Planning for Vacations
Everyone says life flies by, and kids grow up in the blink of an eye. I used to nod along without really feeling it—until our daughter turned 9 (she's now 15). I remember thinking, “Wait...she’s halfway to 18, when she’s likely to move out of the house.” It hit me. She was still my little girl, and honestly, I still felt like a rookie parent. That moment made me realize how important it is to slow down, make memories, and be intentional about family time. That’s when vacations became more than just a break. They became a way to reset, reconnect, and really enjoy each other without the day-to-day noise.
With our son and daughter being almost five years apart, their lives often move in different directions. Even family dinners can be a scheduling challenge. Vacations allow us to spend time together, experience new things, and bond in ways we don’t in everyday life. Whether it’s hiking, swimming, sightseeing, or just eating way too much ice cream, those trips give us the time and space to really be with each other.
Family vacations have become something we all look forward to, and I would encourage all families to prioritize them. Vacations don’t have to be grand or expensive; they just have to be focused on activities your family will enjoy while providing a break from the norm. With a little planning, a vacation doesn’t have to break the bank.
Planning a Great Family Vacation
1. Start with a Budget (Yes, I’m a Financial Planner—of course I’m starting here.)
Decide how much you’re comfortable spending, then reverse-engineer the trip. Include travel, lodging, food, and any activities you might splurge on.
2. Be Flexible with Timing
If possible, traveling off-season can save you a lot of money and often be more enjoyable with fewer crowds. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can help with flight and hotel costs.
3. Let the Kids Help Plan
Giving them a say makes the trip more exciting for them and helps them understand why you might skip the fancy restaurant in favor of pizza on the beach.
4. Use What You’ve Got
Put credit card points, airline miles, or rewards programs to good use. Sign up for travel deal alerts. A little research can go a long way.
5. Don’t Overschedule
Plan your must-do activities, but leave space for spontaneous fun. Some of our best memories came from unexpected moments, not pricey excursions.
6. Unplug When You Can
Try to be present. Photos and posts can wait—just enjoy the time together.
Looking Ahead: Retirement is the Next Vacation Chapter
While family trips are a big deal for us now, I also spend a lot of time with clients excited to plan for travel in retirement. After years of working, raising kids, and sticking to schedules, retirement is often when people finally have both the time and the freedom to travel more. Whether it's a dream trip to Europe, a national parks road trip, or just being able to visit your grandkids across the country a few times a year, travel often becomes a top priority in retirement.
If that sounds like you, it's worth building it into your long-term financial plan. I usually recommend allocating extra travel funds, especially in the earlier years of retirement—when your health and energy levels are likely higher—so you can enjoy those big-ticket adventures while you’re feeling your best.
For our family, summer is over (our kids are back in school), but we’re still holding onto the memories from our latest trip—visiting family in New Hampshire, spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee, and exploring historic East Coast landmarks.
No matter what stage of life you're in, I truly believe well-planned vacations are one of the best investments you can make—in your family, your memories, and your future. Make sure your financial plan includes room for a little adventure—now and in retirement.
