For some, planning family holidays is super exciting, and for some, the first thing that comes to mind is cost. Yes, it makes sense that when you plan holidays for the entire family, costing plays an important role.
Redefining Luxury
We should concentrate more on the fun element rather than luxuries.
- Travelling by train is so much more entertaining than taking flights.
- Camping by the riverside is so much more exciting than staying in a five-star hotel.
One should not compromise on basic hygiene and comforts, but priority should be given to new experiences and creating memories for a lifetime.
If you are living in a high-rise with a clubhouse, will there be any novelty in staying in a star-rated hotel with a swimming pool? One should stay at homestays, cottages, or heritage properties at unique, offbeat locations where no hotel can ever be built. There you can experience the untouched beauty of nature.
The Bond of Travel
We are fortunate to live in a country like India which has so much diversity in cultures, cuisine, and ways of life. It actually opens up a whole lot of opportunities to understand what life is all about. Holidaying together as a family creates a strong bond between siblings as well as between parents & children.
Children open up and can have a dialogue with their parents about their joys & fears during these stress-free times, which helps them understand themselves better.
Did you know?
In a 2017 Expedia survey, 97% of Indian teens felt that family vacations bring them closer to their siblings, and 69% said their favorite memories occurred on family vacations. It further showed 63% of parents are more relaxed and let go of rules & chores while on holiday.
Digital Detox & Growth
Children are perpetually curious, and spending time in the wilderness will bring out their inner explorer. Just watching them from a distance, as a parent, you would enjoy it immensely.
It helps adults keep stress at bay. I tell you my experience of last month (April 2022), I was on a solo trip to Goa. It just never occurred to me to check my office mail even once in that whole week.
Family holidays make your child happier & smarter. It improves concentration and is beneficial to their physical and - most importantly - mental health.
I read a story of a French family who took to sailing for six months with their two children. There was no internet, so kids took up reading, drawing, and playing games with each other. When the family came back, they could see the evident change in their kids' behavior:
- They became much more patient, calmer & adaptable.
- They started enjoying their own company.
- They continued reading books, which became the main source of their joy.
The Happiness Anchor
Family holidays create a Happiness Anchor. It creates lifetime happy memories, and one can actually relive those moments over & over again. It helps go through difficult times.
If one can add an element of adventure to family holidays, it would be the icing on the cake. Adventure activities help grow self-confidence & self-concept (sense of self) in kids. Finding self helps them find purpose in life, which is essential to making life happier.
Undoubtedly, family holidays are an investment in yourself & your family, which yields handsome dividends for a lifetime.