Kids don’t have to quash all romance with your significant other during a family vacation. You just need to get a little flexible and creative, that’s all. Here are a few tips to have some “adults-only time” and keep the romance alive the next time you’re traveling with your young children.

Book a Hotel Room with Two Bedrooms

If you’re accustomed to sleeping separately at home, everyone sleeps better when the kids and the adults have their own sleeping quarters while you’re away. Two bedrooms are great, but if you can manage a bedroom with a door that closes and a living space with a pull-out sofa (for the kids!) that’ll work too.

Find On-site Child Care

This might come in the form of “kids’ camp” at an all-inclusive resort, “parent’s night out” service offered at your hotel or a list of recommended babysitters from the friendly concierge. If you’re on a week’s vacation, try to book someone to watch your kids at least one evening and one time during the day so you can enjoy a quiet dinner and/or sightseeing activity just the two of you.

Travel with a Babysitter

Again, a “come along” babysitter can come in different forms: maybe you’ve invited Grandma to join you on your trip, or maybe you’ve actually hired your neighborhood sitter to work for you during your vacation. Another option: travel with a like-minded family so you can switch off watching each others’ kids; you can get your date night and the other couple can, too.

Invite the Kids on your Date

My kids would get a kick out of going to a traditionally “grown up” candlelit restaurant. As long as you know that the dining establishment won’t freak out at having your kids at a four-top, then I’d bring them along. After all, a “fancy” restaurant is a great place to reinforce table manners and teach general social etiquette; just warn the kids ahead of time there won’t be chicken nuggets on the menu. Everyone gets dressed up in their best duds and enjoys a “special night” out together. I’m most in love with my husband when I see him being a patient, loving Dad – so why not involve the whole family?