"Are We There Yet?"
Traditionally
speaking, kids are not part of the honeymoon package. After all, a honeymoon is
for the new couple to spend time together without other distractions to weigh
them down. But these days, so many people have children from previous
relationships that jotting off to Acapulco without a care in the world isn’t as
easy as it sounds. Frankly, bringing the kids along for the honeymoon can be a
terrific solution. Some couples do this for practical reasons; having the kids
in tow means they won’t have to leave them with someone else. But honeymooning
all together can also give a new family an opportunity to build relationships
with each other.
The Ideal
Balance
One
approach to planning a honeymoon with your kids is to look for destinations
that offer activities that will suit everyone’s needs. Look for activities for
the whole family as well as activities that parents and kids can participate in
separately. You’ll be able to make new memories together as a family, as well
as have some separate adult time for yourselves.
Finding
the perfect place for this all to happen may be easier said than done, but it
doesn’t have to be impossible. For example, many cruise ships and resorts offer
this kind of vacation package. You can enjoy swimming, beach time, meals, or
other family events together. Separately, your kids can participate in
supervised activities while you two lovebirds have the honeymoon time together
you’ve dreamed of. Be sure the child supervision you expect is clearly covered
before you book.
Bring a Sitter
Along
Another
approach to the familymoon is to bring a responsible family member or friend
along to watch the kids. Maybe your parents would enjoy taking your kids to the
beach during the day while you and your new spouse hit the spa, and then join
you for dinner and a family-friendly show in the evening. Another popular
option is to have your parents keep the kids home with them for a few days
while you enjoy your honeymoon alone, and then have everyone join you on your
honeymoon for family-oriented activities.
Kid-Friendly
Destinations
Some
vacation spots seem to have been made for families with kids. Disneyland in
California and Walt Disney World in Florida are two that easily come to mind.
These parks as well as the surrounding hotels will have suggestions for nanny
services and supervised children’s activities, so you and your spouse can have
some time alone.
Beaches
resorts in the Caribbean offer supervised programs for children through age 12.
There are also teen hangout areas for the older kids. They create a perfect
opportunity for the adults to slip away for some alone-time.
A
Hawaiian getaway can provide a similar environment. Look for hotel resorts that
have kid’s camp activities. The Grand Wailea on the island of Maui offers kids’
workshops and supervised activities from the morning until late in the evening.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village at Waikiki Beach features Camp Penguin, a day camp
program for kids ages 5 to 12.
The Familymoon
Bringing
your kids along on your honeymoon may not be the romantic ideal you wanted, but
it doesn’t have to spell disaster. With some ingenuity and an upbeat attitude,
you can make your honeymoon into a special time for all the members of your new
family. You’ll build new memories together and set the foundation for years to
come, and isn’t that what marriage is all about?
Have you experienced the Familymoon? We'd love to hear what you have to say about the Honeymoon vs. the Familymoon! Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
Wendy Fernandez is a traveling reporter and in her spare time she blogs for honeymoondestinations.org a site she highly recommends checking out if you're planning a honeymoon or just a vacation to an exotic place. They have all sorts of guides to help plan a trip to Bali or Las Vegas.
