Follow These Tips When Planning to Travel Without Kids

Contributed by Rose Gray, Manager of Business Development - Vacation Sales Fox World Travel

Whether you are a recent empty nester, a 60’s + couple looking to celebrate a special anniversary, or a grandparent who helps out with your grandchildren’s childcare, you may be considering a child-free vacation. Sometimes, however, that is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you’re traveling during summer or holiday time when kids are out of school.

But with a little advance planning this may not be as difficult as one might think.

Try to avoid traveling during school holidays like Christmas and Easter. September is often an ideal time to travel since the kids have just returned back to school and much of the U.S. is still experiencing good weather. You may want to travel during the week rather than on weekends; you’ll avoid both kids and their working parents.

If your getaway involves a major city, plan your trip during the destination’s off-season if possible. Arrange excursions that are adult-friendly like pub tours, art galleries, botanical gardens and museums or monuments (call ahead to make sure that there is not a school group scheduled the day you plan to visit). Choose restaurants which are a bit more upscale rather than the casual chain restaurants. Or opt for an ethnic restaurant; children are notoriously picky eaters and parents avoid those restaurants at all costs. Also try eating later in the evening if you are hoping for that quiet, uninterrupted dining experience.

Cruising has become an increasingly family-friendly vacation option but there are plenty of ships where you won’t have to worry about being splashed every time you walk out on the pool deck. Try an upscale luxury line such as the Yachts of Seabourn, Silverseas Cruises, or Crystal Cruises which tend to draw a more mature crowd. You’ll also see fewer children if you book a longer cruise (more than seven nights) or try a more exotic cruise itinerary such as Tahiti or South America. And you’ll have fewer children in the dining rooms if you choose the late seating for dinner.

The best way to assure yourself a kids-free vacation is to book your stay at an adults-only resort. Popular all-inclusive, adults-only resorts include the Sandals chain which offers resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and the Bahamas, the El Dorado properties by Karisma Resorts in Mexico. Or select AM Resorts “Secrets” throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. A travel agent can help you sort through the options and choose the destination and adults-only property that’s right for you.

When planning a vacation to a destination which doesn’t offer adults-only hotels, investigate your options before choosing your accommodations. Avoid the popular budget chains and instead opt for intimate bed and breakfasts, historic inns or upscale hotels. Check out the properties’ website or give them a call to find out about their children’s policies. If they offer children’s programs or family packages, you might want to continue your hotel search.

If you are limited on time or working within a budget, you might want to consider other adult-friendly vacation options such as spa vacations or a casino trip to Reno, Atlantic City and yes, even Las Vegas. It wasn't long ago that Las Vegas was threatening to go family-friendly and shake off its decades-old reputation as “sin-city”. In recent years we have seen the pendulum swing back in the direction of good old-fashioned adult-focused entertainment.

As you plan your child-free vacation, it’s important to remain guilt-free. Remember that vacations are an important part of life. The freedom that retirement offers provides an excellent time to see our country and the world and doing so in a “kid-free” manner is nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve worked hard to get to the point in your life where you can choose your travel experiences. What’s holding you back? The options for a child-free vacation are endless and experienced travel consultants can help you make those vacation dreams become realities. Visit GoFox.com or call 866-GO-FOX-GO.