Vacations- This is How I Do It

Monday, July 13, 2015
I am exciting to be linking up with Grace Mountain Diaries and The Boutelle Family Blog today for their monthly "This is How We Do It" link-up.



I haven't been on many vacations in my life, but they were always good when we did go. We had several memorable trips that we took as a family, but even when we didn't get to go on vacation, my family always made life sweet and fun.
We were always spending time together, always watching movies, reading, or playing games- even when my parents were exhausted, they still made it happen.

To me, that's vacation. It's not where you go, it's who you are with. Vacation is about loving life with those you cherish most. That almost sounds new-age-y: "Vacation is a state of mind"...  :p

But seriously, vacation is what you make of it. Whether you jet off to Paris, stay at a B&B in the next town over, or remain in the comfort of your own home, a vacation is still a vacation. Relax. Sleep more. Eat out at a nice restaurant that you usually would't go to. Go for a walk on the beach. Stroll under the night sky. Frolic in a field of wildflowers. Hike your favorite trail. Swim in the sea.
Whatever your favorite thing is, do it. And do it with your favorite people. Whether you are single and taking a trip with girlfriends, or married and enjoying time with your main-squeeze, make your time-off count.

If you are close to your parents and grandparents, you could also use your vacation time to go visit them. The last few times Taylor and I have had a break, we've gone to see my family. Now, I will say, since I'm from the beach, that trip is advantageous in more than one way. But even if your family lives somewhere not-so-exciting, you will still enjoy going. Ask them if they are up for visitors, and if you can be tourists with them in their town. Go to their favorite restaurants, go with them to the park where they walk every evening. Join them on their weekly trip to the ice cream shop. Relax with them. Laugh with them. Cherish each moment with them.




Those are just a few pictures from our last beach trip (right after Easter). It may be a while until we get to go back, but I am thankful for our time there. This was our vacation: we got a few gorgeous days at the beach and it was also a fantastic time with family and friends. I love that we got the whole package. Some people aren't able to do that, but if you are, take the opportunity. It's a blessing!


What do you do for vacation? How often do you get to have a vacation or staycation?

16 comments

  1. Love this! Vacation is a state of mind ;-) So true! As a stay at home mom, there are days when I choose this mindset & we have such a fun day! Thank you for linking up with us & sharing your thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha, thanks! I had to chuckle as I typed that. I live near Asheville, NC, which is FULL of hippies, so I could just hear someone saying that ;)
      But yes, exactly! I am so thankful my family did that for me. Your kids are blessed that you do it too!

      Delete
  2. This is a great post! Family time is the best time and honestly the most memorable!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We vacation once a year. We do tiny trips here and there. They are mostly road trips with a destination in mind. We mostly have a grand plan detailed to a tee. Our last vacation we had was very relaxing, and very low key. I am not sure which I like better....

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love spending time with my family! Can't wait for our family vacation to Texas in a few weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I could not agree more -- travel is 100% what you make it, whether it's a huge vacation or a bike ride through a local forest. I try to live with an "adventure" mindset; it makes life more fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes! That's a great way to be! I need to ride my bike! I miss it!

      Delete
  6. I love your attitude towards travel and vacations. It really is all about being grateful for where you are at and making the most of opportunities for adventure, fun and relaxation!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julie, thank you. Sometimes I get jealous of other people's more luxurious travels, but I love my life and am thankful for my smaller vacas :)

      Delete
  7. This is great. When I was growing up we went to the same lake every single year and I have so many fantastic memories from those vacations. I'd love to start that tradition with my own family!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love this, Kristin! So glad you joined in with the link up! I love the reminder to enjoy the "small" moments when vacationing or stay-cationing. Or really, in every day life. Those are the moments you remember!

    ReplyDelete