(StatePoint) Between demanding jobs, school schedules, and all of life’s little details, finding the time for a family vacation is not always easy. But don’t let that stop you. Not only are vacations fun, they can be beneficial in a number of ways.

Leisure time is known to reduce the risk of stress-related health issues and it could even improve your relationship. A Harris Interactive poll indicates that women who take more vacations are happier in their marriages.

A great vacation is a terrific way to make lasting memories with your family, and perhaps even learn something. By exposing your family to different cultures, cuisines and languages, the experiences you have together will improve your understanding of the world.

So sit down and make a list of all the places you want to go as a family. Make a point to check off at least one item on your list this year. If you need inspiration, the new edition of “1000 Places To See Before You Die” by Patricia Schultz is a great place to start, profiling destinations off the beaten tourist path. For more information, visit www.1000places.com.

Travel can mean anything from relaxing on a beach to going on a safari. Figure out what kind of trip you want to take. You can consider more exotic locales like Austria or the Caribbean, or choose the familiar, and opt for a road trip to a nearby state park for a more active vacation.

Don’t think you need to go halfway around the world to have a worthwhile experience.

“The number of miles covered has nothing to do with the real pleasures of travel– the inherent beauty of the world and the discovery it promises is all around us,” says Schultz.

If you’re on a budget, there are a great number of online resources to help you find the best deals on flights, accommodations and car rentals. A little bargain hunting will go a long way toward putting your dream vacation within reach.

If you don’t have the resources to make a trip happen now, open a special savings account designated for travel and contribute a small portion of every paycheck into it.

“There really is no downside to travel, save a little jet lag and a dented bank account,” says Schultz.

Some quality time with your loved ones on a family vacation will allow you to broaden your horizons — probably beyond your expectations.

Comments

comments