Adding Activity and Involvement to your Vacation

When deciding upon a destination for a family vacation, it is important to choose places which are conducive to kids and adults as well. Including a mixture of fun, learning, and
adventures are prerequisites for any great family vacation.

For example, a trip to the Grand Canyon is not only fun but educational as well. Perhaps you have a teen who loves photography. This would be a perfect place for him to exercise his photographic skills. Or perhaps one of your kids is proficient in a specific second language, such as German. Traveling to Germany can afford the teen the opportunity to practice the language and engage in conversations with local people throughout the trip.

Introducing children and young adults to different cultures, whether in the US or abroad, can become an invaluable tool both educationally and socially. A trip to the Amish country can be just as rewarding as a trip to Japan. In addition, the more children and young teens travel, the better equipped they will be when heading off to college as well as gaining a better understanding of other cultures and people.

As children, we didn’t have the opportunities most kids have today. A family trip was more for enjoyment and relaxation than anything else. Today, families can venture to far off places where, for a short time, they can learn about local customs, recipes, music, and the daily lives of those living in a small town. For example, perhaps you are taking the family on a trip to Greece. One of the most magical places is Santorini, an island off Greece. All of the homes are white, and the town’s main source of food is derived from the sea. Donkeys are used to transport people up the hilly slopes to the center of town. People come from all over the world to watch the sunset in Santorini.

Kenya is another place in which a family can enjoy the activities offered and, at the same time, learn the significance and importance of wildlife conservation. Visiting a Masai village to learn how they live, work, and play is an experience no child or adult can ever forget. For example, photographs of Masai women are forbidden as they believe it steals their souls. Respecting the tradition of other cultures is just part of the learning experience when traveling to any foreign country.

Experiencing life in different countries, up close and personal, is important for our kids. Learning tolerance, respect, and preservation of our environment and wildlife are equally important. The next time you decide to take a vacation, think about the places which are not only enjoyable but offer more than just a typical vacation. Whether it’s traveling to Lancaster, Pa. to learn the customs of the Amish or taking a flight to Africa, where wildlife conservation has become more urgent than ever before; family vacations can incorporate activity, involvement, and a learning experience unlike any other.