When we think back on our favorite childhood memories, many of them involve family trips. Family vacations are special moments that break away from your everyday routine and open your mind to new cultures, foods and experiences. They also create lifelong memories for you and your children.
Whether you’re looking to take a quick weekend getaway or spend some quality time together on an extended trip, a family vacation has the potential to revitalize your relationship. These trips can help to strengthen your bonds with your loved ones and give everyone a much-needed breather from the stress of daily life. Taking some time to focus on each other can boost your happiness and make you more resilient to future stresses.
As parents, we often rely on family vacations to teach our kids valuable lessons about how to cope with stress. Travel can expose kids to situations they’re unfamiliar with, such as missed airline flights, delayed busses and long lines at attractions, which can require patience and adaptability. By seeing how their parents handle such challenges, kids can learn how to go with the flow – a skill that’s important for lifelong success.
In addition to teaching kids how to deal with unexpected setbacks, family vacations are an excellent opportunity to bond with each other. Having some downtime can allow you and your kids to get to know each other better, and it’s often a good time for adults to channel their inner kid and play like they did when they were younger. You might find yourself surprised by how much fun you all have and the lasting impact it has on your relationship.
A recent study showed that people who took a vacation were happier and more productive at work when they returned, so don’t feel guilty about booking some quality time with your loved ones. As a busy parent, you can make the most of your family vacation by planning activities and attractions that’ll appeal to the whole group. You could plan a trip to a city that’s rich in culture or historic sites, such as New York City, which offers something for every age group.
In the heart of Hollywood, Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award winner The Garland is a short distance from iconic landmarks such as the LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), the classic La Brea Tar Pits and Universal Studios, where you can experience the first ever Super Nintendo World. Little ones can be star-struck at the resort’s Sesame Street program, where they’ll be entertained with story times, dance parties and puppet-making. Those with more energy can hit the beach, ride the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel or do some shopping at The Grove L.A. before hitting the sack for some restful sleep. Then you’re ready to tackle the rest of your itinerary, which could include a visit to the iconic Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where anyone 17 and under gets in free.
