Being a parent is hard. Despite it being the most rewarding job on earth, it can also be exhausting and downright frustrating at times. We need a break once in a while -- a time-out for ourselves, if you will. And although the thought of taking a trip without the little one is slightly terrifying, it really can do wonders for Mom and Dad -- and it's good for the whole family! Here are 5 ways a vacation without the baby will make you a better parent. Bon voyage!

Remember traveling before you had kids? Packing was a breeze: A few of your favorite wrinkle-free outfits, makeup/toiletries bag, Advil, iPod, a good book (Kindles weren't invented yet when I was still childless, okay?), maybe a protein bar or two, and you were good to go! Fast-forward to filling a suitcase (or several) with everything your family needs to survive sans the comforts of home: Wait a second, are we going on vacation or are we moving?!

It's true, there's really no such thing as traveling light when kids are involved. But if you plan ahead and keep organized, packing doesn't have to feel like punishment. Here are 25 things every mom should have on her spring travel checklist:

Whenever we travel I'll usually look up any fun events happening in the area -- like state fairs. But have you ever traveled just for an event? Exciting races and festivals are happening all over the country this spring and summer, and they're worth planning your next family vacation around. Love sports? Prefer pirates? Here's a few that look especially fun to me -- something for everyone, no matter what your interest. 

Spring is here and, as happens every year about this time, I've got the travel bug! Something about the warm weather make me just want to hit the road, escape the house I'v ebeen trapped in for what feels like MONTHS, and explore the world. Alas, two things can get in the way -- time and money -- but they don't have to. Carve out some vacay time and check out these budget friendly trip ideas!

It's spring and romance is in the air (can't you smell it within the pollen?). Every spring my husband and I take our annual anniversary five-day weekend, and every spring, we wish it could be 10 days longer. Honestly, is there anything better than luscious weather and your man by your side? I don't think so.

Personally, I think you need next to nothing (literally) to make it a romantic weekend. The less clothing, the better, naturally, but it's more than that, too. There are so many ways to up the romance factor and make your getaway so special, you will never want to return.

Here are 10 must-pack items for your ultimate romantic spring getaway:

Funny thing about kids and travel: While most moms and dads dream of vacations involving little more than lying on the beach with a frozen drink and a book that doesn't rhyme or involve pictures, kids tend to like getaways with a bit more get-up-and-go. You know, they want to actually do stuff. As opposed to nothing. Sigh.

Luckily there are some super-fun destinations with plenty of stuff to do for kids & grown-ups alike. Whether you prefer to play alongside your children or send them off for some age-specific activities so you can nap under an umbrella uninterrupted, we found a vacation spot to fit every family's needs.

Raise your hand if you’d rather skip this year’s road trip than listen to whichever kiddie soundtrack your own little passengers are currently fixated on? Is anyone else raising his or her hand and waving it wildly? I am!

On the other hand (presumably not the one waving around like a spaz above your head), it’s not like you can just play whatever you want. Those goobers in the backseat have ears after all, and if they’re anything like my daughter, who at age 3 asked why the man singing on the radio was taking the lady’s panties off, you’ll need some tamer tunes.

So how to reconcile the parents’ need for decent music with the kids’ needs for catchy musical distraction? We find fun pop songs from present and past that don’t talk about getting it on gangsta style -- or any style for that matter. Here are nine songs that are safe for the kiddos to sing along to.

Spring has FINALLY sprung! Here are 10 destinations all over the USA where you can truly revel in the beauty of the season -- whether you're the outdoorsy type or more of an afternoon shopping and wine tasting type!