As a travel professional, I value amazing family experiences. The moments spent in awe of a beautiful view. A priceless piece of art. Or the wonder and pure joy on the face of a child as they experience something new and exciting are worth far more than the price of admission. Incredible family experiences, not things, are what make us richer.

Amazing Family Experiences, Not Things, Make Us Richer

How We Spend Our Time and Money

We all have a limited amount of time and money. Most times, you will be faced with the dilemma of what is the best way to spend, or to INVEST, both of those resources.

You could choose from an endless assortment of high-tech gadgets. Or sparkly things and material luxuries that will impress your friends and family are always another option. And your children have gaming systems, toys, and fashion labels they want for their next birthday or holiday gift.

But once you’ve purchased the latest iPhone or pair of expensive shoes, how long do they last? How long will they continue to bring joy?

Now compare these gadgets to amazing family experiences. Experiences can be short-lived. But they enrich our lives in ways a new flat screen TV just can’t. Yes, watching the big game or the cliffhanger of your favorite tv show on 82″ of 4K vivid color awesomeness will be fun. However, is it likely to make a difference in your life?

Choosing Amazing Family Experiences

Instead of purchasing the latest tech gadget or big screen television, I recommend planning a fabulous vacation packed with family friendly activities. Choose to make memories you will cherish forever. This is a better plan than purchasing those $300 Nike sneakers your child will toss in the corner of their closet in less than a month.

Hawaii

Stand with your family above the clouds at the summit of a dormant volcano in Hawaii. Visit at night, to see the Milky Way sparkling above in the inky darkness.

Now, an early morning visit will have you watching as the first dot of red light first appears in the eastern sky. Ribbons of red, yellow, and orange light will begin to flood the crater of the volcano in front of you. When the sun fully rises, look out into the distance and see the beautiful and rugged coastline of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Doesn’t this sound like an incredible family experience everyone will love? On a side note, you can also get close to wildlife during a family vacation in Hawaii!

Europe

Spend the day wandering the European town or village your ancestors called home. Take a cooking class in the home of a native and learn to prepare a local delicacy. Laugh with your family as you attempt to speak phrases from the local language. Or at each other with flour on your faces as your hands roll out sticky dough.

There are so many incredible family friendly activities in Europe that I can add to your travel itinerary. I recommend taking advantage of as many as you can, so you can make those memories that matter.

Africa

Maybe you and your family are more adventurous. If you dream of trekking in nature, check out Dian Fossey’s beloved mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Have an unforgettable experience of sitting with them. Hear them communicate with each other. Looking into their eyes equates to much more than material riches. Follow that up with a safari to see “the big 5” in their majestic natural habitats. End the trip with a relaxing stay on one of the most picturesque and idyllic beaches on the spice island of Zanzibar.

These amazing family experiences may be short-lived, but they will change you for the better. They will bring you together. And they will create memories that will live in your hearts and minds forever. Each one will live on as your loved ones say “remember when..” long after you are gone.

Even if your family’s vacations aren’t as elaborate as these, the time you spend together relaxing and enjoying each other’s company will be worth far more than any gadget ever will. The memories you create will be truly priceless. You will treasure them more dearly than you will any physical possession.

So, are you ready to start enjoying amazing family experiences instead of things to make your life richer?

If you’re ready to start having these enriching experiences, schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

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