The Family Travel Blog

ure, it's fun and glamorous to vacation in a new locale each time, but it's also cumbersome and requires a great deal of planning, and then there are no guarantees. That's why many families adhere to the joys of "The Same-Old Place," be it a family cabin, a nearby resort, a rental condo on a favorite beach, or a rustic retreat.

Both children and parents are heartened by the ease and familiarity of returning year after year. With people moving at such a fast pace, and everything in flux (including gas prices), it's reassuring to children to return to a favorite spot, and maybe even see some familiar vacation neighbors.

The returning friends comes even more into play as children grow older, and as hanging out with their peers becomes an essential part of life. This formula works as well for an exotic locale as it does for one closer to home. My family and I have friends who have vacationed very happily each summer at a small rental villa in Jamaica. The cook and housekeeper who attend to the place have become cherished family friends and have added a rich view of another culture to the ease of a same-place vacation.

One thing's for sure, when you don't have to spend time trying to figure out the basics of a new place, it's a lot easier to slip immediately into relaxation mode.

Comments

It's so true Pamela, my family eases into vacation so much faster when we do something that is familiar and loved by the kids. We pack our favorite treats, family games and best DVD?s so that we can start the vacation the minute we get in the car. There?s nothing worse than spending the first day or two shopping for the basics or renting movies when all we really want to do is be on the beach, together.

Peggy Davis

My husband and I live near the Russian River in California but never seem to make our way there unless we plan a vacation around the river. So this year we?re renting a cabin right off the river which forces us to enjoy the natural beauty that we?re so fortunate to have in California but take for granted on a regular basis. We?re forcing ourselves to take a vacation 30 minutes from home!

Jennifer Stewart and family

Share Your Comment

To submit your comments on this current subject or past subjects, use the text area below and click on the Submit button. We look forward to your comments.