Holidays Before Kids vs After Kids

If you’ve ever taken a holiday with children, you’ll know it’s a completely different experience from the days when it was just the two of you. Before kids, a holiday meant relaxation, indulgence and spontaneity. After kids… well, let’s just say the word “relaxation” takes on a whole new meaning.

Here are some of the funniest, most relatable ways holidays change once little ones join the adventure.??????

1. Lie-ins vs. 6am wake-up calls

Before kids: long, lazy mornings, breakfast at 11, and maybe a nap by the pool in the afternoon. After kids: you’re sprinting to the pool by 6:30am to secure a sunbed while the kids argue over who gets which inflatable.

2. Silent pool reads vs. inflatable lifeguard duty

Before kids: novels devoured by the pool with nothing but the sound of waves in the background. After kids: supervising cannonballs, refereeing splash fights, and being roped into 17 rounds of “watch me dive!”

3. Long lunches vs. nugget negotiations

Before kids: three-hour seafood lunches with chilled wine, overlooking the ocean. After kids: speed-eating chips while cutting up nuggets and trying to negotiate one more bite of broccoli before ice cream.

4. Sunset cocktails vs. mini disco

Before kids: cocktails at golden hour, clinking glasses as the sun sinks below the horizon. After kids: busting out your best moves at the mini disco at 7pm, cheering when “Baby Shark” comes on (again).

5. Spontaneous adventures vs. military precision

Before kids: hiring a scooter on a whim, finding hidden beaches and staying out until dawn. After kids: planning your entire day around naps, snacks, and making sure the hotel has WiFi for Paw Patrol.

Why it’s still worth it?????

Sure, holidays after kids look very different. They’re louder, messier and sometimes more exhausting than being at home. But they’re also filled with moments you wouldn’t trade for anything: the first time your child sees the sea, the joy of an ice cream dripping down their chin, the memories you’re creating together.

And the best part? With the right resort, you can still carve out time for yourself. Kids’ clubs, family suites, private transfers... these little details are what make a family holiday actually feel like a holiday.