Choosing a vacation is one of the things we look forward to each year that makes us happy. Whether you are planning your honeymoon or planning your family vacation, you can certainly enjoy the process.
Let’s look at how you can choose the right vacation for your family and the process that you need to go through.
Set a theme
The theme of your vacation is one of the most important decisions that you can make. Where do you want to go that is new? Is it a learning trip? Are you planning a staycation in your area? Do you want to just have a small get-together close to nature? When you set a theme, you are also limiting your options so think of all the details to make the best choice.
When setting a theme, check out natural choices if you live in the suburbs or the city. Be sure to include your children in this decision so they can be excited about where they are going!
When choosing a setting in nature, you can glean lessons about Creation from Romans 8:19-22 which provides some insightful information: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”
So the Creator wants us to appreciate and care for His handiwork that sometimes suffers from the woes of this world.
Set a budget
It is important to set a budget. How much are you willing to shell out for your vacation, and have you saved this money? Avoid putting a lot of expenses on credit cards if you cannot pay them off right away. Are you looking for the best kind of experience that will not cost you too much money? You may need to set the budget before you set the theme.
Most themes come with low-cost and high-cost options. But, we think that it is always better to consider more natural choices like national and state parks that have camping options and activities.
Blend your personalities
You should blend the personalities and interests of your children so that everyone gets to explore their favorite things — swimming, hiking, boating, photography, art, etc. Check out places where your children can enjoy the weather. See to it that they would like the activities that are being offered at the place you are visiting.
You should not rely mainly on just what you want but also on what your children may enjoy. You should also make activities that fit your children’s abilities. Avoid extreme activities, even if you are used to them, so nobody has a negative experience.
Is short-term planning or long-term planning needed?
One of the most common mistakes that individuals who are planning their vacations are not allowing enough in advance of their vacation for reservations and other details. If you are looking at going to a specific place near your home, short-term planning is okay. However, if you are looking at going to a faraway place that requires more preparation, you should never fast-track your planning just for the sake of having the vacation.
Before making any decision, you would know the degree of planning that is required of you. You can sometimes have two vacations a year — one that is close and requires short-term planning and the other one further away which could require long-term planning.
Preparation should not just be about the planning activities of the vacation. It can also include spiritual enrichment and studying the Bible. In 2 Timothy 4:2 we are encouraged to, “Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction”. Make sure that when choosing the right vacation for your family, you also choose the right Bible verses for devotionals and worship.
Read articles about nature
There are so many ways that you can find the best kinds of experiences for you and your children. You can search online to find articles, books, and magazines about where you are going. Look at what magazines have to say about specific places and how they can bring you closer as a family as you learn history, geography, and even more about the Creator and how He designed your vacation spot.
With that in mind, it is important to check out publications like Creation Illustrated that even have articles about national parks, hikes, and nature activities. Creation Illustrated is a non-profit organization that is considered a spiritually uplifting nature magazine. It takes into consideration some of the things that families would want for their children — an appreciation of nature, an acceptance of the Creator’s design, and the spiritual lessons that add meaning to your vacation.
Be one with nature
Whatever kind of vacation you choose, you should plan one that brings a lasting experience for your children — something that they will talk about for years to come. Nature is something that we can all enjoy, and it’s often free. Whether you are planning a grand vacation or not, keep in mind that helping your children learn more about nature is a good part of parenting.
As the Bible shares in Isaiah 55:12, “For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” This should be a testament as to what nature can do and its purpose according to the Bible itself.
If you are still on the fence as to whether a nature theme vacation is good for you and your children, then you can seek help by simply browsing a magazine or the internet for ideas.
