Why Taking Family Vacations is Essential; What Are Its Benefits

Dr. Margot Sunderland, a child psychotherapist, said that family vacations provide children with abundant learning environments. These experiences will trigger the brain fertilizer usually associated with brilliance: thus, when kids explore, it helps them to be smarter.

A break for kids makes them more focused and is good for their physical and mental health. According to studies, children who have the chance to travel become stellar in class compared to those who don't travel.

The only uninterrupted time for the family is when they go on a holiday. Even walking on the grass together is one of the things that families enjoy doing, and having that experience with children creates an everlasting and strong family bond, per Parent Circle.

Diminishing stress for the whole family

Professor Jaak Pankseep, a leading neuroscientist at Washington State University, discovered the two brain systems: the Play system and the Seeking system. He explained that holiday experiences activate these systems in the brain. They also trigger well-being neurochemicals which include opioids, oxytocin, and dopamine. Walking amidst verdant environs can lessen blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress.

Thus, having a good vacation can drain all the stress and leave a happy feeling behind. Studies have proven that 20 minutes in nature can improve the concentration and attention of a child immensely.

According to a study conducted by the Family Holiday Association in the United Kingdom, 49 percent of those surveyed determined that the unforgettable memories that made them feel happy were of their family vacation. It showed that one-third recollect their vacation, and a quarter stated that they think of good memories to make it through difficult times.

According to John McDonald, director of the Family Holiday Association, these memories anchor us back to blissful moments as we move forward and address problems with a fresh perspective.

A 2011 study, Vacation With Your Kids - They'll be Smarter, found that children who traveled over summer break scored higher in math, reading, and general knowledge than kids who didn't travel, per Money Crashers.

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Vacation leaves a positive impact

Taking a break provides a valuable experience. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research stated that experiential gifts improve relationship strength more than material gifts. Planning a special getaway would keep kids engaged for a longer time instead of giving them material gifts.

Expedia's online travel company conducted a Family Survey in 2017 and found that 97 percent of adolescents see family vacations as something that will make them closer to their siblings, while 69 percent stated that their favorite memories occur during family vacations.

When planning a family vacation, family members try their best to be there for the children as they know that comfort, happiness, and safety are essential. Taking a family vacation will strengthen family bonds. It will also make them healthier as the family will learn how to work as a unit and cooperate with each other during a vacation, per Orchids International School.

Related Article: 4 Steps to a Stress-Free Family Vacation