It happens every year as summer peeks over the horizon of spring. Like Toad in Wind in the Willows, I start to long for the open road (or skies). It starts with a restless longing and, before long, explodes into the possibilities of family VACATION!
Some of my best memories from childhood and as a parent come from vacations we’ve taken together as a family.
Vacation affords a threefold pleasure: 1) the anticipation and planning, 2) the vacation itself, and 3) the memories you carry away from it.
If you’re considering taking your vacation days to work around the house, I urge you to reconsider.
Numerous studies show the benefits of family vacations. Here are 5 reasons why you need to take a family vacation this summer (or any time of year, for that matter). And don’t let lack of money stop you. In a future article, I’ll be listing ways in which you can vacation on the cheap–yes, even with your family!
FAMILY VACATIONS . . .
1. Build memories
Our adult children still tell stories of our adventures—and misadventures— over the years on our family vacations. Together we recall laughing ourselves silly at night in our travel trailer, walking the boardwalk at the ocean, buying and putting together Berenstain Bears puzzles, climbing Bubble Rock at Arcadia National Park, the time our trip was paused as we all got the stomach flu at a friend’s house, and our rental car misadventures in England.
As a child my favorite vacation memories include family singing on car trips, Dad rising early to buy locally-made donuts fresh out of the oven, fishing off the coast of Maine, camping across the country, and Mom and me getting locked into a gas station’s bathroom while the people we had selfishly rushed ahead of stood outside (poetic justice).
These memories aren’t just fun to talk about, but they serve a purpose. A British study found that most people listed family vacations as their favorite memory. Researchers call such memories “happiness anchors,” which have positive effects that last for many years.
2. Provide Significant Learning Experiences for Our Children
Vacations open new vistas for our children. Travel broadens children’s exposure to different aspects of God’s Creation, different cultures, history, geography and climates. In fact, studies show that children who travel tend to score higher in reading, math, and general knowledge than peers who don’t travel.
Not to mention, it’s an opportunity to grow in character as children learn to adapt to unexpected events such as delayed flights, bad weather, or car breakdowns. (Provided, of course, that we as adults model adaptability to our children–easier said than done!)
3. Are Good for Our Family’s Health (Mental, Emotional, Physical)
Vacations provide the opportunity to leave the rut of routine and the daily stress of work, school, schedules, and deadlines. It’s an opportunity to rest and recharge.
I find that, even when I’ve had a vacation of high activity, I still return refreshed and renewed. Our children seemed happier, too.
In fact, research shows that family vacations have a more positive and lasting effect on children’s overall happiness and sense of well-being than material gifts do.
4. Connect Us with Each Other as a Family
According to social scientists, family vacations provide a shared experience, which results in growing and enduring connections with each other. They pull us away from our separate schedules and routines and bring us together. We sit around the table for meals, hang out at the beach with each other, hike, play board games, eat at restaurants. It’s all quality time as a family.
This can result in improved family communication and bonding.
Not to say there isn’t tension and fighting at times. After all, you do bring yourselves with you when you vacation, and none of us is perfect. But, by and large, vacations afford the opportunity to connect with each other and for us to lavish focused attention on our children.
5. Provide Perspective on Our Lives
When we’re exposed to other cultures and other parts of the country or world, we discover new ways of thinking and new ways of doing things. I’ve returned home with all sorts of new ideas and inspiration.
Long before Starbucks and independent coffee roasters became a “thing,” I learned about espresso machines and lattes from my Washington State cousins. I learned about the joy of taking an afternoon break for tea and a scone (complete with clotted cream and jam) from my friends in England. (You’ll notice the food theme here. You can’t tell I’m overdue for lunch.)
Vacation also gives us time to reflect and gain perspective on life. Having had time to reflect, I always return knowing better what I need to adjust in my everyday life. That’s a gift unattainable amid the press of everyday living.
Do yourself and your family a favor. Take a vacation. You’ll be glad you did!
Can’t afford a family vacation? Check out HOW TO AFFORD A FAMILY VACATION ON A TIGHT BUDGET.
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