7 Ways to make your family vacation memorable
One of the best ways to bond as a family and create new memories is by taking a vacation together. Exploring a new destination will allow you to have new adventures and experiences and is typically fun and exciting.
“Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.” – Lawrence Durrell
However, travelling with a family can be quite hectic, especially if you have small children or a large family. You may spend months planning and preparing for your vacation only for it to be over as soon as it begins.
So, how do you make this one your most memorable vacation yet? Well, before you pack up the family vehicle and head out on the road toward your destination of choice, read these top tips for reducing vacation stress and making your journey more enjoyable for everyone.
“Say cheese”
While you don’t need to necessarily fill your entire cloud storage with vacation pics, taking photos is one of the best ways to preserve a cherished memory. See a stunning building? Photograph it. Visit an amazing mountain peak or gorgeous beachfront? Photograph it. Great family photo opportunity? Photograph it. And don’t forget to get in the picture every now and then, too!
Family challenge
When most people think of vacation, they think of relaxing on a beach or boating on the lake. However, the most memorable vacations are those in which you challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Participating in an activity that you would not normally have the opportunity to take part in can be a great way to create memorable moments. Swim with the dolphins, ride the roller coasters, hang tight on a zipline. The idea is to do something that you have never done before.
Be present
Vacation is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, so why do you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation? We often try to squeeze so many activities into our itineraries because, after all, it’s vacation and there’s so many things to do.
Unfortunately, doing too much just leaves us feeling exhausted and stressed out. As you plan your itinerary, be sure to leave a few hours each day for quiet time. In fact, some families even opt to plan entire days in their schedule for “down time.” Quiet time may be a little more difficult to achieve for families with younger children, but hopefully even a few minutes of time to yourself will help to recharge your batteries.
Keep a keepsake
Admit it! Somewhere in your closet you still have your pair of Mickey Mouse ears from your first trip to Disneyland as a kid or maybe it’s the stuffed animal that you won playing the games at the arcade on the boardwalk. Souvenirs are wonderful keepsakes that often spark fond memories of our past experiences. A great souvenir doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be meaningful and provide you with a warm memory of a fun time.
The element of surprise
How amazing would it be if you woke up one morning only to find out that you are going on a fun trip? Great, right? Now imagine how excited your family would be if you surprised them with the same news! Planning a surprise around a family vacation creates a sense of excitement and joy for both those planning the surprise and those receiving it. If you do decide to surprise the family with a vacation, don’t forget to take video when you announce the surprise. Chances are you will catch a few priceless reactions and will have a great family moment on video to be enjoyed for years to come.
Keeping a journal
Purchase an inexpensive journal or notebook and write down all your amazing vacation experiences. Writing down your experiences will help you to remember the best parts of each trip long after the memories begin to fade. This is also a fantastic way to reinforce writing skills with beginners while they are off for summer break.
Travel in packs
Travelling with friends can be a great way to vacation for many reasons. In addition to sharing trip expenses (which can be costly depending on where you go), the adults in the group can also share child-care responsibilities so that everyone has the opportunity to spend some quality time with their significant others or even by themselves. Not to mention that parents tend to hear the phrase “I’m bored” much less often when children have other children their age with whom they can play.
Regardless of what your family chooses to do this summer. Whether it be a short local trip or an extended stay abroad. Be sure to schedule plenty of hugs, laughter, and happiness. After all, life doesn’t get much better than that!
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