Last Updated Oct 11, 2025 - 13 min read

Co-Parenting on the Move: How to Plan Great Trips Around Custody Schedules

You're scrolling through vacation photos on social media, feeling that familiar tug of wanderlust. But then reality hits: coordinating travel plans around custody schedules feels like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. Between court orders, your ex's calendar, and your kids' activities, planning a simple weekend getaway can feel overwhelming.

Here's the truth: co-parenting travel doesn't have to be a battleground. With the right strategies, clear communication, and a solid understanding of your legal obligations, you can create incredible memories with your children while honoring your custody agreement. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to navigate vacation planning as a co-parent—from understanding your legal requirements to choosing destinations that maximize your precious time together.

Whether you're planning a summer road trip, holiday getaway, or spontaneous weekend adventure, you'll learn how to turn custody schedules from obstacles into opportunities for meaningful connection with your kids.

Understanding Your Custody Agreement's Vacation Provisions

Before you even think about booking flights, pull out your custody agreement and read the vacation provisions carefully. This document is your roadmap, and understanding it thoroughly prevents costly mistakes and unnecessary conflict.

What to Look For in Your Parenting Plan

Your parenting plan should stipulate how you and the other parent will handle vacations, including how you'll divide school breaks or holidays, how far parents may travel, and what activities are allowed while vacationing.

Key provisions to identify:

Advance notice requirements – Most agreements require 30-60 days written notice before travel
Vacation time allowances – How many weeks per year each parent gets
Geographic restrictions – Whether out-of-state or international travel requires special permission
Precedence rules – Whether vacation time overrides regular custody schedules
Activity restrictions – Any limitations on activities during your parenting time
Communication expectations – Requirements for providing itineraries and contact information

Most co-parents agree that vacation schedules should take precedence over regularly scheduled parenting time, meaning if vacation time is assigned, it overrides the regular custody schedule. Understanding this hierarchy helps you plan confidently without worrying about schedule conflicts.

Defining Your Annual Vacation Time

Each co-parent typically receives a predetermined amount of vacation time for the whole year that they can use at any time—for instance, each co-parent may be given three weeks of vacation time for the whole year.

Knowing your exact entitlement helps you plan multiple trips throughout the year. Some families split this into:

One extended summer vacation (7-10 days)
Two shorter breaks during school holidays
Multiple long weekends strategically placed

Pro tip: If your agreement doesn't specify vacation time clearly, work with your co-parent to create written amendments. Make sure that anything you agree to is in writing and meets the requirements of your Virginia Separation Agreement or Custody Order (i.e., signed, dated, or notarized).

Legal Requirements Every Co-Parent Must Know

Out-of-State Travel: The Rules Are Stricter Than You Think

In most states, you cannot take your child out-of-state without the other parent's permission – even for a day trip. Many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have laws that prohibit a parent from removing a child from the state without consent.

This applies even if:

You're traveling during your designated custody time
There's no formal court order in place
It's just a quick day trip across state lines
The other parent hasn't explicitly objected in the past

What you need to do:

Request written permission via email or text at least 30 days before travel
Document the other parent's consent – save all communications
Always obtain the other parent's written consent before leaving the state
Follow your custody order's specific requirements for notification timelines

Most parenting plans require the parent to get permission from the other parent when traveling out of state with the children. Don't assume permission—always ask explicitly, even for destinations that seem routine.

International Travel: Additional Complexities

Custody agreements often address international travel separately and usually require written consent from the other parent. Furthermore, in the United States, both parents must typically consent to a passport for a minor child.

International travel checklist:

✓ Obtain written consent from your co-parent at least 60-90 days in advance
✓ Ensure your child has a valid passport (requires both parents' signatures)
✓ Provide detailed itinerary with international contact information
✓ Share travel insurance details
✓ Discuss medical authorization for emergency treatment abroad
✓ Consider carrying a notarized letter of consent from the other parent
✓ Research the destination country's requirements for children traveling with one parent

You may also need to provide details regarding any travel insurance and medical information if you are planning to travel abroad.

If you are required to notify your former spouse of any holiday travel plans with your children, ensure this is done well in advance. You should be prepared to share details about your plans, such as the dates of departure and return, anticipated itinerary, and where you will be staying, with appropriate contact information.

Create a comprehensive travel notification that includes:

Transportation details – Flight numbers, airline information, departure/arrival times, or driving route
Accommodation information – Hotel name, address, and phone number
Destination activities – General overview of planned activities
Emergency contact numbers – Your cell phone and backup contacts
Travel companions – Names and relationships of anyone traveling with you
Return date and time – Exact pickup/exchange details
Daily contact schedule – Proposed times for the child to call the other parent

Give a complete itinerary. Provide all of the information that you would want to know even if it isn't required. You should provide the information in writing (e-mail is fine).

The Art of Communicating Travel Plans With Your Co-Parent

Start the Conversation Early (Really Early)

The biggest mistake co-parents make? Waiting until plans are finalized before involving the other parent. This creates unnecessary tension and can derail even the best-intentioned trips.

Talk to your co-parent well in advance; ask their plans; share your plans. Get something blocked out on the calendar for both of you to take uninterrupted time with the kids.

Timeline for travel discussions:

6 months ahead: Discuss major vacation blocks for the year (summer break, holidays)
3 months ahead: Share preliminary destination ideas and date ranges
60 days ahead: Provide detailed travel plans and request formal approval
30 days ahead: Confirm all logistics and finalize communication schedules
1 week ahead: Send final itinerary with all contact information

The first thing you should do is let your co-parent know about your vacation plans as soon as possible. It is often best to clue your co-parent in on your travel plans before you complete anything, so there is no confusion or wasted expense.

Frame Requests Collaboratively, Not Combatively

Your tone matters enormously. Instead of demanding or dictating, approach vacation planning as a collaborative puzzle you're solving together.

Instead of: "I'm taking the kids to Florida June 10-17. You'll have them the week after."

Try: "I'm hoping to plan a beach trip in early June. I have June 10-17 available on my end. Would that work with your schedule, or would June 17-24 be better for your vacation plans?"

Don't expect to get your way every time there are conflicting vacation plans. Be open to adjusting. But expect to share the burden of compromise and let your co-parent know this. Example: 'I will adjust our schedule this year if next year, you'll do the same.'

What to Do When Your Co-Parent Objects

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your co-parent may resist your travel plans. Here's how to navigate objections:

Understand their concerns:

Safety worries about the destination or activities
Scheduling conflicts with their vacation plans
Financial concerns if they're sharing costs
Missing important events or activities
General anxiety about lack of control

Problem-solving strategies:

Ask clarifying questions: "What specifically concerns you about this trip?"
Offer additional information: Provide safety details, references, or alternative plans
Propose compromises: Adjust dates, destinations, or activities
Involve a mediator: If discussions stall, consider professional mediation
Document everything: Keep records of all communications and attempts to compromise

If you and your co-parent can't reach an agreement, consider using a mediator or consulting with a family law attorney to resolve disputes. It's better to address conflicts early, rather than at the last minute when emotions run high.

Keeping Communication Child-Focused

It isn't your child's job to play telephone and keep either one of you in the loop. Never use your children as messengers for travel arrangements. This puts unnecessary pressure on them and invites miscommunication.

Communication best practices:

Use co-parenting apps (OurFamilyWizard, Talking Parents, Coparently)
Keep tone neutral and business-like
Separate vacation discussions from other co-parenting issues
Respond to requests within 48-72 hours
Acknowledge receipt of travel information
Thank your co-parent for their cooperation

Strategic Vacation Planning: Making Every Moment Count

Choosing Destinations That Maximize Limited Time

When you're working with custody schedules, every hour matters. Choose destinations that minimize travel time and maximize quality connection time with your kids.

Time-efficient destination strategies:

For 3-day weekends:

Destinations within 2-3 hour drive
Direct flight destinations (avoid connections)
All-inclusive resorts that eliminate planning stress
Nearby state parks or beach towns
Cities with concentrated attractions

For week-long vacations:

Single-destination trips rather than multi-city tours
Drive-to destinations for families (saves airport hassle)
Cruise vacations (unpack once, see multiple places)
Resort destinations with on-site activities
Destinations matching your kids' interests

For 10-14 day summer breaks:

International destinations requiring longer flights
Multi-stop road trips
Adventure trips (national parks tours, etc.)
Extended family reunion destinations
Volunteer or cultural immersion experiences

Budget-Conscious Travel That Doesn't Sacrifice Quality

Co-parenting often means managing tighter budgets. Here's how to create amazing memories without breaking the bank:

Cost-saving strategies:

Book during shoulder seasons (late May, early September) when prices drop 30-40%
Choose drive-to destinations – Save $600-1,200 on flights for family of three
Rent vacation homes with kitchens – Cook breakfasts and some dinners (saves $200+ per week)
Look for free activities – Many cities offer free museums, parks, festivals, and concerts
Use points and miles – Maximize credit card rewards for flights and hotels
Choose all-inclusive resorts – Predictable costs eliminate budget anxiety
Travel during off-peak weeks – Avoid premium holiday week pricing

Real example: A 5-day beach trip in Gulf Shores, Alabama (late May) costs approximately:

Vacation rental with kitchen: $150/night = $750
Groceries for breakfasts and snacks: $100
Dinners out (4 nights): $200
Beach equipment rental: $75
Mini golf and activities: $150
Gas (round trip): $120 Total: $1,395 for unforgettable beach memories

Compare this to $3,000+ for similar time in premium destinations during peak season.

Building Flexibility Into Your Plans

To navigate this tricky time, it's important to be flexible and reasonable. Even the best-laid plans encounter hiccups—flight delays, weather issues, or last-minute custody schedule changes.

Build in buffer time:

Schedule return 6-12 hours before custody exchange (not 2 hours)
Choose refundable or changeable bookings when possible
Have backup activities for weather disruptions
Keep flexibility for extending or shortening trips
Maintain open communication with co-parent about potential delays

Flight cancellations or changes are unpredictable. If this happens, notify the other parent immediately and consider rescheduling options. Make sure to keep records of any additional expenses.

Holiday Travel: Navigating High-Stakes Scheduling

Understanding Holiday Schedule Precedence

Typically, holiday arrangements take precedence over your regular custody schedule. The plan is designed to ensure both parents get to share special moments with their children, even if it means deviating from the usual plan.

This means if Christmas falls during what would normally be the other parent's weekend, the holiday schedule takes priority.

Three Approaches to Holiday Scheduling

1. Alternating Holidays One parent gets Christmas Day this year, while the other gets it next year. Alternate other major holidays the same way.

Pros: Ensures both parents experience full holidays regularly Best for: Parents with similar holiday traditions, those living close together

2. Split Holidays One parent gets Christmas Eve, and the other gets Christmas morning. This allows both parents to create special holiday moments.

Pros: Kids see both parents during each holiday Best for: Parents living within 30-45 minutes, families who prioritize consistency

3. Fixed Holiday Assignments Some parents prefer fixed arrangements, such as one parent always celebrating Thanksgiving while the other always celebrates New Year's.

Pros: Eliminates annual negotiations, allows tradition building Best for: Parents with different cultural backgrounds or strong preferences for specific holidays

Planning Holiday Travel in Advance

Planning ahead prevents last-minute stress. Begin discussing the holiday schedule several months in advance so everyone is clear on expectations.

Holiday travel timeline:

September: Finalize Thanksgiving and December holiday splits
October: Book major holiday travel (prices increase dramatically after this)
January: Discuss spring break and summer vacation blocks
March: Begin booking summer travel

Even if you or your co-parent are within your rights according to your custody agreement, you will want to discuss any travel plans well in advance, ideally months ahead of the holidays. This allows you to adjust schedules, make arrangements, and create predictable plans.

Making the Most of Your Vacation Time Together

Creating Intentional Connection Opportunities

Your vacation time with your kids is precious—especially when custody schedules limit your days together. Focus on quality over quantity by building in intentional connection moments.

Connection-building activities:

Morning ritual: Start each day with breakfast together and discussing the day's adventures
One-on-one time: If you have multiple kids, create individual moments with each child
Unstructured play: Leave room for spontaneous fun, not just scheduled activities
Evening reflection: End each day sharing favorite moments ("roses and thorns")
Create traditions: Establish vacation rituals unique to your time together
Limit screens: Set boundaries on device time to maximize presence

Balancing Structure and Spontaneity

Kids thrive on routine, but vacation is also about freedom and adventure. Strike a balance between planned activities and flexible exploration.

Daily structure that works:

Morning: Leisurely breakfast, plan the day together
Mid-morning: Major activity or adventure
Lunch: Flexible timing, let kids help choose
Afternoon: Downtime, pool time, or low-key exploration
Evening: Special dinner, family activity, or local experience
Night: Relaxation, recap the day, prepare for tomorrow

Leave 30-40% of your schedule unplanned for spontaneous discoveries, rest when needed, or extending activities everyone loves.

Staying Connected With the Other Parent During Travel

A good plan is to also schedule video calls, phone calls, or texts during the time away, which can ease the other parent's mind.

Communication schedule during vacation:

Establish predetermined call times (evening after dinner works well)
Use video calls so kids can share experiences visually
Keep calls positive and brief (15-20 minutes)
Allow kids to initiate additional calls if they wish
Send occasional photos or updates via text
Don't force communication if kids are engaged in activities

The traveling parent should be reachable throughout the entire vacation time. This means providing the other parent with their traveling telephone number as well as location.

Boundaries to maintain:

Calls should be at reasonable times (not during key activities)
Communication shouldn't disrupt the vacation experience
Both parents should respect scheduled communication times
Emergency contact should always be available

Special Considerations for Different Family Dynamics

Long-Distance Co-Parenting Arrangements

If you and your co-parent live far apart, vacation time becomes even more critical for maintaining strong bonds.

Holidays and school breaks should be shared or given to the nonresidential parent, since the nonresidential parent has significantly less time with the child. All or some holidays can go to the nonresidential parent, depending on flight expenses and driving time.

Long-distance vacation strategies:

Maximize extended breaks – Use full school breaks rather than short weekends
Meet halfway – Choose vacation destinations between both homes
The parent travels to the child – Sometimes it's easier for the parent to visit the child's location
Extended summer visitation – Consider 4-6 week summer blocks
Bundle holidays – Combine Thanksgiving break with adjacent weekends

One creative idea is exploring the possibility of taking vacations together as a family if both co-parents are open to it. The more flexible and imaginative you are, the greater the chances of finding meaningful family and co-parenting time.

When Travel Plans Overlap With School

Having the child miss an occasional day of school so they can spend a long weekend with the other co-parent is a perfectly viable option.

Many parents worry excessively about missing school. While education is important, relationship-building during vacation time is also valuable.

When missing school makes sense:

Elementary school students missing 1-2 days for extended travel
Traveling during standardized test off-weeks
Educational travel experiences (historical sites, cultural immersion)
Rare family opportunities (reunions, special events)

When to avoid school absences:

During final exams or major testing
When child is already struggling academically
Missing more than 3-4 days at once
Against explicit school policy

Make it educational: Turn travel into learning by having kids journal, photograph, research destinations, or complete travel-related school projects.

Introducing New Partners on Vacation

Do not surprise your children or the non-traveling parent with a vacation with your new significant other.

If you're bringing a new partner:

Discuss with your co-parent first – Give them heads up before telling children
Prepare your children – Talk about it before the trip, not during
Consider timing – Is your relationship established enough for this step?
Respect boundaries – Understand if your co-parent has concerns
Focus on the kids – Your partner should enhance, not dominate, the experience
Give kids adjustment time – Don't force interactions or affection

Destination Ideas Perfect for Co-Parenting Schedules

Weekend Warriors: 3-Day Getaways

These destinations maximize limited time with minimal travel:

Beach destinations:

Gulf Shores, Alabama
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Galveston, Texas
Clearwater Beach, Florida

Adventure destinations:

Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Smoky Mountains)
Moab, Utah (Arches National Park)
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Asheville, North Carolina

City escapes:

Chicago, Illinois
Nashville, Tennessee
San Diego, California
Austin, Texas
Portland, Oregon

Week-Long Wonders: 7-10 Day Trips

All-inclusive resorts (meals, activities, entertainment included):

Great Wolf Lodge locations (indoor waterparks)
Beaches Resorts (Caribbean, kid-focused)
Club Med (various U.S. and international locations)
Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, Punta Cana

National Parks circuits:

Yellowstone/Grand Teton loop (Wyoming)
Utah's "Mighty Five" (Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef)
California coast (Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon)
Great Smoky Mountains region (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Road trip adventures:

Pacific Coast Highway (California)
Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Route 66 segments
New England fall foliage tour
Florida Keys island hopping

Extended Adventures: 2+ Weeks

International destinations:

Costa Rica (adventure, beaches, wildlife)
Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper)
Europe rail trips (kid-friendly cities)
Caribbean island-hopping
Mexico's Riviera Maya (culture + beach)

U.S. epic journeys:

Alaska cruise and land tour
Hawaii island-hopping
Cross-country road trip
Multiple national parks tour
East Coast historical tour

Technology Tools to Simplify Co-Parenting Travel

Co-Parenting Apps

In order to avoid conflict that can stem from miscommunication, parents should always keep their shared parenting calendar updated with all holiday and travel plans. OurFamilyWizard can help families stay on top of their parenting and vacation schedules with ease.

Top co-parenting apps for travel coordination:

OurFamilyWizard ($99-199/year)

Shared calendar with vacation schedule tracking
Message monitoring (reduces hostile communication)
Expense tracking for shared travel costs
Document storage for itineraries
Court-admissible records

Talking Parents ($4.99-14.99/month)

Timestamped, uneditable messages
Calendar coordination
Secure document sharing
Request/approval system
Call recording option

Coparently ($9.99-12.99/month)

Visual shared calendar
Expense splitting
Activity scheduling
Simplified interface
In-app messaging

AppClose (Free-$4.99/month)

Simple shared calendar
Scheduling coordination
Notification system
Basic messaging
Budget-friendly option

Travel Planning Tools

Shared itinerary platforms:

TripIt – Consolidates all travel confirmations in one place, can be shared
Google Docs – Create collaborative itineraries both parents can access
Wanderlog – Free trip planning with map integration
Sygic Travel – Offline itinerary access

Shared photo/memory apps:

Google Photos – Create shared albums for vacation photos both parents see
FamilyAlbum – Private photo sharing specifically for co-parents
Tinybeans – Family journal and photo sharing

When Things Don't Go According to Plan

Flight Delays and Cancellations

Transportation disruptions can create custody exchange nightmares. Always plan for the unexpected.

Preventive measures:

Book morning flights (less prone to delays)
Build 6-12 hour buffer before custody exchange
Purchase travel insurance with trip interruption coverage
Have backup transportation plans
Keep co-parent informed immediately when issues arise

If you're going to be late for exchange:

Notify immediately – Don't wait to "see if you can make it"
Provide documentation – Screenshot flight delays, weather alerts
Propose solutions – Offer extended time later or other compromises
Keep emotions neutral – Focus on problem-solving
Meet halfway – If significantly delayed, offer to drive partway

Medical Emergencies on Vacation

Have these items ready before every trip:

Medical authorization forms (notarized if possible)
Insurance cards and information
List of current medications and dosages
Emergency contacts for both parents
Pediatrician contact information
Known allergies documented

Notify your co-parent immediately if:

Child requires medical attention beyond basic first aid
Emergency room visit is necessary
Any injury or illness that might affect upcoming custody time
Prescriptions are issued

Weather Disruptions

Hurricanes, snowstorms, and other weather events can derail plans.

Weather contingency planning:

Monitor weather forecasts starting 5 days before travel
Have indoor backup activities planned
Purchase travel insurance covering weather cancellations
Discuss flexibility with co-parent in advance
Keep refundable bookings when possible during hurricane/winter storm seasons

Creating New Traditions in Your Co-Parenting Life

Holiday custody schedules not only help families maintain their cherished traditions but also provide opportunities for new traditions to develop.

Embrace the opportunity to create unique vacation traditions that belong exclusively to your time with your kids:

Annual Traditions to Establish

Same destination, different experiences:

Return to the same beach town each summer, watching kids' relationship with it evolve
Annual national park adventure, tackling progressively challenging hikes
Yearly theme park trip, marking growth through height requirements met

Special rituals:

Opening night campfire with s'mores and story-sharing
Last-day reflection breakfast where everyone shares favorite moments
Souvenir tradition (collect patches, ornaments, postcards, etc.)
Trip journal where kids document adventures
Annual photo at the same landmark showing growth

Rotating adventures:

Let kids take turns choosing annual destination
Explore all national parks together over years
Visit each state or region systematically
Cultural immersion trips introducing different countries/cultures

Making Peace With Bittersweet Moments

Co-parenting travel comes with emotional complexity. You're building memories while navigating loss of the family unit you once envisioned.

It's okay to feel:

Sad that you're not experiencing certain moments with your co-parent
Guilty about having fun while kids miss the other parent
Frustrated by scheduling limitations
Protective of your precious time together
Uncertain about new family configurations

But remember: You're modeling resilience, adaptability, and prioritizing relationship with your children. These vacation memories matter profoundly—perhaps even more because they're intentionally created in more complex circumstances.

Legal Troubleshooting: What to Do When Agreements Break Down

When Your Co-Parent Violates Travel Agreements

If your co-parent consistently ignores notification requirements, takes unauthorized trips, or refuses reasonable vacation requests:

Documentation is critical:

Save all communications (emails, texts, app messages)
Document dates and details of violations
Record your reasonable attempts to cooperate
Note any impact on children
Photograph custody order provisions being violated

Steps to take:

Written communication – Cite specific custody order provisions, request compliance
Mediation – Attempt to resolve through neutral third party
Attorney consultation – Understand your legal options and rights
Custody order modification – File for clearer, more specific travel provisions
Contempt proceedings – Last resort for serious, ongoing violations

Modifying Your Custody Agreement for Better Travel Provisions

Families change, so it's only natural that your holiday parenting plan may need adjustments over time. Life events like remarriages, moves, or changes in your children's preferences might require you to revisit the plan. Make it a practice to review your holiday arrangements annually.

Consider modification if:

Current provisions create constant conflict
Children's needs have changed significantly
Geographic distance has increased
Work schedules have shifted
Current agreement is vague or ambiguous

Work with a family law attorney to propose modifications that:

Clarify ambiguous provisions
Add specific notification timelines
Define geographic boundaries clearly
Establish vacation allocation methods
Address technology communication expectations
Include dispute resolution processes

Your Vacation Planning Checklist

12 weeks before:

☐ Review custody agreement vacation provisions
☐ Discuss potential dates with co-parent
☐ Identify destination options
☐ Check school calendar for breaks
☐ Research destination costs and logistics

8 weeks before:

☐ Finalize destination and dates with co-parent
☐ Get written approval for travel (especially out-of-state)
☐ Book refundable accommodations
☐ Purchase flights (prices typically best 6-8 weeks out)
☐ Buy travel insurance
☐ Block dates on shared calendar

4 weeks before:

☐ Create detailed itinerary
☐ Share comprehensive travel information with co-parent
☐ Establish communication schedule for kids to call other parent
☐ Make activity reservations
☐ Confirm passport validity (if international)
☐ Arrange pet/house care

2 weeks before:

☐ Reconfirm all bookings
☐ Pack age-appropriate activities for travel
☐ Prepare kids for trip (discuss plans together)
☐ Fill prescriptions for travel period
☐ Notify school if missing any days
☐ Arrange work coverage

1 week before:

☐ Send final itinerary to co-parent
☐ Pack comfort items from home
☐ Test all communication technology
☐ Confirm custody exchange details
☐ Download offline entertainment and maps
☐ Brief kids on communication expectations

Day of travel:

☐ Send "we've departed safely" message to co-parent
☐ Have emergency contact information accessible
☐ Keep communication device charged and accessible
☐ Document first-day memories
☐ Facilitate first check-in call with other parent

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

Yes, coordinating co-parenting travel is complicated. The scheduling spreadsheets, the careful communication, the legal requirements—it can feel exhausting. But here's what you're really doing:

You're showing your children that:

Love transcends changing family structures
Adults can cooperate even in difficult circumstances
They deserve dedicated, quality time with each parent
Adventures and joy continue after divorce
Both parents prioritize their wellbeing and happiness
Flexibility and problem-solving are valuable life skills

You're giving yourself:

Uninterrupted time to strengthen your parent-child bond
Opportunities to create new family traditions
Chances to show up as your best self without conflict
Memories that will sustain you through challenging co-parenting moments
Evidence that you're building a rich, full life post-divorce

Embracing the New Normal

Co-parenting travel will never be as simple as the family vacations you once imagined. But it can be something unexpectedly beautiful—intentional, present, deeply connected time with your children.

The scheduling obstacles, legal requirements, and communication challenges aren't roadblocks—they're the structure that allows you to create meaningful experiences within your co-parenting reality.

Every successful trip you plan demonstrates to your children that your family may look different now, but adventure, joy, and unconditional love remain constant.

So pull out that custody agreement, start the conversation with your co-parent, and begin planning. Your kids are waiting to make memories with you—whether it's building sandcastles on a Gulf Coast beach, spotting elk in Yellowstone, or simply exploring a new city together.

The world is still full of adventures to share. You just have to navigate them with a little more planning, a lot more communication, and the confidence that you're doing something remarkable: putting your children's need for connection above convenience.

Now go book that trip. Your next great memory together is waiting.

Ready to simplify your co-parenting travel coordination? Start by reviewing your custody agreement's vacation provisions this week. Then reach out to your co-parent to discuss summer plans—the earlier you start the conversation, the better options you'll have. And remember: every successful trip you plan strengthens not just your relationship with your kids, but your confidence in navigating this co-parenting journey.