You cannot replace family. Time spent with them is priceless. Since I can remember, my family has vacationed somewhere. Almost every year we go to Florida (usually Destin). But, even on the years that we couldn’t make the trip, we have tried to get away somewhere, if even for a few days.
My brother, sister and I on vacation two summers ago.
I always had a blast going to Florida as a kid. Every year we drove, and while it may sound crazy, it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. When you’re in the car for 13 plus hours, you learn to appreciate someone who can help pass the time. Of course, once you arrive to your destination, it’s a total blast. Some of the best memories I have are from family vacations—waking up early to run on the beach with my sister, my dad making us peach smoothies in our resort condo, helping my brother build a sandcastle, shopping with my mom, and scouring the beach for sand dollars and seashells at night with the whole family. Those are memories that I will always cherish.
This past summer was the first summer in my lifetime that we have not gone on a family vacation together. My sister was away on business and I had summer school and a TV station internship. Neither one of us could get away, but I was so thankful that my parents decided to go ahead and take my little brother to Florida. While I’m sure he would have loved to have his sisters along, I think it’s only fair to him that the tradition continues.
My parents’ decision to provide us with years of family vacations taught me one thing: Family is important. I will always be grateful that they taught me this lesson. So, try to round everyone up and go vacation somewhere, anywhere. As long as you are together, nothing else matters. And, hopefully in the future my sister and I will never again miss a family vacation because to me, yeah, it’s that important.
My dad and I going kayaking in Florida!
Happy vacationing,
3 Comments
November 29, 2008 at 2:23 pm
We seem to have the same ideas for posts because I was thinking about writing this same thing. I guess being home for the holidays makes you think about family stuff because I was trying to get some inspiration for posts from being at home… still pondering what to write about???
November 29, 2008 at 7:48 pm
GREAT recommendation. My dad and I did a “college tour” the summer before my senior year of high school, and we DROVE for 2 weeks, all the way from San Antonio, Texas to New York City, New York, and back again. It was the best trip I’ve ever had. We drove through the Appalachians, did a detour to see Niagra Falls, and stayed with friends in D.C. and Albany. We also checked out Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh. . .and tons more. I recommend this to anyone who loves road trips. You’ll make lasting memories and learn a lot more about your family members!
December 1, 2008 at 12:08 am
Caitlin – that sounds like an amazing trip with your dad! What a great idea!
Caroline – WOW! We must be on the same brainwave haha!