My husband and I have been together for 10 years and we have NEVER bought each other a gift for any Birthdays, Anniversaries, or Christmas! We travel instead and I wouldn't have it any other way!
#1 MEMORIES LAST LONGER THAN STUFF
Can you remember all the things you received for Christmas as a child? Can your kids name half the gifts they've gotten in the past couple years? Now, do you remember taking any family vacations as a child? Honestly I couldn't tell you about any specific Christmas or birthday gift I've ever received. But I can name off every single vacation I've ever been on and vividly remember details of each!
#2 YOU WON'T BE ADDING CLUTTER TO YOUR HOME
As the newness of things wears off you'll find them stuffed in the corner, crammed under the bed, or overflowing from the closet. Vacations and memories take up zero space in your home (other than the occasional framed vacay family photo)! You won't be tripping over that vacation a couple months later.
#3 YOU'LL TEACH YOUR KIDS AN IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON - EXPERIENCES > THINGS
People who understand that experiences are greater than things are happier people. So true! Teach your kids to value experiences and time spent together over material items.
#4 YOU'LL ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS THE KIDS
Mom & Dads deserve to enjoy the holidays! So spend your money on something the whole family will enjoy - not something you'll be tripping over or cramming back into a closet in a couple months!
#5 EDUCATIONAL FOR THE KIDS
There is a whole world out there for them to experience. I can't tell you how many times in the past year I've thought to myself (about adults) that they clearly haven't seen how much of the rest of the world lives. Seeing how other cultures live can be a very humbling experience for us.
#6 FAMILY BONDING
The most important reason of all! Taking a vacation together is a whole other level of quality time. The everyday distractions and stressors are removed, making a relaxed and happy environment. As long as you can put that cell phone down for a bit you'll head home with some amazing memories!
#7 ONE-STOP SHOPPING
Think of the hours you spend online ordering gifts, or even worse, venturing out into the crowded malls and stores... In minutes you could contact your favorite travel agent (wink wink), tell them what you're thinking, and let them do all the work!
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