Vacations, after kids....

just aren't the same, don't you think? I mentioned in my other post that we're taking a little mini-vacation in October...a weekend getaway to Lancaster, PA. While I am really looking forward to this trip, it is a big departure from what used to constitute 'getting away' before we had kids.

Before, the distance (read: time spent in a car, train, or plane) really didn't matter that much, provided we could afford the travel. We didn't think much of flying to Barcelona (8 hour red-eye) or Belize (five hours, which included a 2 hour layover).

Now, the maximum amount of time I'm willing to spend trapped in a vehicle of transport with the kids is three hours (and, that included a 20 minute stop). It is just too stressful for all involved to push it much more than that.

Before, we were really flexible with our accommodations. When we traveled to Spain, we only booked a room for the first night, and figured (correctly), that we'd sort the rest out once we got there and got a better feel for the place. We didn't want to be tied down in advance. When we traveled to Belize, we spent so little (read: none, aside from sleeping) time indoors that we opted for the cheapest possible place, and as a result, we stayed at some pretty...sparse...places. On other trips, we've totally splurged and stayed at some very deluxe places.

Now, I have very specific requirements for where we stay. A pool and kid activities (a playground, at a minimum) are a must. A crib must be available. A suite (or condo-style place) is preferable, so we can put the kids to bed and have some adult time.

Before, we read up on the things to do and see, and made a list of options, but didn't really map out a strict itinerary. Again, we didn't want to be tied down.

Now, I research every last possible family-friendly option and basically have our entire stay mapped out down to the minute.

Before, down time was a plus. Sitting by a pool, reading, or lounging about in bed for an extra hour or two was no big deal. When we traveled to Ireland (granted, after having Sadie, but more importantly, without her) I have great memories of an entire rainy afternoon spent indoors, not doing much.

Now, the thought of downtime, unstructured time, time trapped indoors without a plan is ... frightening. As such, on my carefully scheduled itinerary, I, of course, have mapped out a series of 'plan b' options. I am leaving nothing to chance!

So...tell me...if you travel with kids, what do you do? Do you opt for packaged vacations (a la WDW), adult places (a la the Rio Las Vegas) or, like us, have you become 'those people' who stay at the family friendly resorts and cart their kids about to various attractions, and then head back to the hotel for the 'all you can eat value buffet' meal for dinner?