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5 Tips for Stress-Free Vacationing as a Co-Parent

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Co-parents can ensure successful vacations by first reviewing their custody agreement, which often stipulates rules regarding travel during parenting time, permission requirements, and holiday designations. Easterling Family Law advises providing the other parent with advance notice and sharing travel details like itineraries and contact information, especially for out-of-state or international trips, as many agreements mandate this. Facilitating communication between children and the non-traveling parent through calls or video chats helps maintain connection and reduces tension. It is also crucial for co-parents to avoid competing with each other, focusing instead on quality time with their children.

Divorce Family Law - child playing on vacation with a co-parent
Categories Co-Parenting Author Lindsey Easterling

What are the key tips for co-parents planning a vacation with children?

  • Review your custody agreement before planning any trip: The article emphasizes that vacation rules—such as whether travel must occur during parenting time, requires permission, or counts as a holiday—are often spelled out in custody agreements and should be checked first.
  • Provide advance notice to the other parent: Many agreements require notice, especially for out-of-state or international travel, and early communication supports cooperation and compliance.
  • Share appropriate travel details: Providing itineraries and contact information helps reassure the other parent and may be required under court orders, particularly when traveling far from home.
  • Encourage communication between children and the other parent: Arranging calls, video chats, or postcards during the trip helps children stay connected and reduces tension.
  • Avoid competing with the other parent: The article advises focusing on quality time rather than trying to outdo an ex with more expensive or elaborate vacations.

Although this vacation season is quite different from years’ past, there will probably be an opportunity to safely get away with your family for a few days this summer. If you are locked into a parenting plan with your ex, you have extra considerations to address while planning a vacation with your children. Here are five pieces of advice to ensure your summer trips keep everyone happy. 

  1. Go back and review your agreement. This is the key to a successful vacation. See if you and your ex made any agreements, in writing, about your obligations regarding vacations. The custody agreement could stipulate whether your vacation needs to coincide with your parenting time or if vacations take precedence over physical custody arrangements. Additionally, you might have to consider whether or not vacations count as “holidays” under your agreement. Going back over your custody agreement and, possibly, having an attorney review it for you is often necessary for co-parents. 
  2. Give your ex plenty of advance notice. Many custody agreements mandate that you provide advance notice to your ex when planning a vacation with your children. They often stipulate that you need permission from your ex when taking them out-of-state or overseas. Besides keeping in line with your custody agreement, letting your ex know ahead of time about any vacation plans shows courtesy and cooperation on your part.
  3. Share as many details as you feel comfortable. Again, any agreements or court orders might compel you to share certain details with your ex, but try to be generous to your ex when describing your upcoming trip. Send your ex a detailed itinerary and let them know how to get in contact with you if need be (especially if you are traveling overseas).  
  4. Arrange for your children to send postcards or call their other parent during your trip. This is a simple gesture that will be much appreciated by your ex. Regular calls and FaceTime chats can help your ex feel more involved in the vacation and remind your children that both of their parents are eager to hear about their fun excursions. 
  5. Don’t try to “out-do” your ex. It can be extremely difficult to watch your ex take your kids on luxurious cruises while you are just trying to swing a long weekend trip to the mountains. However, there are no advantages to trying to one-up your ex. Focus on maximizing the time you have with your children. 

Conclusion
There are many potential issues that you do not always think about when coming up with a custody arrangement. Whether you are looking to the court to come up with a plan or you are attempting to come up with one out-of-court with your ex, you need effective representation so your rights and interests are respected. Reach out to Easterling Law so we can discuss your options today.

Lindsey Easterling
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Author: Lindsey Easterling

Lindsey Easterling is the founder of Easterling Family Law in Charlotte and a family law attorney dedicated to helping families navigate divorce and custody matters with compassion and clarity. Inspired by her own childhood experience with divorce, Lindsey focuses on collaborative, solution-driven approaches that prioritize the well-being of children and families. She is also a certified mediator who helps families communicate productively and reach resolutions that work for their unique situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What's the first step I should take when planning a vacation with my children as a co-parent?

The most crucial first step is to review your existing custody agreement. This document often specifies rules about vacations, such as whether they must align with your parenting time, require permission, or count as holidays. Understanding these stipulations is key to a successful trip.

2 What kind of information should I provide to my co-parent about our vacation plans?

You should provide plenty of advance notice, especially for out-of-state or international travel, as many agreements mandate this. Additionally, share appropriate travel details like itineraries and contact information. This helps reassure the other parent and may be a court requirement.

3 How can I help my children stay in touch with their other parent while we are on vacation?

The article recommends encouraging communication between the children and the other parent. You can arrange calls, video chats, or even send postcards during the trip. This helps children maintain connection and can reduce potential tension between co-parents.

4 Is it necessary to involve an attorney when planning a vacation as a co-parent?

While not always required, the article suggests that having an attorney review your custody agreement can be necessary for co-parents. This ensures you fully understand your obligations and any specific vacation stipulations within your agreement.