Woo hoo! You’re finally going on a vacation…just the two of you! I am a firm believer that parents need some good quality time away from the kiddos. We love them so much and do so much for them.
Every once in a while though, you need to just get away, have a minute to re-set and remember what it feels like to just be you. Couples need time to re-connect and a kid-free vacation is just what the doctor ordered.
But before take-off, there are some things you need to do to make sure your little ones are taken care of. This will also help you let go, knowing they are in good hands and you can really relax and enjoy your time away.
Keep in mind, many items on the list are for “just in case” situations. Most will never be needed, but it’s always better to be prepared. If something does happen while you are away, you’ll be glad you made these preparations.
1. Medical Authorization Form
This gives your caregiver the authority to get medical attention for your child. If he gets sick, or heaven forbid, falls off the monkey bars and breaks his arm, you want Grandma to be able to get him all fixed up. I keep a template on my computer. When I need it, I just update the form, print it out, and get it notarized. Full disclosure: I never had one notarized before.
While doing research for this post, I learned from an attorney friend that I should – whew – glad I learned that when I did! You can just search for a template on Google (there are tons out there). Just don’t forget the notary!
2. Medical Providers, Medical Conditions, & Medications
You’ll want to provide your caregiver information on all your child’s medical providers (pediatrician, dentist, etc.), and be sure to include their addresses and phone numbers. Also list out any medical conditions your child has (asthma, allergic to penicillin, etc.) and any medications they take on a regular basis, including the dosage.
This is another item I just keep in a Word document on my computer so it’s easy to update, print out, and staple to the Medical Authorization Form.
3. List of Emergency Contacts
Even if your kids are staying with grandparents or other family members, it’s a good idea to leave a list of other emergency contacts, just in case something goes wrong and they need additional help. Consider including a mom friend who lives in the area – they can be super helpful in a pinch!
4. Copy of Insurance Card
Again, just in case medical attention is needed, they will need your insurance card. Just make a copy of it – front and back – and attach it to the other medical forms. Think about what COULD happen and being prepared will allow you to enjoy your kid-free vacation.
5. Basic Itinerary
It’s a good idea to leave a basic itinerary of your trip so your caregiver knows where you are in case they need to reach you. I know, I know, we all have cell phones and they will have that number, but I can’t tell you how many places we’ve been with no signal at all.
So, just to be safe (I seem to sense a theme here), including airline, flight number, flight times, hotel names, phone numbers, & addresses.
6. Child’s Routine
For younger kids, provide their typical routine which should include everything that happens on a regular day – eating times, nap times, bedtime, etc. For older kids, you’ll want to include specific rules about tech time, when and where it is soccer-practice, what kind of movies are okay, and bedtimes. This may also include school drop-off and pick-up times.
Consider keeping #1-6 in a folder or binder to make it easy for you to pass off and easy for your caregiver to find everything.
7. Extra Cash
It’s a nice gesture, even if your kids are staying with grandparents, to leave some extra cash. If you are going to be gone for more than a day or two, you want them to be able to plan some fun stuff to do – maybe a trip to the zoo, a museum, or an outing to the movies.
You want them to have a great vacation too without breaking the bank for your caregiver. Plus, the easier this is on everyone, the more likely they’ll be willing to do this again in the future, allowing you to have another kid-free vacation!😉
8. Tell the School, Day Care, Coaches, Dance Teacher, etc.
Don’t forget to let your child's school, and others, know that you will be out of town and that your caregiver will be dropping off, picking up, and will be the emergency contact for the allotted time.
9. Tell Your Caregiver Where Your Will Is
You know…just in case. If you don’t have a will – OMG -get one! You can get a basic will through Legal Zoom for only $69. There’s really no excuse here. You are a grown-up with a kid…you should have a will. Now, excuse me while I climb off my soap box…
10. Have a Plan In Case You Are Delayed Getting Back
Oh, never mind. Flights are always on time and never get canceled, right? Um, no. This probably doesn’t take extensive planning, but just something to remember to discuss. Maybe your caregiver has a job that they will need to get back to or some other commitment. You just need to talk it over and have a plan.
11. If They're Staying At Your House
They won’t be as familiar with where you live as you are. Be sure to leave your address, major cross streets (911 often asks for this), and the number for the local police & fire department. Also, make sure they know where you keep the fire extinguisher.
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And there you have it! Your complete list of things to do before you leave for your long-awaited, well-deserved, kid-free vacation! Once you get these items checked off your list, you will feel more at ease and can begin focusing on YOU, possibly with an adult beverage in hand!
Now that you’ve got the kiddos squared away, what will you pack? How many times have you forgotten to pack something? If you’re anything like me, you’ve lost count. Many times this is only a minor inconvenience, but sometimes it can be a real bummer and a costly mistake (ever had to buy sunscreen at an all-inclusive beach resort – $$$ yikes)! So, I’ve put together this vacation packing list. It’s sure to save you time now & headaches later. READ MORE
Need a romantic place to go? Check out Romantic Getaway – Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica. It’s a great little all-inclusive! Want to stay in the US? Check out Lake Tahoe! We had an amazing couples' trip there one summer! Read about it HERE.
Another of our favorite adult-only getaway destinations is Lake Tahoe (especially in the summer)! There is so much to do & it's gorgeous!
Until next time…
About The Author
My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.
I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.
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🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:
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- Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
- Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.
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- SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.
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- Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.
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- AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.
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