My daughter, just thirteen, sent a postcard while we were still basking in the California sun. It landed at our doorstep a week later, a small piece of paper holding a sentiment that swelled my heart and almost brought tears to my eyes.
“Even though we still have two days of adventures left,” she wrote, “I am just so grateful for everything we have experienced together on this trip. I am so glad we got to take these adventures together.”
That simple message encapsulates everything. It underlines why Travel In Family isn’t just a vacation; it’s an investment in something far more precious: shared experiences and lasting bonds.
With our youngest about to turn eleven, it struck me that we had never embarked on a true family vacation – just the four of us – to a completely new destination. We’ve journeyed to our familiar Vermont family home countless times, with and without extended family. We’ve enjoyed wonderful trips with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to places like Ireland and Maine. And, of course, the world paused for a while there.
But this trip to Southern California was different. It was our first extended adventure, just us, exploring new horizons together. And it cemented our belief in the profound importance of seeing new places and doing new things as a family. Ultimately, it’s about crafting those irreplaceable memories with our children.
They Grow Up Way Too Fast
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Sari Hitchins
As I mentioned, my youngest is turning eleven next month, and her older sister will be fourteen shortly after. Like many parents, I often wonder where the years have flown. It feels like just yesterday they were toddlers. Yet, these ages, pre-teen and early teen, feel like a sweet spot for family travel experiences.
At this stage, I genuinely hope they will hold onto the memories from this trip – not just through photographs, but as deeply ingrained core memories. I want them to recall the rattlesnake encounter in Malibu, the playful seal pups in La Jolla, the exhilarating rush to ride Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland. And perhaps, even the silly tradition of their dad responding with an overly enthusiastic “Oh, it’s fan-tastic!” whenever a server asked about our meal.
These ages unlock a new dimension of travel possibilities. They are capable of more activity, open to trying new things, can handle more sophisticated dining experiences, travel lighter, and are generally more adaptable to the ebb and flow of travel.
They can actively participate in trip planning, sharing their interests and desires. Our daughters requested surf lessons and a dance class at Playground LA in Hollywood, both of which we happily made happen.
But amidst their growing independence, they also revealed glimpses of their younger selves. They spontaneously held our hands throughout the trip. I can’t recall the last time they willingly reached for our hands. Yet, in crowded places like Disneyland and Universal Studios, their hands sought ours. Beyond comfort, it was a gesture of connection. Walking hand-in-hand on the beach at Hotel del Coronado at night, or strolling down Hollywood Boulevard, holding hands as we explored the Walk of Fame – these are moments I’ll treasure. And yes, I will undoubtedly remind them of these hand-holding days when they inevitably pull away in the future!
Experiencing New Places and Activities Together
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Sari Hitchins
Venturing into new territories and embracing novel experiences together is a powerful catalyst for creating shared memories during family travel. While my husband had visited Southern California before, it was only my second time, and the first for our daughters. Even for my husband, we discovered new facets of the region together.
Trying to keep pace on e-bikes for the first time was a hilarious adventure in coordination. Witnessing our younger daughter’s awe as she climbed into fighter jet cockpits on the USS Midway was priceless. The genuine wonder on their faces as they stood before a real space shuttle at the California Science Center was unforgettable. And, of course, the obligatory fun and silly photos in front of the iconic Hollywood sign.
A highlight of our family bonding trip was our surf lesson in Santa Monica with Aqua Surf School. None of us had ever surfed before, though it was something the girls had expressed interest in. The sheer joy radiating from their faces as they stood up on their boards and rode the waves was infectious. We laughed together as Clare navigated a wave, shouting “Watch out!” as she expertly (and hilariously) dodged fellow surfers. And we roared with laughter at our inevitable wipeouts. These shared moments of trying something new, succeeding (and failing!) together, are the essence of meaningful family travel.
The Enduring Importance of Extended Family Travel
It’s crucial to emphasize that travel in family extends beyond just the nuclear unit. Trips with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are incredibly valuable too. As my mom wisely says, “We’re not getting any younger.” We have upcoming plans to visit Arizona with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law, and my parents are planning a trip to Israel with us, my brother, and his children in the next few years. These extended family getaways offer unique benefits.
Traveling with extended family deepens connections and creates unique bonding opportunities. It allows family members across generations to learn from each other and grow together. These trips strengthen familial identity as stories and traditions are shared, passed down through generations. And, of course, the precious memories created between grandchildren and grandparents are irreplaceable.
My parents and mother-in-law find immense joy in spending time with their grandchildren (and, I suppose, us too!), experiencing the world through their eyes. My dad, not typically a Disney World enthusiast, especially in the heat, cherishes the memory of watching our kids and their cousins experience the magic of Disney together.
My daughters adore their cousins. The four of them are inseparable, forming a tight-knit bond filled with fun and laughter. For them, extended family vacations are the ultimate treat, akin to an extra-long sleepover and playdate. Cousins, like siblings, are built-in best friends, and nurturing those relationships is a gift.
Traveling with my parents and brother as an adult also evokes nostalgic memories of childhood family travels. My brother and I were fortunate to experience incredible vacations with our parents growing up. Ski trips out west, hiking the Grand Canyon, a horseback riding and camping trip in Yellowstone, Niagara Falls – these are just a few highlights.
These childhood family travel memories are core memories that shaped who I am. I can only hope to continue creating similarly wonderful and enriching experiences, exploring new places and embarking on new adventures with my husband and children. Family travel is more than just ticking destinations off a list; it’s about building a treasure trove of shared moments that will bind us together for a lifetime.
