Am I Crazy? Vacation Planning

My kids' first trip on a flight was to Vegas at ages 5 and 7. I wanted to wait until they were old enough to go through security (this was shortly after 9-11) and be responsible for their own bags. We stayed at MGM and had a blast. There wasn't a hassle anywhere. I would much prefer to fly to Vegas than to drive any day. If you are worried about losing luggage, have the kids pack some of their stuff in different suitcases. I have flown a lot and only once was our luggage delayed. See if you can bring/purchase a few carry on bags. Put a few days of clothes for each person in those and then you don't need to worry if a bag is late.

ETA:  We didn't have anyone to watch our kids either.  They went with us everywhere until they were 19 and 21.  They have been to Vegas at least 10 times.

Holy HELL NO!! This sounds more like a freaking job then a vacation for you. nope. Not going.

It's funny how we were the go-to couple for taking care of nieces and nephews for upwards of two weeks at a time for years.  Both SILs had us do this for years.  Then we had kids, no one would return the favor.  Sometimes you just don't have people to watch your kids.  When my SIL suggested that my boys (as 14 and 16 year olds) come to her house (to watch her grandkids) while she worked, I about blew a gasket.  

So it’s not a vacation if you don’t fly (according to DH) but it’s ok that you have to cook all your meals?? How is that like a vacation?! I don’t mind flying so if I could afford to take them all I would. Vegas is expensive, the kids will want to do more than walk through the casinos. Good luck!

Do you a know Senior Citizen Neighbor, or a College student that could hire to stay with the kids? Or another Family, that you could trade vacation time babysitting with?

I know a group of three Families, that do the grown up vacation time babysit trade.
One Family watches all the children, and the other two sets of Parents go away (together or separately). Each set of Parents babysits once, and goes away twice. I think they do long weekends, not a full week.

My mom is dead. My dad works. My brothers drink. My FIL is old. My husband is an only child.

If my mother and law and/or sister are busy, we have no one to watch our kids.

I don't understand why it's so unbelievable that people might not have anyone to watch their kids.

And I'm laughing at your suggestion that those without families ask coworkers to watch their kids while they vacation.

Why? I have great co-workers. I know some don't, but some of us do! so that's not laughable, or something to made fun of. In fact one of my co-workers was one of my bridesmaids. I just think there has to be someone to take the kids for a short wkend so you can get away for just the 2 of you. It can be done if it's a priority. If it isn't, well, then it isn't.

I wouldn't even try to call this an anniversary trip. We are doing a quick family vacation to Las Vegas this summer, but our kids are 22 & 16 - big difference. This trip you are going to take will be expensive too. I think I'd be inclined to have a nice evening out with your husband to celebrate your anniversary - a nice dinner and theater performance if that is something that comes to your area. Then I'd do a mini-vacation with your kids that is a comfortable drive - rent a cabin, something on that order.

I get not having someone to watch your kids. Our closest family is 4 hours away. Asking someone not related to you to watch four kids is a lot to ask. 

Can you fly your parents or other relative to you - then you guys vacation on the San Juan’s for a few days? Cheaper than flying everyone to Vegas. Or hire a sitter.

I’d prefer to fly too. We’ve taken our kids to Las Vegas a few times. I would not be willing to cook all the meals.

We stay at the Hilton Grand Vacation property whic is just north of Circus, Circus. We get a two bedroom suite with a kitchen and we do make a few meals. I like this property because they don’t have a Casino. Decent pool. When the kids were younger they loved Circus Circus indoor theme park. We found other fun things to do with the kids. It’s not inexpensive though. And can be so stinking hot in the summer.

We never had any problems flying with our kids. They loved the whole experience, and liked watching movies on the plane. We always do carry-ons only though, so when we arrive we can start our vacation and not wait around for luggage. Each kid had a backpack with snacks and things to do, and a rolling carry-on that they could pull easily. There were just so many wonderful places to see that were too far to drive.

We weren't perfect parents, but we now have adult children who are very comfortable on planes and love seeing other parts of the US and traveling the world. I say this gently...you have a very negative view or fear of flying, and a more positive view of long car trips than many other people:)

However...I don't cook on vacation. One of the things we love about traveling is trying different foods and restaurants. When the kids were young we brought their favorite cereal and bought milk to put in the mini-fridge, and we ate casual lunches by the pool, but I wasn't cooking or washing dishes.

I have to say the worst trip we took was to Las Vegas in June because it was 108 degrees. We wouldn't have chosen to go then, but my husband had a work conference. Your husband's right that Las Vegas isn't miserably humid, but it still wasn't comfortable.

I'm guessing that you made it to 20 years, like most of us, with a lot of give and take. Maybe you could deal with flying if it was to a different location and with an understanding that you will not be cooking or washing dishes. You each deserve something that feels special.

If your husband wants to see a show or something, why don't you go on a cruise or to an all inclusive? You'll have to fly (personally I would prefer that), but there are shows, things for the kids to do, and food provided so you won't have to cook. You can probably even find a kids club so that you and your husband can get a few hours alone together.