As more families seek affordable travel options, a growing number of parents are choosing to take children on vacations during the school year, often during off-peak months when destinations are less crowded and travel costs are lower. This trend, observed across the United States, has sparked debate among educators, parents, and school administrators about the impact of school absences for travel.
Parents like Amanda Mann, a travel agency owner in Upstate New York, view these trips as valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Mann recalls taking her 11-year-old on a surprise trip to Southern California that included a museum visit and two days at Disneyland, despite missing a few school days. She emphasized that as long as her children maintain their academic performance, she is comfortable with occasional absences for travel. Similarly, Carrie Kirby, a travel blogger based in California, has taken her children on extended trips to Australia, England, Denmark, and Lake Tahoe, coordinating with schools to complete assignments remotely. Kirby highlights the educational benefits of such travel but notes that as her children have grown older, they prefer to avoid frequent absences.
Other parents, like Elizabeth Richardson of North Carolina, have navigated educational absence policies to enable vacations, though recent changes in school rules have limited such options. Richardson’s family, which attends a year-round school with multiple short breaks, now relies more heavily on official school breaks for travel, recognizing the challenges of obtaining approval for absences.
Schools’ attitudes toward travel absences vary, but educators generally caution against frequent or prolonged absences due to the potential academic and social consequences. Gail Johnson, a retired principal and substitute teacher from Atlanta, has consistently denied excusing absences solely for vacation purposes, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism from parents. Hedy Chang, founder of Attendance Works, a nonprofit focused on reducing chronic absenteeism, stressed that unexcused absences can lead to consequences and may hinder a student’s learning and development. In some districts, like Washington D.C., unexcused absences trigger formal notifications and referrals to child welfare agencies.
Teachers also emphasize the importance of clear communication and planning when absences occur. Jason Currie-Olson, a South Dakota high school teacher, supports some travel when it offers unique learning opportunities, but he insists that parents and students work cooperatively with schools to ensure missed work is completed. He cited an example of a student’s trip to the Galápagos Islands as a once-in-a-lifetime experience balanced with academic responsibilities.
According to travel companies, family travel during nontraditional school periods is on the rise. Intrepid Travel reported a 32 percent increase year over year in North American family bookings, especially in months like October, February, and March. The company has expanded family-focused departures outside the traditional summer break to meet this demand.
Ultimately, while travel during the school year can offer enriching experiences, parents and educators agree that missing school should be weighed carefully against potential academic disruption. Many recommend prioritizing trips during scheduled breaks and, when absences are unavoidable, maintaining close coordination with schools to support student progress.