Ideal Vacations for Parents

Posted by Melissa Chapman May 22, 2006

With summer just a few weeks away, I'm already fantasizing about the last week in August when we embark on our annual family vacation. Last year, we rented an apartment for the week at the Jersey shore. Even though we had beautiful weather and were within walking distance from the beach, the truth is now that I look back on it, I wouldn't really consider it a vacation.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you go away and stay at a place with a fully loaded kitchen including; an oven, refrigerator and dishwasher you've basically set yourself up for having to prepare three meals for your family. Now how can that be considered a vacation? And, since you are renting the apartment, you and you ALONE are responsible for keeping it tidy. Last summer I remember I spent quite some time, sweeping, vacuuming, loading and unloading dishes from the dishwasher, making the beds. The truth is I was basically doing the same job I do 24/7 in New York, except for the fact that I was doing it in someone else's apartment, which in many cases is worse, and presents another problem. If my kids spill a drink on my carpet- so what's one more stain- but when I have to worry about someone else's carpet, I remember running around making sure that everyone was being careful to keep the place clean.

Well this summer, I've planned a different vacation one that I am positive will relieve me of my "job" for a week. We're going to stay at a hotel in Upstate New York for an entire week. Before I give you any information, the best part is that, our stay includes three meals a day in the hotel's dining room. Forget the fact that they have an indoor and outdoor pool, an ice skating rink and tennis courts, those were not the amenities that attracted me. As a stay-at-home mom the best vacation is one where someone else makes the meals, serves them and cleans up afterwards. And, dare I say it- I actually get to sit down with my kids and have someone put a plate of food in front of me. I'm salivating just thinking about it!

Write to me and tell me your ideal vacation ideas for stay-at-home parents- I would love to hear them and share them with everyone on this site!