on the first day, good - if you save it and bring it home to your piggy bank, good. Just don’t nag me for junk in every store we enter. It worked. My son saved most of it; my daughter spent every nickel - both were happy.
Traveling with adult children, and now in-laws and grand kids, means fewer instructions and so much more negotiation, so I developed a new plan. It generally works! Before the trip, I send out an email to every member who can read. It says (pleasantly, of course), pick three things you want from this trip. Three things that, if you get them, the trip will be a success. Everyone’s 3 wishes, mine included, goes to the top of the to-do list and we try very hard to do them. Common wishes these days are: lay at the pool, eat good food, sleep as late as I want, read books/play computer games as much as I want, visit museums, find the flea market, do yoga together, hike/walk most days. One of my kids usually adds 'keep mom from over-booking the days'. I do make an effort. It’s so much better than a waterslide. Try it with your family.
The photo above is from our family trip to Iceland.
An update to the posts https://www.chickiesblog.com/post/5-rules-for-presidential-dressing and https://www.chickiesblog.com/post/the-absolutely-biggest-topic-on-everyone-s-mind-right-now where I tackled the problem of Presidential outfits: The Hollywood Reporter wrote that Kamala accepted the nomination in a custom navy pantsuit by Chloe. Blue!!! What did I tell you? I bet Kamala reads my blog.
Not the Trip We Planned will be published by Koehler in March, 2025. My friend Maddy and I are featured in it. I haven't read it yet, but I'm sure she will be the more likeable character, just like real life.
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