How to Make the Most of Family Time on Vacation: Connection, Rest, and Renewal

Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by admin

Why Family Time on Vacation Matters for Mental Health

I (Monica) just came back from vacation with my family… and to be honest, I felt more tired afterwards than when I left. Between packing, planning activities, keeping everyone happy, and managing meltdowns, it was more like “work in a different place.”

This is a common experience. Research shows that while vacations are associated with lower stress and improved well-being, the effects are short-lived unless the time away includes genuine rest and intentional connection (de Bloom et al., 2012, Stress and Health). In other words: simply going on vacation won’t deepen family bonds on its own.

True connection requires purpose. Vacations give us the context, but we need to choose how we use that time.

Simple Ways to Strengthen Family Connection on Vacation

1. Make room for downtime

Over-scheduling leads to exhaustion. One study found that people who balanced activity with rest returned from vacation with higher energy and life satisfaction than those who tried to do it all (Fritz & Sonnentag, 2006). Build in quiet time for naps, slow mornings, or just sitting together without an agenda.

2. Create small rituals

Families thrive on predictability, even during travel. Whether it’s an evening walk, a nightly board game, or morning coffee together, rituals create a rhythm of closeness. These don’t have to be grand — it’s their consistency that matters.

3. Limit distractions

We’ve all seen families sitting together but scrolling separately. This happens in my family and it’s something we consistently need to put boundaries around! So, while on vacation, try declaring meals or one daily activity as “phone-free” to prioritize presence. By intentionally unplugging, you make room for real presence.

Carrying Connection Home After Vacation Ends

The most powerful part of family time on vacation is carrying it into daily life. Connection doesn’t require a plane ticket.

• Keep one ritual alive at home (Sunday walks, Friday night pizza).

• Display a photo from your trip as a reminder of shared joy.

• Plan “mini-vacations” like a day hike, a beach afternoon, or even an unplugged evening.

These small but intentional acts keep the sense of renewal alive.

Vacations are opportunities, not guarantees. Without intentional choices, they can leave us more drained than restored. But when we prioritize rest, create rituals, and minimize distractions, vacations become more than just a break, they become moments of connection and renewal that strengthen families long after the trip is over.

So the next time you plan a getaway, ask yourself: How can we make this not just a trip, but a time of true connection?