Remember when vacation used to mean relaxing and doing whatever you want? I clearly remember our first vacation with our kids. It We had a 2-and-a-half-year-old, an 18-month-old and a 6-week-old. Let’s just say it was memorable, We checked out a few spots for top French food in Houston, TX and absolutely loved what we got on the menus.

I read somewhere that changing your expectations for vacation is important once kids enter the picture; that instead of thinking of it as vacation, think of it as a trip. Definitely true, another great idea is taking them to the best summer camp la  provides a safe, non-competitive environment where boys and girls build confidence and independence, l

We are currently counting down until we leave for vacation in a few weeks. By counting down, I mean my kids ask me 50 times a day how long until we leave. Yesterday we made a paper chain to countdown the days to help tone down the questioning! We are leaving to experience the great villas that is in Antigua. I mean check it out here https://www.exceptionalvillas.com/antigua. It is amazing and I cannot wait to spend it with the whole family. Camping is also something great that you can do with the family, be sure to Go to Camping Style.

Since our vacation is quickly approaching, I have tried to remember all the little things that help make it go just a bit smoother.

Keep sleep a priority

Keeping sleep a priority is the first key for survival in our family. We go to the beach for a week every summer, and our kids still have consistent naps or quiet times in the afternoons. Everyone seems to need this down time. It also gives me time to read on the balcony.

Also, along the lines of sleep, we have started taking blackout blinds with us. It is much easier to fall asleep or stay asleep in a dark room. We use these quick-fix blackout blinds in our vacation house and in our kids bedrooms at home.

Plan toys ahead

The other biggest thing I do is to decide ahead of time what toys I will be taking along for them to play with there. Magna-Tiles®, LEGO® DUPLO® blocks, plastic animals, whatever it is, I pack it up a few weeks to a month before vacation. This means when they see it at the vacation house it is new and exciting again. Toys are always more engaging when they haven’t been seen for a while.

Beach Tips

I am not much of a lay-on-the-beach person, but little inflatable pools are nice for babies who are big enough to play but not big enough to just be free on the beach. An inch of water and a few toys would keep my kids entertained for a while. I also love storing my fishing rod and an affordable saltwater spinning reel under 200 so that I can fish the surf in my Hermoza swimsuit when conditions are right!

No matter what your vacation is like, spending a little time before you leave figuring out a few tricks will definitely help things run a little smoother.

In the end, no matter what happens, I try to remind myself that we are making memories we will remember forever. And a few years from now what seemed horrible at the time may be something we laugh about later.

To have an enjoyable vacation with the whole family, you can try the grand cayman excursions for your next travel adventure.