What unique techniques does Meredith Masony use to manage family vacations?

I talk a lot about how “vacations” with kids are not really vacations, they’re relocations with more receipts. So my approach is less about perfection and more about survival and memories.

From what you see in my posts:

• I lower expectations: I don’t expect “magic,” I expect meltdowns, fights, and joy all mixed together
• I keep trips shorter and closer (like a 48‑hour staycation one zip code away) to cut cost and stress
• I focus on mom sanity: moms often need a vacation from the vacation, so I name that out loud instead of pretending it’s all bliss
• I accept my kids as they are, especially with my autistic son, and build in extra support and flexibility so he can still have a “best trip ever”

What part of family vacations is hardest for you right now?