Winter is starting to break, and thoughts of summer are beginning to take over my mind. I can hardly wait for warm weather and school over. The thing I am looking the most forward to: Vacations! Weekends at the shore, trips home to Kentucky, and a trip to Disney World. I love to travel (which comes in handy being a military wife) and can never get enough of it. I was shocked when my husband was not sure if we should take a summer vacation or go to Disney. How could anything be more precious than the time we spend with our families?

With the exception of last summer (we spent two months “wintering” in AZ while my husband attended a school and moved) we have gone to Disney almost every year. I could hardly believe it when he was not sure if now was a good time to go. He is concerned about the economy, gas prices, and not sure vacationing is a good way to spend money right now.  There must be a growing number of people who feel that way, with how popular “staycations” have become.

Can traveling ever be considered a “bad” way to spend money? As long as you can pay with cash (debt for vacations is dumb!), I think it is a wonderful way to spend extra money. Sure, the economy is bad, and gas prices are probably going to be $5 a gallon soon. Does that mean life has to stop? Traveling in the United States actually does help our economy. Besides, the benefits of traveling with your children are endless.

I love spending time away with my family. If we are home, it is hard for me to enjoy down time.  I see the million things that need to happen around the house and find it hard to relax. I want to get away from all our responsibilities so I can lay by the hotel pool, sip adult beverages, and relax. No carpools to run, kids’ activities to attend, emails to answer, or dishes to wash. There is something nice about just having the family together and being able to concentrate on the kids.

Our children are only small for a while, and I want to capture every moment with them possible. I know when they are teenagers and older, vacationing with Mom and Dad will not be fun anymore. Watching them experience new places and things is priceless and spending quality time with them and experiencing new things together is wonderful. Making memories and having new experiences together brings everyone closer.

We could spend vacation money plenty of other ways. We could buy new furniture or cars, but those will just need replacing again. I would prefer to give my kinds adventures they will never forget and pass on my love of traveling. Besides, with endless travel options, a vacation does not always have to break the bank. I am especially looking forward to a sunny week in August soaking up Florida’s humidity and watching my children’s eyes light up with the magic before them.