A family vacation is a chance for everyone to take a break from the hectic daily grind and focus on what’s important. The memories that are made on these trips will last a lifetime.
But a lot goes into making a family vacation work for everyone — from finding the right destination to making sure that accommodations, activities and attractions are kid-friendly. Family travel is a growing trend with more and more families seeking value, multigenerational fun and simplicity. The good news is that the best family vacations can be both relaxing and fun.
Whether you’re traveling with a young infant or toddler, high-energy elementary school kids or angsty teens, family vacations provide an opportunity to bond and have fun together. Whether you’re going to a theme park, hitting the beach or traveling internationally, there are plenty of things for all ages to enjoy.
In the past, many families viewed a family vacation as an opportunity for mom and dad to get some time away from the household duties of cooking, cleaning and caring for children. But that model has changed as more parents have taken on the role of caretakers and caregivers, and as the economics of childcare have become more competitive. Today, parents view vacation as a chance to relax and recharge while re-connecting with their kids and spouses.
Vacations can also serve as a valuable teaching tool. Traveling with kids allows for learning experiences that they can’t experience at home, like the marine life found in an ocean beach or the unique foods available at a new restaurant. Those types of real-world lessons help to expand their horizons and teach them to be more open and adventurous.
But the best way to keep the family sane is to plan ahead of time and make sure there’s downtime for everyone. Having a clear schedule and expectations for the trip up front makes for less stress in the moment and prevents miscommunications, disagreements or frustrations that can quickly turn a family vacation into a disaster.
Theme parks are a great option for families with younger kids, who can get in on the action for much less than adults would pay for admission. Theme parks offer a wide variety of rides and attractions that are tailored to specific ages, so every member of the family is guaranteed to have a blast.
National parks are another option for a low-cost, family-friendly vacation that’s a great way to get some fresh air and see stunning scenery. Dads can head off on 15-mile hikes while moms and kids explore a rocky beach at a lake or watch the sunset from an overlook.
Ultimately, a vacation is an investment in family relationships and happiness. It can be easy to forget that balancing careers, households and kiddos can often lead to disconnected connections that are strained even when everyone’s in the same room. By focusing on family during vacations, we can strengthen those bonds and learn more about each other in ways that aren’t possible during the hustle of everyday life.