France, Italy, London, Los Angeles, Mexico, Asia. No, I’m not talking about the vacations of celebrities and supermodels, although they jet set too. I’m talking about the spring break vacations of some of L.A.’s private elementary school families.
Don’t get me wrong, I like the idea of exposing kids to new places, cultures, foods and countries. And, I’m no stranger to Five Star resorts. Still, I’m astounded at the luxe vacations private elementary school parents take their young kids on for spring break. We’re not talking about high school or college graduation. We’re taking about 2nd grade spring break, 4th grade spring break, even kindergarten spring break to Thailand, Costa Rica and Switzerland.
Moroccan getaways, villas in Cabo, excursions to Japan, Thailand, Paris, Costa Rica and London. Statement vacations reign supreme. Jetting off on a moment’s notice without the hassle of horrifying body scans or sweltering 6 hour delays on the tarmac comes with the territory for a few of these families.
At The Willows School, a kid who traveled to an extremely exotic and faraway locale for spring break this year, regaled the entire grade with a slide show of the family’s trip, complete with editorial commentary that was meant to dazzle classmates.
I think its wonderful for kids to see remote places while they develop an appreciation and respect for other countries not their own. But, my kids will have to wait a while before we embark on a 15 hour flight to anywhere. Right now, my kids think Hawaii is awesome (because it is!) and I’m not going to try to try to change their opinion. My family also loves hanging out right here in my hometown.
If you’d rather wait until the kids are older to jet off to a fancy resort on the other side of the world, I’m with you. There are a lot of cool cultural and outdoor places to go right here in Los Angeles. Jennifer Brandt’s piece for Lifetime Moms about taking her son to the beach during her “summer of nothing” is so fun. Michelle Chiklis writes about a perfect day spent hiking in Temescal Canyon and then a bit of retail therapy. While spending the day as a tourist in your own city may not get your kid invited to present a slide show to the class, its certain to entertain and enlighten her.
Want to talk about summer vacations? How about Machu Picchu, Peru. Anyone want to go? Anybody at all? I thought so. They’ve already arrived and are posting pics on Facebook.
I’ve done a few of those 15 hour flights with my kids and now all I want is a “staycation”! Btw, my hubby is dying to go to Peru.
My husband would love to take our kids on a 15-hour flight somewhere exotic. Not because it’s a luxury destination, but because he just loves travel and wants to share that with our children. I think often the beauty of the country is missed when you stay in these fancy resorts (as amazing as they are). We went to Bali on our honeymoon and although we did spend part of it in a luxury resort, the most memorable part of the trip was staying with friends who lived there and really getting a feel for the country and the people. That’s what I’d like my kids to experience. But, you know, if someone wants to give me a luxury vacation with my kids who am I to say no? 😉
Oh my God those pics are beautiful. Seriously, if you’re going to post a pic like that you really should run it with a free vacation contest. (Hee hee). As for me? I am ALL about the ‘Staycation.” I’d love to take my kids to Hawaii one day, but not till they’re old enough to behave and “appreciate” a vacation somewhere close to home. Maybe next year?? Fingers crossed. (and great post!)
We don’t travel in the jet set crowd (no pun intended). So, I’ll have to find moms who appreciate a good local vacation like we do when our twins start school. Thanks for keeping it real on your blog, as always.