Family Travel: The Best Moments Aren’t Always in the Plan
A few weeks ago, my family and I took a much-needed Spring Break trip to one of our favorite places: The Cove at Atlantis in the Bahamas. We go there often because it has a little something for everyone: sun, water, space to slow down, and plenty of activities for the kids. And this year, after what felt like months of school events, sports practices, and nonstop schedules, we were more than ready for it.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes the idea of planning a trip with kids feels like a lot. Even as they’ve gotten older, I still get flashbacks of traveling with strollers, diapers, sound machines, and all the gear. But now that Sadie and Stokely are six, things feel just a little lighter. This trip reminded me how far we’ve come. And how travel, while still unpredictable, doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Our Favorite Moments
There were so many highlights. The kids got to meet dolphins—kiss them, pet them, the whole thing. Watching their faces light up was worth everything. We lived in the pool during the day, ordered fries by the water, and had long, slow mornings where no one had to be anywhere. Just being together, unplugged and present, was everything we all needed.
And then, on the way home, something sweet and totally spontaneous happened.
Sadie and Stokely were not ready to go home. They were literally crying as we rolled our bags out of the resort. And right as we were boarding our flight home, Bakari turned to me and said, “We have a layover in Miami. Want to stay an extra night?”
We both looked at each other and said, “Let’s do it.”
So we changed our flight, booked a last-minute hotel, and turned a layover into one more night of vacation. We took the kids to dinner, walked the beach, and let them soak in just a little more magic before real life picked back up.
Side note: I learned a bit more about my twins. Sadie is more spontaneous and all in on a change of plans. Stokely, my sweet, structured little man, is more of the, “What are we doing? This was not in the plan!” 😂
The Realities of Traveling with Kids
Let me keep it real: traveling with young kids, especially twins, still comes with challenges.
- You’re packing two of everything.
- You’re reading every label for food allergies (both my kids have food allergies).
- You’re checking every restaurant to avoid cross-contamination.
- And when you get home, there’s that one thing I always dread: unpacking.
But I’ve also learned a few things that make it smoother:
Let them carry their own backpacks. They’re responsible for snacks, coloring books, little games—whatever they want on the plane.
Always pack extra clothes in their carry-on. In case luggage has been lost or delayed, those backup outfits saved us.
Keep snacks on hand. Because delays happen, tarmacs happen, and hungry kids do not play.
Get this look for your babies.
Also, if you’re lucky enough to travel with another adult, don’t be afraid to build in grown-up time. During the day, we’re in full family mode. But at night, we bring a sitter so Bakari and I can have dinner out, play a little poker at the casino, and just enjoy each other as adults, not just parents.
My Honest Advice for Moms
If I could give one piece of advice to other moms, especially moms of multiples, it’s this:
Plan the trip.
Even if it feels like too much. Even if it’s just a staycation. Even if it’s an hour away. Your kids don’t need luxury. They need time with you. They need a change of scenery. They need memories.
Like their shorts? Click here.
The world feels busy. School, work, activities, meals, laundry, logistics—it never stops. But when you’re sitting on a beach with your babies, watching them laugh in the waves, it’s proof that the effort, the planning, the chaos—it all adds up to something beautiful. And it’s worth it.
So take the trip. You’ll be so glad you did.
With love,
Ellen