Hi there! You know, I was just recalling the last family vacation we had, and it struck me how these trips are never just about reaching a destination. They’re about the journey too, about creating lasting memories, and about the traditions we form along the way. Do you have family travel traditions too? If not, allow me to share a few of mine, who knows, you might want to start some of your own after this.
The Tradition of Collecting
My family has this tradition of collecting something significant from every place we visit. Some families might opt for the classic fridge magnet, while others go for postcards ([Adams, 2018](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/cool-travel-jobs/how-to-start-collection-travel)). For us, it’s sand and pebbles. Every beach, every river we visit, we always make sure to bring back a small vial of sand or a couple of pebbles as mementos. We’ve collected from over 50 different places at this point. It’s amazing to see how each vial of sand or pebble is unique, just like the memories attached to them.
Food Adventures
Then there’s the food! According to [Minowa, et al. (2018)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618118300151), trying local cuisines can massively enrich our travel experiences. My family has a policy of trying at least three local dishes in every place we visit. We often joke about expanding our “taste map.” I still remember the Durian ice cream in Malaysia – a flavor explosion! To be honest, it wasn’t exactly my favorite, but the experience, the memory of it, has stayed with me.
* Stock Up on Stories
My favorite tradition? On the last night of every vacation, we have a storytelling session. Each person shares their favorite moment from the trip. It’s such a beautiful moment of connection, where we relive the best moments of the trip one more time before we head back home. As Brene Brown, a research professor, has suggested, storytelling is a powerful means of fostering connection and belonging ([Brown, 2015](https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Strong-Ability-Transforms-Parent/dp/081298580X)).
Final Thoughts
Every family is unique. And so, the traditions we form should be expressions of our unique identities too. Whether you’ve been following a decade-long tradition or you’re inspired to start new ones, remember, it’s all about the memories we create and the connections we strengthen. After all, isn’t that what family vacations are all about?