Traveling across the U.S. during vacation time is a wonderful adventure for many families.
Road trips whose memories last a lifetime. Families crossing multiple state lines, visiting some of the most beautiful parks and landmarks in the world. Camping in the outdoors, discovering waterfalls, reveling in all those big wide open spaces. It’s all part of the rich American way of life.
Getting from A to B can be stressful, however. Loading up all the gear, remembering everything from fishing rods to lighter fluid to that extra pillow or sleeping bag. It’s easy to get caught up in the making sure the lists are all in place and the practical aspects of the trip are taken care of — and somehow lose sight of the meaning of the trip.
An important part of taking road trips and moving into the Great Outdoors is the sharing and joining together of the family, whose members may have become disconnected during the year due to demands of work and school. This taking time together is as much about the doing as the being with one another.
Upon arriving at the lake or the campsite or the forest, be sure to include the children in the process of the experience. Not only the setting up but also the exploration. Go with your children and explore the forest, set off together, take your meals together — share in your discoveries, laughter and games.
Looking back, these are the times that children and adults will remember the most: What you all did and shared together.
Mix up the roles in the family: If mom usually cooks, have dad and the kids handle the barbecue. If dad makes the fires, let the children learn. If the children play ball, have dad or mom or both join in, too. Changing the norms can be fun and challenging — and produce growth and learning experiences.
Being away from home also gives a chance to talk, to open up dialogues about aspects of life that may otherwise be put on the back burner due to other distractions.
Take the opportunity to check in with your children, your spouse, your partner. Share some of the thoughts or feelings that you have been holding inside. This may also be a chance to forge closer emotional intimacy with those you love.
There is nothing like a full moon and wind in the trees. Share some more personal moments and take a relationship to a richer and more intimate level.
Road trips are often beneficial for everyone. If you hadn’t thought about taking one, start small, perhaps two days along the coast to a campsite or into a wilderness park near where you live.
Rent a motor home as an experiment and see how it feels. These days many cars and motor homes have built-in video monitors, meaning cartoons and movies can help keep the younger ones occupied on longer stretches of the highways and byways.
You may be surprised just how enjoyable it all can be. Then, consider taking more adventures down the road (no pun intended)!
Enjoy the summer. What a glorious season!