I only took one of my kids on vacation. Here's why you should, too
Whenever I find myself cleaning crushed Cheerios out of hotel room carpet or lugging three car seats through the airport, I am reminded that there is a difference between "traveling with kids" and "vacation."
To fulfill the need for actual "vacations," my husband and I travel solo on a regular basis (sorry, boys). But traveling with my kids is just as important to me as traveling without them. I want them to have new experiences and learn about the world outside of our small town in Indiana.
To strike that balance between whatever traveling with a family of five should be called and an actual vacation, my husband and I recently took just our oldest son on a weekend trip to Universal Orlando. We had a fun, relaxing weekend — and I'm planning to make it a point to do the same thing with my two younger sons.
Here's how – and why – I recommend planning sans-sibling trips with your kids.
Less stressful to plan
My sons are currently 8, 5 and 3. When our family travels together, I have to find hotel rooms or vacation rentals that don't appear to have too many sharp edges or easily breakable furnishings and can comfortably accommodate all five of us. I can spend hours, or sometimes days, searching for a place to stay even after we've settled on a destination.
Then there's the packing. Our suitcases are loaded with sippy cups, swim diapers, arm floaties for the pool and enough snacks to answer every, "I'm hungry!" with a baggie of Goldfish or granola bar before a tantrum breaks out.
There's no way around it. The fewer kids we travel with, the fewer things we have to bring — and the easier it is to find somewhere to stay. It's not the most important reason to travel with only one kid, but if your vacation goal is stress reduction, it's one worth mentioning.
More suited to their preferences
My oldest son is 8 years old and while he is nowhere near outgrowing the magic of Disney World, he is a huge fan of the thrill rides down the road at Universal Orlando Resort.
Bigger thrill levels mean taller height requirements. He is the only one of our three kids that is tall enough for rides like Revenge of the Mummy, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
That last one is one of the primary reasons for our visit to Universal. During a visit last summer, he was not quite tall enough to ride Hulk. He was so close that his hair brushed the line for the 54-inch height requirement, so we knew he would be tall enough next time we visited the park.
Sure enough, when we visited last weekend he had more than bypassed the height requirement and we were able to celebrate that special moment with him.
For the rest of the day, I (mostly) let him lead the way. If he wanted to skip a ride I had suggested in favor of something else, I let him. I wanted the day to be about him — and other than my request to sit on the motorbike rather than the sidecar on Hagrid's, it was.
More suited to their age and developmental level
We've taken plenty of theme park vacations as a family, but it sometimes feels like the youngest ones are just along for the ride (especially when I think back to a few years ago when the younger two spent most of the day in the stroller as we bounced from ride to ride).
By the end of the day, they didn't want to go anywhere near the stroller. They wanted to use their little legs to expend all their pent-up energy. Our oldest, on the other hand, hadn't had the same limitations because he was older and able to do more on his own.
Being the oldest isn't always an advantage. We've run into the opposite issue when visiting places geared more toward younger kids. There are times when my oldest was bored out of his mind while the younger two were happily playing at a children's museum or hotel splash pad.
It can be tough to find activities that appeal to a toddler, preschooler and third-grader. When I'm only planning activities for one child, it's much easier to find activities that he will find fun and engaging.
On this trip, that meant roller coasters and bottomless Butterbeer, but it could also mean taking my dinosaur-obsessed toddler to Chicago's Field Museum or taking my preschooler camping so he can make s'mores over a campfire (something he requests often).
I can give them individual attention
I definitely see the importance in teaching my kids to share and helping them understand the world doesn't revolve around them, but my mom guilt sometimes kicks in when I realize that none of my kids get much one-on-one time.
When my husband and I spent the weekend at Universal with our oldest, I was able to have uninterrupted conversations with him (a true novelty in our family) and find out what's going on in that little head of his.
Of course, it was difficult not to feel guilty about leaving the other two behind, but they are young enough that a "sleepover party" at my mom's house is still their idea of a good time. It didn't hurt that we brought them each home a stuffed dinosaur, either. As they get older, it may be a little tougher for them to understand, but hopefully the promise of their own solo trip will hold them over.
Bottom line
Most of us (myself included) can't afford to take an endless number of vacations every year, but solo time with your kids doesn't have to mean a week away with each one. You can do a weekend or overnight trip or plan a "staycation" where you stay in town and let your child plan the day's meals and activities.
We came home from our weekend away with some silly inside jokes and new memories that will strengthen our bond for years to come. I know we all cherished our special weekend together and I can't wait to take my other kids on solo vacations.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.