Family Vacations

My Dad always had to stop at dams along the way.
He was fascinated with hydroelectric power. We were a little less so.

It’s that time of year when folks begin planning a little time away for the summer months. The destinations are as varied as the family configurations. Some like the high energy buzz of amusement parks. Others prefer gathering for family reunions. And some just like to explore different landscapes and experience new adventures. As for me, the best vacations are those that are off the grid of calendar demands and hyper-decision making.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family that understood the value of carving out a little time each summer for a family getaway. The vacations were never elaborate and pennies were always watched carefully. The thrill was not so much the destination. Rather, it was the chance to transport ourselves into new environments. The mundane morphed into something exhilarating.

Travel has certainly changed throughout the years. Cars are more reliable and yes, even have air-conditioning. Gone are the hot, windy trips across the state with the wind flapping through the windows and the sun baking us all for good measure. My mom wisely kept a jug of ice water in the car so we wouldn’t dehydrate to the point of needing unscheduled stops. Cars were also sans electronic devices. If you had car trouble, you had to fix it yourself or wait for the goodness of a stranger. If you needed to be entertained, you had to devise a game to pass the traveling hours. We often played the ABC sign game and travel bingo. If you needed to know how to arrive at your destination, you used something called a map.

Although my memories are good when I think back to our family vacations, I have one memory that was very unpleasant. I was the kid who always got car sick. My siblings often ran out of patience with me by the first half hour down the road. I remember curling up in the fetal position on the floor in the back seat, praying for the ride to end soon. Our trip to Yellowstone found me with my head hanging out the window, desperately seeking fresh air as we twisted and turned our way through the mountain roads. Prime window space was not easily won in a car full of opinionated kids. Once in a great while I was given the prima donna spot between mom and dad in the front seat so I could focus on the road rather than my swirling head. I’m sure my siblings were only too glad to get rid of my whining, green face for a moment or two which made it possible for me to garner the coveted traveling spot.

A favorite part of our trips was the chance to buy a souvenir.  We earned pennies throughout the early summer months so we had enough money to buy something on our vacation. We didn’t have many opportunities to shop as kids so it was often overwhelming to be faced with so many retail choices. Much deliberating took place before the final purchase was made. Our trinkets were treasures, indeed.

I hope you get the chance to take a family vacation this summer. Whether it’s to Disneyland across the country or to a lake just down the road, rest assured, you will be building a memory. Oh, and I still think it is a good idea to pack a jug of ice water.