As Mackenzie is venturing from Pre-K into kindergarten this summer, we are beginning to remember what it was like to enjoy summer vacations when we were kids ourselves….and the madness that ensued when everyone tried to go on vacation at the same time across the country. Not to mention the prices of so many things skyrocket because the rest of the world seems to want to go there too.

In Germany, they actually stagger the school vacation days across the various states of the country. It makes vacation travel arrangements a tiny bit more convenient, but still not nightmare-free. On the weekends when vacation starts and ends in each state, traffic gets crazy. We’re talking 6-8 hour traffic jams on some of the major Autobahn highways. Obviously coordinating vacations across the entire US would be madness. But I did always like the ring of year-round school for that reason (among others).

As we’ve been planning summer trips and thinking of places we would love to visit, we are always questioning how fun it will be for the whole family and if it’s age appropriate for Mackenzie. There are so many amazing places to visit in this world all over the globe. If we had a limitless budget and time to travel, we’d go all over.  There are place like the islands of Fiji or Singita Faru Faru Safaris in Tanzania  that are so unique and you’ll probably only get to visit there once in your lifetime. I mean really, how many times do you get to stay somewhere that you can fish out of your living room or have the elephants and lions practically in your bedroom?

photo credit: @Doug88888 via photopin cc

photo credit: @Doug88888 via photopin cc

 

While it all sounds amazing to the adults, how much will a 5 or 6 year old really get out of it? Will they remember those elephants and tigers on the migration route?? Or will a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese drown all that out in a few weeks time?

I like to think I remember a few things from when I was much younger, even as young as five. I can recall places we lived and details about a few events. But at the same time, I think some memories also come from photos I’ve seen of those special events. I do recall a trip to Disneyworld when I was around that age…but definitely only from pictures.

They say that the most important thing about whatever you choose to do with your family is the experience. In the end, after all the expenses, planning and so forth, it’s all about what happens along the way that will stick. Perhaps it will be something that happens on the road trip or flight you take to your vacation destination. Or even the stay-cation you plan with your kids and the fort you build in the living room.

Where are the places you have always wanted to travel? What plans do you have with your family this summer? What are the travel memories you cherish the most?