How Family Travel Transforms Life

Imagine standing on a boulder looking down at the emerald waters far below. Your partner and children are happily splashing in the crisp, cool waters while waving up to you and beckoning you to join them. The sun is beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the beautiful landscape and you can feel the warm breeze as it caresses your skin.

You take a deep breath, hesitating for a moment. Behind you, you can hear the rumble of the ever present daily grind of life - the relentless demands of work and school, the never-ending chores, and the stress that has pursued you throughout your life and gnawed away at your spirit for years.

The sound of their laughter echoes through your mind as you contemplate whether to risk it all and leap or be drawn back into the unyielding and repetitive cycle of your routine. You have a choice to make, will you stay anchored to the uninspired life because the monotony feels “normal” or will you leap forward into new and unexplored waters that can renew and refresh your soul?

The Relentless Routine of Everyday Life

For many parents, life often feels like a monotonous cycle of duties and responsibilities. From the moment the alarm goes off in the morning, you're racing against the clock—packing lunches, getting the kids ready for school, juggling work meetings, running errands, and somehow finding time to keep the house in order. By the time you crawl into bed at night, you're too exhausted to even think about doing something for yourself.

This routine, while necessary, can be draining. The sense of excitement and spontaneity that once fueled your life starts to fade, replaced by a feeling of stagnation. You begin to wonder, "Is this it? Is this what life has become?" You may find yourself longing for something more, something that will break the chains of monotony and rekindle your passion for life.

Our Family’s Life-Changing Moment

Back in 2014, Kevin was working at yet another Fortune 500 company. He was stressed, working long hours, and not taking the best care of himself physically. At home, I was juggling 2 kids in high school, 1 in elementary, and a toddler. On Halloween day, while I was out shopping, I got a call from Kevin who told me that his company had eliminated his position. Instead of feeling dread over how we would make ends meet, I felt relief that he would be free of the stress and able to spend quality time with the family as we headed into the holiday season.

We had many conversations over the next several weeks and months and made a decision that, going forward, we never wanted to find ourselves back in that cycle of stress. What followed was several years where Kevin changed both where and how he worked. He created more space to allow him to pursue entrepreneurial passions that would fill him up while supplementing with teaching at our local community college. Even when he did go back to another Fortune 500 corporate gig, he approached his job much differently than he had before. He refused to allow the job to control his life and was able to limit his stress.

Those years quietly prepared our entire family for a major change in the way we look at our lives. We began to question everything; the way we learn, work, shop, where we live, and how we think. We stopped blindly following traditional thinking that the only path to a successful life came from getting a college education, holding down a 9-5 job, and sending our kids to traditional schools. We wanted more out of our lives. That’s when we began trying to figure out how we could do more of what we loved - traveling, discovering, and adventuring together.

Our Eye-Opening Family Travel Adventure

Over the next few years, we enjoyed new routines that were made possible by Kevin’s new career choices. In 2017, Kevin and Ellie secured San Diego Comic-Con tickets and we began to consider the possibility of taking an extended vacation that would allow us to drive all the way across the country, attend SDCC, and drive back over a period of 21 days.

The excitement started the moment we gave ourselves the permission to pursue the possibilities. We could visit friends and see some amazing sights along the way. Soon, we were telling friends and family about our plans and were hearing a consistent response: “I wish we could do that!”

We took that plunge and were so excited about how well we traveled together. Years later, we still talk about the things we saw and experienced on Our First “Big Trip!” More so than ever, it opened our eyes to the renewal and refreshment that travel brings, the opportunity to grow together and share unforgettable memories.

The Transformative Power of Family Travel

Travel is more than just an opportunity to see new places; it’s a chance to break free from the everyday grind, to reconnect with your loved ones, and to rediscover the joy and excitement that life has to offer.

When you step out of your comfort zone and into a new environment, you’re not just escaping your daily routine—you’re opening yourself up to new experiences and perspectives. Travel forces you to be present, to engage with the world around you in a way that your everyday life often doesn't allow. Whether you're exploring a bustling city, hiking through a national park, or simply relaxing on a beach, travel gives you the space to breathe, to think, and to feel alive again.

So how do you get started? Here are some tips:

1. Start Small: Weekend getaways can make a big difference.

2. Plan Together: Involve the entire family in trip planning.

3. Embrace Flexibility: Things will go wrong—see it as part of the adventure.

4. Create a Budget: Make your family travel affordable and sustainable by controlling costs.

How Family Travel Creates Learning and Growth

Adventure is at the heart of every meaningful travel experience. When you venture into the unknown, you’re not just discovering new places; you’re discovering new parts of yourself. Every adventure, big or small, is a learning experience.

Think about the last time you tried something new or took a risk. Maybe it was something as simple as trying a new cuisine or as daring as skydiving. Whatever it was, it likely left you with a sense of accomplishment, a new perspective, or a story to tell. These experiences challenge us, push us out of our comfort zones, and, ultimately, lead to personal growth.

For children, the learning opportunities that come with travel are even more profound. They see the world through fresh eyes, absorbing everything around them. Travel teaches them about different cultures, languages, and ways of life. It helps them develop empathy, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the world. These are lessons that often can’t be learned in a classroom but will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

For parents, travel offers a chance to grow alongside their children. When you share these adventures together, you’re not just creating memories—you’re strengthening your family bond. You learn to rely on each other, to communicate better, and to appreciate each other’s strengths. Every challenge you overcome together brings you closer as a family.

Overcoming Family Travel Challenges

Of course, travel isn’t always easy, especially when you’re traveling with kids. There are bound to be challenges along the way—missed flights, unexpected weather, cranky children, and the inevitable “Are we there yet?” moments. But these challenges are all part of the adventure.

The key is to embrace the unpredictability of travel. When things don’t go according to plan, see it as an opportunity to be flexible and creative. For example, if your flight gets delayed, use that extra time to explore the airport or play a game with your kids. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, find an indoor activity or simply enjoy the cozy downtime together.

Travel also teaches you to let go of perfection. Things won’t always go smoothly, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re together as a family, experiencing new things and making the most of the time you have. The mishaps and challenges often turn into the best stories and the most cherished memories.

How Family Travel Has Impacted Us Personally

Many of our most favorite family moments have happened while we were on the road. From watching the sunrise over the Grand Canyon to exploring the castles of the Loire Valley in France, traveling together has given us access to beautiful and iconic locations. Our experiences have allowed us to have a unique perspective on moments from the past by walking in the very shadow of historical figures.

Our walk on Omaha Beach and through the American Cemetery in Normandy piqued Sophie’s interest in World War II and D-Day so much that she continued to actively seek information in books and other experiences for months afterwards. Instead of poking and prodding our girls to do school work, they actively seek ways to learn and grow. Sophie has even recently started learning Japanese on Duolingo in anticipation of getting to visit the country later this year.

Have you ever experienced a moment with someone that was so deep and meaningful that you felt forever connected to that person because of the shared experience? We have found that again and again as a family while we travel together. Travel has not only broadened our horizons but deepened our connections with each other.

Each adventure has offered us a new perspective and countless opportunities for growth. Even our interactions with our hosts and fellow travelers inspire us to learn and grow. We just experienced our first family stay at a hostel in Dublin, Ireland and we all connected with one of the workers who made us feel like part of their community while we were there. He provided us with some amazing history of Ireland from the perspective of a proud native Irishman and helped us have a better understanding and love for this amazing country. Travel has enriched our lives in ways we never imagined, and the memories we've created together continue to inspire and bond us as a family.

The Return to Your Story

As you break the surface of the water, the cold shock of the water instantly jolts you back to the present. You look up at the cliff, now far above, and realize that the jump wasn’t just about diving into the water—it was about diving back into life. As you swim towards your family, who are laughing and splashing around, you feel a wave of relief wash over you. The monotony that had weighed so heavily on your shoulders for years seems to dissolve in an instant.

This experience is like the power of family travel—the way it can shake us out of our routine, challenge us, and ultimately, renew us. It doesn’t just give us a break from our everyday lives; it gives us a new perspective and a fresh appreciation for each other.

If you’re feeling stuck in the monotony of everyday life, I urge you to take the leap. Plan that trip you’ve been putting off, even if it’s just a weekend getaway. Embrace the adventure, the challenges, and the unknown. Travel has the power to transform not just your family’s life, but your own. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters and to rediscover the joy and excitement that life has to offer.

Taking the Leap: Your Turn to Break Free

So what are you waiting for? The world is out there, waiting to be explored. Whether it’s a road trip to a nearby national park, a flight to a far-off destination, or simply a day trip to a new place in your town, take the first step. Make the decision to break free from the monotony and embark on an Uncommon Family Adventure that will renew your spirit and strengthen your bond.

Start small or go big—the choice is yours. I know it’s easy to find reasons not to go—money, time, uncertainty—but trust me, you’ll never regret choosing adventure over routine.