The Antigua Trip That Gave Us Our Family Back – Not Just a Holiday

Travelling with kids always starts with chaos — snacks, tablets, headphones, plush toys, emergency clothes and emergency emergency clothes. The flight from Miami was short, but parenting hours run differently, so it still felt like a marathon. When the wheels touched down in Antigua, we were already exhausted and half convinced we’d made a mistake.

But the island proved us wrong instantly.

We stayed at a family-friendly hotel near Dickenson Bay. Nothing fancy, just clean rooms and warm staff who somehow remembered every child’s name by day two. The breakfast buffet was a win — pancakes, fruit and pastries instantly earned the place our kids’ loyalty. The beach was shallow and safe, and watching our children run in and out of the water without fear felt like inhaling relief.

Our random moment came on a taxi ride when the driver suggested a detour to a local festival. Music, food vendors and children everywhere — it was loud, colourful and real. Our kids danced with strangers, tried saltfish fritters and giggled nonstop. For once, we weren’t thinking about nap schedules or chores or whether we were doing enough as parents. We were simply in the moment.

The melting moment hit me at Shirley Heights Lookout. The steel-drum band played while the sky turned orange and pink, and my partner and I looked at each other in the soft way we used to — before fatigue took up so much space. The kids were happy, we were happy, and we stood there feeling like a family, not just caregivers managing logistics.

When we got home, nothing became easier, but something became lighter. Antigua reminded us that parenthood isn’t only responsibility — it’s joy too.
— Sarah Mitchell and David Mitchell with children Lily and Ethan