Amid the optimism of the initial travel planning stage, a family vacation always seems like a good idea.

Bonding in a new environment. Exposure to different cultures. Quality time together.

But for most folks, within the first few harried days of travel with children, we find ourselves ready to pull out our hair. Most likely, we’ve threatened to cancel the trip or go home early at least twice. And someone, by this point, has suffered a major meltdown from lack of snacks, unreliable Wifi or jet lag. (It’s just as likely a parent as a child.)

So, why does the concept of a “family vacation” set us up for failure?

Let’s start with the word “vacation” itself, which for many folks implies relaxation, rejuvenation and umbrella-laden cocktails.

That is not what family travel typically is. (Womp-womp.) Undertaking a trip with children is difficult. It requires loads of advance planning, a thorough understanding of logistical detail, and the patience of a saint.

But there’s good news.

A simple shift in perspective can seriously help to manage our expectations.

At the very beginning of our travel planning journey, we can choose to scratch the “vacation” term from our vocabulary. Instead, parents can lean into the idea of planning a family “trip.”

Without the subconscious expectation of ease and glitz associated with a vacation, we can realistically plan our travels for what they really are: An opportunity to enrich the lives of ourselves and our children, and to create memories that will outlast our lifetime.

The intangibles of family travel:

In a recent study, more than 80 percent of surveyed travelers said that travel “brings us closer together as a family.” Seventy-nine percent said that it enriches a child’s education; and 73 percent believe that travel makes their children better global citizens.

Those are some impressive statistics. But if you’ve ever traveled with children, you already know that there’s magic in watching them soak up the world through their own eyes. And that’s true even for the littlest travelers.

According to UNICEF, in the first two years of life, a child’s brain can form new connections at the astonishing rate of up to 1,000,000 per second. That’s a pace that will never repeat again. Which means that every little experience is shaping their brains and potentially, the big kids and adults that they’ll become.

All this to say, while family travel doesn’t always feel like a vacation, it’s still an incredibly worthwhile investment. And thankfully, doing your research and being selective will ensure that you’ve planned travel that realistically accounts for kids being kids, and grown-ups needing a break.

Tips to ensure your family trip includes something for everyone:

First up, consider selecting a destination that minimizes logistical challenges. A road trip may be best if you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, since you can easily stop for a snack or pull over a rest stop. Similarly, a direct flight may feel more manageable than a location that requires one or more layovers.

Many parents consider choosing a vacation rental or resort that will accommodate not only their children, but grandparents, too. An extra set or two of hands can seriously ease the parenting burden, particularly when traveling with more than one child. It also creates an opportunity for parents to spend some time alone, either for a couple of meals out or for excursions not suited for kids.

Another option is to select a resort that offers a kids club, where children can spend portions of their morning or afternoon, supervised by resort staff. (Be sure to check that a kids club accommodates your child’s exact age.) At other properties, staff babysitters are available to come to your room and watch a child while parents sneak out for dinner and a drink.

You can visit the Kid-Friendly Stays Directory to filter for your exact accommodation needs.

One last thing to keep in mind:

Wherever you go, whether it’s an hour drive away or halfway around the world, keep one thing in mind. Even the longest of days on your family trip will feel like a blip on the radar within a few weeks. Through the rosy lens of nostalgia, this trip and all of its most memorable moments will live on, enhancing your and your kids experience set. And in the end, helping to paint the bigger picture of your family and its grand adventures.