Bring some extra family members. If you need time alone with your spouse but have young children, bringing your parents or siblings along may help smooth the ride. Children can spend time with their aunts, uncles and grandparents while you and your spouse find some quality time.
Book separate rooms. If your children are old enough to be left unattended, booking two rooms or adjoined rooms can be an excellent strategy in creating private time. Put your kids down for the night and enjoy a movie or cuddle in your own private bedroom.
Find hotels or cruises that offer children's activities. Many vacation destinations cater specifically to families and you may be able to enroll your children in a day camp full of fun activities. They get to try new things and meet new friends while you and your spouse have the day to wander and relax.
Find a babysitter. Use your resources in your vacation destination or speak with a hotel concierge about in-room babysitting or off-site daycares. Most hotels should be able to point you towards a respected babysitting agency that can spend an evening with your kids while you spend a night on the town.
Travel in a group. Bringing other parents with children of similar ages serves a dual purpose: the kids get to play together while the adults talk, and parents can take turn watching the kids while each couple grabs some time alone.
