Why a Family Vacation is Worth It

Keys to make a successful vacation happen:

Have you ever not taken a family vacation because of money, time, or just failing to plan? Often time slips away with little notice and a year goes by without a vacation.

I understand how difficult it can be. With three kids in our house, we stay busy! It seems we always have a pressing expense. Thinking about our next vacation is not at the top of my mind, however, I’ve come to realize we need to take family vacations. I’m so glad we do. We are headed to Alaska this summer, but with a young family we usually venture on small, nearby vacations like beach camping at Carlsbad and snow trips to Big Bear. It’s the little things like building sled ramps in the snow and playing checkers in the cabin that our kids remember. My goal is not to entertain our children but to deepen our relationship with these experiences.

I love helping other families plan these experiences as well. With simple planning, you can reduce the financial stress and then enjoy your time of creating memories and building relationships.

Below are some keys to make a successful vacation happen:

Give it priority.

Plan your planning time. That may sound redundant, but what I mean is to simply put a reminder on your phone or calendar. “Plan Next Year’s Vacation” should do it. But then, of course, you actually need to do it.

Prepare your calendar.

Once you find that miracle opening in schedules, mark it down and inform bosses, teachers, and coaches. If any roadblocks come up in those conversations, you won’t be too far into planning.

Be wise with your money.

Consider setting up a vacation fund and then save regularly to it. If you have an account, you’re more likely to put money in it. You likely won’t miss that monthly savings. This vacation fund can also be a good place for your tax refund, work bonus, or a gift received. Air miles, and other deals can also be helpful as well. This is all easier to plan within the context of a full financial plan because the decisions on how to save and how much to save should be clearer knowing your entire financial picture. You’re less likely to override another financial priority. You can know whether it is appropriate for the big trip or a less expensive one (equally as valuable in relationship dollars).

Ready your attitude.

When it’s time to go on your trip, your family deserves your best — not “perfect you,” just you and your undistracted attention. Get your important work done before you leave, and the unimportant stuff can wait until you return.

So, get your calendar out and start that vacation fund. Have fun! Your kids and your marriage will be better for it…

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