My friend Jessica has three amazing children who are a bit older than my own. I admire her and her partner as exemplary parents, so I decided to ask her for her top piece of parenting advice. I expected her to mention love, discipline, or consistency, but her response caught me off guard.
“Always take the trip,” she said. “When you’re on the fence about going away, just do it. Spend the money, invest the time. The years you have together as a family are limited before your kids start pursuing their own paths, and creating memories and sharing new experiences are things you will never regret.”
I took her wisdom to heart. Reflecting on my 16 years of parenting, the family trips we’ve taken are the moments that stand out most. It’s not merely about being on vacation; it’s about the myriad of ways travel enriches us, both as individuals and as a family. Here are some of those benefits:
- Traveling Brings Family Together
Even the tightest-knit families can struggle to find quality time together. Escaping work, school, and extracurricular commitments—along with house chores and homework—allows for focused family bonding. While not every moment may be enjoyable, traveling together guarantees time spent as a family, for better or worse. - Stepping Outside Comfort Zones
Vacations can be both relaxing and exhilarating, providing opportunities to leave our comfort zones. Sleeping in unfamiliar beds, trying new foods, and meeting diverse people—these experiences help us grow. Sharing new adventures strengthens our family bonds and creates lasting memories. - Learning to Adapt Through Unexpected Challenges
Travel often presents unforeseen circumstances. Bags may go missing, hotel bookings can fall through, and weather can change unexpectedly. Navigating these surprises pushes us to be flexible and resilient—essential qualities for thriving in an ever-evolving world. - Fostering Empathy and Understanding
One of the greatest joys of traveling is experiencing different lifestyles. While international travel is fantastic for broadening our cultural perspectives, even trips within our own country can showcase diversity. Leaving our familiar environments helps us appreciate both the similarities and differences in life, enhancing our understanding of others’ challenges. - Creating Strong Memories Through Sensory Experiences
Our world is full of beauty and wonder. While photographs capture moments, nothing compares to the feeling of the ocean on your toes, the scent of pine trees, or the vastness of a canyon. Traveling engages all our senses, crafting vivid memories that linger long after the trip ends. Our kids often recall past travels when they encounter familiar sights or smells.
We cherish every journey we’ve embarked on with our children, including the year we spent exploring the country as modern-day nomads. Although we aren’t wealthy (I wish that were the case!), we find ways to make travel happen. We shop at thrift stores, hunt for bargains at garage sales, and cut expenses in other areas to prioritize family trips. And remember, travel doesn’t always require a grand vacation; even a weekend camping getaway can provide those much-needed family moments.
We wholeheartedly embrace Jessica’s advice—always take the trip. We have no regrets and are confident we never will. If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting or family experiences, check out this article on home insemination. For authoritative insights on family planning, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s excellent resource here.
Summary:
Traveling as a family creates lasting memories, strengthens bonds, and encourages personal growth. Whether through big vacations or simple weekend getaways, the experiences shared are invaluable. Embracing the philosophy of “always take the trip” can lead to enriching family moments that are cherished for a lifetime.