When it comes to your family vacation, the stress of keeping the perfect itinerary might be getting in the way of relaxing the way you really intended. If you find yourself needing a vacation from your summer family vacation, you’re probably doing it wrong. Here are some unique ways to transform your family vacation and make these moments really matter.
Admire the Arts
When vacationing in a new city, it can be tempting to focus on typical tourist attractions such as monuments and buildings, but have you considered finding opportunities to admire the arts in the cities you’re visiting? You don’t have to be on an expensive vacation to Italy to see artwork by inspiring artists, and you don’t have to buy expensive concert tickets to hear good, live music. Whether it’s street pianos in New York or art galleries featuring local artists, find a way to fit some culture into your schedule. You’ll be surprised how uplifting these experiences can be for the whole family.
Fabulous Food
When you’re on the road, it can be tempting to try to find ways to cut costs by bringing sandwiches or running through the same old fast food drive-thru, but consider the experiences you might be missing out on. Looking for local cuisine the whole family can enjoy not only makes it easier for you to make fun memories that are specific to your vacation destination, but can also provide great insight into other cultures. Make it a game to try new foods and get out of your comfort zone. This is one surefire way to make a bland vacation all the more special.
Get Unplugged
One of the most effective ways to increase burnout and shorten fuses on tempers when you’re on a family vacation is by allowing electronic devices to get in the way of making memories together. While video games can be a great way to keep kids occupied during long road trips, keep in mind that the more you unplug yourself from your own work inbox or social media posts, the more present you’ll be for your family. Make a goal to limit screen time while you’re on vacation so you can truly enjoy time together.
Family vacations don’t have to be times of stress. If you give yourself opportunities to really recharge through cultural experiences, fantastic food, and quality time spent together, your family vacation can be transformed from drab to fab, leaving you with only the best memories.