Carpool. Sports practice. Homework. Dance class. Hectic holidays. Play dates. Deadlines. Packing lunches… If your head was already swirling by the time you read ” homework “, chances are you and your family are like most these days, pulled in so many different directions that your home feels more like a busy commuter station at rush hour than a place where family memories are meant to be made. Fortunately, January is right around the corner and the winter months offer families of all sizes and design an opportunity to slow down and get away to reconnect and renew their spirits.
A Family That Plans Together Stays Together!
This year, why not make family bonding the focus of your winter vacation plans ? And you don’t need to wait until the car is packed and you’re out the door to start spending time together as a family. The fun can start with the planning itself ! Make a date with your family to all sit down together and allow everyone, regardless of age, to bring their ideas to the table. Whether you all agree on a final destination immediately or it takes a couple of family brainstorming sessions, you’re sure to enjoy the collective daydreaming as your family imagines the possibilities.
Make It Relevant
If no one destination immediately comes to mind, look at what your children have been studying in school all Autumn. Is there a particular culture or country that could inspire your planning ? How about any family traditions, history or recent events that could lead you to a foreign destination where you can discover more about your family’s heritage ? Does your family share an extreme sense of adventure that’s been lying dormant during these recent hectic, schedule-driven months ?
Some Like It Hot
Perhaps you all agree your want to lay on a beach and let your cares drift away in the ocean breeze. Cruising is one great option with something for everyone. Or consider Beaches in Turks and Caicos house rentals, which has been awarded #1 top family hotel in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure and best All-Inclusive by Caribbean Travel+Life .
Some Like it Disney!
Of course, no list would be complete without the mention of Disney during the holidays. Nothing is quite as magical as the holidays Magic Kingdom-style. Plus, the parks remain decorated into the first few days of January, which means less crowds and shorter lines if you can plan your trip then.
Get Back to Nature
If it’s a sense of adventure that motivates you, consider a trip to an authentic dude ranch or a camping trip under the great wide sky. Dude ranches offer a unique and truly organic bonding experience and amenities can range from the most luxurious to genuine working ranches and teepees.
Activities from ranch-to-ranch will also vary greatly, from horseback riding to roping cattle, so be sure your family identifies what you’re looking for in terms of amenities and activities before booking.
However few places on earth are truly as majestic or awe-inspiring the great outdoors. Cities and towns of courses have their charm, but seeing the sun rise and set, and experiencing the tingle of winters night around the campfire are memories to savour and keep.
Juanita Strang has decided to take a break from the rat race and travel for two years. She is an avid traveler, but first she had to earn enough money to fund her adventure. She was born in America but now lives in Australia with her husband. Together they have three children who are all growing up fast!
