Every year, I’ve always looked forward to the next year’s school calendar reveal. When will summer break end? When is spring break? What long weekends do we have to work with for shorter trips? I would seriously get giddy when the calendar is released each year so that I could begin trip planning.
But, things change. Our school district’s 2025-2026 calendar came out a few weeks ago, but my excitement level just isn’t what it used to be.
High school years are a challenge for travel-loving families
Having kids in high school makes it difficult to travel during the school year, even during scheduled breaks. With one kid involved in a sport and now two kids in theatre, I’ve learned that required activities take place all year long. And, as my kids get older, those activities become more important to them.
Last month, my 8th-grade daughter missed 3 days of school for our trip to Hong Kong. Not a huge deal. However, she ended up missing out on a theatre activity that we couldn’t have anticipated 12 months ago when we booked the trip. Now arguably, her experiences in Hong Kong outweigh the missed activity at home. But sometimes, those missed activities aren’t optional. Since she’s in high school next year, I won’t be pulling her out of school for travel anymore.
Earlier this fall, we had an extended weekend break from school. My son was in a school play and had required rehearsal over the weekend. Next school year, the district has another 5-day weekend break planned. Perfect for off-season travel, right? Nope, I’m betting both kids won’t be able to get away due to show commitments.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled my kids have found activities that they are passionate about. But at the same time, I do miss jetting off to Mexico on a long weekend using miles and points.
As our family ages, our travel habits will continue to evolve. It won’t be long before the kids are grown and flown and my husband and I will be traveling by ourselves.
The one bright spot in the school calendar is that my college kid’s spring break lines up with my high school kids for 2026. So whether we travel or not, we can at least all be together.
Are you planning trips in 2025-2026 based on a school calendar?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I can totally relate to this feeling! The school calendar always brings mixed emotions.
I totally get that feeling! The school calendar can be overwhelming sometimes.
totally in the same boat. we booked a short trip after new year to FL. booked in May with a good BA redemption. but my daughter made the JV basketball team, and would miss 4 practices. missing those may affect her playing time, so i just cancelled the whole trip over the past weekend.
@Jason Congrats to your daughter on making the team! Bummer you had to cancel the trip, but hopefully you can reschedule for another time.
My eldest is in 6th grade now. I’m not looking forward to this change.
@Sarah Yes, our schedule is definitely not as flexible as it was when they were younger.