Exploring the Same Places Each Year: My Family’s Vacation Routine

Traveling regularly to the same area and hotel every year may seem like a repetitive habit, but for many families, it carries significant meaning. In this article, I will share my family's vacation routine and the reasons behind our choice to revisit certain locations annually. Furthermore, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, along with some insights into alternative vacationing strategies.

Spring Break in the Same Area

My family has been vacationing in the Rancho Mirage, CA, area nearly every spring for the last 30 years. The area offers a unique and familiar environment that we all come to love and cherish. My children grew up spending their spring breaks there, and even my daughter, now an adult, enjoys revisiting these cherished destinations every year. Initially, we stayed in a condo during the month of March or April, but since my in-laws no longer travel much, we have been frequenting the same hotel for the past four years. Despite the repetition, each visit brings a sense of nostalgia and relaxation that we anticipate with joy.

Diverse Vacation Destinations

While we do return to places we have enjoyed in the past, such as the Bahamas and Lake Tahoe, we also explore new and exciting destinations on occasion. My family loves swimming and snorkeling in the Bahamas, which are favorite activities for both my children and myself. During the cold winter months, Lake Tahoe provides the fantastic opportunity for snow skiing and summer swimming, making it a versatile vacation spot. Our three sons benefit from a range of experiences, enhancing the family bonding and creating lasting memories.

Southern France and Beyond

As a child, my family would vacation in the south of France every August at the same resort. This routine allowed us to reconnect with other children whose families also visited the same spot, fostering connections and friendships among the generations. Once I was married and had children, my husband and I began to travel to Switzerland and Italy every summer, ensuring that our children could form bonds with our relatives and friends. For the past 10 years, my family has regularly visited the same resort in the Caribbean, finding a sense of paradise and relaxation during the Thanksgiving week. Our adult daughters occasionally join us, adding a new dimension to our family vacations.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach, Florida, is a popular vacation spot for our family. Its beachside charm and recreational activities make it a favorite destination for us, known for its waves, sunsets, and vibrant beach culture. We enjoy the outdoors, playing beach games, and simply soaking in the sun. It is a place where we can let our hair down and experience the excitement of a beach vacation, free from the stress of home.

Why Not a Time Share or Vacation Home?

While the idea of owning a time share or a vacation home may seem appealing, the reality is that it is often not practical. The world is vast and diverse, with numerous beautiful destinations waiting to be explored. My family has the privilege of visiting five continents and dozens of beautiful countries, each offering unique experiences and natural wonders. While there are advantages to owning a vacation home, such as returning to a familiar place, the thrill of exploring new places is unmatched, and the flexibility of traveling to different locations with the family is invaluable.

Visiting Family and Frequent Travel

Visiting family is a significant aspect of our travel plans. In the past, when my wife's grandmother was living in San Diego, my family would make a trip down from Calgary in March to stay with her and get a jump on the golf season. However, since she moved back to Canada, this tradition no longer continues. For the most part, we prefer to visit different destinations each time, unless we are visiting friends. This approach allows us to discover new places and offers variety in our family's travel experiences.

Alternatives to Repeat Travel

While repeat travel has its advantages, such as a sense of familiarity and home comfort, it is not the only way to vacation. Visiting fresh places each time offers a different set of benefits. It allows families to experience a wider variety of cultures, landscapes, and activities, which enriches the overall travel experience. Plus, the thrill of discovering new locations can rejuvenate the excitement of travel, making each vacation feel like a new adventure.