Our son is now 12 years old and has recently developed an interest in American history. This summer, we thought it would be exciting to spend a few days at the National Mall and explore the Smithsonian. I often refer to it as “the typical DC trip,” yet I can’t quite define that since we’ve never managed to take that journey as a family. We had great plans for an epic visit to Washington, DC, and I stress the word “had.”
This scenario might resonate with many of you. We began saving diligently, setting aside a specific amount each month for our vacation fund. By early April, things were looking up; we were on track to meet our goal. I was feeling pretty accomplished, perhaps even a bit glamorous in my adulting. Then came the orthodontist appointment for our two oldest kids. The news was not what we expected: both needed braces, and the estimate left me weak in the knees.
Suddenly, we faced a dilemma: should we use our hard-earned vacation savings for the DC trip and disregard the orthodontist’s advice, or should we allocate it toward braces and commit to a long-term payment plan? You can probably guess which choice we made. We canceled the trip and redirected those funds to the orthodontist. It was a letdown, but ultimately the right decision for our family.
Honestly, this seems to be a recurring theme in my parenting journey. My partner and I work in education, living on a tight budget that covers the essentials—like our mortgage and feeding our kids with decent, if not luxurious, clothing. Yet, when it comes to those extra special treats—like a family vacation—something always seems to intervene. Our vacation savings are often consumed by unforeseen (though necessary) expenses.
Last year, we had high hopes of visiting Hawaii, but then our van broke down unexpectedly. The year prior, we dreamed of a family cruise, only to find ourselves needing a new washer and dryer instead. We have managed to take vacations, though. Once, during my graduate studies, I was invited to speak at a conference in a remote town. The school covered part of the expenses, so we turned it into a family trip. However, it turned out to be one of the smallest, most uneventful places I’ve ever visited. The hotel pool was the highlight for all of us. While it was budget-friendly, it wasn’t quite what most envision for a family getaway.
Don’t mistake my words for a complete failure in vacation planning. There was that one time when we made it to Disneyland. The kids had an incredible time, and it was worth every penny. Yet, more often than not, something seems to obstruct our family travel plans. Does this indicate we need to be more prudent with our finances? Should we invest in higher-quality, longer-lasting appliances? Or perhaps, should we trade in our kids for ones with perfect teeth?
I honestly don’t think so. It seems that this is just the reality of family life, managing kids, and trying to balance everything. I see photos of friends taking their children on extravagant multi-week vacations in Europe, frolicking around Stonehenge or exploring Iceland in whimsical costumes, and I can’t help but wonder if they have it all figured out while I’m doing something wrong. The truth is, I can’t explain why some families can afford those trips while others, like mine, end up sleeping on my mother’s living room floor, bracing ourselves for the awkward moment when my stepdad forgets we’re there and strolls out in his underwear.
If you find yourself in the same frustrating cycle of saving for a summer vacation only to have unexpected expenses derail your plans, know that you’re not alone. Despite our best intentions and efforts, this happens to many families. Don’t feel like you’re failing; sometimes life just throws curveballs. Will things get better? I can’t say for certain since I’m still navigating this journey. However, I remain optimistic.
In the meantime, let’s make the most of our backyard experiences. Take the kids for a local hike, pitch a tent in the living room, decorate with starlight, roast some marshmallows, and pretend you’re camping in Yosemite. The real treasure is the family time we create together, even if it doesn’t mirror those dream vacations far from the mundane tasks of everyday life. I’ve learned to appreciate our backyard summers and to feel grateful for what we have, even if it doesn’t include those extravagant trips.
Summary
In today’s fast-paced world, many families, like ours, find themselves opting for staycations over far-flung travel due to unexpected expenses and life’s unpredictable nature. While it can be disheartening to cancel grand vacation plans for necessary costs like braces or appliance repairs, there’s still joy to be found in creating memorable experiences at home. Embracing family time and making the most of local adventures can be just as fulfilling as an elaborate trip.
Keyphrase: staycations over travel
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