March 4, 2013
A Legacy of Memories: Five Strategies for Creating Your Family's Magical Vacation
By Anne Leedom
ParentingBookmark.com

It never ceases to amaze me how life-changing a simple moment can be. Waking up to the smell of clean ocean air. The knowledge that a great-tasting breakfast is on its way. The joy that my teenage children are a few feet away and that all the miracles that will be discovered in the coming hours will be shared by all of us. This is my dream moment. Thankfully, with a little magic and a few angels in the wings, my dream became a reality when I opened my eyes and realized as I opened the curtains that I was looking out over the incredibly gorgeous and unendingly perfect Monterey Bay in California.

There is nothing as bonding and empowering to a family than sharing moments that will last a lifetime. Vacations and travel, in my opinion, are the very best ways to connect. Making memories is the secret to finding balance in life, finding joy, and ultimately, creating a family legacy. For my daughter's 17th birthday, this was hands down the best way to celebrate how much I appreciate what a miracle she is to me.

I recommend every parent give these legacy strategies a try when you get a chance to create your next magical moments:

1. Texting allowed - but only to each other as needed: All communication to friends and family back home is done via pictures and notes that are taken, saved and shared later.

2. Adventure: Include at least one common activity. In our case, it was a breathtaking drive toward Big Sur to watch the whales off the California coast. There were so many right off the road that we didn't need a boat. We liked the flexibility to stop wherever we wanted.

3. Down time: Our hotel included a superb collection of movies, which made the evenings fun and a time to just relax, take in the lights and watch a movie. OK, yes, there was a little chocolate involved and a glass of wine. But hey, we can have popcorn at home.

4. One great meal: It is a splurge, but there is something truly freeing in saying it's OK to pay $10 more for dinner than I might normally pay. Not crazy expensive, but enough to say yes, this is a good thing and so glad I did it! Watching everyone relax, laugh, talk and enjoy a special meal is a powerful way to connect.

5. History: I want my kids to understand the value of history, including their own. Visiting a few prominent historical locations on the trip was important to me. Seeing the first theatre in California, the Presidio, and classic landmarks like Cannery Row helps kids see that history is fun. It's alive and makes them appreciate that they are, in fact, part of history too.

As your days get busier this year, take a moment to plan a magical getaway. You don't have to go far, however, if you can put Monterey into your plans this year, your children will thank you. The incredible abundance of sights, sounds, smells and activities will create a legacy of memories that will stay with you long after you return home to life's daily routines.  It was not a dream but rather an amazing adventure that will be cherished for a lifetime. The hotels offer the greatest views and the service is unparalleled.  Consider the gorgeous Portola Hotel where you can also get a great steak at their restaurant Jacks.  It's phenomenal.

I must say, it gives me joy to see the smiles on my kids' faces as they remember the fun we had...together. EVEN as teenagers! Now that's a great gift!


Anne Leedom is the publisher of ParentingBookmark.com, a website offering expert strategies on raising caring kids. She frequently contributes to national media and works with The Portola Hotel and Spa and other travel destinations to offer ideas on how to connect with kids through the wonder of travel and adventure. For more information, visit ParentingBookmark.com. Permission granted for use on DrLaura.com.

Posted by Staff at 10:15 AM