After nearly two years of staying close to home, we finally took our first family trip since 2019! Between the pandemic and having two little ones, my husband and I decided it was safest to press pause on travel for a while. But now that vaccines are available—and both of us have been fully vaccinated and boosted—we felt ready to venture out for a much-needed family adventure.
This post is written in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health to help share the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine. As always, all thoughts and experiences are my own.
Feeling Confident with the Vaccine
Like so many parents, my husband and I weighed every decision carefully during the pandemic. Getting vaccinated early on was an easy choice for us—we wanted the peace of mind that comes with protection, both for ourselves and for our kids. As soon as boosters became available, we booked our appointments right away so we’d be fully prepared before heading out on vacation.
One thing that made me especially relieved was knowing that the vaccine is now available for kids ages 5 and up. My daughter Layla’s school district set up vaccination clinics specifically for students, making it incredibly simple for families to schedule appointments. It was one less thing to stress about, and I felt grateful knowing she had that extra layer of protection before our trip.
A Return to Great Wolf Lodge
For our first trip back, we chose a destination that’s always been close to our hearts—Great Wolf Lodge. The last time we went, Edie was still a baby! This time, she’s a busy toddler with boundless energy, and it was such a joy to watch both of our girls enjoy the resort together. From the water park to the themed activities, there was more than enough to keep everyone happy.
Of course, even with excitement in the air, I completely understand how overwhelming travel can still feel right now. I had many of the same worries. But with a little preparation, we were able to enjoy our time together while still feeling safe and comfortable.
Tips That Helped Us Travel with Confidence
If you’re thinking about planning a family getaway, here are a few simple things we did that helped ease our minds and made the trip smoother:
- Check your destination’s safety measures
Before booking, we reviewed the hotel’s website to see what precautions they had in place. Knowing what to expect ahead of time gave us confidence and helped us plan. - Masks, masks, and more masks
Both girls had mask holders so they could easily take them off while eating without losing them. I also kept extras tucked in my purse and car—because with kids, you can never have too many backups. - Hand sanitizer + lotion = a must
For older kids, consider giving them a fanny pack or small bag with sanitizer and lotion. It’s a simple way to teach independence while making sure their hands stay clean (and comfortable). - Pack your own water
Each of us brought our own refillable water bottles. It saved us from unnecessary stops during the long drive and ensured we always had drinks on hand.
These little steps may seem small, but they added up to a trip that felt both fun and manageable.
Grateful for Time Together
The holidays can be such a whirlwind, but this getaway reminded me how important it is to pause and make memories as a family. After everything the past couple of years have thrown our way, sitting back and watching my kids laugh and play felt like such a gift.
Looking ahead, I’m hopeful for more family adventures in the new year. Knowing that more than 11 million vaccine doses have already been administered in Washington makes me optimistic that we’re moving toward brighter, safer days.
Final Thoughts
COVID-19 hasn’t been easy on any of us, and I know how uncertain traveling with kids can feel right now. But for me, the vaccine has been the key to feeling like we can take small steps back toward normal. The process of getting vaccinated—and later, boosted—was quick, simple, and gave us the reassurance we needed to finally take that first family trip again.
If you haven’t gotten the vaccine yet, I encourage you to do so—for yourself, for your loved ones, and for all the moments you want to fully enjoy with peace of mind. For our family, it made all the difference.
