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Thursday, 20 January 2011 18:59
The Value of Family Vacationing
Written by Angela Hager
When I think back over my life as a parent, some of my most cherished memories are filled with the lulling sounds of crashing waves, the feel of sun-scorched sand beneath my feet, and the distinctive smell of my two little girls generously slathered in sunscreen…
FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER…
Since childhood, I have always loved the coast. As a young girl, I can remember staring out over the horizon, trying to contemplate just how big the ocean really is. Now, with children of my own, I find great joy in seeing that very same wonderment in their eyes. Moments like these are precious, and I treasure each opportunity we have to spend together, away from the hassles and headaches of everyday life.
GET CONNECTED…
In today’s society, it seems that family schedules are more hectic than ever. Between work, school, church, errands, and extracurricular activities, families are finding it more and more difficult to truly connect with one another. If special care is not taken, a busy family can easily slip into a routine of simply co-existing together, which can gradually weaken the overall family bond. Thus, family vacations/trips play a vital role in restoring the family unit.
If given the opportunity, a family vacation can literally be life changing for the family who has not made quality time together a priority in their lives. Planning a trip will take some time and effort, but the results can be priceless. Sharing a new adventure together or revisiting a place of fond memories is an excellent way to reestablish your relationships. Friends may come and go throughout your lifetime, but family is forever. Your family is a gift from above, and therefore should be valued and nurtured so that a strong sense of togetherness is created and cherished for many years and generations to come.
THE WORLD IS WAITING…
In addition to strengthening our family ties, vacations can also provide our children with a heightened sense of adventure, which can make him or her more open to seeing and trying new things. Traveling gives our kids a completely different view of their world and allows them to see, first-hand, that there is much more to life than the confinements of their own neighborhood.
DETERMINING FACTORS…
When planning your vacation, it is important to consider a couple of things: First, what type of trip would be enjoyable to everyone in the family? When choosing a destination, try to consider the wants and needs of everyone involved. Learning to bond again will be very challenging if everyone is not on board with the final decision.
Secondly, you need to take a close look at your budget and determine what is feasible and what is not. For the family with a lower vacation budget, may I suggest a camping trip? Camping/hiking can be relatively inexpensive and can provide your child with memories he/she will remember for a lifetime. Fishing for dinner and sleeping under the stars may not exactly be your idea of the “ideal” family vacation, but in the eyes of a child, these experiences can be even more memorable than vacationing at an expensive resort.
Also, for the family on a budget, a good tip is to decide on a destination you can drive to. In most cases, plane tickets add the most cost to your trip. In addition to being cost effective, driving can also provide another great benefit: A more intimate setting for talking and sharing stories. Keep in mind that your vacation begins in the car, so be prepared to make the most of that time you have together!
REDISCOVER…RECLAIM…
Regardless of your budget and choice of destination, vacations are what you and your family make of them. Whether you are spending a week in Walt Disney World or spending an extended weekend in the mountains, your vacation has the potential to regenerate a closeness that has perhaps been replaced with hurried conversations and quick meals before game time. A strong family bond is not born with our children; rather, it is created through love, persistence and hard work.
Warmer weather is right around the corner, and with it, spring break and summer. If it has been a while since your family has spent some quality time together, away from the craziness of your lives, I encourage you to sit down as a group and plan a little get away trip. Get away…play…talk…reconnect. Rediscover and celebrate the individuals that you are and reclaim everything your hectic schedules have deprived you of. Remember, family is forever, so make yours a priority today.
Angela Hager is a freelance writer who resides in Birmingham with her husband and two daughters.
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