It's been a bit longer than usual between blog posts for me for one very important reason—I’ve been on vacation! My husband and I ventured off, road-tripping and camping our way out west, leaving all but a few cares behind and relishing in the delights of uninterrupted time together. We’ve been doing an annual getaway from the time we were newlyweds to parents with babies-in-diapers, toddlers, ‘tweens, teenagers and now, for the last several years, as empty-nesters.
Vacations are treasured times in my household. Not only do they provide a reprieve from the grind of everyday life (goodbye, stress!), but they also give us the time and space to gain perspective on where we’re at and where we’re headed in the future. These times are vital for our mental and physical health as well as the strength of our family and our marriage.
When I say “vacation,” I'm not talking about the Paris-Australia-Cancun-type vacations here. In fact, I've never been to any of those places (though I’m not opposed to them in the least). But, over the years, we have been through countless little towns, historical sites, and places of preserved wilderness across America. And we know the Rocky Mountain National Park area like the back of our hands.
Our vacations are simple in nature and modest in budget. Vacations, for us, more often than not, include a big ‘ol truck, lots of camping gear, and the CD soundtrack to “Dances with Wolves.” We usually point ourselves westerly (because—let’s be honest—camping is a whole lot better where there is less rain, fewer bugs, and a surplus of sunshine!) And that’s it. Our basic needs met, we leave our obligations behind and set off with nothing but time on our side. And, when it’s all over and we’re making the return trip up our driveway—without exception—we are refreshed, re-energized, and filled to the brim with gratitude—no matter where we’ve been and no matter what we’ve encountered.
Trust me, in over 700 nights of camping together through the years, we’ve experienced our share of challenges. We’ve been to places where the mosquitoes were thicker than an Egyptian plague. We’ve had flat tires in the middle of nowhere. We’ve hiked through Yellowstone with pneumonia. We’ve contracted Giardia after brushing teeth in a stream in South Dakota. We’ve had to track down our lost dog who ran into the back country in pursuit of a deer. We had to fly my husband home for an “emergency” work meeting mid-trip. We’ve had our share of vacation mishaps and trials but, in spite of it all, we remember each one fondly. Why? Because vacations, to us, are less about what we do and more about how we do it.
And so, with almost forty years of successful trips under our belts, I thought I’d share our “secret sauce” with you in the hopes that you too can create vacations that are meaningful and memorable. Whether your idea of a perfect vacation involves DisneyWorld, Yosemite or your own backyard, these principles apply across the board and are key to successful vacation experiences.
1. Great Attitudes
We look forward to vacation all year with much anticipation, knowing that it is an extreme privilege to be able to take one. And when the time finally arrives, we check any and all negativity (including our current burdens, worries and concerns) at the back door and pack, instead, a suitcase full of positive attitudes—a readiness to explore, to discover and to celebrate. This is the first and most important key to a great time. Just like you pack your best camera for a trip, it’s even more important to pack your best attitude. And, while it may take some doing to get all family members on board (can anyone say toddlers and teens?), I guarantee you that if the adults set the example, the kids will eventually follow. Confession: in our early years of cross-country travel with young kids, we usually had to pull over on the side of the highway at least once to have a serious behind-the-vehicle-set-‘em-straight-meeting with one of our daughters before we settled into a rhythm of congenial attitudes. But sticking with it paid off. In fact, that daughter now says vacations were the highlights of her growing-up years!
2. Gratitude
As important as attitude, cultivating gratefulness on a vacation is vital. Everything and anything wonderful about your trip is a gift from God for your enjoyment. So recognize it, enjoy it fully, and give God thanks for it. You’ll be amazed how many gifts you encounter along the way—a sunset splashed across the sky—your favorite song playing on the radio—an extra helping of guac at Chipotle—a funny squirrel-in-your-camper incident (true story!). Celebrating the fun, the beauty and the wonder with one another heightens our enjoyment, nurtures a deep sense of gratitude, and solidifies memories for years to come.
3. Being Fully Present
Vacations give us a break from our normal distractions. But, when cell phones and computers travel with us, we have to make an extra effort to put them aside and be present in the moments. If we truly believe that vacations are a privilege and a gift, we certainly don’t want to miss any part of it. Allow yourself to feel the pleasure of an unhurried morning or an evening without household chores. Be ready to experience things deeply—like it’s your job. After all, this is exactly what you left your job to do! These moments are yours—savor them—don’t waste them!
4. A Little Splurge
Vacation is a time to do something a bit special. Maybe you can afford to shoot for the moon with a big, over-the-top experience. But even little gestures can spark great fun. Maybe you pack your spouse’s favorite coffee. Or perhaps you let your kids each buy a small souvenir. Maybe you announce you’re serving ice cream for dinner (my kids were astonished the year I did this). Doing the unexpected marks this time as unique.
When my kids were young I began putting small gifts in little paper bags that I would randomly give them during our long drives. I included things like stickers, gum, books, etc. One of their favorite gifts was getting a dollar bill they were required to spend at the next gas station we came to. They had great fun! Regardless of what you do, incorporating a few, out of the ordinary measures signals this vacation is an extraordinary time. Treat your family. Treat yourself. That’s part of what vacation is all about.
Vacation looks and feels different for everyone. But giving yourself (and your family) a break from the “norm” can provide a welcome boost to your health, your relationships and your future. So, grab a suitcase full of your best attitude sprinkled with a few special treats and get ready to relish the joys of life with thankfulness in your heart. You just may gain a lifelong memory and a new perspective for tomorrow.
I can’t wait for my next vacation!
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’” - Matthew 11:28