Why Families Don’t Take Vacations (and How to Finally Change That in 2026)

The Truth About Family Vacations

Every year, I talk to families who want to take a vacation… but don’t.

They dream, they scroll, they talk about “someday” — but when summer rolls around, the flights are sky-high, hotels are full, and they’re knee-deep in soccer schedules and school events.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Let’s unpack a few of the most common reasons families don’t take vacations — and how to make this the year you finally do.

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💭 Reason #1: “We can’t afford it.”

Reality: Most families don’t have a travel budget problem — they have a travel habit problem.

If you’re not intentionally saving for travel, it’ll always feel out of reach. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a giant windfall to go somewhere wonderful.

💡 Try this: Save just $20 a week — by this time next year, you’ll have $1,040 set aside. (Yep, that’s a weekend getaway or the start of your 2027 family vacation fund.)

📊 See also: Travel Savings Challenge: $20 a Week to Your Next Vacation

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🕰️ Reason #2: “We’re too busy to plan ahead.”

Reality: You’re not too busy — you’re overwhelmed.

I have one client (we’ll call her “Last-Minute Linda” 😉) who swears she’s not a planner. Every year, she waits until the kids’ school schedule settles before booking a summer trip. Every year, she ends up frustrated when flights are sold out and prices have doubled.

If that sounds familiar, the best fix is simple: plan small.
Block off one week in your calendar now — even if you don’t know where you’re going yet. Having the time reserved removes half the stress before it even begins.

👉 Here’s the thing: planning a vacation has to be intentional.
It’s not something that magically falls into place — it’s something we do on purpose.
From setting the dates to budgeting to logistics, it deserves the same space in our routines as all the other “must-do” parts of family life.
We brush our teeth, we pay bills, we show up for work… we can schedule joy, too.

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💑 Reason #3: “I’m carrying the entire mental load.”

Reality: You probably are — and you’re not alone.

Between school calendars, meal planning, and everything else, adding “plan a vacation” to your list can feel impossible.
Here’s your permission slip to either:
1️⃣ Get your partner involved — share the vision, not just the to-do list.
or
2️⃣ Get someone (hi, that’s me 👋) to take it off your plate entirely.

Because you deserve a break before the vacation even starts.

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💸 Reason #4: “Traveling with kids is too expensive.”

Reality: It can be — but it doesn’t have to be.*

The secret is knowing where to spend and where to save. For example:

• Kids under 2 often fly free on your lap
• Road trips cost less but still feel like an adventure
• All-inclusive resorts or cruises can save money by bundling food and activities

It’s not about traveling cheap — it’s about traveling smart.

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😬 Reason #5: “Traveling with kids is too hard.”

Reality: It’s different, not impossible.

Sure, you might not be sipping cocktails at sunset in peace (unless the kids are miraculously asleep early), but the laughter, discoveries, and “remember when…” stories are worth every snack spill.

Start small if you need to. A two-night getaway still counts. The point isn’t perfection — it’s connection.

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❤️ Reason #6: “We’ll do it next year.”

Reality: You’ve probably said that before. 😉

Here’s the thing: “next year” never just happens — you have to plan it.
Set your budget, block your dates, and start dreaming now.

And I’ll be honest — I get it. After Christmas, I’m usually so pooped that the thought of organizing one more thing feels like too much. That’s exactly why I plan something low-key but fun, like taking the kids to LEGOLAND for two nights for New Year’s during the week we’re all off.

It doesn’t have to be the whole week, or anything elaborate — the point is just to break up the “everyone’s at home… now what do we do?” whining. 😅

Because the truth is, you don’t need the perfect time or perfect plan — you just need to start.

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🌎 Your Family Deserves This

Taking a family vacation isn’t selfish or frivolous — it’s essential. It gives your kids memories that outlast toys, and gives you something to look forward to beyond the daily grind.

So here’s to 2026 being the year we stop saying “someday” and start saying, “this year.”

💬 Ready to start small? Check out the Travel Savings Challenge and let’s plan your next adventure — one $20 bill at a time.