The real cost is not bedtime itself but the next morning's recovery loss
Parents often compare which evening offers more activity. But the more important question is whether that late finish damages the next day's wake-up, breakfast, transfers and mood.
When children are still adapting to the trip rhythm, a very late first night can turn the whole next day into recovery mode.
A steadier first night usually helps the family lock in its rhythm
The first scenic-area night often works best when it protects dinner, washing and sleep instead of stretching everything late.
That gives parents a better read on wake-up speed, breakfast behavior and how the child handles the next departure.
The latest night belongs second only if the following day has some room to recover
This is not a rigid rule. If the day after the second night is extremely demanding, the later night still needs restraint.
But when the second night is followed by a softer morning, a transfer out or a slower half-day, placing the latest night second usually works better.
On family routes, execution stability usually matters more than maximizing the evening
A wonderful evening loses value quickly if the next morning collapses.
That is why many family routes work better when the calmer scenic-area night comes first and the later night comes second.